Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The World Loves Coffee

Coffee Lovers Rejoice

What is the #1 drink in the world?  Coffee!! It has become so popular in fact it's the second most traded physical product after petroleum. You wonder why it is popular? The caffeine that is present in coffee is used as a stimulant by millions of people to wake up and feel energized for their day. It helps give people an energy boost to manage all that work they have to get done, it’s also known to refresh the body after eating those large restaurant or holiday meals.

Where Does It Comes From, How is it Made?

The process of making coffee is by roasting the beans, beans which are picked from the berries of the genus coffea a small evergreen bush. In Asia, South America and Africa these bushes are most noticeable. Now that the beans have been picked, processed, and dried they are now ready to be roasted. Now to get different types of flavors from our coffee, the beans are processed and roasted in number of ways.

A lot of time and effort goes into making a great cup of coffee, brewing coffee has become a real art. As an example, if you want to brew a cup of espresso coffee ground the beans and pressure brew. Espresso was an early twentieth century invention that was discovered in Milan. Espresso's thick and strong consistency is attributed to how it is brewed. Depending on your taste preference espresso can either be an extra boost for some people or too strong of a flavor for others.

Looking for some History?

It's believed that the very first cup of coffee that was brewed was prepared in the mountains of Ethiopia when goat herders noticed their goats becoming energized after they ate the bush. It then migrated the coffee drinking experience throughout Yemen and Egypt. The 15th century saw Muslims drinking coffee amongst the world. It then began to migrate into Italy through Venice, but was first regarded and dismissed as the 'drink of Muslims'.

After the Italian adopted it, coffee started to become a regular drink, this soon then spread amongst first in Europe, then America and Indonesia. Now a days you see almost everyone in the world drinking their daily cup of coffee and not just regular coffee there are different flavors and methods to brewing it. We all like our coffee in different ways, some prefer instant coffee while others will have an espresso or an americano. Other cultures such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East it's common to see people brew their coffee with the sediment left in the bottom of the pan. Coffee is very versatile, it can be mixed with milk and sugar or simply drink it straight. Brewing coffee is a dependant on individual taste.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Everything You Need To Know About Speciality Gourmet Coffee

There are quite a few differences between speciality gourmet coffee and regular coffee that set it apart and which make it so desirable. First and foremost the taste of the premium gourmet coffee is really exquisite, and even the beginning coffee drinker should be able to tell the difference.  Comparing standard coffee to speciality gourmet coffee is like comparing chalk and cheese.  Gourmet coffee provides a much more developed flavour, which is richer and more rounded than standard coffee.

If you run a business, such as selling coffee or running a cafĂ© you should really try and give your customers premium gourmet coffee each time you serve them.  Although this will mean an increase in your expenses, it also means that you give your customers a great coffee experience every time they order from you.

Find Out Where to Buy Your Coffee From

For whatever reason, if you need to buy speciality gourmet coffee, there are a couple of companies in particular that you are going to want to check out. The Starbucks Store is one, and it is actually one of the most popular. This is a company that you know will always offer you the highest quality coffee each and every time, and one that you can really trust buying your business’s coffee from.

Another company that you can feel safe going through if you are looking for the most delicious speciality gourmet coffee is Coffee for Less. They offer are large selection of premium gourmet coffees, some of which are quite difficult to find elsewhere, and as they are always updating their range you will always find something new.

They deal with only the best coffee roasters in the business, meaning that you are never getting anything less than the most supreme coffee roasts when you buy from here.

If you have never tried speciality coffee before you are definitely missing out, and once you try it for the first time you will be hooked and will certainly never be able to go back to that old, run of the mill cup of coffee that you used to find bland before but now will be basically tasteless.

It is impossible to compare normal coffee to speciality coffee, the tastes are completely different.  But once you try it either at home or in a business capacity there will be no going back.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Learning About the Different Coffee Maker Types

Literally, there are thousands of different coffee maker types that you can choose from, so it is really no wonder as to why making a decision on a coffee maker can be so intimidating. By understanding these different coffee maker types better you will be more educated on what is available and be able to better decide coffee maker is going to be best for you.

The Well known Automatic Drip

The automatic drip is known to be one of the most popular coffee maker types. One of the most attractive features of the automatic drip coffee makers is their simplicity of use. They are by far the easiest of all coffee maker types to utilize, and they are also very cost-effective.

For these types of coffee makers the coffee grounds and first seized into a filter which is then placed into the filter holder of the coffee maker.

You then simply pour the suggested amount of water into the reservoir and turn the machine on to brew. It is best idea to brew a full pot but you can just make enough for a cup or two if you prefer.

Gavelia coffee maker may not so new to you. This Gevelia coffee maker is one of the favorites. It brews one cup at a time which means that there will be less coffee wasted, and it pours the brew straightly into the thermal mug where it stays hot and fresh tasting for hours. Besides, the coffee maker can be used to heat water for tea and soup, and comes with the stainless steel insulated travel mug included.

The automatic drip coffee machines produce a clear and very light bodied coffee, and of course as with any other coffee you should serve it immediately after brewing.

The manual and automatic drip brewers are both comparable in cup quality, and features of automatic drip coffee makers include the ability to heat and maintain a hot water temperature, spray heads for even dispersion of water over coffee grounds, and the use of filter holders which are designed for high extraction.

Percolator

Among all the coffee maker types, the percolator is considered to be the ugly duckling. This is because it does not respect the ground rules for making coffee. Instead, the coffee is boiled in a percolator, and the water is passed for some times through the grounds. Although this is certainly not the standard way in which coffee is brewed, and the coffee can often come out tasting flavorless and bitter, when brewed in the right way it can be quite delicious.

Getting to know about the percolator, let's take example from faberware coffee maker. One of types of Farberware coffee maker is the Farberware FCP412 12 Cup Percolator. This coffee maker is made of strong stainless steel and maintains a cup a minute speed, which is incredibly quick. In addition, it features rolled edges for safe and easy handling, and a detachable cord as well.

Remember that the method of brewing that you pick is entirely up to you, but it will greatly change the flavor of coffee that you buy. Therefore, it is important that you learn about the different coffee maker types and that you make the most intelligent decision and choose the right coffee maker for you and your taste preferences.

Monday, December 29, 2008

There are Health Benefits of Coffee

Health Benefits Of Coffee

As a beverage, coffee has become the most popular drink in the world. Its stimulating effects have become one of its main selling points along with the rich aroma and distinct flavor that comes with every cup. Many people may not know it, but drinking coffee may bring with it some added health benefits. Here are just some of them.

Studies have pointed out that there are many Americans now who are overweight. Those who have this problem are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. A study by researchers at Harvard shows that consuming more than 6 cups a day can lower the chances by more than 54%. This may further increase by combining this with an exercise and a weight loss program.

There are also some new studies suggesting that coffee drinking may not lead to people suffering from high blood pressure over time. Although some studies have also shown that coffee may increase blood pressure in people already suffering from the common ailment, it hasn't been exactly pinpointed as the cause of the development of high blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure. At this point, the influence of coffee in the cardiovascular effects in the body may require some more intensive study and research.


Research has also proven that coffee contains certain antioxidants that may be beneficial for the body. It can help people who are depressed by sending signals to the brain that will make them feel good just like eating a bar of chocolate, gum or ice cream.


People know that coffee can help make them mentally alert. If this is consumed moderately, it is possible to stop a headache, make one feel good and even prevent cavities, which just goes to show that the individual has to do more than just brushing and flossing to take care of the teeth.


Coffee may help in increasing mental alertness as well as prolong ones waking hours. Drinking coffee may also help in improving short-term memory. Some substances in coffee may also help increase the effectiveness of certain migraine medication. 

Although coffee may have these health benefits and more, drinking it in moderation may still apply. Drinking too much coffee regularly may also pose some possible health risks that may include insomnia and increased incidence of irritability and anxiety. Too much coffee may cause heartburn as well as indigestion. 

These are just some of the health risks that can be caused by drinking too much of the popular stimulant. Moderation is the wise option in most indulgences. This also holds true to drinking coffee.

To get additional information on coffee go to French Press Coffee also go to Organic Kona Coffee

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Enjoy Organic Kona Coffee

Kona Coffee Video

With the millions of coffee drinkers worldwide there is a rise in demand for not only organic coffee but also for organic Kona coffee.  Many coffee growers have discovered alternative and safe ways to improve the growing process.  They now use organic fertilizer and other earth friendly ideas to enhance and protect their plants.

Organic coffee - what is it exactly? This is coffee that is grown without using enhancement chemicals. It has been done that way since time before chemical companies intruded. Farmers plant the seeds, irrigate the roots and let the sun do the rest.

Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic." Only food labeled "organic" has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

By choosing organic flavored coffee, even though it may cost a bit more, it is a simple extension of your personal beliefs that everything we do should help, rather than harm, the world in which we live.

Organic Kona coffee, like other organic or all natural foods, is sold in an entirely different section of your local supermarket. This type of coffee is sold in caffeinated and decaffeinated as well as flavored with vanilla, chocolate hazelnut or anything else you can think of that regular coffee comes in. Organic flavored coffee (like other all-natural products) must contain a seal indicating it is, in fact, organic. This is an FDA classification and cannot be overlooked.

For us, high quality extends beyond the excellence of our roasts. It includes high quality in the growing and methods of farming, and fair and respectful treatment of those who grow our fine coffee. By supporting Fair Trade Certified products provides an additional opportunity for us and our customers to have a meaningful impact on the working and living conditions faced by many who grow, harvest and process coffee throughout the world.

Organic coffee prices will go down over the next few years, analysts predict. This is made possible by the crop rotation practices mentioned earlier by avoiding using fertilizers and pesticides.

The use of organic coffee or other products will not allow you to live longer, that is a guarantee that cannot be made. These organic products can help you live healthier lifestyles. Healthier lifestyles can lead to longer life. So the next time that you are in the grocery store or other large food center look at all of the organic food you can buy and realize that you can be feeling better and living a healthier, more enriching life than you were before switching from non-organic foods to organic.

To get more info on coffee go to Flavored Coffee Beans

Monday, November 24, 2008

Fresh Hawaiian Kona Coffee can be found at the following locations:

Kona Coffee Video

If you have never tasted fresh, Hawaiian Kona coffee, you should.

Most people who get their first sip of this type of coffee are forever hooked.  It is grown in Hawaii and Kona coffee is known for its unique balance the is unbeatable taste.  One of the most famous coffees in the world can be found growing on the northern mountain slopes of the state, including Mauna Loa and Mount Hualalai and also in many of the Kona districts of Oahu.

Buying fresh, gourmet Kona coffee ensures the best cup of coffee possible.  While Kona coffee's are higher priced than other coffe blends, they are absolutely worth the price.  After all, everybody around the world purchases this specific kind of coffee.  There are different growing conditions like sunny mornings and afternoons that have humidity and rain. Although this is beautiful, the coffee is always flavorful and different.

The tree on which fresh, gourmet Kona coffee beans grow actually came from cuttings out of Brazil.  Rev. Samuel Ruggles is credited with bringing the first tree to Hawaii, way back in the 19th century.  Finding the perfect soil and weather combination in Hawaii,  farmers soon expanded and started growing abundant crops on large plantations.  Today, it is estimated that the area on which Kona coffee beans are grown is more than 2,300 acres.  Because the creation of Kona coffee beans is such a success, roughly two million pounds are produced annually.

The blooms of the Kona tree appear every February and March, which appears as tiny white flowers, commonly called Kona Snow.  The green berries of the Spring turn to red fruit in the summertime that resembles cherries.  It is a right time for the "fruit" to be harvested.  One of the benefits of gourmet Kona coffee is that each of the beans is hand-picked for freshness.

Twenty four hours after the fruit is collected, it is run through a machine that makes sure the bean is separate from the pulp.  This is followed by carefully-controlled fermentation of the beans, for 12 hours at lower elevations and for 24 hours at higher elevations.  The beans are soaked and then placed on a special rack where they naturally dry during the next week or two.  They place the dry beans are stored on parchment.  You'll need eight pounds of fruit to make one fresh pound of Kona gourmet coffee.

If you pay attention to the characteristics of the Kona coffee seeds, you will be able to pick out the the fresh, gourmet Kona coffee.  For example, There is two beans for each cherry or fruit, with one side flat oand one oval.  The single, round bean found per cherry in some varieties is known as a Type II bean.  Further grading would be based on several factors, including size and type, moisture content, and purity.  Fresh, gourmet Kona coffee is made of a higher-quality bean.

 

More info on gourmet coffee can be found here French Press Coffee

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gourmet Coffee Is A Treat to the Senses

Gourmet coffee has been refined and has exquisite quality, distinctive flavor and aroma. It  is found in different flavors like almond, vanilla, chocolate, peppermint and pumpkin. Coffee sellers now stock both caffeinated and caffeine-free varieties of gourmet coffee. For those with a stomach acidity problem, coffee sellers provide gentle varieties of coffee.

It is difficult to decide with all the varieties available in the market, but there are a few favorites. Arabica and Robusta's varieties of coffee beans are two extremely popular variety choices.    

The best places to get gourmet coffee are Coffee Roasters which provide freshly roasted coffee. In contrast, roasted beans available at local supermarkets are usually roasted two to three months earlier than they stock it for sale. Grinding the freshly roasted coffee beans brings out the beautiful flavor. It is recommended not to store gourmet coffee beans at the usual room temperature but they should be kept instead in airtight jars and stored in a fridge. In case the user means to store the ground coffee beans for a long time, without risking their freshness, they may be kept in a freezer.

To obtain the highest quality of taste for a cup of gourmet coffee, the coffee maker should be kept clean. Washing the coffeemaker with water and vinegar at least once a month cleans it of any remnants of the taste of previous preparations. The amount of coffee used in a preparation also determines its taste to a significant degree. For making gourmet coffee, it is best to use two tablespoons for every six ounces of clean water. Purchasing coffee from famous coffee companies, is a good way to enjoy the different tastes in the coffee.

Friends and family will be delighted with gourmet coffee gift baskets. These gift baskets contain a collection of favorite coffee brands and sometimes special coffee bean roasts. Besides coffee, one may include accessory food items like cookies, chocolate, and biscuits in a gourmet coffee gift basket.

Coffee lovers, especially those who work in offices and take a coffee break, are the ideal recipients for these gift baskets. But these can be presented to anyone who is fond of a good coffee beverage, especially on occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas when fine food is the center of celebration.