Coffee, Anyone?

Who, in their lifetime, hasn't popped into a coffee shop to meet friends and loved ones, and after spending an hour or two drinking and gossiping, popped out again no worse for the experience?

Most of us.

But there have been times in the history of mankind, when the drinking of coffee meant a difference between getting that girl of your dreams and not getting her.

In the cold land of Lapp, in the month of January or February, the Lapp people had a habit of gathering together at one of those Fairs to make their last purchases before meeting again the next year.

But while the older folks where busy buying the odd reindeer or two, the young men were more happily engaged in checking out the female talents, for since time immemorial Fairs where always a great recreational grounds for matrimonial stakes.

When a Lapp boy hit upon the girl that suited him, it was usually the custom for the girl's family to invite him to their tent where, after sitting quietly for a while, the boy would ask if anyone would like a cup of coffee.

Immediately cups and saucers, together with the coffee pot and all other accoutrements needed for the brewing of coffee, would be produced by the girl's family, and the boy would set to. This was not your instant coffee time. You couldn't just say ‘one spoonful or two?' This was brewing your coffee; and not on an electric stove, either. It was usually boiling over an open fire at worst, and on top of a wood stove at best. But in any case, it was not the even temperature of the regulated form. It was very much in the lap of Vulcan, God of Fire. And as all other Gods agreed, not only did he have a fiery disposition, he wasn't particularly nice either.

However, whatever the temperature, sooner or later cups of hot coffee would be produced and placed in front of the waiting family. What would happen next would seal the lad's future.

If the coffee was drunk, the lad was deemed to be engaged and well on his way to be married. If the coffee remained untouched, the courtship was over before it had begun. The would-be groom might as well pack up his bags and return to the Fair, for there was nothing for him in this particular tent.

He would just have to try his luck with someone else, and hopefully his coffee-making skills would have improved enough for him to be more successful with his courtship the next time round. No feedback whatever. Was it too weak? Was it too strong? Was the coffee not brewed enough? Had he been clumsy? He would never be actually told what he had done wrong.

Coffee: From Harvest to Cup

Coffee is a plant. However, before it can be drunk it must pass through a number of stages and travel thousands of miles.

Coffee beans come from the red cherries of the coffea bush. Each cherry usually contains two seeds, or coffee beans. The exception to this is the Peaberry, where only one bean is produced. The flavour a bean produces is affected by where the coffea bush is grown. Soil, climate and altitude all alter the way coffee tastes; this is why, for example, coffee from Columbia will differ in taste from region to region and from year to year.

Most coffee comes from two species of the coffea bush: Coffea arabica, simply known as ‘arabica'; and Coffea canephora var. robusta, simply known as ‘robusta'. Robusta beans are cheaper to buy then arabica beans because they produce coffee with an inferior flavour, containing more caffeine.

When the red cherries have been harvested from the coffea bush, the outer layers of pulp and skin must be removed to reveal the green coffee beans inside. There are two common methods of doing this: the ‘natural' or dry method, and the ‘washed' or wet method. The natural process of removal tends to give coffee a full-bodied yet mild aroma, whereas the washed process yields strongly aromatic coffee, with a fine body and a lively acidity.

In the washed method the outer pulp is removed using a mechanical pulping machine before the cherry is immersed into a fermentation tank for between 12 to 32 hours, after which the remaining pulp and skin is washed off, revealing the green bean. Finally, the bean is left out in a sunny area for between 12 to 15 days to dry.

In the natural method, the cherry is simply left to dry out in the sun for up to four weeks. During this time the pulp and skin become shrivelled and can then be easily removed.

The coffee beans are then sorted and graded by size and density. Generally the larger the coffee beans the better the coffee. The largest bean is known as ‘Maragogype' or Elephant bean. There is no international grading system for coffee beans, with different countries using alternative systems. For example, in many African countries, the highest grade of coffee is AA, whereas, in Indonesia it is Grade 1.

Green coffee beans must first be roasted before they can be used to make a cup of coffee. The roasting process produces the primary flavour and aroma of coffee. Beans are roasted by a skilled coffee roaster, who judges how long to roast the beans in order to produce the optimum taste. For example, Javanese coffee is usually roasted for a lengthy time to give it a full-bodied and earthy flavour. However, if heat is applied to the beans for too long, it will destroy this flavour and give it a burnt aroma.

The final process before you can enjoy your cup of coffee is grinding. The coffee beans need to be ground ready to infuse, using your preferred brewing method. Different brewing methods require a different coarseness of coffee in order to produce the best possible taste. For example, using a cafetiere you need coarse coffee grounds, whereas when using a stove-top espresso maker you require a much finer grind.

James Grierson is the owner of Galla Coffee: http://www.gallacoffee.co.uk - Uk online retailer of designer coffee accessories. Through the Coffee Knowledge section of his website he aims to help people understand more about coffee and give them tips on how to make great tasting coffee in their home.

http://www.gallacoffee.co.uk

Organic Coffee: Pick Me Up Naturally

If you are at all aware of health and environmental issues, organic coffee is a product that should be interesting to you.

Then organic coffee beans are just what you need for your daily cup of coffee. Then you will also want to ensure that you do not consume lots of harmful chemicals with the drink that you love so much. Or to sit up late at night, watching a classic movie, the cheery pot resting at your elbow within easy reach? Do you like to spend rainy afternoons at the window, a cup smoking in your hand?

Coffee is not an exception to this. Unfortunately, these substances persist in the finished product, though in residual quantities. In order to supply the growing worldwide demand for popular crops, farmers don't have a choice but to use harmful substances that boost production and minimize loss. It's a sad truth that modern agricultural practice greatly depends on the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic coffee is grown on all continents, but predominantly in South America, where the traditional low-tech methods are perhaps least different from modern techniques. Many organic farms have sprung up to supply their needs. As a partial solution to this problem of slow poisoning through toxic residue, many people all over the world have chosen only to consume produce that has been grown using traditional methods and without the use of chemicals.

It also means that the soil is protected from erosion, and the habitat and food-sources of birds and wildlife remain intact. In terms of environmental protection, this is superior to the high-tech method of clearing out wide regions around coffee plantations. It is very often shade-grown, which means that large shade trees are used to shelter to coffee plants during critical periods of their growing season. Organic coffee is produced under strict certification guidelines, and growers do their best to ensure that the methods are as environmental-friendly as possible.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

What is the Big Deal With Coffee Makers?

It's true! But did you know that the type of perculator that awaits you at home makes a huge difference in how the bean will taste once it hits your cup? When you go to the market you're not thinking about your coffee makers when you buy your favorite coffee beans.

That's why it's important to know the difference between the various percolators before you select that favorite bean of your's for your coffee in the weeks to come.

Water is boiled from underneath the grounds and the coffee seeps into the water until it's fully brewed. To brew a cup of coffee, grounds now are placed in the basket at the top of the pot. The percolator is still found in many kitchens, but is mostly a relic of days gone by.

However, the percolator doesn't do justice to most coffees and instead has something of a foul taste according to the tongues of many coffee experts. The result is coffees that are full-bodied and steaming hot.

These are available relatively inexpensively at almost any store that stocks household supplies and even most large grocery stores and supermarkets. The most common type of coffee makers today are the drip coffee makers.

The majority of American homes have a drip coffee maker. The drip coffee maker produces clear, light-bodied coffees that lack the natural oils and sediment and/or grounds that can come with other varieties. But these machines don't produce coffees that are as hot as they can be, which is a turn-off for some people.

The French Press is the choice in coffee makers for most Europeans. Boiling hot water is poured directly over the coffee grounds, and then a plunger is inserted through the center of the pot to press the grounds down and allow their flavor to brew into the water.

The resulting coffees are rich, full-bodied, and extremely aromatic. However, they can also be a bit muddied and cloudy because of coffee grounds and powder that can sometimes slip into the cup of coffee. And it's impossible to keep the coffee hot, so it must be served immediately or poured into another container built for heating.

Espresso coffee makers are gaining in popularity as coffees like espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes become more commonplace. These machines brew the coffee extremely quickly, producing a flavor that is extremely unique.

Boiling water and steam are forced through tightly-packed grounds, resulting in coffees that are free of bitterness and full of flavor. Some of these machines don't even require the beans to be ground ahead of time, resulting in an even fresher taste.

Perhaps the most unusual and eye-catching are the balancing siphon coffee makers. An alcohol burner heats water that's in a metal pot, which boils and travels through a pipe to a glass jar where it flows over the coffee grounds.

Once all the water has boiled out of the metal pot and into the glass jar, the balanced lever puts out the alcohol burner. As the metal pot cools, a vacuum is created which suctions the brewed coffee back through the pipe and into the metal pot for serving. This setup produces coffees that are as close to perfection as possible according to most coffee experts.

When it comes right down to it, the type of coffee maker that's best for you depends on the type of coffees you prefer. For instance, if you value a clear cup of coffee over flavor, than you would use a drip coffee maker.

If you prefer the flavor and aroma of a rich cup of coffee, the French Press may be right for you. And if you want a conversation piece for after your next dinner party, the balancing siphon coffee maker needs to grace your granite countertop.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

An Energy Lifter without Cigarette, Coffee, or Ephedra

Unfortunately, cigarette (neural energy) causes cancer and other illnesses, caffeine (physical energy) is an expensive and unhealthy addiction, ephedra was banned by FDA. We all know cigarette, coffee and ephedra give people energy.

We can not take any of these without health risks, but it doesn't mean we do not need energy.

People often experience lifted energy level after drinking tea. Many holistic people believe the answers lies in tea, especially the Green Tea.

In a month, impaired blood vessel functioning (a risk factor for heart attack and strokes) improved about 50% in the tea drinkers. In another recent test, Joseph Vita, M.D., of the Boston University School of Medicine, had heart patients drink either plain water or four cups of black tea daily. In a large 10-year study in the Netherlands, men who consumed only the catechins in half a cup of tea. Green tea also reduces heart disease risks, as polyphenols in green tea extract helps prevent deadly clogging of arteries and reverses poor arterial functioning that can trigger heart attacks and strokes, two major new studies have found.

The remaining moisture in the green tea leaves eventually ferment and making green tea black, thus black tea. When fresh tea leaves are picked and dried, it is green tea. The difference between black tea and green tea is the fermentation. Tests in the west usually uses black tea as that is what's available.

Green tea is studied to be much more powerful in all tea's healthy functions than black tea. Green tea is usually only available in the west in the form of extracts, as extracted green tea powder is no longer fermented in the storage.

Because green tea extract increases metabolism, it is also a fat burner. It helps with thermogenesis and helps the metabolism of fat. It works without increasing the heart rate that is most often associated with most fat burners. It also works without causing jitters and other unwanted side effect.

However, Green tea alone will not produce sustained energy. Another herb, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, improves the ratio of muscle/fat and increases hemoglovin and erythrocytes levels in the blood. Another vital factor with Rhodiola Rosea is that it boosts mental state, making the energy lifting not only a physical phenomena, but also a neural response.

Extracts of Rhodiola Rosea enhances the transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. Serotonin is a widely studied brain neurotransmitter chemical involved in many functions. Unbalanced serotonin has been linked to various abnormal mental states such as clinical depression. Russian scientists have used Rhodiola alone or in combination with antidepressants to boost one's mental state.

When green tea and Rhodiola Rosea are combined with Rhizome Curculiginis and Lion's Tail Grass, not only a product that can lift both physical and mental energy is born, but also is born an extremely healthy group of antioxidants in a single formula.

When this formulation works in one's body, one will not feel the jittery caused by cigarette, coffee or ephedra. It works quietly, providing more oxygen to the brain, making one alert and intrinsically energetic. One shall experience such energy lifting in less than 30 minutes after taking a fast release capsule.

Among other sites where such product are offered, one can refer to the DynaForce TLC sold at www.HolisticTLC.com

By James Well.

For other health and research information, Email: jameswell@gmail.com

He directs a research lab facility among other projects. James Well consults to nutrition industry, specializing in Diet, Energy, Libido and Diabetes care and other related holistic products.

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

Without these machines, we probably wouldn't see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso machines, themselves. A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

The first method of bean preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people.

Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too. It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade.

The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time! The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. A man by the name of Mr.

Through the years, the coffee machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960's, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee making machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style! Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.

Where did the espresso machine come from?

Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!

The first espresso maker is said to have originated in Italy in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee's coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed "The fast coffee machine", the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.

Modifications on the espresso machine has come a long way!

Weight Loss and Coffee: Is Your Favorite Cup of Coffee Making You Gain Weight?

The sizes vary from 10 to 32 ounces and are often prepared with milk, cream, hydrogenated oils, fats, added sugars, and syrups in addition to the coffee making them much higher in calories than you might expect. Whether you live in a small city or large metropolitan area, you will find coffee shops on every corner and often in your workplace makes it more convenient than eating breakfast. There is no shortage of coffee houses in the U.S.

To top that off, the sugar and caffeine combination can end up stimulating your appetite leading Plus the sugar consumption can lead to blood sugar surges that can cause the body to store more calories as fat. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. This kind of calorie increase can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee drinkers had a 206 calorie increase in a typical day and a 32 gram higher sugar intake than the non-gourmet coffee drinkers. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. A recent study analyzed the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. How is the advent of gourmet coffee affecting weight?

The recommendation for sugar consumption is 12 teaspoons or less per day. Oh, and just for reference, 250 extra calories per day will lead to a ½ pound weight increase in a year. Here is a list to give you an idea. Wonder how many calories and sugar grams are in your favorite drinks?

Regular coffee drinks:

Regular coffee drinks:

Medium brewed coffee - 10 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15

Now for the gourmet coffees:

Now for the gourmet coffees:

Medium Caffe Latte - 260 calories, 19 grams sugar (5 tsp) Medium Caffe Mocha - 400 calories, 33 grams sugar (8 tsp) Medium Caramel Apple Cider - 410 calories, 68 grams sugar (17 tsp) Medium Caramel Macchiato - 310 calories, 34 grams sugar (9 tsp) Medium Hot Chocolate - 350 calories, 40 grams sugar (10 tsp) Medium White Chocolate Mocha - 510 calories, 55 grams of sugar (14 tsp)

If you are trying to manage you weight then it is best to keep gourmet coffee drinks to a once in awhile treat rather than an every day habit. Gourmet coffee drinks are good, but the reality is they are equivalent to eating a dessert. There is no doubt about it.