Espresso Coffee the key for strong relationships
Clint Jhonson

Espresso coffee is a very successful beverage; not only does it have a great aroma and taste, but it also brings people together, it has a share in building new friendships, and in redoing old friendships. This is why people generally consider it a key for strong relationships and a source of pleasure.

You might wonder: how can a coffee be a key for strong relationships? How can we make a connection between coffee and people? The answer is very simple; espresso coffee can actually make people sit together, talk, laugh and relax while they drink their coffee. It tastes so good that you want to share this experience with your friends.

Espresso is a strong coffee prepared by forcing live steam under pressure, or boiling water, through ground dark-roast coffee beans. In Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Southern Europe it is the main type of coffee. Edward Loysel de Santais invented it in 1843. Later on, at the beginning of the 20th century, people developed it in Milan. Up to 1940, it was a beverage produced only with steam pressure. The invention of the spring piston lever and the success it had, made espresso the drink we know today.

Espresso coffee is not just any kind of coffee; its quality makes it so special, because once you tasted it, you will never change it for any other coffee. A cup of such coffee is uniquely creamy, tastes and smells sweet and aromatic. Espresso lends itself to mixing into other coffee based drinks, such as lattes, cappuccino, macchiato and mochas, without diluting in the resulting drink.

You can enjoy a cup of coffee every morning and start the day with an invigorating coffee beverage. If they do not drink their coffee each morning, some people feel their body tired, and all the things seem to work in a strange way. Some people make a ritual from drinking their coffee in the morning, and if they break the ritual once, they become uncomfortable, feeling awkward. The espresso can be of different kinds. Its quality depends on how well roasted the coffee beans are.

Relationships are very important for each one of us. Within society, we need to establish relationships and communicate with one another. Espresso coffee can be a good stimulus for making people get together and enjoying the great taste of the coffee. You can drink it anywhere. It is very easy and fast to prepare with the espresso maker, which is accessible for general use and gives you quality coffee beverages.

You can have guests over at your house, and prepare them a cup of coffee, or you can go out and enjoy the company of your friends in the busyness of the city, while you are enjoying an espresso. It can also remake the old friendships; no one you will invite will refuse you. It is too good not to drink it each time you have a chance too. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to meet new people, in a coffee shop; nobody likes to drink it alone. Statistics shows that people prefer to have their beverage when they are around friends, either if they are in public places or at home.

Espresso is the finest coffee, made to meet anyone’s expectations. Experience the great taste and aroma in a nice environment with your relatives and / or friends. Together you can discover the pleasure and satisfaction you have when you start the day with a cup of coffee and when you relax during the break. It will simply make all the tiredness vanish.

Enjoy espresso coffee! It is one of the finest types of coffee, favorably appreciated all throughout the world. A cup of espresso is always likely to encourage conversation and animate the atmosphere.

Clint Jhonson

Many people all over the world are what we may call real coffee lovers. If you enjoy gourmet coffee and you find that every cup you drink is delicious, you would certainly like to know as much as you can about this incredible type of beverage. Generally, people consider coffee pods the most efficient way of having an excellent coffee without living a mess behind you. Of course, there are many ways to prepare a coffee. Nevertheless, those who may call themselves coffee fans will always appreciate a fresh coffee, one freshly brewed up. This is the most important advantage of coffee pods, as they give you the opportunity to get always a cup of fresh coffee.

In addition, coffee pods have the advantage of being very easy to use. All you have to do is to introduce the pod in the coffee machine and after adding water, you just need to push a button, wait a minute and drink your coffee. If you are a busy person, this is the right way to begin your day, without skipping your coffee in the morning. It even gets worse when you only get the time to prepare your coffee, but you do not have enough of it to enjoy the drink, so you end up leaving it on the table. The pods will give you the opportunity to prevent such annoying situations. You will not feel tired and dizzy during the day and you will be able to finish what you have planned, ready to start another day in the morning.

You should think about another advantage: the fact that you will not have to clean up your mess, because there will be no mess. You can easily dispose of pods. Moreover, they make a great substitute for messy coffee filters. Just think about the ground coffee you split on the floor every time you have to prepare one. This only means more mess that needs cleaning. However, for those who like gourmet coffee, there is a possible disadvantage, because when buying a coffee pot, you do not get to choose the coffee types you want to mix. When grinding your own beans, you may add or exclude any type you want, but if you are satisfied with the coffee selection offered by brewers in one pad, nothing should stop you from getting fresh gourmet coffee any time you need it.

If you want to prepare your own single cup of coffee by using a coffee pod, the first thing you should do is to buy your own single-serve coffee-making machine. After doing so, you are free to choose between the different brands on the market that sell coffee pods. If in the past there was only one company who used to produce them, now you have the possibility to make a pick between some famous brands on the market that sell gourmet coffee. In this manner, you will have many options when buying your coffee pod, you will be able to try everything and then compare. You will be the only one to decide which brand you like more, which offers you better quality or which is more affordable for you. However, you should take into consideration that the convenience of getting fast and fresh coffee also means a higher price than the one practiced for ground coffee or coffee beans. Still, this might have no importance for you, because you only know to appreciate great coffee.

As you can see, gourmet coffee sells even in coffee pods. Whether you like it or not, whether you find it something ingenious or just a waste of money, it is only up to you. What we know for sure is that gourmet coffee is perfect for your taste and the passion for coffee will always tell you how to drink it every day. People might have a favorite way of preparing coffee, just as they have a favorite brand of coffee. In the end, the only secret for having a cup of great coffee is to enjoy it the way you like it best.

If you enjoy gourmet coffee, here, on our website, you will get all the information you need to know about the drink you love so much. You can also find out more about coffee pods or you can write your suggestions and comments.

Rob Carlton

When it comes to making Espresso, each and every professional coffee maker, such as Barista, will have their personal secret recipe. In this article I will show my recipe on how to make a delightful cup of Espresso.

The first most important ingredient of Espresso is water. In espresso you can only use fresh hot water. The water should ideally be around 203F (95C) that is nearly boiling. Water often becomes stale due to the presence of mildew, pure cleaning methods and inadequate filtering. If you use stale water then no matter how good the quality of the coffee bean, it will not be able to overcome the association of poor water.

The next ingredient is coffee. While making Espresso you should choose Arabica. It doesn't matter whether it has been grown in Brazil or Bogotá or elsewhere. The bean should have been grown above 915m and should be delivered all fresh for roasting. You can either elf roast it or but it a few days after but your coffee should essentially have the 'fresh food' smell in it.

You can also use Robusta beans as they are easier to grow and more disease resistant. However, this bean has more caffeine and fewer flavors so it is best used for those quick pick-me-up drinks and not for Espresso.

After that you have to finely ground the beans in a burr. Do not use the blade attachment of the blender as the blade often chops the beans and does not grind them. In the burr attachment the beans are ground between two pyramids shaped teeth on two plates. Ideally, your ground coffee should be like the dark Viennese or French. This name often refers to color of the ground coffee and not to where it's grown.

The distance between the two p
lates often determines the fineness of the granules. The ground coffee should be sand grain sized. It should not be too finely ground or should not be like the shape of small gravel. You should also remember to not to leave the coffee exposed to air, mainly because just like other foods, coffee also oxidizes and absorbs odors from the air. This may often ruin your perfect cup of Espresso coffee.

Since you know the basic ingredients, you can proceed to the next stage of Espresso making.

The first thing that you should do is pre-warm the equipment. All you have to do is turn the espresso maker on, run it through good water and let it heat. When the water is warm enough, you can run a cup through without any coffee in it. This will help to warm the equipment and flush out any particles present in it.

Now, you have to add your ground roast. Just as in tobacco, remember to pack it down slightly. You should feel some springiness that you often feel in pipes. You should be careful as to not let the coffee scatter.

After this you firmly place a hopper inside the machine and a warmed cup of espresso at the outlet of the machine. After you start the machine you should have the perfect thin steady stream of coffee in about five seconds. A double shot would require around twenty seconds.

If you want to make cappuccino then you should warm half cup of organic milk in a microwave for about 90 seconds. Then you should froth it and add it to your Espresso. You can also add different garnishing like cinnamon, chocolate or nutmeg. If you like your coffee sweet then you can add a little bit of organic sugar.

In the end, if you want a great cup of Espresso all you have to do is keep the whole process simple and straight. You should always remember to keep your equipment clean and to start with good quality ingredients.

Using The Coffee Grinder For A Cup Of The Brew
Peter Wilson

To a coffee lover freshly ground beans have the greatest attraction. The fragrance itself can make you long for a cup of the brew so earnestly. However, the charm decreases significantly if the beans are pre-ground since the electric grinders are not only too noisy but they heat the coffee beans beyond the ideal limit. No doubt an antique coffee grinder would be the right alternative here.

The beans will be not be subjected to over heating if an antique coffee grinder is used and moreover ideal coarseness and aroma of ground beans will be achieved. Not only that these old mills are highly attractive; also truly speaking with any kitchen décor they match well. An antique coffee grinder's dignified presence on the countertop of even a modern kitchen is graceful enough for the latter.

Back in the 1920's an antique coffee grinder was built that would work satisfactorily in the maximum streamlined modern design even. The Art Deco movement was a great attraction for many people during that very decade. A smooth design with clear lines running through the mill is the characteristic of the antique coffee grinder of that period. It is not really difficult to find that model though you might have thought otherwise. Following the stylish art deco trend the mills were generally developed.

Many users like a traditional model while it is a matter of choice to select from a number of styles available for the same. While one antique coffee grinder can rest easily on a countertop, you may have an
other fit for wall mounting. In both cases you are confident that charm will be added to your kitchen décor while you bring into your workplace a device so useful and therefore valuable.

For its attractive design the antique coffee grinder, which sits on the kitchen countertop, is to my liking. On top of it is a handle used for grinding the beans while at the bottom is a little drawer for collection of coffee grinds. No doubt very attractive but simple is the design.

Normally these coffee mills are built of wood while that woods remains unpainted as its special feature. The fine detail in the design you can view on the grinding handle too. For any kitchen that has a traditional décor these handles generally made of caste iron is charming feature.

Circa 1905 in Connecticut the Parker Coffee mill was created and that coffee grinder of the beginning of the twentieth century keeps alive the tradition today. On the top of it is a bronze finish while its shape leaves one spellbound.

That model fascinates me as much as a mystifying antique coffee grinder of French or German make, earn my favor. With a scene of a man and a woman offering prayers in a field, this grinder is wall mounting. Till I can collect more information this porcelain coffee grinder of a rare variety may have to continue in the dealer's store.

It matters little which design wins your favor, think to have in your kitchen an antique coffee grinder. If it so happens that there is no occasion for your use of this gadget to make a cup of espresso, still for your home it will remain as a valued object for conversation.

Johnathan Bakers

Focusing recent findings in Spain, Johnathan Bakers is writing almost entirely for Coffee is a big money maker in the world and has changed the way that people approach life all over the world. There billions of people who use coffee for various reasons, but mostly either for a pick me up or because they really do enjoy the taste of the coffee. You will find that the legends that are about the coffee plant goes clear back to 500 BC where it was discovered in Ethiopia. It was then brought to Arabia and that is where coffee got it’s name.

During the renaissance, you will find that not only did coffee because an art, but it was almost commercially produced. By the end of the renaissance and that beginning of the 19th century, coffee became something that was drank all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and both the southern and northern America. It was also something that all classes could afford too.

Then there were some people who thought that it had health effects of miracles. It was claimed that it could make a couple have a baby by making the man more fertile, however, it has been theorized that caffeine stimulates the sperm. Th
en there were some studies that proved that diabetes could be helped by coffee because it will reduce cirrhosis of the liver and could help with the way that people are affected by asthma.

You may also find that coffee has been claimed to have antioxidants much like wine. However, there are still any things about coffee that you should pay heed to when it comes to the amount that you use. You need to learn how to weigh the pros and the cons. Coffee is a diuretic and it will encourage the body to take frequent pit stops, but it could also lead to some long-term damage to the nervous system.

Regardless of whether coffee is good for you or if it is bad for you, there are always going to be true coffee drinkers. You will find that it has become quite a moneymaker and is the second largest moneymaker next to oil. It is traded on many of the stock exchanges and there are billions of dollars made in coffee each year.

There are many ways that you can use the coffee and there are many different types of coffee grown all around the world, however, you will find that there are many opportunities yet to come so that you can try them all.

Points To Look For When Buying a Coffee Maker

Your coffee maker is the most important small appliance in your kitchen, if you or your spouse is a coffee lover. What is the most important thing to you in the morning? What is the first thing you think of when you first wake up in the morning? Chances are your answer is a nice, hot cup of Joe. The only way you can make sure that first and second cup of java is perfect is by purchasing a good quality coffee maker in the first place. To make good coffee every day you need to keep some key factors in mind and cost isn't the only one.

Choosing a good coffee maker is not a decision to be taken for granted. If you are going to spend money on your favorite coffee, you will want to make sure the coffee maker you choose is of good quality and has the features you want. The majority of coffee makers are generally quite good and you will notice no difference in the taste of your coffee from one brand to another. There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee

The first step in choosing the right one is deciding what type you want. This depends on what kind of drinks you want to prepare. Your basic decision here is if you want traditional coffee or a specialty drink. A standard machine is preferred by people who like the taste of weaker coffee. Most flavored grounds are made for traditional pots. If you like to try a wide variety of coffee types, you may want a standard machine. Drip machines work by heating the water and then dripping it through the grounds. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor. The Bunn coffee makers are very reliable machines that brew a cup in about three minutes. Many models offer pause and pour features that allow you to interrupt the brewing process, if you can't wait for that first cup in the morning. Timers allow you to
program the machine to start brewing before you wake up in the morning.

Here are some important buying tips which you must consider before buying it:

You must also check coffee makers against digital features. A good coffee maker would come with a digital display panel attached with a timer and auto off mechanism. This feature is very beneficial for home use as auto off would let you pay attention to other things in home, while you are making coffee.

This is one of the most useful features that your coffee maker can have if you need a pot of coffee. Instead of having to wait for the pot to finish brewing or trying to swap out your cup and the pot (and spilling coffee everywhere), the act of removing the pot closes a valve on the maker and lets you pour yourself a cup before resuming your brew.

An efficient water filtering equipment happens to be an integral part of superior quality coffee makers. Its presence ensures that your coffee won't get a bad flavor due to excess iron and other unwanted content of water.


You may also look for a coffee maker that offers you a bean grinder that is integrated with the machine. These grinders grind only few beans to give needed amount of coffee. This feature results in a flavor that carries tinge of freshness with itself.


Take a look at the model of coffee maker that you're considering buying. See how well it's constructed, how easy it is to use, and whether the coffee pot is reinforced or is simply glass. Reinforced coffee pots act like a thermos, keeping your coffee hot and fresh for much longer.

So, buy a coffee maker with latest features to enjoy the coffee with finest flavors in no time.


Steve Buchanan writes article on many topics including How to clean your coffee machine and How to choose a right coffee maker.

http://www.coffeemakersguide.com/how_to_choose_a_right_coffee_maker_for_your_family.htm

Author: Adam Akelis

Millions of people enjoy and consume coffee as a drink not only for its aroma but for its property as a stimulant. Some like to drink hot steaming coffee, while others dribble over cold coffee shakes.

Millions of people enjoy and consume coffee as a drink not only for its aroma but for its property as a stimulant. Some like to drink hot steaming coffee, while others dribble over cold coffee shakes. Choices are infinite these days because flavored coffee is in the move. Coffee now comes in different flavors that are mouth-watering. Coffee lovers across the world are experiencing the delight with these flavors, and with new flavors being innovated to blend with coffee every day. The art of flavoring coffee evolved years ago with basic ingredients like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. Since then auspicious beginning, flavorings have passed long journey. Flavors these days comprise mango, almond, hazelnut, pumpkin, peanut butter, and numerous to mention. Flavored gourmet coffee is a highly popular drink consumed.

Flavors in liquid form are added after roasting. Flavoring should be done with proper mixture, a pound of coffee flavored with half an ounce of flavor. Coffee can be enhanced with most of the flavors that are conceivable. Technology has helped by adding flavor directly to coffee bean instead of adding after grinding. Butterscotch Toffee, Chocolate Raspberry Cream, Carmel Kiss, Cinnamon Toddy, Chocolate Turtle are the common flavors mixed with coffee. The type of coffee beans used has a huge impact in determining the taste of the coffee flavor. Arabica beans having low acidity level and bitterness are most often used for making the best flavored coffee. These beans are of superior quality and are milder and flavorful than Robusta beans used in commercial and instant coffees. Experienced coffee roasters produce best flavored coffee from a mix of beans from diverse regions, laying in the coffee selection the same care as they do for classic coffees.

Best flavored coffee contains cent percent natural flavors, while commercial coffee uses artificial flavorings. Natural oils in flavored coffees are extracted from a mixture of sources, such as cocoa beans, southern pecan, hazelnut, vanilla beans, various nuts and berries. Synthetic flavors are chemicals manufactured on a commercial base. There are many flavoring substances which can be supplemented to coffee to give an extra ordinary flavor experience. Gourmet flavored coffee is made by applying oil to roasted beans. These oils are produced specifically for flavoring coffee beans. The best oils are primed using natural constituents. These ingredients expensive than synthetic ones conserve the natural flavor and enhance the richness of coffee. Oils manufactured by chemicals are likely to distort the actual taste. The various popular types of gourmet flavored coffee are Black Forest cake, Apricot cream, chocolate raspberry, Café Napoleon, Jamaican rum, vanilla hazelnut and Southern pecan.

Adding a feathered touch of flavored coffee to regular coffee beans brings an exceptional taste that is unique.

Author: Adam Akelis

It has been scientifically proved that coffee can fight fatigue that is why millions of people across the world drink coffee to fight tiredness. Coffee can actually helps to improve mental performance, elevates and improves mood and also boosts physical energy.

It has been scientifically proved that coffee can fight fatigue that is why millions of people across the world drink coffee to fight tiredness. Coffee can actually helps to improve mental performance, elevates and improves mood and also boosts physical energy. So how this coffee actually works? According to researches from the MIT, the compound ‘caffeine’ present in the coffee is considered to be a mind acceleration mood booster which increases the mental performance. The compound caffeine stimulates the attention span, reaction time, concentration and acuity with numbers. Even a small amount of caffeine, about 32 mg in a five ounce cup of coffee can give you a large amount of energy and mental boost. Caffeine can actually move to your brain within 25 to 30 minutes and lasts unto six hours. So here is an interesting and useful tip: Drink coffee before your meals for more energy boost up and fights fatigue much better.

Drinking coffee can also cut men’s gallstone risk, just four cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of developing gallstones by 45 percent. Based on a study of 46,000 men between the age group 40 to 70, who consumed coffee regularly had no risk of gallstone disease compared to those men who did not consume coffee on regular basis. Men who consume about two to three cups of regular coffee per day had a 40 percent lesser risk of developing gallstone disease than non-Java drinkers and those who take four or more cups per day had a 45 percent lower risk. Regular intake of coffee may also protect you against liver cirrhosis, according to a research in Italy, United States and Japan; consuming coffee at least 3 to 4 cups per day will help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis of liver by 80 percent when compared to those people who don’t consume coffee at all.

Coffee is also very much effective in reducing the risk of cancers in digestive track. Coffee is known to give a protective effect against cancer of colon. In a recent meta-analysis, on coffee intake; the colorectal cancer is 24 percent lower when compared to those who drink rarely or no coffee at all. The most possible explanations for lower risk of colorectal cancer among heavy coffee consumers is that, coffee enhances colonic activity induced by the compound present in the coffee and that anti-mutagenic components present in it also help a lot. Caffeine also inhibits the cancer causing effect of various microorganisms.

By: Elsie Shan

Coffee is one of the important commodities in the world. It is consumed by many people around the world and plays a major part in some economies of the world. It is traded through some major commodities board around the world, e.g. New York Board of Trade (NYBOT). Currently, Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer which constitutes about 32% (year 2006) of the total world production.

Coffee is an "addictive" beverage made from grounded roasted coffee beans. The pleasant aroma and taste makes it irresistible to coffee lovers. There are many ways to consume this concoction. Some like it hot and some like it cold. It can be consumed with or without sweetener, cream, milk or any other combination you can think of. It’s very versatile and creative people can create new taste and flavor. Many businesses have built an empire around coffee, like Starbucks.

The Origin Of Coffee

According to legend, coffee was first discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia during the 9th Century by a shepherd called Kaldi. While tending to his herd, he was intrigued by the strange behavior of his goat. They were happily dancing and leaping after eating strange red berries. He plucked those berries and brought them to a neighboring convent and relates his observation to the priests there. They decided to boil those berries and after drinking the brew, found an extra boost of energy. From there on, the beverage starts to spread to other areas in that region from Egypt to Yemen before reaching Turkey, Persia and some parts of Africa.

Coffee eventually reached Europe in 1690 when the Dutch managed to smuggle coffee plants out from the Arabian land. It was first introduced into Moka (Mauritius), Sri Lanka, India and finally the island of Java in Indonesia before finally brought home to Europe. It was later introduced to the French Caribbean colonies. The coffee plant eventually spreads throughout the American Latin and soon the coffee beans become a major export commodity of some countries here.

Major Coffee Species

There are two major species of coffee plants cultivated for consumption, namely Coffea Arabica Linnaeus (commonly referred to as Arabica) and Coffea canephora (commonly called Robusta). The Arabica variety has a better taste compare to Robusta which is much bitter but less aroma. Sometimes, Robusta is used in the coffee blend to reduce cost. There are also other species of coffee plant like Coffea liberica and Coffea esliaca which is indigenous to Liberia and Sudan respectively.

The Art Of Roasting Coffee

The coffee beans have to be roasted before it can be consumed. After the coffee berries are harvested, the berries are stripped off their flesh leaving only the seed or beans. It is left aside to ferment in order to remove the slimy layer present on the coffee bean. When this process is completed, the fermented coffee bean is washed to remove fermented residue before being dried and graded.

There are several ways to roast coffee, such as traditional roasting, 10 minute quick roast, 90 second flash roast and many others. Different methods will give rise to different taste and aroma. As heat is applied, the coffee beans will loose moisture and turn dark. This is due to the natural occurrence of caramelized sucrose. When there is no more water in the coffee beans, the sugar and acid will begin to release their aroma. This is called the Maillard reactions. The roasting process is then halted and beans cooled and stored. Grinding can be performed and stored in an air tight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Coffee is a favorite beverage of many people. It is now available in convenient forms like instant coffee granules. Some creative coffee companies have introduced pre-mixed sachets so that coffee can be consumed at any time, any place. Just add hot water and your coffee is ready. Canned coffee has also started selling in parts of Asia especially Japan and South Korea.

David McFarlane

A quality cup of coffee can depend on many factors, such as:

The time since the coffee beans were ground;
The time since the beans were roasted;
How clean the brewing equipment is;
The quality of the coffee bean being used;
The quality of the water being used.

Some Interesting Facts About Coffee

The quality of the coffee bean is the most important of these factors, if you are going to buy “good” coffee. The very best bean will taste bad if any one of the other listed characteristics are out of place. Not all coffee beans are equal, but the other points listed above will even the field.

A lesser coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground is many times better than coffee that has been roasted and ground then left to get stale - no matter how good it was when it was fresh.

A can of coffee found in the supermarket often contains large amounts of robusta, low quality Arabica beans and past crop (old) beans. To make matters worse, there is no way for the major coffee companies that roast and ship all over the country to get you truly fresh coffee.

Once you have coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground, good water and brewing equipment free of oil residues from the last brew and the quality of the coffee beans makes a huge difference.

How To Tell Coffee Quality

Please note that a coffee can bought in the supermarket often contains a blend of Arabica and robusta beans, while most coffee houses sell only Arabica beans. Arabica beans are normally rich in flavor - while robusta beans have more caffeine, less flavor and are cheaper to make.

There is an exception to every rule, and the exception here is that some very good espresso coffees will have small amounts of the highest quality robusta beans available on the market. This should not, however, be taken as a guarantee that a coffee house will have any better coffee than the diner down the street.

If any of the previously discussed items, such as cleanliness or freshness, are not in order then even the very best coffee can be made to taste bad.

When you buy coffee, whether it be in a coffee house or in a supermarket, you want to get 100% Arabica - except for espresso blends, which may be a combination of both. Whether good quality robusta can improve the flavor of espresso is up for debate.

For absolute freshness when buying in a coffee house, it is better to buy popular blends that move fast - while buying in a supermarket, vacuum packaged containers with an expiration date are your best bet although all canned coffee will be stale to some extent.

It should be noted that in order to be able to vacuum pack coffee, industrial coffee producers actually let the coffee sit for a while before it is packed. As soon as coffee is roasted it starts to release CO2, in a process called outgassing. This can actually help to protect the bean from going stale. Unfortunately for the people vacuum packing coffee or putting coffee in tins, this also will inflate the bags. This outgassing is the reason that you may very well see one-way valves on coffee bags. These valves allow the CO2 to escape, while keeping oxygen from entering the bag.

Chances are fairly high that you will not get truly fresh coffee in a supermarket. This is an absolute fact if it is pre-ground. In a coffee house, look for a shop that roasts in-house and ask what was roasted that day. If the person behind the counter does not know, ask to talk to someone who does know. If no one knows, simply go somewhere else.

Additionally, it should be noted that coffee is at its very best after a few hours rest. This is one of those places where an expert in the field of coffee can advise you. As a general rule of thumb, most coffees are improved with a rest time of about 12 to 24 hours. Some coffees, particularly those that are musty or earth coffees, actually mellow for the first two to three days - making a much longer rest better.

A final point to remember is that for best results, grind your own coffee. Buying fresh and then having it ground completely defeats the purpose. Ground coffee only lasts a few hours or one day at the very most.

By: Charlie Reese

Storing Coffee Beans: Try Not To Use Your Freezer

When it comes to best means of storing coffee beans, many theories are going to hit you each of which will ensure that your coffee beans continue to retain their freshness and flavor. The simplest theory suggests that when storing coffee beans, it may be best to place ground coffee in the freezer until it is consumed at a later time. However, before you put your coffee into the freezer based on this theory, it would be worth your while to first of all check whether it is indeed the best way of storing coffee beans.

Universal Idea?

Of course, the universal idea is that by freezing foods and even coffee beans, you can ensure that such items will last longer while also being able to retain their freshness. Thus, on the face of it, freezing is a great way to store things such as fruits, vegetables and meats as well as breads as they will prolong the life of such items. In addition, freezing also preserves the minerals and vitamins found in foods and thus is a good method - but only for foods.

The trouble is that when you begin storing coffee beans in a freezer it may not work in this case because coffee beans are averse to moisture and light as well as air and heat. The problem is that when you freeze your coffee beans it may actually rob the coffee beans off their flavor since coffee beans have already been roasted to improve their flavor and the cold will affect the taste of the unfrozen coffee.

Coffee beans are actually porous and though freezing works well with other foods, when it concerns coffee beans the porous nature of the coffee beans makes them absorb flavors from other foods kept in the freezer and so when you then drink your unfrozen coffee, it may actually end up having a garlic flavor!

Furthermore, the same porous nature of coffee beans makes them absorb moisture which will make the beans lose their flavor and also when you place and replace the coffee beans from the freezer it will cause absorption of moisture. Thus, if you feel that you want to use the freezer when storing coffee beans, makes sure that you only use the freezer just one time.

Even then, when storing coffee beans in a freezer you also risk losing the aromatic oils contained in roasted coffees and that in turn will rob the coffee beans off their flavor which is another reason why you need to think again when it concerns storing coffee beans in your freezer.

The best thing you can do for storing coffee beans is to buy just enough coffee as is required for personal and family use and which will be consumed in not more than two week's time. That way, you won't have many problems with where to store your coffee beans.

By: Charlie Reese

Organic Decaf Coffee As Alternative For Coffee Drinkers

Organic decaf coffee is fast gathering a following in the world consumer markets. This is because more and more people are considering changing from pure coffee form to organic decaf coffee for health reasons. Many people love the taste of coffee but have recently found out that they can not continue to do so. Decaffeinated coffee is an alternative for those who wish to continue drinking coffee but without the unwanted side effects.

Actually, not all people are affected by coffee in a negative way. Many can drink two cups of coffee daily and not feel anything wrong with them while some drink just one and everything goes haywire. Organic decaf coffee can help these people get a good grip on their health but at the same time enjoy their cup of coffee.

Many people had their doubts regarding decaffeinated coffee because of the process of decaffeination that involves soaking the coffee beans in a solvent to remove the caffeine in them. The entire process needs several stages of soaking the beans and some chemical solvents. Fear of the effects of these chemical solvents has triggered some people into looking for another alternative for processing decaf coffee.

Enter organic decaf coffee made with Swiss Water. This process has revolutionized the decaf coffee market because it used only pure Swiss water to dilute the coffee beans and isolate the caffeine. This process has been found to be purely organic and highly efficient in isolating the caffeine without fully sacrificing the taste of coffee. It is advisable to gradually or slowly switch to organic decaf coffee from pure coffee since you can actually notice the difference in taste. The knowledge that there is a difference in taste between organic decaf coffee and pure coffee can be disheartening, to avoid the noticing the gap, make the transition as gradual as possible.

Advantages Of Organic Decaf Coffee

Organic decaf coffee can be advantageous for coffee drinkers because some of them have negative reactions to pure coffee. Having the similar taste of coffee without the caffeine is a godsend for many. Other advantages of using organic decaf coffee is the advantage of helping the environment and not using harmful chemicals that can affect the body. There have been reports that decaf coffee made the traditional way, which involves chemical solvents, may cause cancer and other sicknesses. Organic decaf coffee has none of these finding because it uses only pure Swiss Water to isolate the caffeine.

By: Peter Mason

The impact of coffee on the overall health of mankind has been an extensive subject of survey over decades altogether. The resulting research has always reported a series of varied results, ranging from ill effects to moderate effects and even instances of a beneficial role of the drink. In this article, we highlight the various aspects in this context, along with indications from different research reports.

It has been a long-known fact that caffeine, which is the main ingredient in coffee, is a mild stimulant. Though the effects are mostly short-lived, but this ingredient is known to increase blood pressure and accelerate heart rate. However, there is data to indicate that the consumption of coffee has a series of beneficial effects in various degrees of intensity.

In some cases, coffee has also been known to have a negative impact on fertility. A higher level of coffee consumption is associated with higher blood levels of homocysteine, leading to the chances of development of coronary heart disease. Cafestol, one of the ingredients is also known to hike up the cholesterol levels. Excessive consumption of coffee is also known to deplete calcium in women and increase the risks of urinary incontinence.

The Positive Impact

Research strongly suggests that coffee effectively reduces the risk of being effected by colon cancer, though that is only likely to happen if the consumption is more than four cups a day. In addition, coffee is also said to contain antioxidants that help in the prevention of heart disease and even a few form of cancers. This is basically done by removing the cell-destroying oxygen radicals that form the blood. There is no doubt that coffee also has an amazing effect on mental alertness. However, a set of Chinese studies also report that coffee can reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease.

In addition, various American and Scandinavian studies show that the decaf as well as regular coffee can help in the reduction of the risk of being effected by type-2 diabetes. Besides, coffee is also believed to have a positive effect in reducing the chances of developing kidney stones and gallstones. It reportedly also increases the secretion of stomach acid that further helps digestion. There is also a possibility of coffee being effective in reducing the constriction of airways in asthma sufferers, when consumed in moderation. Coffee also contains theophylline, in addition to caffeine, which is a bronchodilator and hence, is effective. So get our your coffee maker and starting drinking!

Single Cup Coffee Makers Increase Comfort Levels
By: Michael Brown

When you are planning a vacation or business trip you have enough details to worry about. Single cup coffee makers are now throughout the hospitality industry. What does that have to do with the details of your trip? You never have to worry about where your first cup of coffee will come from. Some travelers carry instant coffee with them so they don't miss that first cup of coffee wherever they are. It's nice to know that many places you'll be staying off this quality coffee serving treat.

Most hotel and motel chains have complimentary breakfast or breakfast buffet in the restaurant or hotel lobby. Most of us however, enjoy a cup of coffee while we are getting ready for the day. Until, recently the convenience of a cup of coffee didn't follow us wherever we went. Thanks to single cup coffee makers, our business or vacation trips are made a whole lot easier knowing where that first cup of coffee is coming from while we are away from home. In recent times people would rush to get dressed in their room to make it to breakfast to get that first cup of coffee before the first event of the day. Nationally we are now able to enjoy a fresh steamy cup coffee in mere minutes right there in our hotel room.

Comfort is what the travel industry should be all about. The more convenient and comfortable you are the more likely you will go back to that place the next time you are in town. So if you depend on enjoying the first cup of coffee of the day you will remember when you get to enjoy it from your room. You will also remember that you weren't as rushed to get dressed and be somewhere before you really had to be. Single cup coffee makers allow us to enjoy our comfort no matter where we are at.

Time is critical when we are not in our homes. We want to have an effective day on our business or vacation trips. Most of us do not want to rush around to have something that we usually have at our fingertips. Most hotels and motels are now providing us with that first cup of coffee without wasting any of our time. That helps us enjoy our day and finish our stay away from home with satisfaction. Those hotels and motels that do not provide single cup coffee makers may not enjoy the return of those of us who like that first cup of coffee just seconds away.

Being away from home isn't always by choice. When we choose what we eat and drink no matter where we are, we usually choose what we like. So if you like to drink a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning before you get ready for the day make sure where you stay provides single cup coffee makers.

Coffee Consumption - Good and Bad Effects
By: Peter Mason

The impact of coffee on the overall health of mankind has been an extensive subject of survey over decades altogether. The resulting research has always reported a series of varied results, ranging from ill effects to moderate effects and even instances of a beneficial role of the drink. In this article, we highlight the various aspects in this context, along with indications from different research reports.

It has been a long-known fact that caffeine, which is the main ingredient in coffee, is a mild stimulant. Though the effects are mostly short-lived, but this ingredient is known to increase blood pressure and accelerate heart rate. However, there is data to indicate that the consumption of coffee has a series of beneficial effects in various degrees of intensity.

In some cases, coffee has also been known to have a negative impact on fertility. A higher level of coffee consumption is associated with higher blood levels of homocysteine, leading to the chances of development of coronary heart disease. Cafestol, one of the ingredients is also known to hike up the cholesterol levels. Excessive consumption of coffee is also known to deplete calcium in women and increase the risks of urinary incontinence.

The Positive Impact

Research strongly suggests that coffee effectively reduces the risk of being effected by colon cancer, though that is only likely to happen if the consumption is more than four cups a day. In addition, coffee is also said to contain antioxidants that help in the prevention of heart disease and even a few form of cancers. This is basically done by removing the cell-destroying oxygen radicals that form the blood. There is no doubt that coffee also has an amazing effect on mental alertness. However, a set of Chinese studies also report that coffee can reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease.

In addition, various American and Scandinavian studies show that the decaf as well as regular coffee can help in the reduction of the risk of being effected by type-2 diabetes. Besides, coffee is also believed to have a positive effect in reducing the chances of developing kidney stones and gallstones. It reportedly also increases the secretion of stomach acid that further helps digestion. There is also a possibility of coffee being effective in reducing the constriction of airways in asthma sufferers, when consumed in moderation. Coffee also contains theophylline, in addition to caffeine, which is a bronchodilator and hence, is effective.

By: Jason Uvios

Man being social in nature lives in groups and communities. His activities from happy occasions to sad moments have group involvement. He avoids being solitary and likes always to be in company of his near and dear ones like relatives and friends. He makes friends out of strangers to add more and more numbers to his company of the known. The favorite pastime with the members of his company is drinking. This kind of socialization has been in practice since long back and is still prevalent today. Among the drinks that the humans have habituated themselves of drinking together is the coffee. Coffee has the distinction of having the second place next only to water that is drunk by almost all people of the world.

There have been periods in history where drink houses were built for the travelers to relax themselves after their long and torturous journeys. Coffee was served as it was considered to be the stimulating drink that refreshed the tired travelers. Such drink houses cast their spell on the later day cities giving birth to coffee houses and the modern day versions being the cafes. Today cafes can be found in every downtown area of the cities all over the world. Irrespective of the cultural background of the cities, the people of all walks of life haunt the cafes. Cafes are the popular gathering places for socialization. The meetings could be for friendly chats or for business talks. Friends pour out their heart over one another, the working class relaxes after their hectic day, and business people make or close deals. This is all done just over one or two cups of coffee. The aroma and the fragrance that hangs over the place give some heavenly experience to the coffee drinkers.

In contrast to the cafes, if the people hang out near the bars, they would be considered as drunkards. The drinks supplied there are more of intoxicating in nature and less of stimulating. While the main composition of the coffee being the presence of caffeine, its invigorating quality refreshes and makes alert whoever drinks it. In many societies it is considered to be the social drink. The popularity of the cafe culture is evident from the sheer volume of the coffee shares that is traded in the stock market the world over and the competition over the establishment of coffee houses by some coffee brands. Whatever it may be, the magic of coffee has retained its spell.










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Jason Uvios writes about "The Cafe Culture" to visit:espresso coffee pods,coffee pods and coffee pod maker.

By: Jason Uvios


Coffee drinkers the world over have their own preferences of tastes and flavors. This is not limited only to the people of one city or country, but the tastes differ from country to country. The Italians, for example, prefer strong flavored coffee in comparison to the Americans who like milder tastes. Likewise, the people of eastern globe love to have spicy touch in their drinks. So the coffee cultivation in different parts of the world differs in order to cater to the local tastes. With the growing international trade, commodities are being exchanged from one country to another. So is the coffee. In order to satisfy each and everyone's taste, blending of coffee is done. In blending, the various coffee beans from all over the globe are collected and mixed to meet the demand of differing tastes of the coffee lovers.

Most of the gourmet coffees are either regular ones or decaffeinated. But gourmet blends give different and unique tastes to the coffee. A single type of coffee bean may give only one type of taste, blending gives the tastes of more than one type of bean. Gourmet coffee itself is made from the high quality coffee beans of that region, such as Arabica beans, gourmet blends change the very nature of these beans either by mixing or at the time of roasting. Coffee beans that are not in demand in one country are used somewhere else and processed. Semi roasting or double roasting methods is adopted for giving finer tastes to the coffee. The coffee beans imported from other places are sometimes seasoned differently by different methods. But this requires a lot of research on the part of the coffee specialists. Careful observation and lots of patience goes into producing the perfect blends.

Countries having coffee plantations as their main source of economy tend to export their produce to other countries. Such of the exchanges can be used for making blends. A small difference in blends gives the coffee an entirely different taste that the coffee drinker may not have tasted ever. Therefore drinking gourmet coffee with different blends is by one way of helping those countries improve their standard.

Blends are not restricted to one specific species of coffee beans. Even some low quality cultivations are also used. Those beans would be fresh enough for making the perfect blends though they require some special techniques for processing. Thus gourmet blends give the coffee drinkers opportunities to test various flavors of coffee beans.








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Jason Uvios writes about "Gourmet Blends In Senseo" to visit:pods of coffee cheap,cofee pods and coffee.

For The Perfect Cup Of Coffee Start With Gourmet Beans
By: Gregg Hall


How does one brew the perfect cup of coffee?

There are several different brewing methods used through out the world and every avid coffee drinker has their own preference. But the one thing that they all agree on is freshly grinding the coffee beans daily. This is something that they believe in deeply and take to heart. Even the average coffee drinker will be a convert to this after having just one cup of coffee from freshly ground beans. With this in mind, every home should have a good quality coffee grinder.

The next logical question would be, what is a quality coffee grinder?

Well, there are two basic types of grinders, burr grinders and blade grinders. The burr grinders use plates with gears on them, otherwise known as burrs. One plate turns while the other stays still which causes the moving plate to grind the beans against the stationary plate. Blade grinders, on the other hand, use razor sharp blades that spin, grinding the beans in the process. When choosing between these two, keep in mind that heat and uniformity can have an effect on the finished coffee.

No matter what type of grinder you choose, a certain amount of heat is produced. Faster grinders are time savers but they produce more heat, and this does cause a certain amount of damage to the beans. Also, the length of time needed to make finer grounds also causes more heat, thus more damage.

Another thing to take into consideration when producing a great cup of coffee is the uniformity of the grounds. Coffee should be ground evenly through out. This is important because when the water passes over the coffee grinds it only has a small amount of time to take in the flavor of the coffee. When beans are poorly ground and not as uniform, it is harder for proper brewing to take place.

A low speed burr grinder does not produce as much heat, causing less damage to the coffee. Also, unlike the blade grinder, it provides a more uniformly ground bean which allows for better brewing. It is for these reasons that the burr grinder would be a better choice over the blade grinder. This type of grinder can run as much as several hundred dollars, but there are models available to fit into any budget.

For those who do not enjoy the flavor and aroma of a great cup of coffee, this may seem like an extravagant purchase and colossal waste of money and time. After all, there are many different already ground coffees on the market, easily purchased at local grocery stores. But for the coffee enthusiast who has a heightened sense of taste and smell, these prepackaged products just do not do not measure up. Therefore, this is a wise investment that will bring years of enjoyment. Let's face it; there is no better way to start any morning than with the perfect cup of Joe.









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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beans at www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com

By: Melvin Ng


The story goes something like this.

Once upon a time, in 850 A.D. to be precise, a goat herder had taken a long trek through some fields to reach the grazing pasture of his flock. Man and animal were both tired after the long hike but then this was an everyday happening. Roaming around, the goat herder noticed some strange berries that were growing on a secluded area of the hill side. While he was pondering the berries he found that some the sheep were busy browsing through this new fruit. Too late to do anything he let them enjoy the feeding. Imagine his astonishment when a few minutes later he found that all trace of fatigue had gone out of his sheep. They looked up and ready for anything and fresh as morning dew.

Assuming, correctly, that the new berry might have something to do with this, the goat herder ate a few of them himself, what with being tired and all. As expected, a few moments later, he felt completely awake and freshened.

Now it so happened that a monk was passing by and the goat herder decided to narrate his experience to someone wiser than him. The monk took some berries for experimentation but he also scolded the goat herder for spreading fanciful tales of berries that woke you up.

On returning to the abbey, the monk told his brethren what he had heard and everyone decided to try and see for themselves what the fuss was all about. The unknown fruit was boiled in water and coffee was served for the first time.

It was initially used in Ethiopia before it found its way to the Arabian empire. In Arab lands, coffee was considered a sacred substance and exporting it was illegal.

However, thanks to a certain Arab called Baba Budan coffee escaped to the outer world. Word spread fast about this new beverage and its wonderful properties and in a short span of history coffee became one of the biggest commodities on the market.

Americans drink more than 4 billion cups of coffee every year.

While coffee is good known agent for getting rid of drowsiness there are also some health benefits. Coffee contains theophyline and asthma patients who drink coffee show 25% less symptoms. Regular consumption of coffee also lowers the risk of colon cancer by around 25%.

Of course, the sheer pleasure of drinking coffee is always there. Thanks to the Internet people can now order all sorts of coffees from anywhere in the world. The trend to buy coffee online and experimenting with different flavors has reached a frenzy since the growth of the Internet.

So take your time to try different types of coffee that have many flavors to offer. Different countries and cultures have different ways of preparing coffee. Perhaps it is time to give your taste buds and aroma sensors something new to take delight in.







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For more info on coffee, coffee beans, gourmet coffee and espresso, please visit our website. Gourmet Coffee

By: Bill Urell


Drinking tea was formerly only second to coffee when it comes to being the most favorable beverage in the world after water. But now, even in coffee shops, there are various tea concoctions available to the consumers. Milk tea and coffee tea concoctions are as abundant as there are different kinds of coffee brews. Different kinds of tea available in the market are as varied as there are different kinds of coffee. These are signs of teas popularity as an alternative beverage to coffee.

Both tea and coffee have caffeine and both beverages have medical benefits discovered through numerous research studies. What the tea beverage has many of that coffee has little of are the antioxidants that fights off and manage cancer-causing free radicals. Antioxidant properties of a tea made it quite popular at this present age when the number of cancer diseases is on the rise. Aside from cancer, tea has other medicinal properties over coffee that can provide relief from a number of sickness and its symptoms.

There are four types of tea; the green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong tea. These types of tea are made with varying steeping processes of different parts of the tea bush plant, camellia sinensis that can either be its leaves and small twigs or buds. Processing covers the fermentation, heating and drying of the parts of the tea bush. The addition of other herbs and flowers can contribute to the distinct taste of the tea.

Aside from the iced tea, present day tea concoctions include the so-called herbal tea or herbal infusion available in hot or cold serving. These tea concoctions are formed by adding a particular type of herb or fruit in the tea. Such herbal teas include the chamomile tea. The chamomile tea is also available in the market as a decaffeinated product for people who are advised not to drink too much caffeine. Herbal tea concoctions are presently famous in the mainstream market and are hip among the younger generation. This is the main reason behind the tea's present popularity.

From its birthplace in China, tea drinking has captured the taste of the rest of the world and is now considered a global beverage like the coffee. Whether at home sipping a hot green tea or inside a coffee shop enjoying a herbal infusion tea or an iced tea, the tea has finally gained status as a respectable beverage of the public. Present reviews shows that the tea will be as much a part of daily life as coffee. As more and more studies support the drinking of tea and the global taste of tea flavors are continuously being improved, it is expected that the beverage will continue to rival the coffee.






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By: Magdalena Witkowska


Caffeine, that magical element in coffee that shakes you up and wakes you up, is present in an even greater amount in a sister beverage known as tea.

We are all busy and a lot of us are overloaded with work. Managing a family and at the same time juggling a packed schedule can prove to be a daunting task. Under such circumstances, a dose of freshly brewed coffee or tea is the best thing that keeps people going.

Coffee and tea can be consumed in different ways in different seasons. During the winter and cooler months, when we wish that everything liquid could pass over our tongues and down our throats, should be warm or perhaps scaling hot. Brewing becomes an affair involving steaming cups of coffee and tea being served with wild abandon, not just for the freshness of the drink, but also for the warmth they provide by the additional caffeine supplied energy. Come summer and the recipe changes. Coffee goes into the blender instead of the coffee pot, where it is joined by ice cubes and other ingredients to make a cool shake. Tea manages to escape the violence of the blender and gently seeps away into ice water.

While previously, both coffee and tea were available in the state that they were grown. There is a choice available today, in the sense, that you can purchase either of them as caffeine free (decaffeinated) products.

Caffeine is good, but for people with sensitive sleep cycles it can be a bit of a bother. There can be a craving for coffee and tea at odd times (like just before going to sleep) and a cup that is not decaffeinated can keep these people awake for a long time. By choosing the decaffeinated option, they can enjoy their coffee and tea more casually.

What remains a constant mystery is that downers made out of alcohol are such great party makers, while the brain sharpens and activity enduring caffeine laced beverages like coffee and tea are more associated with comfort.

Most people will usually stick to either coffee or tea as their caffeine beverage of choice. This distinction can get pretty difficult when you consider that there are plenty of people who will drink coffee at certain times and switch to tea at other times, all within a single day.

There are even some places and cultures where the beverage is chosen, not on the basis of the time of the day, but on the gender of the drinker. When you are over there, you will notice that tea is decidedly a ladies' drink (much like gin and tonic) while coffee is bit more like cigars and usually men indulge in it.

However, like everything the beverage culture is also undergoing a change and today the choice of beverage is solely dependent on personal preference.








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Magdalena Witkowska is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.thecaffeinebuzz.com To find out more about please visit her website.

How To Enjoy Delicious Quality Gourmet Coffee At Home
By: Gregg Hall


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!







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

Have a Taste of Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee
By: Dave Poon


A cup of good coffee on the breakfast table is always a great way to welcome the morning. Since its inception centuries ago, coffee has become the most popular beverage and the world's most traded and sought-after commodities.

Over the years, many coffee variants have originated from different places, which paved the way for gourmet coffee to have a niche in the world market.

Aside from the basic Robusta and Arabica variants, there are other rare coffee variants which gained a good following from coffee aficionados.

First, there is the Civet coffee or Kopi Luwak, which is made from coffee berries which were eaten and excreted by the common Palm Civet. This rare process takes place only in countries like the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Indonesia, Vietnam and India, making Civet coffee one of the more expensive variants.

Kona coffee from Hawaii, Turkish, Colombian and Maraba coffee are some other premium variants which have become popular for coffee drinkers the world over.

'Jamaica's Blue Mountains'

The island nation of Jamaica, situated within the Caribbean Sea, has more than just gorgeous beaches to offer.

The amazing Blue Mountains are located at the eastern side of Jamaica, and this is where the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown.

Blue Mountains is a Jamaican region where there is a wide range of hills with an almost permanent mist covering the hills giving it a bluish hue, thus the name.

This mountain range boasts of a National Park with lush rainforests and rich vegetation. It is also home to hundreds of plants and animal species unique to the region.

The upper slopes and the summit are strictly preserved as a forest. The lower slopes, with its rich, fertile soil and ideal climate, serve as the perfect setting for coffee cherries to be grown and harvested from the Blue Mountains.

'Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: A Taste of Heaven on Earth'

Most coffee plants rely on the climate of the region where they are planted, and this produces the distinctive flavor found in the coffee cherries.

In the Blue Mountains, the tallest mountain range in the island of Jamaica, the following factors contribute to the unique flavor of the coffee:

- the hot climate
- the altitude of the lower mountain peaks where the coffee plants are grown and harvested
- plenty of rainfall to water the coffee plants
- the rich and fertile soil of the mountains where the plants are grown

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is considered to be the world's finest and rarest coffee variant. Words cannot describe the taste of this premier coffee blend.

A 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has this distinctively rich taste and aroma. Compared to other coffee variants, this has a milder flavor which is less bitter yet a little sweet, giving it that smooth, clean taste.

Because of the high quality expected of this coffee variant, the island country of Jamaica built the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board to maintain the world-class quality of every coffee bean produced in the island.

The tedious and time-consuming labor of coffee growers in planting, harvesting and processing the Blue Mountain coffee is truly amazing.

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is indeed a world-class variant that coffee enthusiasts around the world can sip and enjoy - up to the last drop.








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Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Food and Drink. For more information regarding Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee please drop by at www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Why Antique Coffee Grinders Are So Great For Grinding Coffee Beans
By: Gregg Hall


For coffee lovers, the rich smell of freshly ground coffee beans in the morning is enticing. The aroma fills the house and you can almost taste the coffee before you pour it in your cup. The delightful aroma increases as the coffee brews and you stand ready with your mug in your hand just waiting to take that first delightful sip. For coffee lovers such as this, an antique coffee grinder is a welcome kitchen appliance.

Reasons to Buy an Antique Coffee Grinder

You can buy pre-ground beans in packages or cans, but there is no comparison to the taste of the freshly ground ones. You can also buy whole beans at the grocery store and grind them there, but if the person who used the machine before you ground a different flavor of bean, then that flavor could change the flavor of the ones you choose to grind.

You also have to grind all of the beans at once, instead of grinding them as you need them. Grinding them all at once will still allow that fresh taste to come through in the first cups that you brew but the flavor may decrease with each successive cup that you make. That's why it's better to own your own coffee mill. A lot of people purchase electric coffee grinders. They work well but they make a lot of noise. There's also the chance that it may heat up the beans and take away from the great flavor.

Unlike their electric cousins, antique coffee grinders grind the beans to the proper texture with the added benefit of not overheating the beans. Another reason to own one is that they are beautiful objects, rich in history. Since they come in different styles, you can find one that will go well with whatever decor you have in your kitchen.

What Styles do They Come in?

Some antique coffee grinders mount on the wall, while others are countertop models. They are made from a variety of materials, one of which unpainted wood. These have handles that are made of cast iron and have intricate designs painted on them. There are other collectible coffee grinders, such as the Parker Nation Coffee mill. This mill was created circa 1905, in Connecticut. The beautiful bronze finish at the top sets them apart from other antique coffee mills. Another popular one was made in the 1920s, during the famous Art Deco era. Its sleek design makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen.

An antique coffee grinder is a great investment, not only for the wonderful coffee it provides but also because it's attractive and lends a sense of history to your home







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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as www.gourmetcoffeeplus.com">Gourmet Coffee Gifts at www.gourmetcoffeeplus.com

By: Adrian Adams


When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, freshness is key. One of the ways that you can ensure your coffee will remain fresh is to roast it yourself. Roasted coffee will begin to lose its flavor after ten days. Many suppliers do make sure that coffee is sold in sealed protective bags and these are effective. However, if you want to be certain that your coffee is the absolute freshest that it can be, you will want to purchase the beans and roast them on your own.

You can purchase a home roaster and roast your beans on your own, or you can roast them in a pan. In addition to purchasing a coffee roaster, you can also roast your own coffee beans in a popcorn popper.

When coffee beans are in their truest form and are not roasted, they are green, small, and hard. Roasting your own coffee beans gives you greater control over the amount of flavor your finished cup of coffee will have. It's also important to realize that coffee beans that are not roasted will last for a very long time, years even, so that you may cultivate the art of roasting your own coffee, slowly. Use trial and error and experiment with different flavorings and blends until you determine the roasting process that delivers the level of flavor that you enjoy best. After roasting coffee beans, they are more susceptible to losing their flavor. It is important to store roasted coffee beans in a sealed container to prevent them from exposure to air.

Also, let roasted coffee beans rest for at least five hours before grinding. This ensures that they will have the most flavors.

When you purchase a commercial roaster, the instructions for operation will be included. If you are going to roast the coffee beans in an oven you should use a large cast iron skillet. Make sure that oven is preheated to 525. Make sure that all the beans are spread evenly and are in a thin row don't pile the beans on top of one another.

You will know the beans are roasted by their color change. With the high temperature of the oven, it won't take longer than fifteen minutes for your coffee beans to be completely roasted. Once roasted the beans will have chaff that must be separated, this can be accomplished by placing them in a colander and shaking them, the chaff will fall through the holes. After roasted coffee beans have cooled, they should be used within ten days.








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