Wine Article

Drinking water is essential to humans. Adults lose about 10 glasses of water daily. Some is replenished in the food we eat
and some is replenished in beverages
but most is replenished in the form of drinking water.

Some people are claiming that room-temperature drinking water is the only good water. Others claim it should be warm – or icy – or cold drinking water. Who is right?

In “Cool Water”
song writer Bob Nolan sings:

All day I face the barren waste
Without the taste of water

Cool water.
Old Dan and I
with throats burned dry

And souls that cry for water

Cool
clear
water.

Cold Drinking Water

Old Dan and his rider were dying for cold drinking water. In fact
a few days without water
and both would literally be dead.

More than two thirds of a human’s weight is water. The human brain is 95% water and human blood is 82%. Old Dan’s rider would show signs of dehydration if he lost as little as 2% of his body’s water. His short-term memory would grow fuzzy. He would have trouble focusing on small things and experience daytime fatigue
commonly caused by dehydration.

They needed drinking water – preferably
cold drinking water.

Why Cold Drinking Water?

You may have heard that drinking water should be taken warm
even in hot weather. There are benefits
however
to choosing cold drinking water.

* It is more refreshing.
* It is more easily absorbed into your blood.
* It may burn more calories.
* It has zero calories
unlike other drinks.

Myths about Cold Drinking Water

For many years
people have circulated various myths about cold drinking water. These have no scientific basis
but are offered here for your information.

* Myth #1: Cold drinking water after meals causes cancer by solidifying ingested fat
slowing digestion
and lining intestine walls with the fat. Actually
body heat cancels out any effects of cold food or water.

* Myth #2: Cold drinking water after eating fruit is bad for you. This one
around since at least 1923
is probably based on the truth that too much beverage
at any temperature
may dilute digestive juices.

* Myth #3: Cold drinking water harms delicate stomach lining. Currently on the Internet
this has no truth. Stomach lining is extremely robust
as it must be to withstand the highly caustic digestive acids.

For years
health experts have recommended that average adults have at least eight glasses of water daily. That amount should be increased if you exercise
if the weather is hot
or when humidity is low. Overweight adults
who require more water
should add an additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight in order to speed metabolism.

The body needs water
and the most important question for most people is not whether the water should be warm or cold
but whether they are drinking enough.

Cooking ranges are one of the basic kitchen appliances that every home needs. Some cooking ranges run on gas
while others run on electric ranges and few operate in combination of both. Cooking ranges are most convenient and energy efficient compared to traditional gas stoves.

Electric cooking ranges are very popular due to various reasons. The cost of electric cooking ranges is very low compared to gas and dual power cooking ranges. As electricity is freely available every where
people prefer these types of ranges for their kitchens. In electric cooking ranges coils are fixed above the surface of the range top in an elevated position accommodating all types of cookware.

Some electric cooking ranges come with deep porcelain drip pans that help in retaining the fresh appearance of the food for a longer period. Advanced electric range models use radiant elements as burners instead of traditional coil burners. As radiant elements are good heat conductors they help in cooking food very fast. This type of cooking ranges cost higher than the standard models.

Gas based cooking ranges are more eco friendly than the electric cooking ranges. In gas based cooking ranges flames can be adjusted to provide variable heating to cook different types of dishes. While buying a gas based cooking range one has to choose a model with electric ignition to light up the burner. Gas cooking ranges are expensive than their electric counter parts.

Apart from these basic categories there are other varieties of cooking ranges based on their configuration such as Open top burners
Solid Tops
Boiling tables
Island suits
Modular Islands
and One piece islands. Open top burners operate in both
gas or electricity
and with an oven below them. These types of cooking ranges are fuel efficient as the cooking pans are directly heated by the burners resulting in quick heating-up. While buying this type of cooking ranges at least one burner should be bigger in order to place large cooking pans.

Solid Tops have a hard cast iron range top heated by either gas burners or radiant elements. The main benefit is it can house more pans in comparison to open burner ranges. Boiling table ranges are identical to standard cooking ranges. Island suites and Modular island suites are facilitated with cooking units and have various processes like grills
griddles
ovens
fryers
etc.

Cooking ranges burn with excellent competence. To maintain its excellence the cooking range burners ought to be kept clean free of any food wastage.

When it comes to summer foods
most people want to look forward to it. Summer food cooking does not have to be limited to the summer months
though. Even during the fall and winter
you can get out that grill and make some great dishes that will feel good and remind you of warmer days of relaxing. Here are three ways to easily bring the memories of summer to the table.

1
your grill year round. It's that simple. Your favorite ribs and your tasty steaks can be cooked on your grill during all months of the year. If you have a porch or a garage
then you can have your grill. Use caution
of course
to make sure that nothing bad happens
but there is no law that says the grill is only for cooking during the summer months.

2
indoors. One of the best tools that you can have in your kitchen is a grill pan. These have little ridges on them to create those grill marks that are so important. To spice up any meal
use one. A great treat is to make cut up veggies on these pans. Simply cut the veggies rather big. Use a bit of extra virgin olive oil on them to keep them from sticking and you have an amazing summer side dish. Do this with squashes
peppers
onions…just about anything.

3
some heat! To make sure that the summer heat comes through
ad some heat to virtually any dish. If you like spices
then you know your heat levels. But
if you haven't had a lot of heat in your food before
start with a milder hot pepper or spice and work your way up. Consider cayenne
for example. Adding pablano chiles to any meal will bring the heat up and remind you of summer months.

Cooking for summer doesn't have to be just in the summer months. With so many supermarkets providing high quality produce all year round
there is no reason not to have the best of the best when it comes to summer meals.

Of all available teapots
perhaps English teapots are one of the most elegant styles. The teapots made of bone china are typically floral and have a dainty
fragile look that make you feel like royalty when you touch them. With care
they will last for many lifetimes and serve many guests.

Bone china is not your only option
however. Now English teapots are made from a variety of different substances. If you think that English teapots are an extravagance
you’ll be pleased to know that the price range varies according to your selection. Plus
besides serving tea from them
think of the other possibilities for using them.

Consider giving an English teapot whenever you need a gift for a friend or relative. You could start a collection of service for them and continue adding to their existing collection whenever you need to give them another gift. They’ll be appreciative and you can make life simpler for yourself as well by not having to spend your time shopping for a gift.

Even better is to start your own collection. Of course you will probably want to add the matching cups and saucers. Imagine your collection in a china cabinet illuminated by a soft
glowing light. Won’t your friends enjoy admiring them? When your friends or relatives ask what you want for a gift for your birthday or a holiday
you could ask for a teapot or additional pieces to your own set. Later
when you’re ready
you could consider giving your pieces to someone special as an heirloom.

If you’re worried about breaking a piece
you can usually buy or find a replacement through replacement services and websites
so don’t worry about replacements. Instead
think of your tea parties. Picture a table set with your gorgeous English teapot and matching cups
saucers
creamer
and sugar bowl. Imagine your guests commenting on your exquisite pattern and questioning its origin. See yourself explaining how you received the set and how much you love it.

What’s left to do? Take action and find the set you want. Your biggest challenge will be deciding among the beautiful selections. Take your time. Choosing the exact style
color
and pattern you like is part of the fun. If you have trouble deciding and if your budget allows
you may want to order several teapots or sets for yourself. The more sets you have
the more guests you can invite to your tea parties.

Once you do make a selection
you’ll have pieces you’ll cherish forever. Remember - don’t just look at your teapots. Use them. You now have a wonderful reason to have more company so that you can share your valued set.

You deserve to treat yourself and teapots are one of the best ways to do so. When is the best time to treat yourself? Without a doubt
the best time to treat yourself is always right now!

Chinese herbal teas are also called Tisanes and are not
technically speaking
actually teas. Rather
they are infusions made from herbs instead of tea that is made from the Camelia Sinensis plant. The essence of the herb is extracted when the tea is steeped in hot water.

Chinese herbal teas are traditionally used for their healing
medicinal properties. Many varieties are also enjoyed simply for their taste
however. China is known for producing an entire pharmacy of herbs
making the herbal teas from there increasingly popular today.

The Beneficial Properties of Chinese Herbal Teas

The caffeine-free alternative represented by herbal teas is one of the well-known benefits Chinese herbal tea offers. Additionally
many of them are attributed with very soothing and comforting effects. Rosebud and Chrysanthemum herbal teas are two of the more popular examples of them.

Rosebud and Chrysanthemum teas are considered in China to be a woman's herb. They are
however
also useful for aiding digestion. Even a hard-core tea drinker is sure to enjoy the fresh floral flavor of these miniature rosebuds. Chrysanthemum tea has long been used to cool the body and reduce fever and has a particularly unique flavor.

Due to the lack of caffeine
Chinese herbal teas are great beverages to have when caffeine would be avoided
such as at night before bed.

The Fantastic Flower Herbal Teas

Among the many varieties of Chinese herbal teas are the wildly popular flower teas. These teas are
like all herbal teas
caffeine-free alternatives and offer various benefits. Most offer a palate of flavors while being calming and soothing.

The following are among the more famous of the flower herbal teas (alphabetically):

* Carnation Flower Tea--The tea brewed from this is attractive red flower is said to help restore the energy of the body. It is also widely used for relaxing.

* Chrysanthemum Herbal Tea--This tea has a subtle sweetness and is regarded as highly refreshing. Among the popular cooling infusions this is a premier choice.

* Forget Me Not Flower Tea--This brews a mild and grassy flavored tisane. Said to aid the lungs
it is also caffeine-free. It is widely known for its beautiful purple flowers.

* Gongju Herbal Tea--The Gongju flower is known for its soothing and relaxing attributes and brews a smooth tasting herbal tea.

* Jasmine Bud Flower Tea--This Chinese herbal tea
according to some experts
is comprised solely of the small and beautiful Jasmine flowers that have not yet opened. The tea produced sweet and caffeine-free.

* Kuding Pearl Tea--The leaves for this variety are rolled into large pearls
which is one of the sources of its nickname
one leaf tea
due to the size of the leaves. The other reason it is called "one leaf" is because of the belief that only one leaf of this tea is needed to heal a number of things. Many people consider this tea to be a bitter tea
but nearly everyone agrees that this ancient leaf brews an interesting herbal tea.

* Yunnan Flower Bud Tea--This Chinese herbal tea grows
as implied by the name
in the old forests of Yunnan. This rare flower is primarily a local Yunnan drink and is caffeine free.

* Wild New York Ginseng--For those who appreciate the wild growing conditions in which the roots ripen this is another well-known Chinese herbal tea. It is said that each root develops a unique appearance and personality because of the rugged wild conditions. Size and age can vary greatly
with some of these wild roots being very small and very old while some larger roots are much younger. These herbal roots live for seven years or more.

Generations of families in India and Asia have been turning to tea to cure what ails them. Back in the year 1191
a Zen priest penned a work entitled the Book of Tea
which told how green tea could benefit at least five vital organs
including the heart. At that time
green tea was thought to improve urinary and brain function
combat beriberi disease
and alleviate indigestion. In other words
green tea was considered to be a multi-purpose elixir
able to treat a wide variety of health problems.

But this ancient remedy has now found a place in modern scientific literature
thanks to a new wave of studies on the medicinal properties of green tea. While studies on human subjects have been inconclusive
initial evidence from the laboratory looks incredibly promising.

While green tea can be beneficial in attacking everything from high cholesterol to depression
it has perhaps gotten the most attention for its impact on cancer. In order to understand the significance of this
it is first necessary to have some knowledge of the disease of cancer itself.

Cancer: A Disease of the Genes

When cancer occurs
cells divide uncontrollably
meaning that the genes controlling cell growth have been damaged in some way. In fact
a gene has to mutate a number of times before a typical cell will change into a cancer cell.

Antioxidants are important because they can stop the enzyme activities that give rise to cancer. In essence
they repair DNA problems which have been caused by oxidants
or free radicals.

Green Tea—A Natural Antioxidant

Green tea has been considered a godsend for good health because it contains antioxidants known as catechins. These substances have been called impressive inhibitors of cancer growth. Here’s how they do it: lab tests show that they combat oxidants prior to cell injuries
stop the growth of tumor cells
and reduce the occurrence of tumors.

For instance
mice tumors were found to shrink when the lab animals ingested green tea. This phenomenon occurred whether the cancer affected the liver
the skin
or the stomach.

Green Tea and Cancer Prevention

In an article which appeared in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
authors Santosh Katiyar and Hasan Mukhtar noted that the special properties found in tea can help prevent cancer
according to the experimental data available. This is significant
considering the wide availability of tea. As the authors recognize
tea is grown in about 30 different countries and it’s considered to be the most popular beverage worldwide.

Most scientific studies using tea have focused on the therapeutic effects of green tea. In these lab tests
the green tea is fed to mice as an extract in water or in a purified form. Green tea has even been found to have some positive medicinal effect before birth in the womb.

A Variety of Uses

Interestingly enough
medical research shows that the benefits of green tea are not limited to combating only one type of cancer. In fact
consuming green tea may help prevent the development of cancers of the stomach
lungs
esophagus
pancreas
liver
breast
and colon.

Still
even researchers admit that the reasons behind green tea’s broad therapeutic effects are not clear. A number of theories have been put forward—theories which require further investigation.

The Effects of Tea Drinking on Human Beings

Much of what we know about green tea’s effects comes from animal studies. While some research indicates that tea drinkers are less prone to cancer
other studies offer a conflicting view. This may be because there are a number of environmental factors which can contribute to the development of cancer
including diet
carcinogens in one’s living space
and the like.

Still
in China
where green tea is particularly popular
research results are encouraging. A study of more than 18
0
Chinese men found that tea drinkers were far less likely to experience stomach cancer than non-tea drinkers. Yet
a Netherlands study involving tens of thousands of men and women indicated there was no link between drinking tea and cancer prevention.

The Continuing Medical Debate

The debate over the health benefits of green tea continues at the highest levels of government and academia. For instance
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asserts that green tea does not reduce the risk of breast
prostate
or any other type of cancer. The FDA also states that green tea does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However
a study published in the fall of 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association directly contradicts the FDA’s contentions. That study indicated that drinking three or more cups of green tea could reduce the risk of death from heart disease.


Future Research Possibilities

Yet
there is a continued push toward additional research of the green tea phenomenon. For instance
the National Cancer Institute is especially interested in exploring the ability of green tea to prevent skin cancer. Researchers are examining the effects of both green tea in pill form and green tea creams applied directly to the skin.

So what is Columbian coffee really all about? The following guide includes some delicious recipes about Columbian coffee--information you can use now!

Coffee is on of Americas favorite beverages and becomes more popular as the years go by. So naturally you would be able to find different methods of preparing Columbian coffee. You can make all sorts of tasty treats with this aromatic drink.
Below are some of the most popular recipes that are highly used today in some of the most popular coffee houses across the world. Now
you can save money by making these Columbian coffee recipes come to life in your very own kitchen. Friends and family alike will be amazed at just how delicious your coffee treats taste.

100
Iced Columbian Coffee

Double strength Columbian coffee
Cracked Ice
4
tablespoons of sugar

Brew double strength Columbian coffee by simply adding 8 tablespoons of ground coffee to every 12 ounces of water.
Fill your electric blender half way with your chilled Columbian coffee and add the cracked ice.
Add the 4 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener and blend until you have a thick foamy coffee treat.
This recipe will give you approximately 4 servings
if you need more than that simply double or triple the recipe to suit your needs. This will became a fast favorite for the Columbian coffee lovers in your life.

Columbian Coffee Mousse

ฝ a cup of brewed 100% Columbian coffee
1
พ cups of milk
1
cup of heavy cream
1
package of unflavored gelatin
3
eggs; separated
พ cup of brown sugar
ผ teaspoon almond extract
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
Coffee concentrates (1 cup ground to every 8 ounces of cold water)

Sprinkle the gelatin over a cup of cold water and let it soften while preparing the custard.
Heat milk to its boiling point in a saucepan. Beat egg yolks using a wire whisk or electric mixer. Pour the hot milk over beaten egg yolks slowly
beating constantly with wire whisk. Return mixture to saucepan
add brown sugar
and cook over low heat
stirring constantly
until custard has thickened slightly
approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat
and add gelatin to the hot custard and stir until dissolved. Add coffee concentrate
vanilla and almond extracts.

3
Transfer mixture to a bowl and refrigerate. Keep refrigerated and stir every five minutes until custard has thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites
approximately 25-45 minutes.
4
Meanwhile
whip the cream until it softens and refrigerate.
5
Beat egg whites until they are stiff but not dry. Fold coffee custard base into egg whites. Gently fold in whipped cream. Pour mixture into 8 individual custard cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
When you have finished
you will have created a delicious surprise for all to enjoy.

These recipes are by no means exhaustive but just a few of some of the worlds most popular Columbian coffee recipes. With just a little creativity and imagination you can take these recipes on Columbian coffee and develop many more! Enjoy.

A picnic spread need not be a complicated affair. Offering cold food items makes the menu easier to control. There will be less things to bring and fewer cleanups afterwards.

A favorite picnic item is sandwiches. In the not so distant past a sandwich consisted of two slices of bread with a slice of lunch meat sandwiched between them. Sandwiches have been given a facelift in recent years.

To add variety to ordinary sandwiches
choose from different breads. Sandwiches are being made from pitas
flatbreads
and tortilla wraps. Cut the bread the night before and store in an airtight container.

Select meats from the deli counter at the grocery store. Fresh turkey breast
ham
chicken breast
and salamis are available. Store the sliced deli meats in the freezer. The morning of the picnic
take them out so they can slowly thaw and stay cold until they are ready to be devoured.

Condiments can spell trouble for picnic-goers Refrigerate mayonnaise derived foods and dips until ready to pack the cooler for the picnic. To eliminate having condiments containers sitting out without refrigeration
use condiment packets like the ones they give out at fast food restaurants.

Salads of all types are great cold picnic options. Macaroni or potato salad is best when served cold. If your gathering is large
investing in single serving plastic cups with lids will avoid bringing too much to the picnic. When mayonnaise based salads come to room temperature they begin to get soupy and could spoil.

Instead of a fruit salad
bring along whole fruits. Fruit need not be refrigerated. It can be cleaned off before you leave home and kept from the light in a paper bag. Choose a variety: apples
peaches
oranges
plums
and etc. Fruit makes a health-conscious dessert option than ice cream or candy. Plus it has natural sweetness.

Individual bags of chips and other snacks eliminate lots of hands from dipping in the same bag
dirty and clean. It also eliminates opened bags of chips that need to be transported home. Picnickers get more variety this way without spending a fortune on snacks. It also allows everyone to choose the snacks or chips they prefer so everyone gets what they prefer most.

Nuts make an easy snack for a picnic. They do not need refrigeration and can be transported easily. For easy handling by others
separate nuts into individual snack bags. Any bags that are not eaten can be poured back into the can to be eaten later.

Cold food items equal an easy and simple picnic menu. There is no need to use a barbecue. The majority of foods can be packaged separately for less mess and convenience of serving even with large family picnics.

What is the last thing that your patrons taste/drink before leaving a restaurant ?
And if you do not believe me go out there and watch. Nearly everybody will toss back that last cold cup of coffee before leaving their table
therefore it is vitally important that your coffee tastes wonderful hot
warm or cold.

Now how can you be sure that your coffee tastes good.

STEP ONE : CLEAN the EQUIPMENT

Cleanliness is more important than godliness
therefore ensure that you not only clean your bowls every night (there must be a joke in that line somewhere)
and your coffee supplier can give you urn cleaner to really clean them occasionally
or run them through the dishwasher. DO NOT FORGET THE BREW BASKET. This will be dirtier than everything else
so once again ensure that there is no oily residue
plus clean the showerhead
and the area around it. If you have an urn or dual system
ask your coffee supplier to come in and train/educate your staff on how to properly clean the equipment.

STEP TWO: CALIBRATE the EQUIPMENT

Many times I go into a restaurant to find the brewer is short-potting (no this is not a gardening term)
and the remedy can be very simple. Adjust the timer or float mechanism. BUT
maybe the equipment is short potting because the water line (including the filter/strainer) or machine or showerhead is clogged with lime
or some other gunk. Cleaning and maybe de-liming is necessary. Remember that if your brew time is too long
your resulting (revolting) coffee will be bitter
with a burnt after-taste. It’s rather like drinking coal tar - although I must admit I cannot remember the last time I knocked back a shot of coal tar.

Also
ensure that the water coming out of the showerhead is at the correct temperature
too cold and you will underextract
too hot and we start going down the coal-tar path again. A simple thing to check (use an oral thermometer
not a r...... one)
and then adjust the temperature on the thermostat as necessary.

STEP THREE : WATER

A cup of coffee is 98% (approx) water
so if your water tastes lousy
your coffee will taste lousy. So test your faucet water by comparing it to the taste of a bottle of filtered water. And if necessary
put in a proper water filtration system. Remember your ice
soda
and cooking will all taste better.

STEP FOUR : YOUR COFFEE/COFFEE SUPPLIER

The people responsible at your coffee roaster will cup (taste) coffees through the temperature range
right down to room temperature - specifically to address the question at the top of this page
and to ensure that the coffee tastes good even when its been sitting for a while in your coffee cup. The coffee cupper (and by the way the best tea tasters
coffee cuppers
and wine sommeliers are all women
this is because physiologically God built a woman’s mouth differently to a man
and women have much better taste buds than men ) will cup and blend the coffee so that the taste profile always remains the same. People do not want surprises when they first wake up
least of all in their coffee cup at 7am
therefore the job of cupping and blending is one of the most difficult in the world. Mind you
most people don’t want a surprise in their martinis about 12 hours later
so once again tasting and blending is vital.

Having determined that your coffee supplier/roaster (hopefully one and the same company) can roast and blend coffee well
lets look at packaging
and the whole bean versus fractional pack/ground coffee debate.

Your coffee supplier is loaning you brewing equipment
and if you want to do a whole bean programme (no that is not a spelling mistake)
they will lend you a portion control/doser grinder. Now the grinder they lend you will be a proper commercial grinder
costing about $700. But just consider that your roaster uses a grinder where the blades alone cost upwards of $15
0
and your roaster is checking the degree of grind several times a day with very expensive and sophisticated equipment. Therefore what chance do you have with a $700 grinder of achieving a consistent grind? And just remember that your brewed coffee quality will vary enormously with the vagaries of heat and humidity playing havoc with the coffee particle size coming out of your grinder. Or you can buy fractional packs
which have been nitrogen flushed to remove oxygen and preserve freshness.

A doctorate in nuclear engineering is not required to understand that fractional packs will always produce a better
and more consistent brew than a whole bean programme. The difference between local/regional coffee roasters is not in the roasting. Anyone can set themselves up as roaster. Even you. Buy some green beans and toss them into your hot air popcorn popper
and Voila you have air-roasted some coffee. And provided you didn’t cremate them
they probably smell wonderful. No
the difference in coffee roasters is how they buy the coffee
where they buy their coffee
how they blend the coffee
and most importantly (and this is really where the women are separated from the girls/ politically correct phraseology) how they pack the coffee.

Coffee’s enemies are heat
oxygen
light and humidity. Therefore coffee that does not arrive in your restaurant in foil/film wrapped
hermetically sealed bags will lose its freshness within a day or two. BUT
packing equipment is very expensive to buy and run
and this where the difference lies between a roaster dedicated to ensuring freshness in your patron’s coffee cup
and one who does not have what it takes.

And now dear readers to summarize :

Correctly clean and calibrated coffee brewers (try saying that after drinking a couple of martinis)
Clear
pure
and great tasting water.
Good fresh coffee
from a hermetically sealed portion/fractional pack.

Follow these simple rules and your clients will leave with a smile instead of a grimace.

I always cringe when that is the first question from a restaurateur
and my response is always the same - "Is price more important than taste"?

Consider the following - restaurants usually sell a cup of coffee for about one dollar. And when they pay $6.00 per pound for coffee
their cost per cup is about ten cents
(which means their profit is ninety cents). So the difference in their profit between $6.00 per pound and $3.00 per pound is the incredible sum of five cents per cup. However
the real difference will be in the taste of the coffee.

The taste difference is even greater with coffee brewed in an espresso machine since an espresso machine is an amplifier. It will highlight a really good coffee
but conversely
it will also amplify any faults with that coffee.

Remember
espresso is not a type of bean
but is a method of brewing coffee. Espresso coffee is tightly packed (7 grams)
through which hot water (198 degrees F) is forced at high mechanical pressure (132 psi). The resultant one and a half fluid ounces is the elixir known as espresso
and many countries could be conquered before 9:00 am if their population were to be deprived of this magic "elixir"!

A commonly mistaken thought is that coffee used in espresso machines should be dark roasted - WRONG! When beans are darkly over-roasted
all the oils come to the surface giving the impression that the roasted coffee has been coated with grease. These oils contain much of the flavor of the coffee and when brought to the surface by over-roasting
they will be lost when handled
stored
and of course
when they are ground. Since coffee is really "cooked" three times
(the first during roasting; second when ground since the grinder creates heat; and thirdly when brewed)
over-roasting will produce a bitter/burnt taste when brewed as an espresso.

Let me return to my original point as to why better coffee beans cost more. Coffee beans are an agrarian product
and like all crops they are subject to climate
soil
and growing and harvesting methods. Coffee plants that are treated better will produce a better crop.

Coffee harvested by hand will produce a higher quality product. A mechanical harvester only goes through once plucking ripe and unripe berries simultaneously. Manual harvesting takes place over a period of time and the pickers only pluck the ripe fruit
avoiding the unripe berries.

Sorting takes place at the plantation AND at the roaster. The better the sorting
the better the coffee. This process begins with the removal of stones (which can ruin your grinder)
branches
leaves
poisonous spiders
(just joking
I think)
and continues with the removal of broken
misshapen
and bad beans. This is critical since a broken or misshapen piece could roast quicker than the other beans
and will affect the quality of the finished batch.

Blending must take place after roasting. Different batches of beans from different plantations and countries will roast at different times and temperatures. Throwing different green beans together will result in some beans being under-roasted while others are burnt. Expert blending (or cupping as it is known) of roasted beans will ensure the best and most consistent flavor.

Packing the perfectly roasted and blended beans will ensure that you are sold the product in peak condition. Coffee begins to oxidize and lose its flavor and aroma as soon as the roasting process is finished. It's essential that the coffee is packed in lightproof and airproof bags that have been nitrogen flushed and/or vacuum packed. The bag should also have a unilateral valve to allow carbon dioxide to escape.

From the rambling monologue above
it's easy to see that short-cuts can be made to the coffee preparation process
but quality will only cost a few pennies more per cup. And remember - your coffee may be the last item that your customer tastes before leaving your restaurant.

These days when you walk in to a coffee shop it's a whole new world. You're not just ordering a "coffee". You're ordering a "coffee drink". There's an entire language you need to know just to order a coffee drink!

It all starts with placing your order. It used to be that you'd tell a waitress what you wanted. Now this job is held by a barista
or a person who serves coffee drinks as a profession. You need to tell the barista the size of the coffee drink you want. If you look on the menu
small
medium
and large will probably not be there. Your size choices are usually short (8 oz)
tall (12 oz)
grande (16 oz) and venti (20 oz).

The hardest decision will be what coffee drink to order "Black
cream & sugar" is probably going to get a strange look from the friendly barista. Ordering a drip coffee drink is not the fashionable thing these days. The more common drinks are cafes or espressos. You then need to figure out if you prefer a latte
mocha
or a cappuccino. A latte is an espresso shot with steamed milk. A cappuccino is equal parts of espresso
steamed milk and frothed milk. Mocha is basically a latte or a cappuccino with chocolate syrup added. But these are just the basics! The following list contains just a few of the coffee drinks available in a coffee shop (of course these names will vary slightly from one coffee shop to another).

-Caffe Americano: Single shot of espresso with 6 to 8 ounces of hot water added.

-Espresso Con Panna: An espresso shot with whipped cream.

-Ristretto: A restricted shot of espresso (called a short pull). During the brewing process
less water is allowed to pass through the coffee grounds. The makes for an especially intense flavor.

-Lungo: An extra long pull. During the brewing process
twice as much water is allowed to pass through the coffee grounds.

-Cafe Breva: Cappuccino made with Half & Half instead of whole milk.

-Dry: Espresso with a small amount of foam and no steamed milk.

-Chairo: Espresso drink made "clear" by adding more milk.

-Caffe Mochaccino: Cappuccino with chocolate syrup.

-Frappe: Coffee drink made with ice cream and milk.

-Shot in the Dark: An espresso shot in coffee cup
then rest of cup filled with drip coffee.

Once you get your coffee drink
you just can't take a taste and say "Good coffee". One must first comment on the aroma (or bouquet)
then the tone or appearance of the coffee drink. After the first taste
one can judge the body or weight consistency of the coffee drink. Next you need to describe how the coffee actually tasted. Was the coffee bitter
briny
buttery
spicy
sweet
stale
or even chocolaty? If all went well in the coffee preparation
and if you chose a good blend of coffee
this particular coffee drink could be considered mellow (or full and well balanced). Coffee sure has come a long way!

If you're a coffee drinker you have heard of
and probably tried
a cup of Columbian. Bland
sometimes adequate
and sold everywhere. But that's predominately coffee shop or grocery store coffee. Would you criticize the fine food of a four star restaurant by comparing it to a cheap diner before you've tasted both?

Like any major producer
Columbia does generate a lot of average beans. If you're willing to look a little deeper within that huge output you will find some great gems.

By contrast to Brazil
which dry-processes most of its coffee berries
almost all Columbian coffee is washed
which helps carry away impurities. Done properly
it can still produce a flavorful
robust cup.

Soaked in cold water for 24 hours
the soaking initiates fermentation
which aids in producing a great aroma. The beans are then washed in order to remove twigs
dirt and an outer layer of unpleasant material.

During the process
unacceptable beans are selected and discarded. The beans are then dried on large open-air terraces and rotated frequently to provide even drying. The result is a lower acid
smoother cup.

This has been going on since the early 1800s when coffee was first introduced into the country. Today
Columbia is one of the largest producers in the world
providing 12% of the total. The central region
along with Bogota and Bucaramanga in the eastern mountains produce almost the entire amount.

While much of that is simply ordinary
grocery store quality
the finest blends are the equal of any coffee anywhere. The product from Buraramanga is heavy bodied
while coffee from Bogota is rich and low in acid.

Supremo from the state of Narino is another fine example of Columbian. Providing an excellent cup when lightly roasted
it's perfect for a late afternoon drink when you want a rich cup
but don't want to be overwhelmed with acid and caffeine.

A line of 'Triple Seal' organic coffees from Columbia are becoming ever more popular. Shaded Santos from eastern Columbia
gives a smooth
mellow cup of coffee. Open a bag and you instantly smell a rich coffee aroma.

Though the actor who has portrayed 'Juan Valdez' for years in countless commercials is retiring
you can rest assured that Columbian coffee will still be offering some of the finest coffees anywhere.

The resurgence of coffee culture all through the United States has resulted into manifold increase in the sizes
tastes
and types of coffee beverages everywhere. With variety of delicious flavors they are accompanied now in the cover of various novel and glamour-emitting names
frappaccino and mocha latte being just two examples of that. Nowadays so many different drinks are available and one of the reasons behind is the flavored coffee syrup
in use in coffee machines. You need not worry at all. Yesterday you had taken raspberry nutmeg latte no doubt and now you are pinched by worries whether you had your diet or did away with that. Rest assured that your good eating habits are not going to be destroyed by flavored coffee syrups in your beverage. No ingredients to ruin your health are present in those concoctions. Their very purpose is limited only to bringing good taste to the mix you take.

The flavored coffee syrups of the highest order offer dozens of choices for your selection. In the coffee world started in the US only a couple of years ago no such trend is visible. Across the world the Nope is known as the renowned coffeemakers and they depend for years together on all these flavors to satisfy their customers. Rich and natural flavors are offered by the top brands in the market. This highly valued taste can be created in the syrups by using pure and natural ingredients only. By depending on the base ingredients like the natural fruits
spices
nuts
sugar and water the manufacturer makes syrup that is highly concentrated. It must not have escaped your attention that no trace of fat or cholesterol are there in the ingredients listed above. No bad components should be present in high quality syrups. At your favorite coffee shop you can check label of the syrup to be sanguine in the matter.

Of late concern about diabetes is growing all through the world and at the same time low carbohydrate diets are gaining importance
and therefore the front ranking coffee syrup manufacturers have started sugar-free alternatives too. In those
flavors remain intact. You will find many of your favorite coffee flavors as part of this sugar-free line as for example vanilla
almond
hazelnut
Irish cream
chocolate
amaretto
raspberry
and caramel. However you will miss the taste of sugar while you enjoy the natural flavors. In fact
the manufacturers generally add a blend of sugar free and calorie free sweetener like Splenda that is natural sweetener though sugar free in reality. It is therefore time now for you to relish delicious mocha nut cappuccino with which is added those scrumptious syrups to enrich that with flavor so fine.

Coffee beans are roasted to bring about the right balance between the acidity and sweetness of the beans. In other words
the process of roasting the coffee beans brings out their inner characteristics and flavor. The level to which a coffee is roasted pretty much decides how the coffee will taste upon brewing. For instance
coffee beans that undergo light roasting usually have a light bodied and sweet tasting brew; whereas
a full bodied coffee with a chocolaty flavor is dark roasted.

Roasting coffee beans effects certain physical and chemical changes in the beans. These changes include the loss of moisture
caramelizing
change of color and expansion of the coffee beans. As the beans start to lose moisture and expand
they make a popping sound
which is termed as a “crack” in the coffee industry.

There are three basic levels of roasting as far as coffee beans are concerned. The Light Roast as mentioned before is used to derive a milder coffee
often sweet tasting. Then comes the Medium Roast that is the most commonly used roasting level for coffee beans. Here
roasted coffee beans are done at the second crack. The next and last level of roasting coffee beans is known as Dark Roasting where beans are roasted till they appear oily on the surface; which happens well beyond the second crack. Such roasting generally gives a very full bodied and strong brew.

Apart from the levels of Roasting
there are three main methods of
coffee bean roasting. One is an art
the second a science while the third is a combination of art and science.

Art Roasting is that technique of coffee roasting which has to be mastered through years and years of practice. Here the roast master can tell if a coffee is roasted to perfection simply by using his senses of sound
sight and smell. On the other hand
Science Roasting is where the roast master decides if a coffee is ready based on scientific data. Here the roast master looks at various data including time and temperature in order to ensure that there is uniformity of color among the different batches of roasted coffee beans. The third technique for roasting coffee beans is a fusion of both art as well as science. It is generally used for mass producing coffee beans.

Once the coffee beans are roasted
another process known as “cupping” is undertaken to ascertain the quality of the roasted beans. Here the coffee is tasted in a similar manner to tasting tea.

In this process
roasted coffee bean samples are extracted and measured in different cups. After that coffee beans from each cup are ground separately and then steeped in boiling water. Upon doing this the coffee grounds rise to the top and trap the aroma underneath. The cupper then removes the coffee grounds and smells the aroma. Last
the coffee is tasted and graded on various characteristics such as flavor
body
aroma
acidity and any defects in taste.

This step concludes the coffee bean roasting process
after which it is up to you
the coffee consumer to decide which type of roasted coffee beans suit your palate the best.

Coffee roasters come in all shapes and sizes ranging in price from 30 dollars to nearly a thousand. As with any product
the price you pay for it doesn't always correlate with the quality. Besides looking for a reliable brand
here are a few tips on what to look for when buying a coffee roaster.

The bottom of the range Roasters are basic stove top models which are just a saucepan with a tight lid and a special handle that contains a crank to allow the beans to stir up the beans during the process. It is essential to keep stirring the beans as they roast to prevent them from burning on the bottom as well as to keep the hot air inside the saucepan circulating evenly. Temperature control is vital for proper roasting so even if you are purchasing a base model be sure to buy one that has a thermometer in the lid.

At the other end of the scale are roasters that do pretty much everything automatically. All you have to do is put in a measure of green beans
close the lid and walk away for a few minutes. These deluxe models have built-in thermometers which control the heat and air-flow along with control geometry and rotating canisters and of course an all important timer to automatically shut off the device when the beans are done.

The most common types are air roasters that work along the same lines as popcorn makers whereby hot air is circulated through the mixture
while an agitator moves the beans around in the canister. This process produces a well uniformed roast.

When you are out shopping for a coffee roaster it is important that you remember to look for a product that has the ability to circulate air evenly over the beans to heat them uniformly. Avoid roasters with a heating source only at the bottom because they constrict air flow
which makes for an uneven roast. Drum roasters eliminate this problem
by their rotating drum design that uses gravity to move the beans around rather than relying only on a stirrer fitted to the bottom of the machine.

Most of these machines allow you to monitor the entire process through a see-through glass insert. This feature is a must for those who like to experiment and fine-tune the roast to their liking. One thing to also consider is the greater the quantity of beans you use
the more smoke will be created so be prepared to ventilate well.

Commonly these types of upmarket roasters also have pre-set amounts on the dial so you can set them from light to dark. Some models even filter out the chaff produced as the skins burst from the expansion of the bean.

Today coffee roasters are no longer solely for professional use as good quality home devices are now readily available which have the added benefit of being able to roast quite larger quantities of beans. If you are into catering for dinner parties and other types of home entertaining then certainly I would recommend you look into adding a roaster to your kitchen appliances.

Enjoy!

It's been around since the late 1800's but really coming into it's own in the early 1900's
the coffee press is a hot coffee brewing device that at first glance looks very simplistic but brews a cup of coffee like no other. Ask any coffee enthusiast about a coffee press pot and chances are you're in for a chat that will last longer then just a minute or two. It's the ultimate brewer to create a fabulous smelling
aroma rich
wonderful flavored
coffee.

How Does A Coffee Press Work?

A coffee press
as mentioned looks like a very simple device
basically like a coffee maker carafe with a rod down the center connected to a round filter. The filter via the rod can be moved from the top to the bottom of the glass carafe
this allows you to separate the coffee grounds from the water.

So how does it actually work? Coffee beans are first ground very coarse
they need to be more coarse then you would use in a drip coffee machine so that when the boiling water is poured over them the water can absorb the flavor
aroma
and acids from the beans. Water is boiled and poured over the grounds with the plunger filter out. The filter is replaced inside the carafe
the rod is pushed downwards into the carafe to separate the grounds form the water
leaving you with a aroma rich pot of coffee.

Pros and Cons of a Coffee Press

Of course any device has it's pros and cons
a coffee press is no different. A die hard coffee fan will surely appreciate the rich flavor textured coffee it produces. Not to mention it doesn't require any paper filters. Of course there is a downside
coffee from a press should be drank almost immediately to really take advantage of the flavor
also there can be some sediment left at the bottom of your cub due to the coarse grounds that are used. Some believe that the sediment that is left can cause your cup to go bitter.


All in all a coffee press is the original way to make a cup of coffee. While things have changed greatly due to technology
it's still a standard for many. Of course an electric machine is faster and easier to use
it doesn't produce the same exquisite taste found from a press. For those that are looking for a time saving option in the morning for their coffee
stick with your auto drip machine
but if you're looking for that all natural wonderfully brewed cup of joe consider a press
even if it's just for the weekends.

A coffee pot is a coffee pot
right? Wrong! Do you know that there are hundreds of different kinds of coffee pots
made out of a multitude of materials? There are antique coffee pots and glass coffee pots
as well as cleaning coffee pots and vacuum and glass coffee pots... the list goes on and on. There are just as many brand names for coffee pots and makers as there are materials to make them with. Some of the biggest names in coffee are Braun
Cuisinart and Krups
not to mention Bunn and Sunbeam and dozens more.

There are so many different kinds of coffee pots it would be impossible to name them all. Some drip
some brew and some produce coffee like you've never tasted before. Ever use a coffee air pot or a Turkish coffee pot? The number of different kinds of coffee you can make in any style of coffee pot is as varied as the types. Cowboy coffee
gourmet coffee
Turkish coffee
no matter where you are in the world
you can bet that there's coffee there.

A coffee pot can make strong coffee or smooth coffee
depending on the materials the coffee is made of. Some special coffee pots made out of clay enhance the taste of coffee with flavors that can't be found anywhere else in the world. No one knows when the first coffee was brewed in a coffee pot
but today
the coffee industry is booming
and will continue to grow. Like food
most people can't live without their coffee.

The timed coffee pot gets a lot of people up and going in the morning
and for some
a good stiff cup of coffee in the middle of the day helps them get through many a hectic afternoon.

A coffee pot doesn't have to be expensive to brew good coffee
though there are coffee pots and machines that can cost hundreds of dollars. An average coffee pot can be found at your local Wal-Mart for fewer than fifteen dollars. The coffee industry rakes in billions of dollars a year with roasted and gourmet coffees that can be made and enjoyed using a moderately priced coffee pot. A coffee pot can be small enough to brew only one or two cups at a time while others can brew up to twenty. But no matter what kind of coffee pot you buy
you have to keep it clean in order to produce that fresh taste that you've come to savor every morning.

Most coffee pots in the United States are made of glass
which allows them to be easily cleaned. Make sure to run hot water through the water reservoir occasionally however
to keep parts clean and free of buildup.

Some coffee pots made of materials like Pyrex or stainless steel are easy to keep clean while others require a little more care
like an antique coffee pot of a coffee pot made of clay or stone. No matter which kind you buy
one thing is guaranteed: you'll enjoy your coffee
no matter what kind of coffee pot it's brewed in.

Coffee and Your Health

The past decades have put a focus on the effects of coffee on your health. Since people are consuming over 400 million cups of coffee per day all over the world
then it is natural that we want to know what effect this will have on our health. Many in the health care industry had believed that coffee may be unhealthy for us
but now we know that this is probably not true.

Caffeine is found in all coffee beans and is a mild stimulant that can raise our blood pressure speed up our heart rate
and sometimes give us an irregular heartbeat. These effects may sound serious
but are in reality very shortly lived.

There are actually more benefits seen linking coffee drinking and health than we knew about beforehand.

Coffee may stop the development of colon cancer with high levels of consumption. You would have to drink four or more cups to see this effect. You may have to trade in your single cup coffee maker to achieve this goal!

You may be able to see other benefits of coffee on your health without drinking this much.

For instance
coffee has certain antioxidants that are also found in wine that can help prevent cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants found in coffee may be greater than those found in other fruits such as apples
tomatoes
or cranberries. Another great reason to grab a cappuccino.

There have been Chinese studies that link a positive effect between coffee drinking and reducing the negative effects of Parkinson’s disease.

There have been studies in the U.S. and in Scandinavia that link coffee to a reduction in the risk of type-2 diabetes. Since the Scandinavians drink more coffee than anyone this is good news for them!

Coffee may also lower ones risk of getting kidney stones or gallstones. Caffeine also aids us in digestion. For asthmas sufferers caffeine can help with breathing and coffee also has theophylline which is a bronchodilator which helps as well. Time to by your asthmatic friend a single cup coffee maker!

There are still of course some risks associated with coffee drinking such as reduced fertility for men. For women calcium loss from high caffeine intake may cause weak bones. Drinking lots of coffee can also cause incontinence in women.

Drinking lots of coffee can also give you a higher level of homocysteine which can lead to heart disease. An increase in LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol has also been shown
but its hard to know whether this will lead to a heart attack or not.

Cafestol is found in coffee and also thought to increase cholesterol in European brews that boil the beans in water. American coffee made through filtering or percolation is less likely to give this effect.

Weighing the benefits of coffee drinking shouldn’t be hard. If you drink coffee in a moderate amount you should see the benefits without the risks. So indulge in your favorite cappuccino today!

A great day begins with a cup of freshly roasted coffee. And that you get from an excellent coffee pod. Pods or coffee pods or espresso pods are a simple way to get a perfect espresso and with excellent results.

But for the beginners let's answer a simple question first i.e. what are coffee pods? Coffee pods are freshly roasted coffee
ground perfect
tampered to the correct pressure and then encapsulated in a paper. It is the beginning of a rich experience of the way you drink coffee.

The original pod was first designed by Illy caffe around 10 years ago. It was the year 1996 when Illy opened its idea to the coffee industry to bring a standard pod size to the market. Many coffee machine makers now offer adaptors with their machines to accept pods.

By using them in your machine not only can you guarantee perfect results
there is no mess and they help to look after your machine. In fact used ones can even be used as fertilizer for your garden as well. That is why a rich coffee taste is always benefiting.

If you are an espresso connoisseur by heart you can find a great relief with the coffee pods. As an espresso lover you understand that there are many ways of preparation where the espresso can get wrong
the grind
the measurement
freshness
the roast
tampering
temperature
water pressure are some areas which one has to watch out to make that special cup of coffee.

Now if you wonder what the best kind of coffee pod is
the answer is the home made one. Don't be shocked
it is true to the last drop of espresso. You can actually make them from your freshly roasted coffee beans. Although it is not that easy but it is sheer fun and little adventure to make one in your kitchen itself.

What you need is your favorite freshly roasted coffee beans perfectly grounded to fine powder
a sheet of filter paper and some kitchen tools. The first step to get a home made is to get the correct measuring scoop for the size of the pod. Take the coffee style filter paper sheet and put it in the scoop.

The next step is to find a glass bottle or something similar which can be used to pressure the paper in that scoop. If you have found the right size of glass jar (in most cases you will) center the filter around the jar and do it by putting the combination back in the scoop leaving a cup shaped filter paper in the scoop. Add one scoop
or about 2 teaspoons of your favorite ground coffee to this paper-filter-cup more or less to taste.

The typical coffee scoops that come with makers hold about 7 grams of coffee which is just about right. Give the cup a slight shake to evenly spread the grounds across the bottom of the filter
and then use your finger to gently fold over the extra filter material
completely covering the ground coffee. For a really well-formed pod
you can place the jar into the scoop one last time and press down really hard with the palm of your hand.

At last your favorite coffee pod is now ready to be put into the espresso machine to enjoy that rich taste of coffee. And who said coffee is not about fun.

Nothing says “me time” better than a cup of coffee or tea? A hot
piping cup or mug of the favorite hot beverage alone or with a special friend can seem like an oasis of sanity in the midst of a hectic day. Hot or cold
with some favorite fruit or nut flavors added
can make for a very special time. Both coffee & tea come with caffeine as optional. If you find that caffeine disturbs your sleep or raises your blood pressure
you can opt for the caffeine free version. If
caffeine is not a problem then go for it! Since both coffee & tea contain caffeine naturally
they must undergo a process to remove it. The decaffeination process whether for beans or leaves
takes some of the flavor out of it
so plan to purchase a better grade of coffee when you want the caffeine out.

There is some humor when people link caffeine products with relaxation and comfort
while at the same time
look upon alcohol as a party drink. When in reality
alcohol is a depressant. You can always spice up your coffee & tea with some flavoring. Just check out your local supermarkets. There are a huge variety of flavorings for your coffee & tea. A scented pot of coffee is the norm at breakfast time. The aroma is as exhilarating as the coffee itself. Tea makes a nice break in the afternoon
accompanied by a light sandwich.

Coffee & tea are sometimes split up by gender as well as time of day. Coffee is the man’s drink
served with a newspaper while a flowered porcelain pot of tea is the picture of milady’s genteel tastes. In reality
men all over the world prefer strong mugs of tea and there’s no shortage of women who gather for a ladies afternoon with coffee.

Hot or cold
man or woman
flavored or plain
caffeinated or not
coffee & tea are possibly the best part of the day.

For a coffee lover like me….I sometimes like a good cup of tea.

In this busy world there is nothing finer than taking time out from a busy schedule to enjoy a quiet cuppa by ones self. Sitting back with a steaming espresso in hand is like entering an oasis of sanity in the middle of a hectic day.

But then again I do relish sharing a brew with one or more friends whether it is when they come to visit me at home
or if we all meet up at a coffee house.

Coffee and tea are an indispensable social tradition the world over. I know I am grossly insulted if someone comes to my house and turns down my offer of a cup of the good brew

However
if it is summer and the temperature is running a little high many people prefer iced coffee or tea to cool them down rather than to warm them up. Now days
there are also some really enticing gourmet blends on the market which include a variety of fruit or nut flavors that add something special to any occasion.

Both coffee and tea are stimulants which contain caffeine. However if you are looking to wind down instead of be up-lifted
you can opt for decaffeinated coffee where the beans undergo a process to have the caffeine content removed. The only draw back is the decaffeination process tends to take some of the flavor with it
so it is best to buy a premium grade of coffee when you want the “no kick” or light variety.

Some people can’t drink coffee or tea at all because it affects their blood pressure. More commonly people won’t touch coffee because it interferes with their sleep patterns. Naturally enough if you do have trouble sleeping then it would be best not to have a full strength brew just before you go to bed. Maybe an herbal tea would be a better choice.

Alternately
you may like to switch to a caffeine-free version of your favorite brew at bed time. Of course if you want a bit more buck
then you can always try one of those flavored stirrers that are becoming more and more popular and readily available in supermarkets everywhere these days.

Coffee and tea are the caffeine twins (although coffee is the one with all the hitting power); however it is quite ironic that both are associated with comfort and relaxation when really the opposite is in fact the case. If you are really looking to wind down beer or wine are probably better depressants.

We all have our different daily rituals when it comes to drinking coffee or tea.

First thing in the morning I prefer the jolt of a good espresso. The aroma is as stimulating as the coffee itself. It might seem strange but at lunch time I enjoy a cup of tea
something like English breakfast tea does it for me at this time of the day.

Lately with the arrival of warmer weather I have taken to drinking Chai tea. The spicy taste is quite refreshing and I like it either black or with a dash of milk. By the close of day I really like to finish off with a top quality gourmet blend coffee and possibly a glass of port or a small brandy on the side.

Enjoy!

When you love coffee
why settle for a boring coffee cup when you can have it from your own personal mug?

Coffee mugs have evolved to adapt to the different preferences of coffee drinkers. The usual dainty coffee cups are nice
especially when you have company visiting. As a matter of fact
coffee cups are the preferred serving vessels in what is usually called the polite society. It isn't the coffee mug. The coffee mug can be used in a social setting that requires less formality where you can enjoy your coffee in greater quantities.

A coffee mug can be available in all shapes
styles and materials. Basically
a coffee mug is a cup that is used to hold coffee
teas
steamed milk and hot chocolate.

Materials that are generally used for the production of coffee mugs could be glass
porcelain
plastics
and metals. The shapes that mugs can be modelled into are even more varied. Coffee mugs of recent times have been ideal souvenir items
marketing and promotional tools
suggested gift materials
and novelty items. For many coffee drinkers though
it is just a simple coffee mug to hold the coffee in and sit lazily early in the morning to enjoy the morning sunshine and get perked up for the day ahead.

Porcelain coffee mugs

It is true that a porcelain coffee mug can retain heat better than plastics and metals and still have better coffee flavor. Porcelain coffee mugs can be designed as pretty
as macho or as whimsical as anyone wants
but a porcelain coffee mug can also easily break. In addition
porcelain coffee mugs may come with a porcelain cover to keep the coffee from spilling
but not an attached lid that could serve other purposes.

When you are drinking coffee in the office or near equipment and materials that should not have coffee spilled on them
you may prefer a coffee mug made from other materials.

Coffee travellers

The traveling coffee mug is designed for the coffee drinker who wants to avoid accidental spills. Traveling coffee mugs are usually manufactured with a combination of metal and plastics with insulation to keep the heat in the coffee mugs longer. Oftentimes
the inside of the coffee mug is made of plastic material while the outer cup is made from stainless steel. The lid could be made with a drinking spout
but typically coffee is sipped from a hole in the lid to prevent spills. This type of coffee mug is great while driving
drinking coffee on the job and for transporting liquids. This coffee mug closely resembles a vacuum flask.

While the traveling mug is also great for outdoor activities
another more traditional type of coffee mug can be used as well. These types of mugs are made of tin. Tin mugs
though reminiscent of old campfires and the great outdoors
are gradually becoming an option in place of the more versatile traveling mugs.

Mugs can also be decorative. Ornamental mugs come in different shapes and sizes that
aside from being a functional coffee mug
are also used to hold things and for decorative purposes.

There is also the puzzle mug. Puzzle mugs are novelty mugs that require manipulation and intuitiveness to drink from. Normally
there is a hidden method of drinking from these mugs but it is made with fun in mind.

Coffee mugs are great ways to enjoy your coffee
especially if you are a coffee lover. The quantity of coffee they can hold can be as much as 20 ounces.

Coffee – Grown Around the World

As you prepare your morning coffee every morning in your kitchen
how much time have you spent thinking of where that coffee bean came from? Coffee has a rich and colorful past
and is now grown all around the world. Although it was first grown in what is known today as Ethiopia
coffee production soon began to be grown in many other parts of the world
on almost every continent. In fact
coffee is now grown in over 70 countries.

To grow great tasting coffee
you need a region with a combination of long periods of sunshine and times with heavy rain. Because of this
most coffee beans will only grow in tropical parts of the world
the most notable of which is South America. South American coffee growers
in countries such as Brazil and Columbia
now boast the largest coffee growing areas and with more than 400 billion cups of coffee consumed every year around the world
the coffee growing business is quite lucrative.

Most people
when they think of coffee growers
immediately remember Juan Valdez
the fictional coffee grower from Columbia. Yet
Brazil is the winner in the coffee growing business
with a market share of 28% of the total coffee harvest. Almost 6 million people in Brazil are involved cultivating and harvesting coffee beans. Amazing! Other countries
such as Columbia
Indonesia and Mexico make up the remaining top coffee producing countries. In the United States
Hawaii leads the way
with its Kona coffee becoming a popular choice among java drinkers.

The terrain is just as important as the climate when growing coffee. Areas with high altitudes are popular
as the sun will beat down during the day
and tropical rainstorms will keep the crop moist at night. Each of the highest coffee-producing countries has uniqueness that
somehow
works to create a taste that differentiates it from competing Brazil has sprawling plantations. Columbia and its mountainous landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for coffee. Indonesia
located in a tropical island paradise
has grown coffee since the 1800’s. Mexican coffee growers plant on small farms
but there are lots of them! Interestingly
Hawaii’s natural volcanic soil provides terrific growing conditions.

Many people think of Africa as an area of high coffee production
and this part of the world
especially Kenya and the Ivory Coast
is heavy producers
but do not compare – in market share or dollars – to the South American regions.

Many people enjoy expresso
which is a relatively new way to make coffee. The French and Italians have made this type of coffee their specialty
and expresso machines and makers are now a big business in the United States and in other parts of the world.

Coffee has become an extraordinarily lucrative business
and coffee connoisseurs the world over have their individual favorite regions and tastes. But no matter where coffee is grown – there is a market for it!

How coffee beans are judged is the profession of a barista
a coffee maker. Coffees taste is judge by a cupper
a professional taster. All this expertise is combined to help buyers get the best beans to make the best cup of coffee. However
the barista is the person you see at your coffeehouses. They note every comment
good and bad
to judge the failure or success produced by cappuccino machines and other coffee brewing methods.

About 70 countries grow coffee beans in a band from the Equator to about 25ฐ north or 25ฐ south. Plantations are found in Africa
the Middle East
South America
the Caribbean and even Hawaii. It is the barista's job to decide which region supplies the best beans as influenced by their customers.

Due to varied climates
altitudes
machinery and techniques
each country's beans have different qualities. Each plantation will also have individual variants of the two main types of beans
robusta and arabica. Robusta is the bean of choice due to lower caffeine levels. It is used for the best coffees
supplying better flavor and aroma.

Arabica beans are best grown at above 3000ft. Brazilian arabica beans are less preferred
being grown at lower levels. Ultimately
the final decision is down to if you are roasting your own beans or getting pre-roasted beans. Green beans normally smell like vegetables and are soft. Choose them if you are doing your own roasting. If you want roasted beans
the varieties are seemingly endless.

Roasted beans come in many flavors. Cinnamon or light beans refer to the color only. They are very acidic and very high in caffeine. American roast or medium is fractionally darker and used by Folger and Yuban
but not the best quality. City roast or dark is a specialty item with less caffeine and the taste is acidic
but the final cup is not so bitter. It is an average type espresso. French roast is very dark and oily in appearance
but not burnt. They give a full-bodied flavor. Italian roast is used for the best espresso drinks. It is the darkest colour
a strong aroma
the least amount of acid
has the lowest caffeine and is much sweeter. This sweetness results from the carmelization of the beans' sugars during roasting. The lower caffeine levels result from being burned away during roasting. The result is a mellow cup of coffee.

Therefore
when you go coffee bean shopping you can play the amateur barista. You have the basic knowledge
but without the long line-ups of customers and a store full of machines.

Enjoy your coffee more with flavored syrups

The coffee craze in the United States has led to a variety of exciting beverage choices that can be made in home coffeemakers or enjoyed at your local coffee house. You can find your favorite coffee drink in almost any flavor or texture and with even wilder sounding names like “pumpkin spice latte
” for instance. Coffee syrups are what the coffee shops use to give your beverage that great tasty flavor. If you indulge in these drinks
but don’t want to blow your diet
then don’t worry! Coffee syrups used in coffeemakers all over your town will just give you great taste
but leave you safely on your diet.

Choosing from your favorite coffee syrup can be hard since there are so many different choices. Although they are new in the U.S.
these syrups have been used by the coffee pros the world over. Choose a great brand for the best flavor experience. You should get more flavor from better ingredients. Using fruits
nuts
spices
water
and sugar the syrup manufacturers blend these ingredients to give you a syrup that is used in coffee drinks. There is no fat in the syrups
so they are safe to enjoy. Check out the label on your favorite brand of coffee syrup.

You can also choose from your favorite sugar-free syrup if this is a concern of yours. Since diabetes is such a large health problem as well as keep our carbs down
then a low sugar option may be perfect for you. You can get almost any flavor in a sugar free variety. Try vanilla
hazelnut
chocolate
amaretto
cherry or dozens more in a sugar fre variety. Almost all machines can make great coffee so try adding syrup for that extra touch. Lots of brands are using other sweetners to give that great flavor to their syrups. Splenda is one that is being used in coffee syrups all over your town. So get your coffee machines whirling and throw in some syrup for that special touch!

If you have decided that you enjoy coffee enough to start calling yourself a coffee gourmet
good for you. This is a fascinating world where the standards are very high
and if you really enjoy a good cup of coffee
this is where you belong. Gourmet coffee is made from the beans that are the top beans from the best producers and rushed to the consumer for the freshest taste possible. If you start to engage in buying gourmet coffee
you will be shopping from different dealers
obtaining coffee from different parts of the world. Just like in the world of wine
the flavor change from region to region. Coffee beans from Africa
for example
have more of a red wine flavor than beans from Central American
which tend to have a smooth acidity to them. Once the best beans for your taste are culled from the best areas of the world
the process of roasting will add even more flavor and aroma to these different coffee types.

Picking
roasting and grinding the coffee brings it to one of the most important final steps: brewing the coffee. Here the machine you use will be very important. Whether you are using a Bunn commercial maker
or a small Mr. Coffee
you want to pick the right one for your needs. Drip machines are still in use
and even though they may be the choice of a novice because they are so easy to use
many expert coffee brewers still prefer them. A real gourmet may insist on a press or hand brew machine so make sure he is controlling the brewing process. Then
of course the modern world steps in with pod brewers that work like a European coffee machine
where water is infused through a pad of premeasured coffee. And of course
if you love espresso
you will want to have an espresso machine.

One of the other important points to remember
whatever type of machine you use
is that you use the right filter for that machine. Most of the best filters are made of a permanent filter material such as nylon or metal. A permanent filter will allow all of the flavor of the coffee grind to go through
rather than be soaked up by paper.

A good gourmet coffee store will also supply you with a coffee grinder for really fresh coffee. If you want the true experience of coffee house coffee every time you brew a pot
there is nothing like grinding your own fresh blend from beans.

Whether you have decided that you just want to have the best cup of coffee each morning
or you want to impress guests and visitors with a great cup of gourmet coffee
you can get everything you need to do it right: grinders
roasters
and coffee machines. Get the best of these products and you will be a coffee gourmet.

There are basically four types of coffee makers on the market today: the drip
the vacuum
the French press
and the stovetop. Each requires a different type of preparation and a varying amount of time and involvement on behalf of the user. However
having different types of coffee makers allows the user to find his or her particular taste and preference and make coffee at home.

Drip coffee makers:
The drip coffee is the easiest and most common coffee maker used today
partly due to its simplicity and efficiency. The machine itself does most of the work - you just add the freshly ground coffee and cold water. The drip coffee machine is an efficient method whereby the cold water is poured into the reservoir and the heating element then delivers the heated water for brewing. The coffee is ready in a matter of minutes. Paper filters are used to hold the coffee grounds. These filters are then discarded after each use
so the clean up is easy. The drip coffee machine burner will keep the coffee hot for an extended period of time after brewing.

Vacuum style coffee makers:
Vacuum style brewing has been around since 1840. A vacuum style coffee maker is made up of two separate glass containers stacked one on top of the other with the brewing taking place in the top section. The lower section is filled with cold water
which heats up to a boiling point. A siphon will pull the hot water from the lower section through the grounds and into the top section. Then gravity takes over and the coffee will feed back into the lower section
leaving the coffee grounds in the top section. When you take the top section off
your freshly brewed coffee is ready to be served. Many people prefer vacuum style brewing rather than drip coffee brewing
due to the taste that the drip coffee paper filters leave behind.

Stovetop coffee makers:
Stovetop coffee makers have two separate
stacked pots very similar to the vacuum style coffee makers; however
the grounds and cold water are in the same container. In the stovetop method
the second container houses the finished product. The lower container holds the water
filter basket
and the ground coffee. The lower container needs to be heated
forcing the water through the grounds that get siphoned from the lower to the top container. The coffee is then be ready to be served from the top container. The style and shape of the stovetop coffee maker makes it a very attractive piece to those who want an elegant flare in their coffee makers. However
the stovetop coffee maker is not recommended for larger parties. Also
when preparing the coffee
it must not be allowed to boil - for this could potentially lead to a bitter tasting coffee.

French Press coffee maker:
The French press method
which was developed in 1933
is a simple design yet produces a full-bodied coffee. The method consists of filling the canister with one tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee for every cup of hot water. The plunger handle is then placed onto the pot to aid in the heat retention
and is then slowly depressed. The stainless steel mesh of the plunger will push the grounds to the bottom of the canister
separating them from the coffee. The coffee may then be served right from the canister. Coffee brewed this way must be consumed right away
for the glass canister losses heat quickly. This makes for a not very desirable cup of coffee. Stainless steel press pots are available
but are not as popular as the glass canisters.

No matter which coffee maker you choose
it is very important that you clean your coffee maker thoroughly. All four of these methods make great tasting coffee; however
each method has a unique process that must be developed and mastered by the user. The challenge is to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle!

So you have decided to discover the exciting and quality filled world of gourmet coffee types
right? You will enter into a realm where you will find the tastiest and freshest coffees
and beans that have travelled across the world’s landmasses and vast oceans to your roaster
and to the mug as fast as any human can manage. You can purchase coffees direct from all the known world-wide dealers. There are the winey African beans
or the smooth
acidy and easy to drink Central American varieties. In fact
whatever your coffee choice
there is an array of quality roasting machines to emphasise the aromas and flavours of each blend. Are you ready to enter coffee paradise?

Your coffee will arrive with the absolute guarantee that each bean will be continuously of good quality. As you know
roasting beans is a fine art. Your roaster will recognise the individuality of your beans. Each bean has varied sizes
shapes
colours and densities. Every bean needs a unique temperature and time to bring out its true potential.

Besides the coffees
the best brewing machines like the bunn coffee maker are built with quality in mind. You can still get the typical drip
a beginner’s delight
but if you prefer there are presses and hand brewers. However
you could go for more modern European technology with pod machines. Europeans use these machines because they infuse the boiling water through coffee type pads. Then
for espresso
you can opt for a pressurised and steamed espresso machine. Wow
the choices never end do they?

Once you have your machinery and beans it is important to find the correct filters. The best are nylon
gold or permanent ones. Permanent ones are great for allowing the flavour to get into the water properly. However
it is imperative to clean them properly after every use.

Your store will also carry coffee grinders. These machines let the aromas and oils to be released and infuse into the water for the perfect cup of
say
java. Imagine getting perfect coffee in your cup at home just like you would at the coffee-house?

There is no need to buy your coffee supplies
machines and grinders anywhere else because you can find it all. Why not stock up on the best quality products out there? Your guest will keep coming back for more
but best of all you will be rewarded each morning with the perfect cup.

Coffee has long been a staple for waking up on sleepy mornings and getting through busy afternoons. Coffee houses are places to meet friends
make new acquaintances
plan futures and talk about the past.

It's no question that coffee is important in our lives. From decaffeinated brews to cap a quiet evening
to rich espressos to finish a meal
to supercharged cappuccinos
there are literally hundreds of coffee choices. Many of the more unique blends require special coffee machines to create the perfect brew. Hand-brewing machines and old-fashioned presses have enjoyed a renewed interest by coffee lovers. Many coffee drinkers are now using pod brewers that infuse hot water through coffee pads
while others prefer the old-fashioned drip machines. Cappuccino and espresso machines are also popular choices.

Drip coffee machines
however
are still the most popular because they are easiest to use. With this method
coffee rookies and aficionados alike can easily brew the perfect pot. The key to success in using drip coffee machines is to choose a permanent filter
such as gold and nylon models. With a permanent filter
the flavor molecules from the coffee grinds can pass freely through to the water. Another important advantage is that permanent filters leave no unwanted flavours. Cleaning a permanent filter after every use is required
but the delicious results are well worth the effort.

The problem with using paper filters in coffee machines is that they leave an unpleasant aftertaste in the coffee. Additionally
paper filters can absorb some of the special flavour molecules and aromatic oils from the coffee beans
essentially losing that rich aroma and tantalizing taste. If you must use paper filters
try rinsing them with hot water first
to wash away some of the aftertaste.

The best coffee brewed in drip coffee machines comes from a medium to fine grind. Measure the coffee carefully according to your coffee bean package or machine manufacturer's suggestions
and use water that is between 195 degrees and 205 degrees. This range of temperatures ensures the best extraction from your ground coffee...

Expert coffee makers will tell you that one of the tricks to brewing a great cup is to remove the filter and grounds before the last few drops of water have filtered through. In doing so
your java will be less likely to taste bitter or over-extracted. When the coffee has finished brewing
stir the pot before serving.

Coffee lovers agree that morning
noon or as a nightcap
anytime is the best time to enjoy a great brew. Using good quality ground coffee beans in the right coffee machines can help to ensure success in every pot.

When you think of cocktails
your immediate image is probably of highly colored fruit juices and strong spirits
dressed with a sparkly umbrella and a piece of pineapple. It might surprise you to know about the vast range of coffee cocktails around
for those looking for a different sort of lift. With the advent of grind and brew coffee makers we can make the perfect cup of coffee right in our kitchen
now we just need something exciting to mix with it!

We will start with the very simple and innocent frappe
mostly found in Europe and South America it is made by mixing crushed ice
sugar milk and cold espresso
and is a popular drink during hot weather. The addition of one measure of brandy and another of cr่me de cacao makes a more exciting drink.

The antithesis of the simple frappe is the decadent Cappuccino Borgia. This consists of a mixture of orange juice
freshly peeled orange
a double dark espresso
milk
and chocolate ice cream. The sweetness of the ice cream is offset but the sharpness of the citrus fruit and the bitter taste of the coffee creating a fantastic overall taste.

Back to something lighter
and we could try a Calypso Cooler
straight from the Caribbean. A couple of properly ripe bananas and some coffee ice cream mixed with a cool strong filter coffee is the base. However
for a truly Caribbean experience
a measure of rum can five the Cooler the lift it requires.

For a filling alternative
we can look to the ancient world for a Caffee Zabaglone
or a more modern version found in New Orleans. The Caffee Zabaglone mixed marsala
sugar
egg yolks a little salt and a good strong Italian brew. This was all whisked and heated until thick. The New Orleans version incorporates a strong full bodied American roast with full cream
eggnog and bourbon
and is popular around Mardi Gras.

For a truly warming experience
the Scandinavians have concocted the Cardamom Caffee. Traditionally this spice is used in thick strong Turkish coffee
and it can give quite a kick to any hot drink. For the Cardamom Caffee
mix Cognac and Curacao
with sugar and a Cardamom pod. Heat briefly and then set alight with a match. Add a strong dark filter coffee and enjoy the results!

For the passionate coffee lover – those who love their coffee pure and rich and strong - not much rivals the automatic espresso machine in terms of convenience. Whether you visit your local coffee shop where the air comes alive with the hiss and heat of steam or you invest in an at-home automatic espresso machine where you’re free to tinker with the perfect coffee recipe
the results are the same – the perfect cup of coffee and a very
very happy coffee lover.

The automatic espresso machine comes in two varieties; semi automatic and full automatic. Using a semi automatic espresso machine requires partial participation on the part of the user. Whoever is operating the machine must start it at which point the automatic espresso machine takes over. When the brewing process is complete
the user then shuts down the machine. The full automatic espresso machine does not require any operator participation. This is usually a larger and pricier automatic espresso machine due to its heightened complexity; but it brews completely on its own coordinating a system of water
grinders
and extractors.

Deciding which automatic espresso machine would best suit your needs depends on its intended use. For commercial use
a full automatic espresso machine makes more sense; there’s more space for a larger machine and the demand for multiple cups of espresso would make the need for heavy operator participation inefficient.

For at home use
a semi automatic espresso machine would be sufficient for private brewing. Its smaller size takes space issues into consideration and it is normally less pricey than its larger counterpart.

To find the model that works best for you
start your research on the Internet. You will be able to access thousands of consumer report records that will tell you which of the machines you are interested are performing the best.

Whether it’s in the local coffee shop – or in your home - an automatic espresso machine can readily brew the highest quality cup of coffee available.

Though coffee has its origin in Ethiopia
where still now the main source of coffee production is the wild coffee tree forests
coffee consumption has gradually spread worldwide. The fact that the coffee beans grow profusely in tropical or sub-tropical regions is only because it requires ample sunshine and rain to cultivate the beans.

Majority of the world's source of the liquid that a Turkish maxim calls 'black as hell
and strong as death
and sweet as love' comes from a narrow strip that is centered on the equator of around 23 degrees North to 25 degrees South. Globally
the coffee beans are grown in over 70 countries
only with an output to make it the world's second largest commodity in dollar volume only after oil.

Till date
Brazil bags the title of the largest producer of coffee bean with a standard output of 28 percent of the total production. With a pretty distant margin
world-renowned Columbia claims the second place at only 16 percent; while Indonesia and Mexico are placed at the third and fourth respectively with 7% and 4%
almost half than the previous.

Though high altitudes are great for the coffee trees to produce the best beans
the trees have adapted to a variety of climatic regions.

Brazil has a huge amount of land as plantations and to look after the plants hundred of laborers are employed. However
in Columbia the rugged mountains including poor economic conditions and inconvenient transportation
facilities to processing centers are carried out by Jeep or mule.

Though Columbia has the tree-lined mountains for coffee production
the Hawaiian producers prefer the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano for ideal coffee cultivation. The volcanic ash is black and rocky
still plants can grow well where the tropical clouds protect the plants from the intense heat of the afternoon sun and the required water is amply provided by the frequent island showers.

Indonesia may be technologically a little backward
but it surpasses the other countries with its helpful warm
damp microclimates. The combining effort of the largest islands of Java
Sumatra and Sulawesi with hundreds of one or two acres firms on each of them contribute largely to secure the third place position for the country.

Mexico as contrasted to Brazil
has primarily small farms for plantations
however the total number of over 100
0
of them has helped the country to make a mark on the global chart. Almost all of them are located in the south
in Chiapas
Veracruz and Oaxaca but the high altitude is necessary to produce the special Altura beans.

However in recent years
after the recovery of the Tonkin area from decades of stagnation
Vietnam has been rapidly challenging Indonesia's position. Initially planted along with Arabica trees by French missionaries in the middle of 19th century
the plantations that are small in size now produce robusta
which is one of the two major species.

Be it the Costa Rican La Fuente
the Tanzanian Peaberry
the Brazilian Liberdade or the Indian Monsoon Malabar - coffees are attracting an eclectic increasing demand throughout the world.

All coffee drinkers have their own opinions on what's involved in brewing the perfect pot. For many
it's a combination of cold
clean water
and freshly ground coffee beans. Coffee grinders are the perfect kitchen accessories for these caffeine connoisseurs.

Coffee grinders work so well because they unleash the bean oils and create a delicious aroma before you even brew a pot. It's like opening a fresh can of ground coffee each and every morning.

Of course
there's more to cooking up a great cup of joe besides simply grinding the beans. There are different techniques for storing the coffee
measuring the grounds. The type of coffee maker and water you use can also mean the difference between so-so and simply delicious.

Coffee gurus recommend adding two heaping tablespoons of whole beans to the grinder for every six ounces of water you plan to use. If using a drip coffee maker
you should measure the water before starting the brewing process.

To get the strongest
richest flavour
freshly ground beans work best in press pots or those with permanent filters such as gold cones. Truly fussy coffee drinkers do not use paper filters
as they can create an aftertaste and absorb the special aromatic oils from the coffee beans that are essential for creating superb taste. If you must use paper filters
try rinsing them with hot water beforehand to wash away the aftertaste.

Knowing how long to let your coffee brew is another important factor. Freshly ground coffee is very delicate
and if left in contact with the water for too long
it can become overly bitter. On the other hand
if the grounds don't spend enough time with the water
the coffee may lack the full and robust flavour you're hoping for.

After brewing the perfect pot
don't leave it sitting on a burner or hotplate for too long. After twenty minutes the coffee will "burn"
take on a terribly bitter taste
and take a real toll on your stomach.

Coffee grinders make it easy to start every day with a brilliant brew.