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

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

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

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.

Find Yourself The Right Barista Espresso Machine

Although a barista espresso machine is usually found in a business environment, you can also buy one for your home kitchen. If you are interested in getting a barista espresso machine, you are going to need to take a bit of time to ensure that you find just the right one.

After all, there are many different barista espresso machine makes and models out there that you can choose from, and all sorts of different features that you can have included. There is even a Starbucks espresso machine that will help you brew espresso that tastes just like the espresso at Starbucks.

Getting Started

The first thing that anyone shopping for a barista should do is come up with a budget. The prices on these barista espresso machines can get to be quite high, and so by figuring out how much you are willing and able to spend, you will not only make sure that you are not spending more than you can afford, but as well you will be helping yourself by narrowing down the selection significantly.

Selecting The Machine

Now, to find a barista espresso machine, you need to learn about the selection. Find out about the different barista espresso machine makes and models that are out there and what features you will find.

One of the most popular barista espresso machine models is the Bosch B20 Super Automatic Espresso Machine. This is without a doubt one of the most feature-rich machines on the market today, and well worth every penny you spend on it. The key feature of this espresso machine is that it offers quality gourmet flavor and handy convenience - It makes perfect espresso in about 30 seconds.

Advanced features offered by the machine includes programmable brewing options, adjustable coffee strength, the ability to use pre-ground coffee of your choice in addition to coffee beans if you wish and which is useful if you have decaffeinated coffee beans in the hopper but want a regular espresso or coffee, rapid switching between brewing and steaming functions, and an adjustable coffee grinder for fine tuning your espresso or coffee.

There is even an automated cleaning system which saves you the trouble of having to take the entire machine apart and clean it all yourself.

This is just one of the many fabulous barista espresso machines out there, and if you want to find just the right one for you and your needs you are going to have to take a bit of time to browse around and check out the selection.

Espresso Coffee Machine

Every home should have an espresso coffee machine – if there are coffee drinkers in the house of course. The most important step in finding a coffee maker espresso machine is going to be for you to decide what features you are interested in and would like included on your machine.

No matter what brand of espresso cappuccino coffee machine you are looking for you will be able to find it here, and not only do they offer a wide selection of machines but as well barista tools, books, cleaning supplies, coffee grinders, coffee roasters, spare parts, and more. They offer a selection of super automatic espresso machines, traditional espresso machines, commercial espresso machines, coffee makers and brewers, coffee and espresso grinders, with the Saeco machines being the most popular of all.

One of their best sellers is the Saeco Incanto S-Class Sirius espresso cappuccino machine, which features touch screen and programmable coffee strength in a compact design. From the Krups espresso coffee machine line to the Saeco espresso coffee machine line, there are tons of other great choices. First of all you should know that the two most popular espresso machine lines out there today are the Krups espresso coffee machine line and the Saeco espresso coffee machine line.

There are many reasons why you should choose a Saeco espresso coffee machine over a Mr Coffee espresso cappuccino maker and all other espresso machine lines. With a Saeco espresso coffee machine, no matter what particular model you decide to get, you know that you are going to be getting the best of the best and getting an espresso machine that is going to last you for years.

This Saeco espresso machine is a truly incredible value for a quality pump driven home espresso machine. If you are planning on buying an espresso machine you want to make sure that you get the best of the best, and you can by choosing a Saeco espresso coffee machine. Anyone who is on the hunt for a commercial espresso machine should keep the Mr Coffee espresso cappuccino maker right up there at the top of their list.

There are a few different reasons why you should choose a Mr Coffee espresso cappuccino maker, but one of the main reasons why everyone should have a Mr Coffee espresso cappuccino maker is that it is such high quality. This is one of the most inexpensive espresso machine models on the market, and it features a frothing wand, brews 1-4 cups of espresso, a drip tray, control knob that allows for separate brewing and frothing, and a 4-cup glass carafe is included as well. They offer not only espresso machines but as well cleaning supplies, coffee, coffee grinders, coffee roasters, cups and mugs, starter kits, syrup, tea, and more.

Get more on coffee visit French Press Coffee

Roasting Coffee Beans Is So Easy

If you have every tried to make wine at home you will know how difficult it is, thankfully roasting coffee beans at home is much easier than making wine - and the results are often so good than no-one would know they have been roasted at home.

Although there are a large choice of roasters available you can use general kitchen equipment such as a frying pan or popcorn maker.  Just make  sure that what ever equipment you use is clean becausee if it is not clean the coffee will absorb the flavour of any left over food.

Dark roasts contain a little less caffeine than lighter roasts, but they lack the acid taste of the latter. Be sure to start with quality beans, of course!

Roasting coffee beans need to be heated to between 460F (223C) and 530F (262C).  This may cause quite a bit of smoke in your kitchen.  Therefore make sure you have your windows open and your extraction fan turned on.  The beans will also produce a strong odour, making ventilation very important. 

Turn up the heat and get those beans in the roaster!  (You may need to disable your fire alarms for a short while).

For some roasters, the thermometer is built-in, but you may want to have an extra for when it's open, or for those frying pan experiments. Candy making thermometers work well for the purpose.

How strong you like your roast depends how long you let the beans roast.  The beans start out green, then turn yellow then brown.  The darker brown the bean the darker your roast.

As the bean begins to get hot, pressure will build up on the surface of the bean and after a while you will hear a loud crack as the bean bursts.  This should happen around four to seven minutes after your begin roasting the beans.  This sound is normal so don't be alarmed.  Just remember to keep stirring the beans so they don't stick and get burnt. 

Caramelization of the sugars inside the beans will take place as the roasting continues.  The degree of caramelization is a personal tastes so remember to keep stirring and checking the beans every 30 seconds.

Roast long enough and sometimes a second loud crack will occur. At this stage the beans will be quite dark and for some palates a little overdone. Beyond the second crack you're really just burning the beans and boiling away the sugars. The results will be too harsh for most.

Transfer the beans to a metal colander, then agitate them.  The reason you need to agitate the beans is to remove the fine skin 'chaff' that results from roasting.  Once this skin is removed the beans are ready to use.

Roasting is a trial process.  You will need to try a few batches with different roasting times before you find your perfect roast to get the perfect flavour from your coffee.  It may be an idea to remove the beans for the heat a little early as the heat within the bean will mean they still continue to cook for a little while after you have removed them from the heat.

When you use a popcorn maker to roast the beans make sure you can stir the beans so they don't stick and burn.  If you are roasting the beans on the stove top, cast iron skillets are fantastic.  Remember don't leave the beans for a second and keep stirring.  Roasting coffee beans is very quick.

How To Recruit Office Coffee Service Provider?

 

Do your office staff perform proper monthly maintenance of your office coffee machine? Are they maintaining your brewing equipment clean?

Cleaning of office coffee maker is very important otherwise your coffee probably tastes stale and gritty. It is extremely necessary to exchange your coffee carafes regularly and scrubbing coffee flasks regularly to avoid build-up in your carafes that leads to sludge-like coffee. You should avoid expired coffee product to get a delightful taste of coffee. Your office staff or supplier should rotate and replenish stock every month.

If there is not enough interesting variety of beverages, multiple choices of coffee and tea, people will leave office to satisfy their individual tastes. This is very important aspect for office coffee service.

Can they provide office coffee makers that fit your break room needs? Different size offices require different machines. Single cup coffee makers may be best for one office, volume brewers for another. In addition , you can ask them to supply additional products to ask for include first aid, break room paper goods, condiments, snacks and other beverages.
 

Your route sales representative should do monthly survey to know the general satisfaction level of your people regarding office coffee service and taste of coffee. You should not sign invoice unless a proper signed report is attached.

How to find a reputable coffee service company in your area?

Search engines like Yahoo. MSN, Google are very helpful to locate coffee service companies in your area. Your online search term should inclide city name like NewYoek and state.e.: office coffee service San Diego CA.

You should start your research with established brand names like Farmer Brothers, Custom Coffee Plan, Boyd's and Starbucks.

You should try to select a company who can provide more than coffee? You can outsource entire break room supply service to that company which will save your business time and money.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee with Today's Automatic Coffee Makers

Coffee produced using an original Turkish Ibrik is propably not for everyone as it is extremely strong.  This was an original method of brewing coffee, an early type of coffee maker, which did not filter the coffee which therefore made it really strong.  Coffee is still brewed using these types of copper containers in the Middle East today.

If you enjoy coffee and would rather drink it than eat it there are a huge selection of automatic coffee makers available.  Some machines are very simple to use whilst others have more features and are more complex.  Before you decide which machine is for you there are a few things you need to consider...

The drip coffee machine is one of the most popular type of automatic coffee makers available today.  Water is poured into the top of the machine, it then filters over the coffee grounds after beiing heated by an electric coil.  The filtered coffee then collects in a glass pot that sits on a heating plate at the base of the machine.

However, these are just the basic features.  There are many more options available which you might find nice to have.

Controls have proliferated to the level that many machines look like a modern stereo. LCD screens display the time, the time to brew, temperature, a timer and several options even more unmentionable.

If you have ever been in the unfortunate position of having coffee pouring all over your kitchen bench because you forgot to shut off the coffee machine or you could not wait until the coffee finished brewing and you removed the glass pot just to take a quick cup of coffee, only to have the coffee drip all over the hote plate, then you will understand the importance of the Auto shut-off feature.  Basically as soon as you remove the coffee pot from the hot plate the machine stops brewing the coffee.  This may not be one of the most fancy options but it is certainly one of the most useful!

Today you can control every aspect of your brewing experience.  Many modern machines let you select the strength of the coffee you desire, along with what time you want the brew to start, so it can be ready when you wake-up, presuming you remember to set it up the night before!

Everyone loves the smell of coffee, and it is very comforting to come down into your kitchen on a dark, cold morning and smell the fresh brewing coffee as well as seeing the little illuminated display telling you your coffee is ready.

Cleaning has been made better, too, by the development of coffee 'pods' - small pre-measured paper containers of coffee through which the water flows. They have the added blessing of providing good filtering for grounds. Once the brewing is complete you just pop them out (after they've cooled!) and toss them into the waste basket. Essential for the busy - and averse to cleaning up - coffee drinker.

A water filter can prove to be a really useful addition to your coffee machine.  If the water where you live is not that great then the water filter will only improve the quality of your coffee.  Of course the water filter may increase the price of your coffee machine, but can you really put a price on the perfect cup of coffee?

The traditional coffee filter machines are still in demand but the development of the coffee pod machines have proved very popular.  Debate rages as to whether they affect the quality of the coffee, but this will come down to your own personal choice.  People also question the enviromental impact of the pods but again this is a decision only you can make.

With so many brands to chose from and a bevy of coffee machines available it may seem like an impossible task to finally decide on your faultless coffee maker.  But you can take pleasure in that fact the once you have chosen you can enjoy your perfect cup of coffee whenever your want for a long time to come.

Kona Peaberry Coffee is Pleasantly Aromatic

Kona Hawaii has the perfect climate, elevation and equatorial location to produce one of the best coffee beans in the world, the Peaberry coffee bean.  Kona Peaberry Coffee produces a satisfying rich cup of coffee and is the reason it is one of the most sought after coffee beans.

Kona coffee can only be called that if it is grown within the district of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is grown in a small area only one mile wide by 30 miles long. Coffee grown in any other area of the islands can only be called "Hawaiian." Even coffee grown in Kona is called "Hawaiian" if it falls below the "Prime" grade.

Because Kona Peaberry coffee has a lower acid content than other beans it brews a smoother tasting cup of coffee.  This rare bean is unusual due to its cylinder shape, producing one bean instead of two, and makes up only five
percent of the coffee crop. Some believe that because of its differences it yields a darker and stronger but smoother bean.

The best way to experience this bean is to brew the Kona Peaberry coffee in a French Press coffee pot.  Melding together the best bean with best process of brewing to yield the smoothest and at the same time, boldest cup of
coffee.  The Peaberry bean can be sampled, thoroughly enjoying its robust flavor. It doesn't get much better than this!

To be sure you are getting Kona Peaberry coffee check the label carefully. It can only be labeled Peaberry if it is one hundred percent Peaberry.  Just because you are spending more and it says "Kona Blend" or "Estate" does not mean it is Peaberry coffee. Most Hawaiian coffees are blends of several different types of coffee berries roasted together to create the blend.

It is well worth the extra cost to buy pure Kona Peaberry Coffee. You will not be disappointed.

To find additional information on coffee visit French Press Coffee Maker

Treat Yourself To Organic Flavored Coffee

Organic Flavored Coffee

With the millions of coffee drinkers worldwide there is a rise in demand for not only organic coffee but also for organic flavored 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 flavored coffee means that only 100% natural flavorings (fruit & nut extracts) are used to produce flavored organic coffees. Certified organic coffees must be grown, harvested, and processed without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Farms that grow certified organic coffees are tested for chemicals by an independent certification agency for three consecutive years.


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.


As with the majority of organic products, organic coffee takes more time to come to term. This means that organic coffee costs more than your general store brands. In some instances, 12 ounces of organic coffee can be sold for $1.00 per ounce.

Organic 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.


Organic coffee growers in other countries are free from the dangers associated with working and living in chemically polluted regions. In organic farming cooperatives, streams and underground water supplies are not polluted with chemical fertilizers. Coffee growers do not suffer from chemical poisoning - an all too real side effect of growing coffee the traditional way.

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.

When organic flavored coffee is a product that is higher in quality, delivers better taste, and can be offered at the same price as a high-quality non-organic product, why purchase a non-organic product?

Get the latest information on coffee go to French Press Coffee

Tips for choosing the best coffee makers

When purchasing a coffee maker there are many areas that need to be given some serious consideration. Finding the best coffee makers in a market that is simply overflowing with options can be very challlenging. Below is a simple guide to help you on your mission to find the best coffee maker for your needs. It is very important to keep the following statement in mind. Irrespective of all the cofee maker ratings and reviews you need to remember that the best coffee maker for someone else might not necessarily be the coffee maker that is best for you. The whole process of which coffee maker to buy is very subjective. The circumstances and preferences of each individual are of course different, but one facts remains the same, the best coffee makers for others may not be thwe best coffee maker for you.

Consider the following;

1. How often will you be using your coffee machine?

2. How much coffee do you consume?

3.What is your brew of preference?

4. How quickly do you need your coffee fix?

5.Have you the time or inclination to grind your own coffee beans?

6. Is cleaning a coffee maker a real pain for you?

7. . How much space have you available for your coffee maker?

8. How much can you afford to spend on your coffee machine?

Now that you have answers to the questions above we will look at some of the options available to you in your search for the best coffee makers.




Automatic Drip Coffee Makers



Automatic drip coffee machines are probably the coffee makers most favored by Americans. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and simple to use. Most work on the same principle. There is within the coffee pot there is a filter basket where the coffee grounds are held in a paper filter. Cold water is decanted into the reservoir where it's heated prior to being poured over the grounds. The ensuing coffee flows into a carafe. The brewed coffee is kept warm by the hot surface beneath the carafe.

Keeping the machine and carafe clean, using quality coffee and disposable paper filters will help ensure a better result.

Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

Automatic espresso coffee makers are available in semi-automatic, fully automatic and super automatic versions. Semi-automatic models tamp the coffee grounds, brew the coffee, fill the cup and eject grounds. Fully automatic models also grind the coffee. Super models offer a wide variety of features, including built in water filters.

French Press Coffee Maker

French Press coffee makers are also known as press pots or plunger pots. The pot is a glass or porcelain cylinder which contains a stainless, mesh plunger that works as a filter.

The user measures coffee grounds into the pot and adds water that is just short of boiling point.. The plunger is put in place but not pushed until the coffee has steeped a few minutes. After steeping, the plunger is pushed and the coffee is ready.

The coffee needs to be served immediately or placed in a thermal carafe as there is no way of keeping the coffee hot.


Percolator Coffee Makers

Percolator coffee makers are available in stove top styles and in electric styles. Most modern ones are both electric and can be programmed. Some models make only one cup of coffee, others can make 12 cups at a time. The massive coffee urns that a lot of organisations use operate on the percolation principle and can brew in excess of 100 cups of coffee at a session.

Percolators are not used as often as they used to be. These machines continuously run the water over the grounds and the water is boiled. Many coffee lovers claim that both actions violate the laws of making good coffee.

Coffee made via percolator tends to be stronger and often bitter tasting than coffee made with other brewing methods.

Stovetop Espresso Coffee Makers

Stovetop espresso coffee machines are simple to use and can be made anywhere there is heat, whether on a stove or over a campfire. Water is put inside the bottom boiler. The funnel filter is then placed in the boiler and filled with coffee. The top is screwed on lightly and the unit is placed over the heat source.

Once the top of the boiler is filled with brewed coffee, the coffee machine is removed from the heat source and the coffee is served.

Vacuum Coffee Makers

Vacuum coffee makers look more like chemistry lab equipment than coffee machines. This type consists of two overlapped containers that are connected by a syphon tube. There is a filter in the bottom of the upper container.

The user places water in the lower container and coffee grounds in the upper container. The machine is then put on top of the stove where the heated water vaporizes and passes through the syphon tube into the upper container.

The coffee brewing cycle lasts approximately three minutes. After the unit is removed from heat, the vapor turns back to water and is forced through the filter and back into the lower container. Farberware created the first automatic vacuum coffee machine model while Sunbeam made the first truly automatic modern one.



Hopefully, this quick guide to coffee makers will make your task of choosing the best coffee makers for your circumstances, just that little bit easier.

Built In Coffee Makers

Built In Coffee Makers

Built in coffee makers are changing the way people design their kitchens. They are also changing the way people view the effectiveness of their ordinary, everyday appliances. These machines are making life easier for a lot of people, not to mention the fact that they are more convenient, and also pretty cool. For these and other reasons, built in coffee makers are becoming increasingly popular. Just take a look at all of the information about them that is available on the internet. Of course before we go any further, we should take a look at built in coffee makers and see what they are, and how they can help us achieve that all important caffeine rush.

Built in coffee makers, if the name is not descriptive enough, are coffee makers that are built into your kitchen. They take the place of that almost obsolete, but necessary appliance, the coffee pot. The built in coffee makers work somewhat like a soft drink machine that you would find in a fast food place. They have all of the ingredients already included for a great cup of coffee, water and coffee. The water is plumbed, or tanked straight into the unit, and the coffee beans can be freshly ground to taste. Built in coffee makers can also help declutter your kitchen. Because they are built in to your kitchen instead of sitting on your counter, they give you back some of your counter space. The unit itself is not too big, though some can be up to twenty four inches wide. You might want to seek the advice of a kitchen designer, to see how to best fit a built in coffee maker into your kitchen.

Built in coffee makers are also more convenient than a regular freestanding coffee pot. One of the built in's special features is that it can give out just one perfect cup of coffee at a time. We all know that it is quite time consuming and frustrating to have to wait until the full pot of coffee is made, before we can get one cup out of it. How many times has that happened to you? But with these coffee makers that problem is solved, and some designs even come with a drawer to keep your cups in. So not only will built in coffee makers save you time, they will also save you from wasting that extra coffee.

Built in coffee makers not only give you a perfect sized cup, but they also can give you a better tasting cup of coffee. You have the option of which coffees and grinds are put into your coffee maker. If you choose to put whole beans in it, the coffee maker will grind them to taste. We can all agree that there is nothing better than the smell of roasted coffee beans being made into coffee in the mornings. The best built in coffee makers offer taste and convenience, all in one neat package, and they make a great addition to any kitchen.

Top One Cup Coffee Makers Brands

One cup coffee makers (or single serve coffee makers) are much in demand nowadays. The reason for their growing popularity is that they eliminate the need to bear the hassles involved in brewing a ‘pot’ full of coffee when only a cupful is needed. The preparation of a whole pot of coffee that can be pretty wasteful is thus avoided. The main objectives that the one cup coffeemakers achieve are quick brewing, lessening of flavor and taste loss owing to prolonged retaining of the coffee and of course dispensing of the right amount of coffee that is needed.

 

Now there are even the one cup espresso makers on offer that aim at offering single servings of espresso beverage. This can enable you to brew and treat yourself to the perfect espresso drinks while doing away with the need to brew in excess.

 

There are a number of concerns that offer the single serving coffeemaker models. Notable among these are Phillips and Keurig. Many a model of the one cup coffeemakers of the day are manufactured by Phillipe Senseo and Black and Decker. Consumers who have used these products have praised their functionalities. Hence, these can be deemed to be worthy offerings in the market that you too can think of opting for.

 

Some popular choices among the one cup coffeemakers are the Senseo pods. It is their speed of brewing and delivering and convenience and ease of handling that sets them a class apart. Besides, these require little service. However, it has been learnt that the coffee pods that are used in the machine are not easy to find in the retail stores and they also do not come in a great variety. Shopping for the requisite pods can be made from Melitta or Senseo online is the way out to ensuring securing of the pods.

 

The Black and Decker concern provides some kind of coffee mug too with purchase of their one cup coffee makers. The single serving coffee makers that they provide are comparatively priced lower. The models make use of coffee filters to brew the automatic drip coffee. Some of the most popular one cup coffeemakers are the Senseo Single Serve Coffee Machine, the Black and Decker Brew ‘N Go, the Melitta MES1R, Keurig B50 and Mr. Coffee SSP10. Some among these models are programmable while the others are not. Any of these can be judiciously chosen keeping in with personal preferences of features.

 

One Cup Coffee Makers Great for Decaf Drinkers

It is the fear of heartburn that often makes people shy away from coffee. Causing of heartburn upon consumption of coffee is a common problem that many people face. However, the flavor and aroma of coffee can be so inviting that many people risk heartburn to enjoy their favorite piping hot coffee drinks of various types. Indeed, it is difficult to stop coffee buffs from sipping in their favorite drink.

 

The real cause of the heartburn arising after drinking coffee needs to be ascertained. It has been thought that the heartburn is caused by the effect of the acids of the stomach leaking into the esophagus where they are not supposed to be. As a result of the esophagus lining coming into contact with the stomach acids irritation is caused at the linings and heartburn is felt as a result of the acid irritation. The taking in of caffeine has been observed to be a reason for such heartburn. Upon consumption of a caffeinated drink like coffee the body tends to produce more acid and the extra acid produced go into the lower esophageal sphincter. So, the high caffeine content of coffee can be help responsible for causing or aggravating heartburn.

 

A new technology has been developed referred to as the Hevla technology that seeks to address the problem of heartburn arising upon coffee drinking. Ardent coffee lovers can now get to find a ray hope in the way that the technology can help enable production of caffeine free coffee drinks thus negating the possibility if any caffeine induced heartburn arising.

 

The Hevla process seeks to steam coffee beans at a high temperature. This helps eliminate the caffeine content of the coffee beans while keeping the great taste and aroma of the coffee intact. Using these specially treated coffee beans to prepare single serving of coffee using one cup coffeemakers can deliver in a short time a cupful of piping hot coffee for you that has great taste and aroma and is free from caffeine.

Since only a few people may want decaffeinated coffee it is best to prepare the decaf for one person at a time using one cup coffee makers. Usage of one cup coffee makers will also ensure quicker preparation of coffee and the fast delivery ensures that the taste and aroma of the coffee is kept just perfect while drinking. So, using the Hevla process to treat the coffee beans and employing a special machine from among the one cup coffee makers of the day will assure a wonderful coffee drinking experience sans the risk of heartburn.

 

Remembering the History of Coffee

When you sit down to sip your freshly brewed coffee every morning, pressing a simple button and waiting for your one cup coffee maker to whip you up your daily dose of caffeine, you probably don’t think about the history of that finely roasted brew you’re drinking. It’s probably such a habit by now you don’t even think about the machine making it.

Your coffee is an afterthought and because of that you might take it for advantage, but try to keep in mind that with over 1000 years of history and billions of dollars in industry, the coffee bean is one of the most beloved natural resources in all of early morning rituals.

The first recorded consumption of coffee is too far back to properly nail down. There is one story of an Ethiopian shepherd who notices the effect of a certain red berry on his flock. He partakes of the berry and is scolded by a local monk, who then takes and uses the berries for the benefit of his order. Another story tells of a group of exiled Arabians who boil and eat the special fruit to survive in the desert. Their survival is taken as a sign and the plant is named for the town, Mocha.

The actual origin is debatable but the effects of those first Arab traders bringing back the plant to their plantations in 1000 AD is indisputable. The world’s first coffee shop opened in 1475 in Constantinople, the first execution over coffee occurred in 1511 (as a local governor attempted to ban it and the sultan had him executed), and in 1600 the Pope baptizes the drink instead of banning it, a show of respect to the Turkish “infidels” they fought in the crusades.

The history of coffee takes it through heads of state the world over, introduced to every new country founded by an explorer and serving as an incredibly powerful industry as Europe began colonization of South America. Coffee’s effect on the world is incredible as more than 70% of the population has at one point or another tasted the morning beverage and a good many of those drink it every day.

Coffee shops are the places of historians and world leaders, construction workers and college students. The soothing qualities of a simple cup of Joe are older than nations, and as you sit and sip your own cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, watching TV or reading the paper, try to remember what those little beans have been through for you.

Comparing the Top Brands in One Cup Coffee Makers

Your coffee maker might be in need of a replacement. It’s true. Did that lacquered coffee bean finish used to be white? Does the basket hang by a single loose peg? Do you smell it, even after it’s been cleaned from the other room? It’s getting old, and you’ve used it nearly every day and will continue to do so; why keep beating a dead machine while it’s down? Start looking at your options for a new machine.

For those that own one cup coffee makers or find that their larger brewer is not quite as useful as they thought, brewing a half gallon of coffee every morning, you might be looking into the compact designs of a single cup machine. There are more than a few different options at your disposal when making your decision though? Which one is best for you?

Cuisanart – Cuisanart’s Two To Go Coffee maker isn’t exactly a one cup coffee maker, because it’s a two cup coffee maker, but it’s a steal and with two stainless travel mugs to brew into, your options are better than ever. The machine will cost you less than $30 in most instances and offers quick and easy operation with the hassle of too many features or massive amounts of cleanup.

Brookstone – Brookstone strives for elegant household luxury in their models almost always and their Tassimo Hot Beverage System is no different. With a single touch of a button, you and your guests can brew any number of espresso, hot chocolate, or tea beverages in seconds. The machine will set you back nearly $200 in the process, but with these kinds of options, you’ll never need to set foot in a coffee shop again.

Toastess – Toastess makes a couple of different one cup coffee makers, easily the cheapest on the market, and it shows. The machines are flimsy and tend to bleed flavor through the filters, but for $15, you’re looking at a simple, quick option when you’re in a hurry.

Kuerig – At $150, the Kuerig One Cup Brewing System is by far the best single cup coffee only machine available. It boasts not only a strikingly simple procedure – place the cup in and press brew – but offers minimal to no cleanup time, and doesn’t require any grinding, measuring, or filtering in the process. This is how single cup coffee brewing should be.

Black and Decker – Black and Decker’s single cup offering is a sleek, simple affair, and at only $20 it’s the best overall value of the bunch. Complete with a stainless steel traveler’s mug, a no filter basket, and one touch brewing, this machine is what the on the go (and on a budget) coffee drinker needs in their kitchen.

When choosing your on-the-go coffee machine, keep in mind what your budget is and alternately what you’ll be needing in a machine. If you plan on entertaining often and offering hot beverage options, the higher end models might be what you’re looking for. Otherwise, take a look at Black and Decker and Cuisanart’s machines.

Find more coffee maker reviews at A1 Coffee Makers Reviews.

Buying Coffee for Your One Cup Coffee Maker

When brewing your own coffee from how, you don’t have the benefit of a corporate hand stepping in with all the information and pre-taste tested knowledge that you don’t have. Not to say that Starbucks has the greatest coffee in the world, but they’ve tested it and it sells in thousands of locations all over the globe. You just ask for a cup of coffee and they know what they’re doing, for the most part.

When you get your new single cup coffee maker home or fire up your old espresso machine, you’ll be wondering what exactly you should go and buy to get the most out of it. You could always go the cheap route and stop at your local Starbucks and grab their brew of the season, but how often is blindly trusting Starbucks a good idea? No, you’ll want a basic idea of where to start; what you’re getting, where to get it, and how much to get.

First off, don’t buy too much coffee. Try buying in bulk first and going for as small an amount as you can. If you have a grinder, all the better; just buy enough to brew a cup or two and give it a shot. If you do this with a few different varieties, you’ll have a general idea in no time.

Know where you’re going. If you stop at the local grocery store, you may or may not get the kind of options you’re looking for. It depends on the size of the store honestly, but if you go to a specialty grocery store, a Whole Foods or Fred Meyer, where options are what make their brand name so important, you’ll find a huge array of different coffees.

Don’t be afraid to try the canned stuff. Folgers and friends don’t have to be all bad for everyone. There are some people out there who are perfectly happy with their standard coffee bought in a four month tin can. But, don’t buy a tin and stick with it. Give yourself some options by trying the better stuff too. You might find that you like the price of one but the taste of the other. Now, alternate a bit and give yourself a treat every now and then.

Try some gourmet coffee like those Starbucks and Tully’s brand coffees. They’re not all gems, but occasionally a special blend (I personally enjoy the Starbucks Christmas blend) arrives that will sit well. If you fall for something seasonal, you may want to back up your supply by picking a few extra up before it’s out of stock.

The act of brewing coffee at home is a liberating one for the avid coffee drinker. You’re left with the options to try what you want, when you want, without a corporation telling you what is “in” this season. Take advantage of it and you just might find that perfect blend of at home coffee.

Corporate Events Caterers and How To Choose

When hiring corporate events caterers for the first time it can feel a little overwhelming to try and find the best one out there for the most reasonable price. Following are a few hints and tips that can help you as you navigate the field. The ideal place to begin is to ask for personal recommendations from family and friends. Does anybody you know have any experience in hiring corporate events caterers?

Ask them to share with you their experiences, bad and good. Not only will they be likely to give you names of companies, but also they will warn you about some pitfalls to beware of. The next step is to take a look on the internet and see what information is out there for your particular location. For example, if you were looking for a caterer in the Washington D.C. area, you would start by doing a search for something like party rentals Washington DC. Then, take a look at some sites that rate these companies. It's always a good idea to read about what other consumers like you have experienced.

Once you have just a handful of companies under consideration, you should make phone calls to each of them so that you can secure a quote from each of them. You should have a good idea of the number of people that you expect to need to feed and which kinds of food they will want. You can negotiate with catering companies in several ways. For example, you can tell them your budget and then ask them what they will supply for that amount of money, while making sure that they know there are other companies being considered. You can also tell them how many people you expect and ask for suggestions. If you want to save money, one suggestion is to ask if there is a discount available if you order your item in bulk. Ask if they will give you a discount on a large order or if they have any current sales or special offers available. After all, you want to get the best deal for your money.

The bottom line is that when you're planning for an event like this you should really be looking specifically into corporate events caterers who specialize in the type of order your placing. Try to find someone with a lot of positive reviews on different consumer sites and be sure to get everything in writing before hand. Trying to find the best corporate events caterers at an affordable price can be a daunting challenge. Begin by asking for personal recommendations from family and friends. The next step is to take a look on the internet and see what information is out there for your location.

Fine Caviar from the World Over to Serve You

Parties are fun times and no party is complete without arrangements for special food to be served. It is the gourmet food fare offered at parties that takes our hearts away. Caviar can be a suitable delicacy to be served at parties. This is principally consumed as a garnish or as a spread. Serving of caviar on lightly toasted bread or crackers along with butter is acclaimed as a fine hors d’oeuvre. It is also common to find caviar being served with beverages like champagne or vodka. The caviar may be obtained from various fish species- the most commonly used fish species being the sturgeon.

 

Delicacy caviar obtained from various fish species

 

It is the eggs or roe obtained from the female sturgeon, a primitive fish species of the Northern Hemisphere that usually constitute caviar. These fishes are found in coastal waters, rivers and lakes. It is from the inland Caspian Sea- lying between Russia and Iran that most of the world’s caviar supplies is procured.

 

Among the sturgeon species it is the beluga sturgeon that produces the beluga caviar and the Russian sturgeon that produces the osetra caviar. Again, the stellate sturgeon produces the sevruga caviar. All these are varieties of fine caviar. The American paddlefish caviar- roe of a special fresh water sturgeon comes in many shades and ranges from pale grey to dark steel and has a smooth and silky texture and rich, complex flavor.

 

The Royal Osetra caviar is low-salt caviar obtained from the sturgeon fished in the Caspian Sea- Russian waters. The characteristic dark and rich color and incredible flavor and subtle sweetness make it so very special. Featuring among the rarest and the most magnificent of all caviar is the Tzar Imperial Beluga. This is near-translucent pale grey caviar. The large perfect pearls and delicate buttery flavor makes this stand apart.

 

Serving caviar secured from around the world

 

Caviar as secured from the world over is a highly esteemed delicacy. How best to serve it is the issue which concerns hosts offering the delicacy the most. The fine caviar obtained from various parts of the world and from various species of fishes are to be desirably served on lightly toasted bread or crackers together with butter. The bread or crackers are not to be made too hard by toasting in order to avoid losing of the taste. Utensils made of horn, wood or gold are traditionally considered as the best utensils to serve the caviar on. Mother-of-pearl and plastic utensils may also be suitable. However, utensils made of silver and steel- both carbon and stainless types need to be avoided as they have been known to alter taste and color of caviar.

 

Find resources on caviar and gourmet food and A1 Gourmet.

 

Coffee Making Options for the Campers among Us

In the vast and terrifyingly diverse world of coffee makers, there are a few situations in which you might find yourself that warrant a new purchase; road trips, a new job, or the ever gear conscious camping trip. If you’re heading into the woods for a few days and plan on waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise, catch a trout, or take a hike through dangerous terrain, you might want to be awake first. For that, you’ll need some good old fashioned coffee.

Your coffee options when camping are no worse than any other time in your life, whatever you may think. It’s possible to buy and bring with you a full service coffee maker designed to plug into a car battery, run on batteries, or heat up over a fire. It’s all in how much of a ‘roughin it’ kind of camper you want to be.

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide what you need. If you think you’ll be bringing along an entire troupe of friends and family, you might want to spring for a full service campers’ espresso maker. If you’re not interested in the slew of options that one of these might offer, you can go for something simpler. Coleman offers a 2-3 cup machine that will actually fit nicely on top of your camp stove. The basket opens right up and the filter pops in and out easily.

Then there’s the option of the one cup coffee makers. Coleman makes one in the same line as their larger brewers, but with a simpler, single cup method. With this model you have the option of buying one that fits on your stove, or if you’re driving into the woods, plugging it directly into your car for a quick cup of coffee. The options are great because on a cold morning, waiting for the coffee to brew, a couple minutes warming up inside your car might just be that much more enjoyable than freezing over a camp stove.

Of course, for the purists among you, there’s always the good old fashioned percolator. From the days of the great plains and wild west cattle runs, a simple coffee pot style percolator will fit nicely over your fire and brew one strong cup of coffee to get you up and running in the morning.

The options, like any other aspect of your coffee drinking life, are immense. When deciding what you want to purchase for your trip into the wilderness, it’s simply a matter of how you might like to spend your time and who you’ll be spending it with.

Get more information on coffe visit French Press Coffee

The Numbers Behind Caffeine

There are a lot of tools in the trade of waking up and getting started in your day. Everyone wants you to think their product will knock you out of your sleep stupor first, but there’s no doubt that coffee and more specifically caffeine, is the best way to get your brain pumping. There are so many different options for getting that daily dose of caffeine that it’s hard to know where to go.

For those on the go, there’s the single cup coffee maker. For those at home there’s the staying power of a classic brewer. If you’re a fan of a stronger brew, or want the ability to steam milk, the at home espresso machine is an option. And for everyone else, and there are a lot of us, there’s your friendly neighborhood barista. How do you know which option to take though – that triple shot caramel latte, or a cheap at home single brew.

First off, how much caffeine will you be getting in each of your drinks? Caffeine itself is found in over sixty plants the world over, in the leaves and beans, usually acting as a natural pesticide. The more important thing to us humans though is that it’s a stimulant when ingested. From coffee to tea, kola to cacao, caffeine inhabits many of the plants we refine and eat everyday.

Let’s take a look at what you’re getting in those drinks though. A typical cup of coffee is going to hit you with 100 mg of caffeine, whereas a single shot of espresso is around 40-60, depending on the variety. Tea has about half as much as that drip coffee and energy drinks – those ridiculous shots of energy you pick up to stay up another hour – are filled with 80-300 mg of caffeine. Throw in the fact that these Guarana packed aluminum cans don’t taste very good and it would seem like a poor decision to make.

So, when you’re picking up your double tall mocha from Starbucks, you’re getting about as much caffeine as a typical cup of strong drip coffee. The difference is in the taste no doubt, but for those of you interested in a quick and easy option to getting up in the morning – something like a one cup coffee maker – who are worried about getting enough caffeine, you’re getting just as much in your single cup as you would stopping at Starbucks for that mocha. As an added bonus, you save four dollars a day.

Crafting the Perfect Barbeque Pit

            Cavemen weren’t always barbaric in their daily lives, between gathering food and knocking one and other over with big sticks they utilized the outdoor oven known as at barbeque pit. Our cave brothers knew what they were doing when they smoked turkey and chickens over the hot coals of the pit, they were unknowingly crafting a cooking method still utilized today. The barbeque pit is a great way to cook food, gather with friends, and create some spice to that boring yard of yours.

 

            Barbeque pits are traditionally used by restaurants, cooking enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen, but they are becoming more popular in our backyards. The location of the barbeque pit is the first essential ingredient to making this outdoor oven work for you and your family. I wouldn’t recommend putting the barbeque pit in your front yard if you live on a busy street, the next door neighbors might think you’re trying to send smoke signals to the sky for rescue. Then again if you live on a farm, or ranch, a front yard barbeque pit might be just what the doctor ordered. The most logical way to pick a location for the barbeque pit is away from leaves, trees, and anything that can catch on fire. That being said it can also be a trendy looking landmark if you put it in the center of your backyard, as long as the pit won’t cause anything near it to catch fire.

 

            Once you have selected the perfect location for your barbeque pit, it’s time to start digging. Typically you would want to dig about 5 feet into the ground, and create a circle big enough to house whatever size metal grill you will be topping your pit off with. Once the hole is dug you want to line it with wood, or charcoals of your choice. Be sure to choose the correct wood or coals because this is what will generate that smoked flavor. Many wood fanatics go for hickory or oak woods to burn in their pits, while charcoal is usually basic grocery bought coals.

 

            You don’t need a toga and a wooden club to be able to cook on your new barbeque pit. Many get the idea that Neanderthal ovens are meant for Neanderthal foods, this is not the case. Feel free to toss on some vegan burgers, or exotic tilapia fish. Whatever is your delight will be cooked to perfection on your in ground barbeque pit.

 

            The final step is making the pit a family friendly by adding wooden stools in a circular fashion a few feet back from the pit. This will take roasting marshmallows to the next level.

Comparing Starbucks and At Home Brewing with One Cup Coffee Makers

The Starbucks coffee brand has become something of a flagship for corporate coffee everywhere. Occasionally you’ll still see the odd family owned coffee shop on a corner somewhere, and if you live in a big enough city you might see a few of them near universities or downtown, but for the most part our coffee comes from places like Starbucks, Tullys, or Seattle’s Best (which happens to be owned by Starbucks now). The coffee is the same almost anywhere you go, and for that reason, the consistency of their product makes them a perfect stop for someone unwilling to take a risk on their morning caffeine.

There are of course other methods of getting that morning boost. You can always brew your own cup of Joe first thing and take it with you to work. But, many people are turned off by the prospect of the extra time spent brewing and work spent cleaning the mess up. If you’re a single cup kind of person, there’s no need to worry about that extra clean up and maneuvering. There are single cup coffee makers on the market that will brew up exactly as much as you need quickly, saving you the time and money of having to go to Starbucks or one of its many rivals or subsidiaries.

Starbucks is as consistent as they come. They use the same coffee in every store everywhere you go. You get the same cup of coffee almost every time, unless your Barista is entirely incompetent. Those machines are big and expensive for a reason; they’re mostly automated. At home, you can choose whatever variations you want. If you want to try something different every couple of weeks, you’re more than able to, and the difference in cost is negligible because a bag of ground coffee at $12.99 is still less than you’d spend in a week at Starbucks and it will last you much longer with your single cup brewing method.

Convenience is a factor too. You walk in, tell them what you want – no matter how odd or complicated – and they’ll put it together for you. It’s perfect for the non-fat, soy, single pump, half decaf crowd, but if you just want a little caffeine to wake you up, why go to that trouble? You can put your cup in and press start and in less than five minutes, while showering even, have your coffee ready for the morning commute.

The difference between Starbucks and at home brew is similar to going out to eat and cooking at home. If you cook at home you’re left the liberty to experiment and make the portions and variations you want. Menus aren’t so forgiving (or cheap). However there’s always the chance that something could go wrong with your cooking. With a coffee maker, it’s almost assuredly not going to go wrong. It’s too simple to go wrong.

The Pros and Cons of a One Cup Coffee Maker

For those on the run, there are a few things in life that make more sense than others – cereal bars, wrinkle free shirts, and short hair cuts. Things that cut a few minutes out of a busy day are worth every cent and often every second you spend on them. Every couple of extra minutes spent in traffic mean a few more minutes spent not getting something else done at home. Or worse yet, you might have to get up earlier.

The one cup coffee maker is one of those magic devices that can cut a few of those precious moments out of your day, speeding up your wake up routine and getting you out the door to beat traffic. Of course, you’ll be sacrificing some things when you take your one cup coffee over a fancier espresso style machine or the convenience of a Starbucks Mocha.

First you’ve got the plus side. You have a small, space efficient machine, fairly cheap and fast. It brews a single cup of coffee in a couple of minutes in your kitchen, while you shower or brush your teeth. It’s usually a breeze to clean and doesn’t leave any messy leftovers that you’ll come home to.

On the other side though, you have the basic pitfalls of convenience. You’re limited in what you drink and how much of it you drink. When you brew your cup in the morning, you have very limited options most often, especially if you stick with the cheaper machines out there. If you’re interested in anything other than the most basic of brews, you’ll want to spend a decent chunk of change getting it.

The next downside is that you do in fact only get a single cup of coffee. You’d better be sure you’re on the run, every time. If you tend to sit and sip at a half dozen cups of coffee on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you might want to get a bigger machine – one that will cater to your dual tastes.

When choosing your coffee maker, keep in mind what you’ll be doing with it. If you’re interested in an incredibly quick and easy cup of coffee to get you out the door in the morning, take the single cup coffee maker option seriously. If you want fancy buttons and knobs, or occasionally want to drown yourself in caffeinated goodness, think about getting a more versatile machine that will meet all of your needs.

Black and Decker’s DCM18S Brew n’ Go Personal Coffeemaker Review

Black and Decker’s DCM18S Brew n’ Go Personal Coffeemaker is the working person’s dream. It’s not only quick and easy to use, but it doesn’t leave you with all that extra coffee still sitting in the pot when you get home waiting to be cleaned out. There are plenty of single cup coffee makers out there though. What makes this one worth your hard earned dollar?

The coffee maker comes with a built in stainless steel travel mug, fifteen ounces or roughly the same as a Grande at Starbucks that it brews directly into. The bottom is tapered to fit most any cup holder your vehicle might have.  It is ding proof, and best off all rinses out without a problem.

The Coffeemaker itself is a slick dishwasher safe plastic with a built in permanent filter, meaning no more messy paper filters, and works great for heating hot water up for tea, hot chocolate, a hot breakfast or whatever else you might think of. It brews in seconds, so there’s no more waiting around for the steady drip to start up when you’re in a hurry. And the clean up is almost non-existent. If you don’t have the time one day it’s not going to hurt to wait until tomorrow.

It’s also an inexpensive machine, available on Amazon or similar sites for less than $20 and for that price you’ll save the money on filters alone in a year or so. It’s a perfect fit for students, busy office workers, and anyone on the go. The point is that you only have to brew one cup at a time though, so if you’re a ‘swing back as many as I can before lunch’ type of coffee drinker, stick with your traditional brewing machine.

Don’t forget that it’s a simple machine too. There are no programmable options or fancy things you can do with your coffee. It’s straightforward and simple, the way people on the go need it. But, for those that do need it ‘on the go’ you’re not going to find a much better machine to keep you caffeinated. You can simply wake up throw in your coffee and put your mug in the slot, go take a shower, come back and have your hot steaming coffee ready to go, with no leftovers and no mess. Now, if only the drive to work you’re about to commence could be so simple.

You can find many more coffee maker reviews and espresso machine reviews at A1 Coffee Maker Reviews where you can rate the machines yourself!

Kona Coffee

Hawaiian Coffee

Kona Coffee is considered to be one of the purest coffees in the world. Only grown on the big island of Hawaii, in the Kona growing region. Kona coffee requires a special amount of sunlight and water that only Hawaii’s warm climate can give. The coffee is harvested by hand ensuring only the best beans. The ripe berries are red when they are ready to be picked, they are then dried, pulped to remove the outside skin and hulled before being sorted by a machine into different grades depending on their size. The biggest beans are more expensive because they are said to be the most flavorful. After the sorting, they are roasted and sealed in a can to preserve freshness, and are ready to be sold all over the world.

History

Samuel Ruggles was the first man to introduce Kona coffee to Hawaii in 1828. Although at the time it was known as arabica coffee, it later became known as Kona coffee after growing so well in the Kona region that was home to thick volcanic soil that made for perfect conditions for growing coffee of all kinds. After many different cultures had experienced the rich and flavorful Kona coffee, its popularity grew immensely, and became one of the greatest economic developments of the 1880s. Farmers experienced ups and downs during WWII, but the sales slowly progressed afterward and have been booming ever since. Most people consider this rare and delectable coffee to be one of the finest, and certainly the most expensive coffee of the past few decades, and this statement is probably true, even Mark Twain wrote about it saying “I think Kona coffee has a richer flavor than any other be it grown where it may.”

Buying Kona Coffee

It is important to pay close attention to labels when buying Kona coffee some companies say that their coffee is the purest and finest, but some of the time this is not the case. Some of these coffees only contain a very small amount of the actual Kona coffee, they are usually blended with some sort of South American coffee. For this reason, be sure to buy 100% Kona beans from a true Hawaiian market. Online is usually the best way to find Kona beans because most cannot find them in a regular market, and they are usually fresh and can be shipped in just a matter of days.

Grades of Kona Coffee

Kona beans come in many different grades, like Extra fancy, Fancy, Kona #1, Prime, Kona#1 Peaberry, and Kona Peaberry prime. Kona beans are usually graded by size with some farmers saying that bigger is usually better, others say that it does not affect the end taste of the coffee. One of the most important parts involved in making the coffee taste well is the harvesting and processing part of the job i.e. hat is where only the best Kona beans are picked and processed leaving only the finest to be sealed and shipped. It is better to buy whole Kona beans rather then ground, because of freshness, the whole Kona beans will last for months, while the ground will only last about one month at the most. Kona coffee has been around for hundreds of years and has no sign of slowing down in popularity. It is sure to go on being the best coffee of the age.

Espresso Makers 101

The Perfect Cup

The Espresso machine was originated in Italy, and was originally produced by a large machine run by a person called a barista. But, nowadays, you can purchase your very own espresso maker for your home or office. They come in a variety of styles, but all of them essentially do the same thing - produce a delicious cup of espresso. The stove top espresso maker is most commonly used in Italy. This espresso maker is used without electricity, which makes it more portable for those who like to travel. It produces a dark coffee, compared to some of the electrical espresso makers that produce a much lighter smoother coffee.

 

Espresso Machine Models

 

The original pump driven machine is quite popular when it comes to espresso bars. It has special chambers for heating and steaming. It provides a motor pump that powers the machine. The automatic espresso maker is designed to automatically make the perfect cup of coffee. It has a programmed timer that only allows a certain amount of water to pass through the tubes for boiling, making it a fast and efficient way to make a quick cup of espresso. And that leads us to the mother of all espresso makers, the super automatic espresso machine.  This machine does everything for you including grinding the coffee, all you have to do is fill it with coffee beans and plenty of water and the work is done for you. A cup of espresso is more than just a cup of Joe! It is a smooth creamy cup that makes the day for you. 

 

The espresso originated in Milan Italy, at the beginning of the 20^th century, and has been popular in and out of Italy ever since.  Starbucks and Caribou Coffee are just a few of the places that sell espressos around the world, including places like France, Spain, and Australia. Espressos are popular in European countries and even in Asian countries. It can be said that all different cultures and all different parts of the world enjoy the same taste of the espresso.

The History of that Perfect Cup

 

The first espresso maker was designed in 1901, by Luigi Bezzera, the owner of a manufacturing company. This coffee maker was designed to reduce the amount of time it took to have a coffee break. It did brew faster Luigi’s machine produced coffee that was bitter and did not taste as well as some of the slower machines. After many tests, he came up with the theory that the steam had caused the bitterness, and that brewing at exactly 190 degrees produced the best coffee.

 

Though the more modern day machines were based on the invention “The Gaggia Crema Caffe Machine” built in 1947 that brewed even faster then Luigi’s model; his machine was still the first big step made toward a faster cup of coffee.  After these models, many followed and the popularity grew more.

Since then espresso makers have become a part of the office culture. Espresso makers can be easily bought online, or at your local appliance store.  Prices range from two thousand dollars to one hundred dollars, depending on make, model, and grade. But any way you go, the espresso machine is sure to satisfy your need for that perfect cup of espresso.

Restaurant Supplies Ensuring an Awesome Dining Experience

The whole experience of dining and/or drinking at a restaurant/bar can be given a facelift with proper and adequate restaurant/bar supplies being made available. The restaurant is a place having close association with leisure and concerns the fine taste of individuals. The intimate association of the restaurant with the lifestyle of persons dining out there makes it a place that is worthy of keeping spruced up at all times. This goes a long way to make the experience of dining at the restaurant turns out to be cherished one.  

 

The premises of the restaurant and/or bar and especially its interiors are to be made plush and cozy for diners to get a special experience. The restaurant supplies provided adequately helps in ascertaining that the activities of the restaurant are carried out well and customers are satisfactorily catered to.  

 

The availability and proper management of restaurant supplies features alongside marketing, service standards, décor and such other factors to spell success for the restaurant/bar. Supplies ranging from ice machines to knives and bar supplies assume crucial roles in sound conducting of a restaurant’s business. The selection and stocking of such supplies go a long way to enhance business prospects of the restaurant.

 

There is categorization done for placing the supply items suitable under different heads to ensure their appropriate use in delivering finally a perfect dining experience. Sections devoted for preparation, preservation, storage and serving are usually set up and the supplies like processors, dishes and trays are placed under them appropriately. The restaurant supplies of food products are classified into perishable and non-perishable sections respectively and the food supplies placed accordingly.

 

Select items of kitchen supplies, catering supplies, restaurant furniture, bar furniture comprise the restaurant supplies which are usually procured in wholesale. There may be excess supplies purchased in which case adequate storage arrangements may need to be made to prevent spoilage. The kitchen and catering supplies perhaps have the most crucial role to play in delivering an amazing dining experience while supplies pertaining to other restaurant concerns help provide a better ambience for dining.

 

So, with the right restaurant supplies in place you, a prospective diner-customer, can be assured of an awesome dining experience. Herein will be the real success of the restaurateur- in ensuring that you enjoy every moment of being in the restaurant by enjoying not only the food served but also everything else that restaurant supplies make possible.

The History of Caviar

Caviar has long been around as one of the premier delicacies offered as hors d’oeuvres or spread on an appetizer for the delight of Emperors, Czars and now party goers the world over. From its roots in the Persian culinary arts, the Roe of most often a Sturgeon has a long and noble history.

The first people known to have eaten Caviar were the Persians living in what is now Azerbaijian in the glory days of the Persian Empire. The name of the delicacy as they called it, “Chav Jar” translates to “Cake of Power”, no doubt a pun of sorts on the manner in which it comes and those that are able to eat it. The delicacy was soon exported and as powers rose and fell in the world, so too did those that were able to afford and consume the fine dish.

The economic value and power of a jar of caviar continued well through the Roman Empire’s reign. It’s said that when caviar was served to the Emperor, it was brought in among garlands of flowers and heralds trumpeted its arrival. Czars of Russia were among the only given the luxury of its consumption during the glory days of their power, especially after Russia took control of the area in which the Persians first discovered the treat.

As far back as the 2nd century, during the highest power of Rome, a jar of Sturgeon Roe cost the same amount as 100 sheep. If you fast forward a couple thousand years to the turn of the 19th century, it was possible to find caviar in every bar, pub, and restaurant in New York served along side peanuts at half the cost. Of course, like any natural resource, the results of such ample supply are usual seen in the rapid loss of population in the animal from which it is produced.

Overfishing of the sturgeon has led to the sharp uptake once more of the premium on caviar with the cost not quite approaching that of 100 sheep, but still costing a tidy sum in most countries. America produces nearly 75% of the world’s caviar right now, though it is to be noted that the labeling restrictions in the United States aren’t nearly as strict as in places such as France, where only the Roe of Sturgeon can be labeled as Caviar. Of course, the kind of fish from which the roe is harvested is always marked on the label on US produced caviar.

The fish itself, the sturgeon is nearly extinct because of the overfishing and rampant demand for its roe. As such, the premium for true caviar from the sturgeon is significantly higher than that of Salmon or Lumpfish. Since the dawn of its discovery, the Sturgeon has been a very special fish, hailed for the delicacy hidden inside in its Roe. World leaders for nearly 3000 years have partaken of the incredibly rare treat and shall continue to do so for many more.

The Art of Serving Caviar

Caviar’s role as the premier delicacy of kings, emperors, and other heads of state stretches all the way back to the Persian Empire and the “Cake of Power” days of the delectable Sturgeon Roe. It’s hard to come by, even harder to pay for, and what many people might not realize, hard to prepare and serve.

The most important thing to remember is that when you buy caviar, you have a limited window to use it. Fresh caviar is good for at most four weeks. Though, if you decide to purchase pasteurized product, you’ll be safe for a while longer. After opening though, you’ll want to use your caviar as quickly as possible, within a couple days at most.
In terms of taste, caviar is a very fickle food. It’s incredibly tasteful, evoking every response in the various arenas of your tongue. However, you’ll want to make sure that when you serve it to guests, you don’t disrupt that taste by drowning it out.

The best way to serve your caviar is to leave it in the tin, surrounding it with ice. If you try to take it out and pretty it up, you risk breaking the grain and losing the flavors before it even reaches your mouth. Secondly, you want to make sure whatever you serve it with doesn’t offset its flavors.

As an hors d’oeuvre it is best served on lightly toasted bread or crackers, usually with butter. You don’t want the bread or cracker to be too hard or you will risk losing flavor once more. There is a common misconception that serving caviar with eggs or other strong tastes like sour cream or yogurt is a good choice, but more often than not you only succeed in completely drowning out the taste of your caviar in doing so.

In terms of beverage, there are a few different opinions on the matter. Firstly, there is the classical choice of Champagne with your caviar. Many find it to be too sweet though, once again taking away from the taste of the caviar, but the tradition is old and so too is the draw of that tradition. Vodka is another traditional pairing, cleaning your palate each time to taste in full the various flavors.

Caviar is a delicacy of the highest order, and accordingly it’s foreseeable to be confused or even nervous about how best to serve it. There are many aspects to take into consideration; its freshness, its palatability, the after taste, and how strong other flavors come across. Keep all of these in mind when serving to get the most and the best out of your caviar.

Caviar Varieties and Variations

Since its discovery and rise to the top of the food ranks as one of the premier delicacies in the world, Caviar has been one of the most sought after rarities from the ocean. Going back to the days of Persia and its “Cake of Power” reputation, there has been a certain awe and majesty reserved for the Sturgeon from which the luxury is harvested.

There are, however more than a few different variations on that classic golden extravagance that flood the market these days. The sturgeon itself is nearly extinct for that very reason. American producers who make up over 75% of the market, are forced to look elsewhere for their Roe.

What do you look for when buying your caviar though? In America all caviar is labeled with which fish it’s derived from. Salmon is a commonly used substitute for the classic beluga sturgeon, but many find it unsatisfactory because it’s not pure caviar. For that, you might turn to French sources, a country in which you are disallowed from naming anything caviar unless it is harvested from the sturgeon specifically.

What are you looking for when you buy it? The lighter and large the caviar, the better it is generally graded and thus the more expensive it is. When buying, look for the grading on the packaging, where 000 is the lightest possible color and 0 is the darkest. The lighter it is, the higher it’s been graded. This applies mainly to the sturgeon derived caviar though, as Salmon or Lumpfish derived caviar is graded slightly differently, mostly due to its naturally different colors and size.

When buying caviar, it is possible to purchase either pasteurized or fresh variants. The pasteurized is naturally considered safer and doesn’t have quite the risk of bacteria or fungi that fresh caviar would, but is also not considered to be “true” caviar by enthusiasts. Generally after purchasing the caviar you can hold it for up to 4 weeks in refrigeration before opening, and two or three days after. Of course, with pasteurized caviar, you can stretch that time to a few months as it has been safely cleaned before shipping.

Your options for caviar are of course as wide and open as the market makes it, meaning for those that aren’t quite on the budget for a $120 jar of “true” caviar, there are American variations derived from less endangered species of fish, under different grading systems and pasteurized for you safety.

Easy method to cook quinoa

prepare quinoa

Many quinoa recipes use quinoa that has already been been cooked and prepared before including in a recipe. There is a saying that you have to cook quinoa twice and this is true in most quinoa recipes. When you have prepared the quinoa in this way it is ready to be put into all sorts of dishes replacing rice and cous cous as a base for meals. You can keep the cooked quinoa in the fridge to use with salads. chop up some peppers, spring onions and celery and you have a complete meal.

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa in a fine seive with cold water. Doing this process two times will make sure that all the coating is gone. When quinoa is unprocessed you need to rinse it completely in this way to be sure of getting the best results.

Step 2

Measure out one cup of quinoa to two cups of water into a saucepan.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring gently to ensure it does not stick to the pan. Once it boils, turn the temperature down and let it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. It is a matter of personal taste how long you cook it for. i prefer it crunchy so I cook it for only ten minutes. By the end of the cooking the water will have been absorbed by the quinoa. The quinoa will double in size during cooking. Take the pan with the quinoa off the cooker.

Step 4

Your quinoa is now ready to serve as a substitute for rice with curry and other dishes. As well as this you can put it into your regular meals and salad dishes. Quinoa generally blends in with the flavours of the foods that you cook it with. It has a pleasant crunchy texture that adds substance to any menu.

It is also ready to include in the recipes that are in the quinoa recipes book.

Quinoa can help you lose weight

Some foods are always included in diets because they are so low in fat but they do not always satisfy your stomach that is aching for food. These include salad vegetables and other fresh veg as well fruit and low fat processed foods. The trouble is that the way these foods are presented on diets is so bland and boring that you end up feeling like an underfed hamster. This is in spite of the fact grain that it is only low fat rather than fat free. Some of the mosrt popular diets are now including quinoa as an essential part of their food mix.

Quinoa is a complete protein

What this means to you and me is that it is full of good nutrients and vitamins. This means that while you are eating quinoa you are ensuring that your body is getting good quantities of the right minerals to keep you healthy while you are on a reduced diet.

Quinoa is made up of good carbohydrates

Because the carbohydrates in Quinoa are slow releasing you do not get a rush of energy like with other foods. Quinoa is classed as a vegetable protein which is very easy to digest. So you will find that you do not feel hunger as often and will not crave other bad foods. It gets you through to your next meal. It basically reduces the hunger pangs that you always get on a very low calorie diet.

Quinoa makes you feel full

Quinoa is much more substantial than other standard diet foods and it always feels as though you have had a proper meal when you eat quinoa. The grains can be eaten raw, cooked or sprouted.

Quinoa is a good food mixer

What I mean by this is that you only eat quinoa with healthy foods. You always prepare quinoa recipes with good healthy other foods - for example fresh fruit and vegetables. You would never mix it with bread, cheese, and processed foods which are not good for you on a diet

 

 

Did You Know This About The Bottled Drinking Water Company

Now that more and more people are starting to take notice in their health, there is an increase in profit for the bottled drinking water company. There is no doubt about it, the bottled drinking water company is making a lot of money off of something so simple such as water. But the question that is on the minds of everyone is whether or not it is really a safe drinking water bottle because of the chemicals within the plastic. Some people say there is nothing to worry about while others claim that the bottled drinking water company knows that the water is contaminated.

As of right now though, there is no hard evidence that the bottled drinking water company is aware of any true problems with drinking their water on a regular basis. But a person does have to wonder just where exactly are these companies getting their water and is it really any better then the water you would get through a filtered tap? There are a lot of products on the market for filters that attach to the faucet in the kitchen and they may do just as good if not better then the bottled drinking water company.

What You Can Do

If you want to be the judge for yourself and see if the bottled drinking water company that you are using regularly is better then the water you can get from your faucet, there are things you can do. There are kits out there on the market that can help you test not only your tap water, but also the water from the bottled drinking water company. You can take those two tests and compare to see how much better the water from the bottled drinking water company is for you and your overall health.

Then, if you get a filter attachment for your home sink and test that water, you can then test it against the water from the bottled drinking water company. In the end, you may be surprised to see which of the waters is better and safer for you to drink. You may find that you can save yourself a lot of money filtering your own water instead of paying the bottled drinking water company for water that you could have gotten yourself. Do the tests and make a decision for yourself and in the end you will be much better off health wise and pocket book wise.