Proper Storage of Gourmet Coffee
There are many elements that will have an effect on the freshness of gourmet coffee, the most significant ones being air, heat, light, and moisture. Exposure of coffee beans to such elements for a long period of time and its quality will definitely decline.
When you expose your gourmet coffee to air, there is a high possibility that it will oxidize much quicker than when you keep it in an air-tight container. Such quick oxidization will make the taste of the gourmet coffee to quickly become stale.
After roasting the coffee beans, they will give off carbon dioxide and will be going through a chemical process that changes it flavor as time goes by. When you expose them in remarkable amounts of light and extreme heat, chances are, they will undergo these processes much quicker and will quickly become rancid.
Moisture in gourmet coffee could be brought about by placing them in the freezer or your refrigerator, and this typically dampens the flavor, as well as the quality of the coffee beans. When you freeze your coffee, the water molecules also freeze. And when they thaw, the water will condense on the outside of the grounds, hence bringing about weakness on the flavor of the coffee ground. It also makes to coffee spoil quicker.
That being said, your storage container is essential in keeping your gourmet coffee grounds fresh. See to it that you always put them in an air-tight opaque container, given that it helps dodge air and light. If you leave them in their original packaging, unnecessary light and air will creep in since you can’t seal them properly. More to these, store them in cool and dark places like cabinets and pantries, and never to direct heat or sunlight.
Moreover, try opting for coffee in individual coffee packets, considering when you purchase a full pack, it tends to be only fresh in the beginning. In just a matter of time, it will spoil before you can even finish the whole pack. Additionally, single packets are able to give perfect amounts for one pot or serving. You can get such packets from any coffee sellers, even on the Internet.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee bean storage, Coffee Beans, Gourmet Coffee
Cheap and Best Coffee Machines
Cheap does not necessarily mean inferior. If you are looking for cheap coffee machines, at least go for those that offer the features of pricier ones. With an array of models in the market, this is not that hard. With some research, you can get ones that cost as low as $25 to $100. The features are as great as the more expensive ones, if you just know how to look. Here are some factors to take into consideration before buying a coffee machine:
First is the maintenance. When maintenance is being talked about, the first issue to tackle is how easy your machine is to clean. If the drip though pipe is easy to clean, then the coffee maker is a good buy.
Next is the milk frothing. If you happen to be a fan of espressos, cappuccinos or lattes, then your coffee machine must be able to froth milk. Look into the product description to know if your machine comes with this feature.
The price may be the most important factor to some people. If you can get the features of a 250-dollar coffee machine from a 25-dollar one, then you might want to ditch the former. Go through a list of coffee machines and their prices on the internet. If possible, go over the user reviews and the manuals, so you get to know more coming from real users.
Another thing to take into consideration is space. The space it occupies should be factored in. If you will be using it for your home, then a tabletop system would be perfect.
There are many available coffee machines out there. That said, don’t settle for the first thing you come across. With just a little looking around, you might find one that will be perfect for your budget, and will last for years, and come with every feature you’re looking for.
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Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: Cheap, coffee, Machines
Ethiopian Coffee – What It’s All About
Coffee usage can allegedly be traced back to the 9th century, in the highlands of Ethiopia. According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds have observed the goats to be “dancing” and somehow more animated after having eaten wild coffee berries. This story comes from that of a 9th century Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. People are, however, doubtful about such claim. Experts claim that the most reliable evidence are those that are found in the Yemen monasteries of the Arabian Peninsula in the middle of 15th century. The difference lies in whether one of the claims refer to the coffee trees per se or the modern ways of having the coffee roasted and ground, which originates in Arabia.
In the present times, Ethiopia is considered to be the fifth largest exporter of coffee beans. Over 1.7 million metric tons have been exported in the year 2008. Nevertheless, wild and native Arabica coffee trees are still considered to be the primary source for this exotic and historic coffee.
Majority of the coffee is still collected from wild trees that are growing despite the tropical rain forests at elevations from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Moreover, Arabica coffees are also known to be grown by villagers in just small garden plots. Government sponsored estates give another source of producing coffee. Insignificant chemical usages as well as fertilizers indicate Ethiopian coffees as some of the most natural coffee available.
The two most popular Ethiopian coffees are known as Harrar and Yirgacheffe. They differ with regard to the place of origin and the process they undergo. Generally speaking, dry processing in Ethiopia is described as an informal process in which coffee fruit is put out to dry on roofs and places like such. Majority of dry processed coffee is locally consumed. However, the exception is the dry-processed coffee called Ethiopian Harrar. Harrar refers to a province due east of the capital city of Addis Ababa. Harrar coffee is infamous for its wine-toned and fruit acidity. The flavor profile is allegedly the same with the mocha taste of Yemenese coffee.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee history, Ethiopian coffee, Harrar, Yirgacheffe
A Tasty Cup Starts With the Coffee Beans
Coffee is not just a traditional way to start your day or end a meal. Coffee beans are the second-most traded commodity, surpassed only by crude oil. So, it’s no wonder that searching out the best beans for finding, grinding, and brewing the perfect cup of coffee can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.
There are several ways to tell whether coffee beans are of the highest quality, but since even the most dedicated coffee gourmet is unlikely to pick their own beans, the real test comes once the coffee is brewed.
That said, there are two things you can look for to increase your chances of purchasing high quality beans.
High Quality Coffee Beans
The first is how long it has been since the beans were roasted. The sooner they are ground after roasting, the richer, deeper and fresher the coffee will taste. Ask your vendor to verify the date the beans were roasted and avoid purchasing any that have been sitting for more than a week.
The second is storage. Coffee beans go stale very quickly, so avoid buying beans from vendors that keep their beans in huge open bins. These can contain 20 pounds of beans or more, which have almost certainly been sitting for more than a week. Look for beans that are stored in small vacuum-sealed or airtight containers.
Once you get your beans home, the real test begins. There are six criteria by which coffee is judged, all of which depend on the quality of the beans.
Six Criteria of a Good Cup of Coffee
First is aroma, or how the coffee smells. This is also sometimes called the bouquet, just as in wine tasting. Coffee can have a wide range of different notes in its aroma, such as smoky, nutty, floral or fruity. These aromas come from qualities inside of the beans and from how they were processed. For example, beans that were allowed to mildew will brew coffee that has a slightly off smell. Aroma is especially important because your sense of smell is so closely linked to your sense of taste.
Second is body. This describes how the coffee feels in your mouth. Drip coffee makers are incredibly convenient, but they strip out essential oils that contribute to the coffee`s richness of body. A French press or espresso machine retains these oils, which is one reason French press coffee and espresso taste so much richer than drip-brewed coffee.
Third is acidity, which does not refer to the actual pH, or acid-to-base ratio of the brewed coffee. Acidity is a slightly astringent mouth-feel that usually occurs under the edges of your tongue and at the back of your mouth. A salty sensation to the acidity is one sign of beans that have been over-fermented.
Fourth is flavor. This is somewhat subjective, because some people prefer a slight bitter taste while others like their coffee very smooth and light. The flavor of a coffee made properly from high quality beans will have a perfect balance of aroma, acidity and body so that none of those qualities overpowers the others.
Fifth is sweetness, which does not mean the same kind of sensation you get from sugar. The sweetness in coffee is almost fruity and is generally experienced on the tip of the tongue. High quality beans will offer a very smooth, light level of sweetness.
Finally, there is the aftertaste. This is simply what you feel in your mouth after sipping the coffee. High quality coffee beans will leave a pleasant aftertaste that does not differ from the taste of the coffee at each sip. Some coffee beans will leave an aftertaste that is slightly nutty or reminiscent of caramel or cinnamon.
The friendly experts at TheBestCoffeeOnEarth.com highly recommend purchasing a top quality home grinding and brewing system to ensure that you are getting the absolute best coffee experience possible from bean to cup in the comfort of your home.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: beans, coffee, Coffee Beans, flavor, quality, taste
Bliss In A Cup Of Gourmet Coffee
One of the upsides in loving gourmet coffee is the chance to scream to the whole world how deep I am in love with the brown bean. Coffee is an undeniable ritual to a lot of people. When coffee lovers get up in the morning, they think about having their first cup and all the delights that come with prepping it. The sound of the beans hitting the grinder, the aroma as it begins, the delicate scoop of the coffee grounds into the basket — coffee lovers find their own source of Zen.
Can a drink bring bliss? A lot of readers might raise their eyebrows. They might think that it has become so commonplace for it to end up in bliss, gourmet or not.
However, I beg to disagree. Gourmet coffee has something to do with our self-pleasure, it’s our simple form of indulgence, and much attention and care are given. It makes life worth living, at least to me.
Just take this into consideration. A lot of the people who are spiritual claim that when you experience nature, you get closer to the Creator. Coffee, basically, is among the most natural drinks available to mankind. Put in some fresh milk from the cow, and right then and there, you are having a cup of nature’s bliss. To sum it all up, you can absolutely find heaving in a cup of Joe.
Every time I have my cup of coffee, I find bliss. My mid-afternoon coffee run gives me sustenance and strength. I find solace in my post-dinner or late night decaf cup. Yes, I am a true blue coffee lover.
It’s something that no one or nothing can take away from me. If you have your own brand of happiness, I have mine. I have found it in coffee, and every waking day, I will find it in coffee.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee, coffee addict, coffee lover, Gourmet Coffee
How To Start a Coffee Shop
If you’ve always dreamed of owning your own coffee shop, you probably already know that you’re about to enter a highly successful, yet highly competitive market. Coffee shops are more popular than ever before, which is why there’s at least one on practically every street corner.
If you’re undaunted by the competition and you’re determined to find a way to crack this potential gold mine of a market, here are some tips for choosing the best coffee shop:
Location, location, location. This well-known realtor’s expression may apply more to coffee houses than to any other type of commercial food service property. If you want to be successful, you have to be in the right place, which means that you need to be where your niche market is.
The first step is to target your niche market. If you live in a university town, do you want to cater to students? If you live in an urban area, do you want to cater to business people or to concert and theatergoers? If you’re interested in the latter, make sure your coffee house is near at least one of the major performing arts venues in the area. Likewise, if you’re more interested in the morning business crowd, open up your shop in the business district of your city.
Other Things to Consider For Your Shop
Consider the available parking options. If parking isn’t included in the lease or the property, look to see if there’s a lot nearby that offers free, or inexpensive, parking. Lack of parking can affect your business drastically, especially if you’re trying to attract people who are rushing to and from work.
Try to find a mixed-use residential area if you want to stay open during the evening. If you’re in an area that’s close to residential neighborhoods, you’ll have a much better chance of attracting an evening crowd. The exception to this, however, would be if you decide to open near a major performing arts venue or sports arena, where you’ll be able to attract plenty of evening customers.
Find a building with a visible storefront that opens up directly on the sidewalk. This way, you’ll attract far more walk-in customers. It may be cheaper to set up shop in an alley, but it won’t pay the bills when customers can’t find you.
Decide whether or not you want a drive-through window. Most independently owned coffee houses don’t have one; instead, they leave this type of appendage to the big chain operations. If you really think you’d like to have a drive-through window, you’ll have to make sure that the building you lease can accommodate one.
Don’t compromise on space. If you find a perfectly darling little cubbyhole that’s inexpensive but has only half the space you envisioned needing, don’t think that you can make it work, because you can’t. Buildings aren’t shoes; they can’t stretch. You’ll end up losing business by not being able to accommodate enough customers and you and your staff will make yourselves miserable trying to serve people in cramped surroundings.
Now Get Started!
When you’re considering options for equipping your shop, make sure you don’t rush things. Take your time and do some comparison shopping so that you can be sure you’re getting the absolute best quality equipment for the lowest possible price. Once you’ve found your location and gotten your equipment, you’ll be all ready to start building a loyal, enthusiastic customer base.
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Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: business, coffee, Coffee Shop, Coffee Shop Contacts, Coffee Shop Resources, starting a coffee shop
Why I Love Coffee Forever
There are days when I just feel blah and all I want to do is just sleep in, but I don’t since it makes my day blah-er. Since that weighs me down even more, I try to just stay in my room and watch trash TV. However, while doing so, I want to be awake at all times. More often than not, laying or just sitting in bed makes me drowsy. Why I want to stay awake in bed, you may ask. For starters, these ‘blah days’ almost always occur during daytime, and I am almost always not able to sleep at night whenever I sleep all day.
Anyways, I have noticed I have been beating around the bush, what I wanted to tell since the first paragraph is about how I love coffee. It’s always my silver lining during days that could do better. I drink my coffee, and my mood is instantly lifted. It’s my favorite pick-me-upper.
I have always loved coffee. As a child, whenever I eat rice, I always ask my nanny to make me a cup of black coffee with some sugar and pour it in my bowl of rice. Of course, I would also ask her not tell my mom about it, since my mom always calls me out on drinking coffee at such a tender age. I guess she didn’t like the extra energy I had everytime I had coffee.
Coffee has helped me get through one of the hardest times in my life, college. You know what comes along with college, all the homework, paperwork, thesis, stuff like that. Sleep was not my best friend during that time, coffee is. There were times when I wanted to just give in to my drowsiness and just put myself in deep slumber, not minding all the C’s I would get if I do so. But when I had a cup of joe in hand, the temptation was always ignored. Yay, coffee.
Yes, even up to this very day, I’m still in love with coffee. You can imagine me sipping from my cup in between typing, sure. I can’t imagine life without it. I swear by it. I love it. I will always and forever love coffee. How about you? Are you as in love with coffee as I am?
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee, coffee lover
Coffee Beans For Everyone
Coffee beans are among the most common luxurious things that people are always on the lookout for. It always gives extra zing to our days. A lot of individuals opt for these beans as gifts. If you plan on having a treat, you have a lot of options with coffee. You can cut down on costs when you buy in bulk. You can use it for your leisure, or practically any way you want it.
The nice thing about purchasing fresh coffee beans is the fact you can experiment. If you have a coffee grinder or mixer, you can then come up with your own unique blended coffee that you can enjoy at home or you can even sell it. You can even try out different spices in creating your special coffee, play around until you come up with what you really like. Just always take not off everything that you add into the mix.
There are a lot of companies offering coffee beans coming from different countries across the globe. Determining which ones to try out may be hard, especially when you are new in the world of coffee. It is best to search for highly suggested products and those that have been critically acclaimed ones. Some gems are waiting to be discovered by the masses in regards to coffee.
If you can, buy the roasted beans to taste the flavors at their best. Grind them using a hand-operated blender or an automatic one, or you can place it in the coffee machine if your machine has a built-in grinder. If you have Italian coffee in hand, it’s perfect as a post-meal treat. The rich flavor and dark tones are just recommended to top off a great meal.
Whether you are treating your family or buying for business, great coffee beans are the cream of the crop when it comes to coffee. Whether you like the flavors strong, bitter, smooth or acidic there are coffee beans that will suit you.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: beans, coffee, Coffee Beans
Online Shopping For Quality White Coffee
Coffee lovers all over the world swear by a new trend in coffee which was actually developed over fifty years ago. It is called white coffee. In the past 10 years, the demand for it has been on continually rising and coffee shops and restaurants now give customers a taste of this sensational brew.
The owners of ‘Lian Thong’, which is an old traditional Chinese coffee shop in Ipoh, Malaysia were basically the first ones who came up with white coffee. They discovered this unique and aromatic white coffee blend after some years of testing and research. ‘Lian Thong’ was the first restaurant that serves white coffee to customers who were instantly taken aback by its aromatic and lingering taste.
Since then, the demand for this particular type of coffee has moved from Malaysia to many other countries. Coffee producers are also catering to the rising demand for this coffee all over the world by means of selling white coffee through retail outlets, as well as online stores.
White coffee and black coffee are made from the same species of coffee beans, the Arabica and Robusta. The only difference is the way they are processed. For the conventional black coffee, your roast the coffee beans with margarine and sugar for some time, and it depends on the desired brew color as well as desired strength. On the other hand, for the white coffee, the beans are roasted only with margarine for a short period of time. Since there is no sugar, it keeps the coffee beans from getting dark, hence the name ‘white coffee’.
White coffee is brewed for a shorter period of time as compared to traditional black coffee blends. Obviously, the color of white coffee is lighter yet the caffeine content is higher.
White Coffee is a specialty product, and it’s not exactly accessible to everyone right now. It is available only in select coffee roaster, online stores, and coffee shops selling exclusive coffee beans. That said, the best place for you to get your dose of white coffee beans is from a trusted online store.
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Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: Black Coffee, white coffee
Benefits of Cheap Coffee Machines
Whenever you hear the word cheap, that does not necessarily mean less in all possible ways. Yes, by definition it is but when we talk about coffee machines, the story could be a whole different thing. If you are on the look for coffee machines and you wish to stick to a certain budget, then the smartest thing to do is find one that has the similar features to that of the expensive ones. This may sound impossible but the real deal says that it is indeed feasible. As long as you have the drive and patience to search for it, then go ahead for it.There is a wide range of models available in the market so the hunt would not be that dreadful. With a little research here and there, a few asking around from people who has knowledge about the machines then you can land on a decent coffee machine that does not come in great price.
So basically, there are a number of key points you have to keep in check prior to purchasing the coffee machine. First, the maintenance. It is advisable to buy one that would not be so complicated to clean. Furthermore, in cases of a few broken parts, it would be better to have the spare parts available in your local hardware store. Second, the milk frothing. This is necessary if you wish to round up some espressos, lattes or cappuccinos. Check the machine first if it has the milk frothing feature. Third, the price. This is the factor that would make or break the buy. If you have the privilege to spend large amounts of money then by all means go. However, if your pocket is not that deep then look for the cheap ones. You can find a number of them in the internet. Lastly, the space. You would have to take into consideration the area where you wish to place the machine. You may place in on a countertop of have a customized stand for it.
There you have it, a few tips on how to go about in buying your coffee machine. But the best thing to consider is that the machine you would pick to purchase must suit your every need.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: Best Coffee Machine, coffee, coffee machine