Which Coffee Maker? Grinding Out the Answer

Sure, the No, not how it was brewed but how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. Sure, the coffee machine plays an important role in making your perfectly brewed cup of coffee, but just how did that coffee maker first come about, or how did the first person who ever sipped the first cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about? No, not how it was brewed but how it was brewed but how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. Sure, the coffee machine plays an important role in making your perfectly brewed cup of coffee, but just how did that coffee maker first come about, or how did the first person who ever sipped the first cup of coffee came about? No, not how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. When you stop at the convenience store or at a local coffee shop for your morning cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about?

I wonder what kind of coffee machine they have. Do you know they even drink coffee on the Space Shuttle? Well that is of no consequence because since that life altering decision man has been enjoying coffee in many different cultures, different countries and different places. One has to wonder why he himself decided to give the berries a try. Legend goes back to a lonely sheep herder in Ethiopia who noticed his sheep acting strangely every time they ate certain red berries from a certain bush.

Talking about grinding the beans there are also two types of coffee grinders; burr and blade grinders, both serve the purpose equally well, so the type of grinder you have does not affect your cup of coffee. Grinding your beans before you start percolating your coffee ensures you get the most out of the bean. Apparently the best part of the coffee bean is found deep within it therefore pre-ground, once the package is opened loses that rich coffee aroma. Coffee drinkers also advise against buying pre-ground coffee, pre-grinding diminishes the coffee flavor and aroma. The coffee drinker is in charge of the roasting level; medium or dark roast. Roasting machines allow coffee drinkers to buy premium coffee beans at discount prices and roast them at home. You can even roast your own coffee beans with the Home coffee roaster machines. Start with great coffee beans. Not necessarily.. The one million dollar question is exactly what makes a good cup of coffee?

Shopping for coffee makers

Remember to look online, you can find many discount coffee makers. How much you are willing to spend on seeking the perfect cup of coffee. Take into consideration how much and how often you drink coffee. Choose a coffee machine that suits your needs. There are filter coffee makers that make both cappuccino and filter coffee. There are three different types of coffee makers.

Whether you enjoy your coffee with or without cream or whether you enjoy a robust and flavorful cup of black coffee remember to thank that lowly sheep herder who took a risk and ate the first coffee bean.

Gourmet Coffee – You Can't Resist The Second Cup

Could you ever resist the craving to have a second cup of that beautiful, strongly aromatic and lazily steaming cup of coffee? Perhaps no one can do it. A passionate Gourmet's delight, freshly brewed, thick and dark brown and irresistible coffee just brightens up your day like no other drink or anything else can do.

Why Is Gourmet Coffee So Special

One might be tempted to ask why gourmet coffee is so special. Well, here is the answer. For starters, gourmet coffee is always made by high quality fresh Arabica coffee beans which are always hand picked unlike other commercial coffees which are mostly machine graded. Hand picking of coffee beans eliminate chances for dirt such as twigs, leaves etc to sneak in and spoil your coffee.

Secondly, gourmet coffee beans are specially treated with oils after roasting which enhances its flavor to no end. The oil used for coffee bean treatment is a blend of many natural oils which do not have their adverse effect on the shelf life or stability of the ground powder unlike synthetic oils. The oils are so mixed that their characteristic flavors neutralize each other.

You can have different tailor made roast for your gourmet coffee. Deep roasted beans some what loose their natural aroma and this is why you feel the ‘roasted flavor' when drinking it. Rather you would prefer a lighter roasting which retains its entire natural aroma.

Arabica coffee beans are ground to the exact perfection of fineness to get its best taste. But generally a finer grind results in a full-bodied cup of coffee, but as many would like it, coarser grinds are preferred to make coffee with coarse filters.

Finer grinds are preferred by those who like espresso but true lovers of gourmet coffee will almost invariably go with the coarse ground coffee powder as boiled water takes its own sweet time to pull out the flavor completely, especially in drip type filters.

Arabica coffee beans are never stored in warehouses as they are dispatched quickly after harvesting. It is the same story after roasting and grinding them, too. The beans from Arabica trees are, by nature, tastier than Robusta, another cheaper variety.

To its credit, Robusta coffee bean offers you higher caffeine content along with that characteristic acidic taste. Another little known fact is some marketers mix a small percentage of Robusta with gourmet coffee beans.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Coffee Resources , Coffee Grinder and Tea Resources

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How to Select a Single Serve Coffee Maker

These kinds of coffeemaker are designed to produce - as you might expect - a single cup of coffee at a time and they are becoming increasingly popular amongst all kinds of coffee drinkers. An increasing number of us nowadays are wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker that will suit us best at home.

In the past we've been a bit limited in our choices of coffee maker - we've often, for example, had to make a whole pot of fresh coffee just to enjoy a single cup but things are different nowadays.

The Advantages

The Advantages

So, you won't need to make more coffee than you'll actually drink in one sitting. The advantages of single serve coffee stations are primarily found in the fact that they can make just one serving of coffee at a time and that they work real quick as a consequence in comparison to multi serve machines.

So, there'll minimal cleaning up and maintenance to do as well! And, if you choose one of the new single serve pod systems as your final choice here, then you can simply slip a small individual coffee pod into the machine, make your cup of coffee and then throw the pod away.

You can even pick and choose the kinds of coffee you want to drink with these kinds of machines as the pods can come in various types, roasts and flavors. Major coffee companies that make coffee for these pods currently include some big names in the sector such as Douwe Egberts, Melitta and Folgers - so you'll get a guarantee of coffee experience and quality at the same time as well.

Two Types

Two Types

There are basically two ways to use a single serve coffee maker. In the first instance you can buy a conventional coffee machine that uses standard ground coffee via a normal filter system but which only brews a single cup of coffee at a time rather than making up a whole big pot. It is worth noting here that some of these machines may sometimes be able to brew up two cups instead of just one which could give you a little more flexibility. In either case the machine here will brew up directly into your cup extremely quickly and efficiently. Some of these kinds of models even come with their own mug when you buy them!

As single serve machines go this kind of option is reliable but kind of uninspiring if you're looking for something a little different in your coffee drinking. But, if you're still wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker then this may be a good option for you if you simply want an affordable and compact coffee maker for one/two people. Some of these machines are real tiny nowadays and could easily just sit on the end of a desk for real ease of use without taking up too much space.

But, if you want something a little bit more exciting from a single serve coffee maker then you really should also consider something along the lines of one of these new pod systems we've already mentioned. These single serve machines (such as those in the Philips Senseo range, for example) are designed to take a single pod that contains a specific brand, roast or type of coffee at a time.

You unwrap the pod from its packaging, place it in the machine and it brews your coffee up for you into the cup. You can then simply throw the used pod into the trash. Again it's worth noting that some pod systems can be purchased that will make two cups of coffee at a time.

Variety - The Spice of Life

Variety - The Spice of Life

These machines are so popular now partly because they are so convenient and reliable but also because they allow you to buy different varieties, types and flavors of coffee pods. So, you can pick and choose which kind of coffee you will brew at any given time of day without having to keep a huge stock of different types of coffee in your kitchen cupboards.

This does prevent you from having lots of large unopened bags of coffee going stale in your cupboards because you simply cannot drink them that fast. These pods are also all individually sealed so you won't lose freshness as you may do once you open a bag of standard ground coffee.

One complaint that some pod machine users have is that the pods themselves are not always as cost effective as they may be. As you might expect you may have to pay a premium for convenience here so this kind of pod system may well work out to be more expensive to both buy the initial machine and the pods than if you were just buying a small single serve maker and regular bags of coffee.

One key thing to think about as you ponder how to select a single serve coffee maker is compatibility. Some pods can be used in other kinds of standard coffee makers so it's worth while checking on compatibility with your manufacturer. And, some coffee pod systems offer the ability to add a normal filter to the machine so you can use them as a standard single serve machine with your own ground coffee.

Flexibility is vital here as you don't want to buy a coffee maker or a pod system that limits your choices. Some pod systems, for example, will allow you to use other types of pods in the machine as well as those that are made for the particular model. This option is great as you get much more flexibility in terms of coffee drinking choice. However, some systems will only work with their own pods which could see you limited on choice and which could also cost you more in the long run.

It doesn't really matter which system you decide suits you best at the end of the day. You may even opt for both choices! One last thing to remember is that you can get great discounts and bargains on standard single serve coffee makers, pod systems and the pods themselves if you shop around. Many pod system users, for example, shop around on the Internet and then bulk buy pods when they find a bargain.

About the Author

About the Author

Effective Coffee Enema Recipe for Detoxification

Though some people do, you will want to stay away from commercial coffees that you may have in your kitchen cabinet because they are not developed for coffee enema use and likely won't be effective. You should choose a special organic, fully caffeinated brew designed specifically for use in enemas. Check out this all natural coffee enema recipe when it comes to decreasing the natural toxins found in your system.

By never using decaffeinated coffee blends (because they are not effective for coffee enema use) and commercial coffee products, you will be much more likely to achieve the results you want. Also, you may need to experiment before you find the organic type of coffee and method that works best for you and provides you with the optimal results.

When it comes to actually preparing the enema, check out this great coffee enema recipe:

Eight cups of boiling water

Eight cups of boiling water

Eight large spoonfuls of ground coffee

Eight large spoonfuls of ground coffee

French press coffee pot

French press coffee pot

For the best coffee enema, freshly grind the coffee from beans. This grinding process will ensure your coffee is as fresh as possible and is packed with powerful ingredients to best influence the enema. Using a French press coffee pot will also provide the maximum results as opposed to a traditional drip coffee pot where the water drips over the grounds. This useful device can be found at any kitchen, department, or discount store and purchased inexpensively. The French press combines the ground coffee and the water to ensure you brew a strong mixture for your enema.

The directions to this coffee enema recipe are quite simple: add boiling water to coffee grounds and let sit. Be sure to let the coffee cool for approximately one hour if not longer to not incur any injuries from using hot liquid as an enema. The coffee should be around room temperature and lukewarm. Test the temperature of the coffee by adding a drop to the inside of your wrist, which is a very sensitive part of your body that can adequately detect temperature.

Once the coffee mixture is ready, you should use the french press

to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. It is crucial you do not include the coffee grounds obtained by this coffee enema recipe, since the grounds may cause unnecessary irritation to your gastrointestinal system. Pour this liquid into an enema bag, bucket, or any other tool frequently used for completing the enema process. From this point, you should follow any instructions provided on your enema kit or provided by your physician.

If you correctly follow this coffee enema recipe, expect the results to properly expel any toxins in your system. Furthermore, correctly following the instructions provided with your enema kit or from your physician will ensure the process is successful.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Grinding Gourmet Coffee Beans

The fast rule of thumb is the faster the infusion the finer the grind. The objective is to get the most flavor out of your ground gourmet coffee beans when infused with hot water. The type of coffee grind that you use is important in order to properly match the type of brewing method you will be using.

The espresso brewing method need the least amount of time and requires the grind to be very fine. The various grind categories are "fine," "medium" and "coarse." The finer grinds don't need to be in contact with water for as long as the coarser grinds.

If you would like to make a stronger or weaker brew it is easier to just add or reduce the amount of ground coffee than to vary the grind. If you tried using an espresso grind in your drip filter machine, the water will take much longer to filter through and the flavor will not improve.

After deterioration expect to taste stale and coffee with a reduction of flavor. Oxygen and moister in the air quickly deteriorates ground coffee as it oxidizes and looses its flavor. The effective life of ground coffee is only a few days after grinding. It cannot be emphasized more that grinding coffee immediately before brewing makes a huge different in the freshness of your coffee.

There are a larger variety of bean grinders available on the market that can either look as a nice appliance in your kitchen or can be quickly put away. Grinding beans at home is very easy to do.

The oldest bean grinders are the mortar and pestle. This takes a while to use and the grind is not consistent. But since we are in living in the electronic age there are simpler and faster methods.

Electric motor grinders can either have blades or two crushing burr plates. The blade grinders are the least expensive and can be found at places such as Wal-Mart for under $15. The burr grinders are little more expensive. An attractive burr grinder can be found at finer food or kitchen appliance stores for $50 and above. Check out place such as Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens and Things.

Burr vs. Blades

Burr vs. Blades

The extra expense of a burr grinder will translate into a better grind. A blade does not really grind but slashes the beans into smaller and smaller particles. The blade particles are inconsistent; around the edges are fine powder and larger chunks in the center.

Blade Grinder

Blade Grinder

The blade grinder is the best option as someone's first grinder. It is the least expensive and can be quickly put away after use. The two major draw backs are that they are messy as the grounds spill from the container when you open it and the inconsistent grind mentioned above. Still, having a blade grinder will cause a major difference in the flavor your experience from your gourmet coffee beans if you are currently buying ground coffee.

How to Use a Blade Grinder

How to Use a Blade Grinder

When you use a blade grinder do not hold your finger on the button the entire time but push it in intervals. Grind in quick bursts of 2-5 seconds so that it prevents the beans from heating up too much. Also hold it with two hands with one over the top container and shake it up and down as you grind to mix up the contents and to give it a better consistency.

For a course grind spin your blade grinder for 7-10 seconds, a medium grind will take 10-14 seconds and a finer grind will take 15-20 seconds. If you drink espresso you will need one of the more expensive burr grinders, a blade version will not produce the consistently fine grind that is required for espresso.

One of the latest developments is a drip coffee machine with a built-in blade grinder. It has a timer you can set so in the morning the beans are automatically ground then pushed into the coffee filter and the brewing will start automatically. All you have to do is add the beans and water in the morning. This is perfect for people on the go. One of the most popular models is the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grind & Brew, which retails for around $120. The only drawback is that a burr grinder is not available but we have hope for the future.

Burr Grinders

Burr Grinders

If you are looking for the best method for grinding your gourmet coffee beans go straight for a Burr grinder. The grind is consistent and most of the machines have various grind settings. Many include a bean hopper on top where you can store your beans with an airtight lid. Some have a setting to set how many cups you want to grind and include a receptacle where your coffee grounds are deposited. After grinding you simply pour your coffee grounds from the receptacle into your coffee maker. This type of burr grinder not only produces a great and consistent grind, it also keeps your ground coffee well contained with little spillage.

For the professional users you will find bean grinders that will grind directly into your coffee filter which is ideal for restaurants. Check out versions from Gaggia and Bunn for these types of burr grinders.

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Stop settling for lower quality pre-ground store bought coffee. If you have not already done so, make the jump and get a quality grinder and buy whole bean coffee to grind just before you brew. If you are on a budget or are not ready for a larger commitment, get an inexpensive blade grinder. If you are a lover of coffee and want the best for your beans, buy a quality burr grinder. A good burr grinder will eliminate some of the hassles and spillage of a blade grinder and will produce a more consistent grind.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2005 Volcanica Coffee Company.

Coffee Making Without Technology

In this day and age, coffee making has become something of an art. Specialty coffee shops have sprung up all over, and it would be hard to drive down a city street without seeing at least one or two. These days, coffee is more than just brewing a strong cup on the stove. There are fancy coffee makers, espresso machines, and cappuccino machines, and a host of coffee flavors and different coffee additives, such as flavored creamers or syrups.

There are times, however, when making a fancy cup of coffee is out of the question. Perhaps you are out roughing it in the wilderness, you forgot your stove-top percolator, and you still want at least a good black cup of coffee but aren't sure what to do. Believe it or not, there is a trick to coffee making that doesn't include electricity or even a stove-top percolator.

Of course, even if you are lacking a coffee maker or a coffee pot, you are still going to need your basic ground coffee, and you are going to need a heat source. Hopefully, if you are on a remote camping trip, you still remembered the coffee, even if you didn't remember the stove-top percolator; and of course, most campers have campfires or camping stoves fueled by some type of gas. It can actually be a rewarding experience to use some old-fashioned ingenuity when it comes to the simple act of making coffee without a coffee pot; it helps us remember that we are not always slaves to modern technology.

The method you can use to make yourself a cup of coffee is to use a couple of paper towels, a regular pot or pan, and a cup - either a coffee cup or any cup that can hold hot liquid. Place a couple of paper towels over the cup, and then place some coffee grounds on paper towels. Heat the water over your campfire or on your camp stove until it is boiling, and then carefully, and slowly, pour the heated water over the coffee grounds and paper towels so that it filters into the cup. The more slowly you pour the water in, the stronger your cup of coffee should be. If you don't think the coffee is strong enough the first time, carefully remove the paper towels with the coffee grounds on top, pour the liquid from the cup back into the pan, put the napkins or paper towels and coffee grounds back on top of the cup, and repeat the procedure. It shouldn't take more than two times to make a strong enough cup of coffee. This may seem like a long and tedious procedure, but you'll get your cup of coffee, and you'll probably feel rather proud of yourself!

John Gibb is the owner of coffee making sources , For more information on how to make coffee check out http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

coffee making sources http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

Making French Press Coffee

Making French press coffee is a way to enjoy an extremely robust and high quality cup of coffee. If you know how to use a French press pot you can make the best tasting coffee you have ever had.

To make French press coffee you will first need a French press pot. Many online sites have good selections of French press pots and will ship one right to your front door.

You will also need a good coffee grinder and a tea kettle to boil the water.

You want to grind the coffee beans slightly larger than you would for drip coffee. Too fine of a grind will produce a bitter cup of coffee. If your grind is too coarse, the coffee will taste weak.

Some people even prefer to roast their own beans when making French press coffee. For French press coffee, many connoisseurs prefer a dark roast when choosing their coffee beans.

Remove the plunger from the press pot and put 1 rounded tablespoon of coarse ground coffee per each 6oz. of water into the pot. You can adjust this to your own taste.

Coffee is 99% water so use clean filtered or bottled water free from chlorine and other minerals that affect the taste of coffee.

Boil the water and remove it from the heat for five minutes before you pour it. This will give you the 195 to 205 degree water that is ideal to brew with. Now pour the 195 to 205 degree water over the ground coffee.

Stir the coffee to get total saturation of the grounds then place the plunger on top of the pot and let the coffee steep for 3 to 4 minutes.

Depress the plunger slowly to push the grounds to the bottom of the pot.

Serve all the coffee in the pot after the 3 to 4 minutes of steeping. Otherwise the coffee will keep getting stronger.

The difference in taste between regular coffee and French press coffee is night and day.

Ever wonder why restaurant coffee tastes so good? It could be because many fine restaurants use a French press to make their coffee.

Making French press coffee may take a little more time but it is worth it. Many people swear by French press coffee and wouldn't have it any other way.

If you are looking for an extremely robust and high quality cup of coffee and have the right equipment treat yourself and try making French press coffee.

Copyright © 2006 Best-Coffee-Makers-Online.com All Rights Reserved.

Best-Coffee-Makers-Online.com

Coffee: Bean Storage Issues

There is much debate over how people should store their coffee beans. This article hopefully address some of these issues for you in a clean cut and straight forward manner.

So you've read a great article in your local town's newspaper telling you of all the benefits of home ground and made coffee. So you took the insights found in the article and went ahead and bought some coffee beans of all varieties, from Vietnamese, to Jamaican, and others.

But the question now is, how are you going to store all of these coffee beans without causing it them to suffer in quality and taste? Unfortunately it is widely practiced where coffee beans are stored in a freezer in hopes to retain it's freshness.

However the opposite normally holds true. The best environments to preserve beans are in a dark, moisture-free, and cold place. The problem with freezers is that it doesn't fulfill the moisture-free criteria. Placing your unused coffee beans in a freezer will result in it's natural oils being tarnished and even destroyed as a result of the surrounding moisture seeping in.

Your best bet is to not buy in bulk, but to buy in smaller quantities. An amount that you can finish in a week in other words.

Superb coffee thermos products can be requested from our web site.

Superb coffee thermos

French Press Style Coffee

Because of the filtering system there is always some sediment which some people don't like. It uses very coarsely ground coffee that basically steeps in the brewing water for several minutes allowing all the flavours to fully extract from the coffee grinds. The French press style of coffee making produces very rich, aromatic and tasty coffee.

There are some models of French Press that are insulated which is good for keeping things hot while it steeps. This plunger also serves as the lid. A French press coffee maker has two parts: a straight-sided container usually made of glass, and a filter-plunger that pushes through the water to filter out the coffee after it has steeped.

DO NOT press it down yet, it needs to steep for about four minutes (a little more or less depending the coarseness of the grind). You should now put the plunger/lid on the pot to help retain heat. You may wish to stir the coffee grinds around to be sure all of them are in contact with water. When ready, empty the carafe, add your coffee, and then add your brewing water. To brew coffee with a French Press, you should pre-heat the carafe while you boil your water.

Just take your time and it will work. The filter can jam on grinds that are too fine. If it doesn't want to go down, simply lift the plunger up slightly and try again. Do not force the plunger. Once you feel the coffee has brewed enough, slowly depress the plunger trapping the grounds on the bottom.

French Press pots are not well insulated and coffee cools off very quickly. The other main reason to pour your coffee off is to keep it warm. This will quickly ruin your coffee. If you leave the coffee in the French Press it will remain in contact with the grinds and keep brewing. Despite what some may say, it is usually best to decant the coffee into an insulated serving pot.

Once you've done that you will have some of the most tasty coffee anywhere. Play with the brewing time and grind coarseness until you get the taste that you like best.

Your Kitchen Wants to be Sexy - Top 5 Snazzy, Sexy Coffee Makers that are Sensational

We all like to be sexy, so why not your kitchen? Why not spend some more cash for better longevity, better functionality and sexiness-factor? Sure, you can go to the closest big box store and pick one up for about 20-bucks, but generally the machine is just plain boring. Among these thousands there are differences in price, functionality, warranty and style. When it comes to coffee makers there are thousands to choose from.

The roasting drum roll please… The top 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers for 2005 are:

It has a 3-year limited warranty. The Cuisinart Grind & Brew - not only in terms of the overall length, but the lid, which is located on top, has to open to pour the water in. 1.

It has a 1-year limited warranty. It can host many other brands of coffee pods, so you are not just stuck on one kind and it can also make tea. It makes one bold cup of coffee in about a minute. It comes in five snazztacular colors: red, white, black, mango and kiwi. The only bummer with this type of coffee maker is it can't be used in high elevations…or kaboom! The Melitta Javapod One:One, Coffee Pod Machines: This is a space age looking coffee machine which makes one cup at a time. 2.

An added bonus is its warranty: 3 years, one of the best in the industry. For color and design alone these coffee makers are snazzy, sexy and sensational. The Eclectrics series comes in Intrigue Blue, Apple, Moroccan Red, Sugar (ok, this one's white), Pineapple, Licorice (black) and Seabreeze. Think about this…we pick paint sometimes because we like the name and now you can pick a coffee maker for the same reason. Colors really wow you with intensity. The Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Coffee Makers: These metal beauties come in the most fantastic modern-retro designs and colors. 3.

4. Kitchen Aid Pro Line 12-cup Coffee Makers: So you like coffee and you like lot's of it. This machine will be your Godsend. It comes with a portable second warmer. This second warmer is great for those winter Sundays, where you can put it on your bedside table to read and drink coffee all day long, without having to get up. It is also great if you want to brew two types of coffee like decaf (it even comes with an orange lid) and regular at the same time. It's made of die-cast metal, has a timer and a two temperature heat setting. For great tasting coffee this gem comes with a Ion exchange water filter. It has a 2-year warranty and if you, for some reason, get a replacement the replacement has a 2-year warranty.

5. Capresso CoffeeTEAM Luxe Coffee Maker : Capresso coffee and espresso machines are simply the crème de la crème of coffee makers. This pearl has a programmable grind and brew feature, it holds a quarter pound of coffee beans and it has a filter indicator to tell you when your water filter is pooched. It brews to over 200 degrees, so it really extracts the flavor from the beans. It has a one year warranty, but I doubt you will need it. It only comes in black or white.

It will last longer and it looks good in your home…best of all your coffee will taste better. Do yourself a favor, buy a good coffee maker. There you have it, 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers to make your kitchen smile with pride.

Starbucks Coffee Company

It was important to them that the city of Seattle to have access their coffee. Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971 by three businessmen in Seattle, Washington who had a love for coffee and tea.

The Starbucks Coffee Company grew slowly but by 1981 had 4 retail stores and a roasting plant that sold whole bean coffee in Seattle only.

Within 2 months the new store was serving over 700 customers a day and it was selling 3 times more than the whole bean locations. When Starbucks Coffee opened its 6th store in downtown Seattle, the idea had become a hit. By 1983 the marketing manager had a vision of re-creating the magic and romance behind the Italian coffee bar and wanted to test out the concept of selling espresso by the cup.

In 1987, the owners of Starbucks Coffee Company decided to sell their coffee business along with the name to a group of local investors for $3.7 million.

Starting from a base of 17 stores in 1987, the company expanded rapidly to Vancouver, Portland and Chicago. The new investors were told that they would open 125 Starbucks coffee stores in the next five years.

By 1991 Starbucks had expanded into the mail-order catalogue business, licensed airport stores and expanded further into the state of California.

In 1992 the company went public and after the initial public offering, Starbucks continued to grow at a phenomenal pace that no one had ever seen in the coffee world before. By 1997 the number of Starbucks Coffee stores grew tenfold, with locations in the US, Japan and Singapore.

Starbucks initiated several successful product and brand extensions including offering coffee on United Airlines flights. They also began selling premium teas through its Tazo Tea Company and offering people the option to purchase starbucks coffee online to enjoy at home.

They began distributing whole bean and ground coffee to supermarkets through an agreement with Kraft Foods. They also produced premium coffee ice cream with Dreyers. Starbucks even sold CDs in its retail stores.

Starbucks began turning its name into a household word not through advertising but through word of mouth. In fiscal 2004, Starbucks opened a record 1,344 stores worldwide. The once small regional roaster, Starbucks Coffee Company, now has more than 9,000 locations in 34 countries serving over 20 million customers a week.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2005 Perfect Coffees.com.

Gourmet Coffee - Enjoy Your Coffee Break

Why not jazz up your morning ritual with cup of rich gourmet coffee. Then it's time to reward yourself with something different. Are you tired of your regular Joe cup of coffee that you start your day with?

That gourmet meal is probably going to stay at the restaurant unless you invite a chef over but gourmet coffee can be made in the comfort of your own home with just a little practice. The dictionary defines gourmet food like this, "Gourmet food is that which is of the highest quality, perfectly prepared and artfully presented." If you want the highest quality coffee, you can do that at home yourself.

Stick with the supermarket coffee for when you're rushing off to work. Make it an end of the week tradition. Unless money is no object, why not save the gourmet cup of coffee for the weekends. Gourmet coffee is more expensive than say, supermarket brands but the taste is also much richer.

Some of the most popular gourmet beans include Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain, and Sumatra types. Gourmet Coffee beans can be bought by the pound and there are many varieties to choose from. To make your own gourmet coffee start with the beans.

In the world of wine you have the popular Sonoma wines which come from Kona, Hawaii. In the world of coffee the equivalent would be Kona beans which come from Sonoma Valley in California. Coffee beans are similar to wine in that they name the beans after the region.

Kona coffee beans are grown in rich volcanic soil and the mild tropical climate of the Kona coffee belt on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It has a wonderfully full, rich and smooth flavor with little or no bitter after taste. Be sure that you buy Kona beans and not a Kona blend. A Kona blend can legally be labeled as Kona with as little as 10% of actual Kona beans in it.

Next you'll need to grind your beans. Ground coffee begins losing it's flavor once it's exposed to air. So you'll want to grind just enough to make your desired amount. Store any leftover grinds in an air tight container. You'll want to grind you coffee beans very fine but don't pulverize them into dust. If you over grind them the heat and friction will vaporize the oils that give the coffee it's distinct flavor.

When was the last time you cleaned your coffee maker? A clean coffee maker makes a significant difference in how your coffee tastes. At least once a month pour a mixture of half vinegar and half water into your coffee maker. Let the mix run through the full brew process. Repeat the process again using only water this time to rinse it out. Do this one more time if a vinegar smell is still present.

Now you're work is done and it's time for the coffee maker to pulls it's weight. Use clean filtered water and fill the coffee maker to the desired level. Use about 6 ounces of water for every 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee. Turn it on and hang around while it brews. You'll want to be there to enjoy the delightful aroma.

Gourmet coffees can really jazz up your day. And what better way to start a special than that with a special cup of coffee. But every once in a while you should treat yourself to something special. Everyday coffee is perfect for everyday life.

Why Connoisseurs Choose A Burr Coffee Grinder

Wouldn't you like your coffee the way it was meant to be? The best way to get the real thing is by using a burr coffee grinder.

You may have thought that all coffee grinders are alike; as long as they grind the coffee that's all there is to it right? Wrong! It makes a big difference to your taste buds. There are two key types of coffee bean grinder (the burr coffee grinder and the blade grinder) and you want to make the right choice. You see, blade coffee grinders have spinning blades that generate heat by the friction of blade hitting coffee bean at high speed. That's not good. It's actually rather sad because the heat kills the flavoids in your coffee beans. We love those flavoids, in fact some of us are addicted to them, so we will do everything we can to preserve them. We will therefore only consider the burr coffee grinder here as our quest is for the perfect cup of java.

With the burr coffee grinder, the coffee beans are loaded into a holding hopper which feeds them into the bean grinding mechanism, or burr's as they are known. The burrs provide a slow grinding of the coffee beans which is perfect for best results. The burr coffee grinder then directs the ground coffee into a holding pot ready for brewing. There are also some models that will send your ground coffee directly into the coffee filter.

The main advantage of a burr coffee grinder is that it delivers a more consistent fineness of grain in the coffee grounds which is very important in achieving the most flavor from the coffee brewing process. Another advantage of the burr coffee grinder is that it can operate at slower speeds so your coffee beans are not subject to heat buildup as they are being ground.

You really must go for the trifecta to create the quintessential cup of coffee. That is the best coffee beans plus the best grinding process plus the best brewing procedure. Oh yes and it's also important to use the coffee grinds within two weeks as our good friends the flavoids start to deteriorate with time.

So if you're over the instant 'plastic coffee' syndrome, get yourself a burr coffee grinder and start enjoying the sensual aromas of a real 'caught in the moment' experience. You can pick up a great deal on a burr coffee grinder from the many coffee specialty stores online. So if you're convinced that the burr is the way to go, then it's time to do some product comparison research. I think you will find that the added expense of a burr coffee grinder will pay dividends for years to come. After all, this is an investment in your lifestyle, not just a cup of coffee.

Bo Collins

Bo Collins is a coffee afficionada and publisher of Gourmet Coffee Beans A website catering to the interests of the coffee and chocolate connoisure with advice on selecting the best coffee bean roaster and coffee accoutrements.

Gourmet Coffee Beans best coffee bean roaster

Secrets to the Perfect Cup of Coffee

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee

A few simple steps will make your coffee taste great every cup. Want to know how to make the perfect cup of coffee?

And buy only the amount of coffee that can be used within a couple of weeks. Water or ice attaches itself to the porous coffee and ruins the taste. Storing it in the refrigerator or freezer will also lead to deteriorating flavor. Keep your coffee at room temperature. Ceramic is best because plastic and metal containers can impart a taste to your coffee or coffee beans. Before you even start, when you bring your coffee home, store it in an airtight container that blocks the light.

Experts advocate using two heaping tablespoons of whole beans to the grinder for every six ounces of water you use. Coffee grinders improve the taste of coffee because they release the oils and aromas of the coffee beans immediately before you brew your coffee. Coffee drinkers who want the perfect flavor use whole coffee beans and grind their coffee just before brewing. Enthusiasts agree.

And if you have control of the temperature of your water, keep it between 195 degrees and 205 degrees to ensure getting the best flavor extraction from your ground coffee. You want the taste of the coffee, not the taste of the water used for brewing. Since coffee is 99% water, use water that is free from chlorine and other minerals.

And what about that coffee maker? Drip coffee makers are easy and can produce terrific coffee. The key to making perfect coffee with a drip coffee maker is making sure to use a gold, nylon, or other type of permanent filter. Permanent coffee filters insure that the flavor molecules from the coffee grinds pass into the water without adding additional flavors. Those disposable paper filters have an aftertaste that they impart to the coffee on the one hand and on the other, they absorb those special aromatic oils from the grinds that are essential for excellent taste. If you must use paper filters, use the unbleached kind and rinse them with hot water before you use them.

When was the last time you cleaned your coffee pot and mugs and cups? Clean equipment can make a tremendous difference in how your coffee tastes. Every so often clean out your mugs and cups with baking soda and water, and rinse them out thoroughly. Every month pour a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water into your drip coffee maker and turn it on. Let the mixture run all the way through, turn off you coffee maker and let it cool for a half hour. Pour out the vinegar mixture and run one or two reservoirs full of clear water to rinse it out, letting the pot cool for 15 to 20 minutes between each rinse.

And one last step. Be sure to drink it while its fresh - more that 20 minutes after brewing is done, your coffee will begin to taste bitter. Now its time to make your coffee.

And now--ENJOY.

Your Guide To Wholesale Gourmet Coffee

I would like to have a grande caramel macchiato now so badly. Isn't it so perfect? You can taste the sweet caramel just as you can smell the aroma of the freshly ground coffee nearby. I know that everything you desire right now is a cup of great coffee. Just imagine it, a tall cup filled with rich coffee sitting before you. And this coffee is with your favourite flavour, with or without milk and sugar just as you like it. I personally cannot imagine that there is someone who doesn't expect his everyday coffee with anticipation. It is probably the best moment of the day.

But here it comes, you thought you would just whiz through the drive-through but you see eight other cards waiting in front of you. And you have to wait forever in order to get that fresh rich coffee. It might not take so long but you definitely don't feel like waiting any minute right now. Of course, you might have already thought up of a way to get rid of this awful routine. All you have to do is purchase a personal espresso super machine and wholesale gourmet beans.

Do you know a lot about wholesale gourmet coffee beans? What about home espresso machines? Let me share a little secret with you concerning java. To begin with, it has a great taste. Well, you might have already known that fact. Anyway, what really matters is that you know that you can prepare your very own java mixes and espresso drinks in your own kitchen. That's right, you heard me well. No longer should you rely on that drive-through teenager who may or may not use the old espresso grounds already in the coffee machine. This can be so unpleasant. Today you can buy quality wholesale gourmet coffee and the right coffee machine to get the coffee you deserve.

Personally, I don't see any better way to go. I like buying my own wholesale gourmet coffee beans because I know how old they are. That's how I don't have to use those Starbucks stores which use some of the cheapest beans. My best advice to you would be to purchase wholesale gourmet coffee beans online and I can assure you that you will end up with a finer cup of coffee. After all, all that matters is the fine equipment. Espresso machines are really popular these days. What people want is to be able to prepare their own caffeinated drinks at their homes. We no longer have to run to the coffee house downtown when we feel like having a cup of rich coffee. If you follow my advice, your next step will be hopping online and conducting a search for espresso machines and wholesale gourmet coffee beans. You would never regret if you purchase them.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning gifts. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Wholesale Gourmet Coffee

Wholesale Gourmet Coffee

Coffee Pods and Espresso Machines

There's nothing like the perfect espresso . Finely ground, dark roasted coffee, pressed and percolated into a strong, rich coffee drink that delights the senses and perks up your day. In Italy, ordering a coffee means that you're ordering an espresso. The Italians stop in their local bar once, twice, even three times a day for the perfect cup of espresso. But here in America, it's not as easy to find espresso done right. The grind of the coffee, the right temperature, the pressing of the coffee and the foaming of the milk are skills that few people know how to wield properly on this side of the ocean. But now with espresso machines and coffee pods , the guesswork is taken out of making espresso at domestic bars or even in your own kitchen at home.

perfect espresso espresso machines coffee pods

In Italy, most Italians wouldn't recognize what we think of as a coffee maker. They use a "machinetta", a contraption that looks like a metal hourglass that has a top like a pitcher. The machine has 2 chambers. Water and coffee go into the bottom chamber. The machine is placed on the stovetop and heated until the water boils, percolating through the espresso grinds and into the second chamber. The pressure on the grinds between the two chambers insures that the coffee is pressed - the word espresso means "expressed" - and the rich taste comes from getting as much of the flavor out of the grinds as possible. The milk is heated and whipped separately. But it's easy to make a mistake in this process. Either by using the wrong amount of water or coffee , turning the heat on too strong or not using the right timing .

it's easy to make a mistake wrong amount of water or coffee heat on too strong right timing

The growing popularity of espresso has meant that people want an easier, error free way to make it at home. So now you can find espresso machines that let you get the right combination of the necessary steps every time. There is a wide range of models to choose from, with different features and capacity. Some are designed for use in restaurants or bars, capable of producing large volumes of coffee in shorter amount of time. Unless you do enough entertaining at home to justify the cost, these probably aren't the best solution for you.

espresso machines

Models made for home usually produce either one or two "shots" of espresso at a time. If you prefer your espresso "macchiato", with milk, or you want to turn your espresso into a cappuccino, you will want to get an espresso machine with a nozzle that creates the steam and lets you froth the milk. Beyond these choices, you might want to consider a product that lets you use coffee pods . These pods look like large tea bags. They contain the exact amount of espresso to deliver a perfect shot every time. You simply put the pod into its slot, close it, and start the machine. When the cycle has finished, you just throw the pod away. It helps prevent any problems with measuring out the espresso and makes cleaning up absolutely easy.

coffee pods

If you purchase a machine that uses coffee pods , you might want to consider whether or not it can also take either another brand's coffee pods or regular loose espresso. Some machines do, but many will work only with the coffee pods that the same company also designs. Having the flexibility to use either the pod or loose coffee means you can still use it even if you run out of pods, which might need to be special ordered. Until these machines become more popular, it's not likely that the pods will be carried consistently in local grocery stores. Plus, the choice to use either kind of coffee also gives you the freedom to experiment with other roasts or flavors of espresso to further indulge your love of coffee.

machine that uses coffee pods

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

It's now time to take matters into your own hands! You are financially outraged at the price of a single cup of designer coffee shop coffee. So you are finally fed up with that bland black liquid, you once called coffee, brewed from the finest can of generic supermarket grinds.

You splurge on several pounds of the finest fresh roasted Arabica bean coffee the world has to offer. Even the engineers at NASA would envy the bells and whistles on this baby. So you invest in the latest technologically advanced coffee maker, including your very own coffee bean grinder.

No more long lines and outrageous prices at the neighborhood café for you! You feel like a mad scientist as you adjust every bell and whistle on your space age coffee maker and you revel in this accomplishment as you finish your first cup of home brewed gourmet coffee. Your eyes widen at the site of all those shiny brown beans as you begin to grind your first pound of gourmet coffee. You pop open the vacuum-sealed bag and release that incredible fresh roasted coffee aroma.

Now it's time to store all those pounds of unopened packages of fresh roasted coffee beans and the unused portion of the black gold you have just ground. Then you remember what your mother told you; "Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

"Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

Having the best coffee beans available and using the most advanced coffee brewing equipment will do little to provide you with the best cup of coffee you desire if the beans are not treated correctly. At this point, it would be best if you just returned to the supermarket and purchase a stock of those generic grinds you had grown to loathe.

Looking at the facts, we learn that the natural enemies of fresh roasted coffee are light, heat and moisture. Storing your coffee away from them will keep it fresher longer. Therefore, an airtight container stored in a cool, dry, dark place is the best environment for your coffee.

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark? This does make sense, but if it be the case, then why do we not find our supermarket coffee in the frozen food section?

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark?

Here's why!

• Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
• The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

• Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
• The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.

The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

There are some exceptions to freezer storing your coffee, but you should proceed with caution! Fresh roasted coffee will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. If you have more than you can use in this 2 week period you can, and I shutter to say, freeze your coffee but you should follow these steps:

• Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
• Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

• Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
• Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee

Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee? Simply put, Never ever, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee. The reasons why not to freeze fresh roasted coffee also apply here.

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee?

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

• Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
• Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

• Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
• Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!

Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

• Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
• Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
• Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
• Grind your beans just before brewing
• Enjoy!

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

• Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
• Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
• Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
• Grind your beans just before brewing
• Enjoy!

Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible

Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed

Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place

Grind your beans just before brewing

Enjoy!

Making It Easy with Coffee Pods

If you have not discovered the ease and popularity of coffee pods yet, you do not know what you are missing. Coffee pods are single serving, pre-measured coffee enclosed in little pods. The pods are specialty paper that is used to keep the roasted, ground coffee contained and look much like tea bags you might find in the stores. These coffee pods are typically perfect for making instant coffee.

With coffee pods, you no longer have to measure the right about of coffee or even worry about that mess you might make with the grounds all over the counter. These pods allow you to simply skip all of that, saving both time and money on wasted grounds. They come in various sizes, which is perfect for whatever strength or amount of coffee you want and it even keeps your coffee machine that much cleaner, which lowers the amount of maintenance it needs.

Coffee pods even have their own machines. These coffee makers are specific to coffee pods and cater to the needs of any fussy coffee drinker. Many people prefer the coffee pods to traditional means of making coffee because it just saves time and effort. All you have to do is fill the coffee maker with water, put the coffee pod right in, and turn it on. In just a few short minutes, you will have made a great cup of coffee, ready for drinking.

Coffee pods come in a variety of your favorite coffee flavors. You can choose from Irish cream, hazelnut, or vanilla. Of course, traditional coffee flavors such as regular or decaffeinated coffee can be found in coffee pods as well. Depending on the flavor of the pod, as well as the specific roast types, the prices will vary accordingly. Coffee pods can be found in the aisle of your favorite coffee shop or local supermarket.

If you want to read more about coffee pods, visit Danny Brown's site at http://www.Full City Coffee.com.

coffee pods, http://www.Full City Coffee.com.

How To Enjoy Delicious Quality Gourmet Coffee At Home

Coffee is a favorite beverage around the world. Morning, noon, or night a fresh cup of coffee is satisfying. In recent years we have been introduced to a wide array of coffees include gourmet. Gourmet coffee is considered gourmet because it is freshly ground from the coffee beans. Learning to make a great cup of gourmet coffee at home is deeply satisfying and simple as long as you keep in mind a few simple tips.

For the best flavor you should purchase whole coffee beans from specialty shops only. Although larger grocery stores are starting to carry coffee beans, the specialty shops beans tend to be fresher and therefore have more flavors.

When you grind your coffee beans only grind enough for current needs. This will keep the coffee fresh longer. If you don't have a grinder and buy the ground coffee, keep it in an airtight container. I t is important to close the bag or container tightly to keep the aroma in the coffee. Keep the coffee in a cool dry place, if you keep it in the refrigerator or freezer keeps it away from foods which produce a strong odor. The flavors may mix making the coffee bitter tasting. Try to use you coffee up in a few days to two weeks since coffee loses flavor quickly.

Water from the tap is fine although some people swear by fresh bottled spring water. No matter which type of water you choose, always use the coldest water possible. Water contains more oxygen the colder it is making the coffee richer and more flavorful. Do not use distilled water as it produces a flat cup of coffee.

Measuring your coffee is more a matter of taste than anything else. Generally it is recommended 1 teaspoon of coffee for every six ounces of water. Don't trust the measurements on your coffeemaker. Measure out the water to get the best tasting gourmet coffee.

When brewing, the best cup of gourmet coffee is brewed using the manual drip method, a French press pot, or a vacuum pot. Traditional drip pots do an okay job but vary greatly from each other. Some of the best coffeepots are quite expensive but well worth the money. Your coffee should only be kept warm on the burner for twenty minutes, after that it will become bitter. You should brew your coffee no more than five minutes before you plan to drink it, after that transfer the coffee to a thermos or carafe.

Drinking gourmet coffee black will preserve the most flavor. Using creamer in your coffee will produce a richer creamier taste. Skim milk will not change the taste much unless you add a lot, therefore is not recommended. If you would like to add sugar raw sugar will add sweeter flavor than white. For artificial sweeteners Splenda is recommended as other sweeteners will add a bitter taste to your coffee.

Making a gourmet cup of coffee at home is pleasing and easy to do. The flavor and aroma will satisfy you as well as stepping into your favorite specialty shop. Enjoy your gourmet coffee to the fullest by following these tips!

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Delicious Gourmet Gifts at http://www.deliciousgourmetgifts.com

Delicious Gourmet Gifts http://www.deliciousgourmetgifts.com

The French Press Coffee Maker: Connoisseur Equipment

Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Ask any connoisseur how he likes his coffee.

A French Press Coffee Maker, you can manually control the water temperature and exposure time that results in a steaming and tantalizing rich cup of coffee.

The French press is an example of this last technology, and is said to preserve most of the natural aroma and flavor of the coffee beans. There are several methods of brewing coffee - boiling (think Turkish coffee), pressure brewing (espresso being an example), drip brewing (as in the electric percolator), and steeping.

Other methods that use faster grinding techniques stand the risk of heating the ground coffee too much, making the delicate flavoring oils to evaporate. This prevents the grinding from generating too much heat. High-quality French presses most often use conical burr grinders as their source of ground coffee, because these grinders rotate at low speeds (usually not more than five hundred revolutions per minute).

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