Coffee

Buying coffee can be challenging. Why? There are so many coffee brands. If you know good tips on how to shop for coffee, you will be able to find a brand that you truly enjoy. I’d like to share with you some suggestions on what to look for when getting the most out of your next coffee purchase.

But first, let me explain how I learned about buying coffee. When I first tried an inexpensive brand of coffee, I almost spit it out. I thought, “How can people drink this stuff and enjoy it?” Since I was not after the caffeine effect, it was a long time before I’d try another cup of coffee. But I worked in a retail shop that was close to a gourmet coffee shop. I bought many flavored beverages from the shop. One day, I decided to try a flavored coffee. Luckily, I really enjoyed it. If I hadn’t, I don’t know if I would have ever tried coffee again. But drinking a regular cup of coffee didn’t appeal much to me. I became kind of a “fun coffee” kind of person, trying different flavors whenever I felt like a change. It also helped that I was married to a ‘coffee lover’ and learned valuable insight from him. He told me that I shouldn’t have to flavor coffee to get a good taste that I enjoy. My husband is a bit of a coffee snob but he has sort of earned that right. He grew up traveling to Guatemala with his parents to visit relatives. His grandfather immigrated to America from Guatemala and became a citizen of this great country. Because of this connection, my husband would visit the Guatemalan relatives on the family coffee farm as a boy and as an adult. Personally, I have visited Guatemala twice, to meet family, visit the family farm, and learn about coffee production. As you can imagine, coffee drinking is big in his family.

Nevertheless, here are the tips I have learned when looking for a good coffee:

1) Smell the coffee in the bag if you are able. Make sure it has a desirable aroma.
2) Check out the source of the coffee. Where is it from? Is it Estate Grown coffee of a high quality or is it a blend of “leftovers”?
3) How was it processed before it got to the roaster? Was it sun dried for a higher quality?
4) Buy whole bean for the ability to see the beans before your grind. If the beans are broken, have wholes in them or are all inconsistent sizes, don’t buy.
5) What kind of roast is it? Vienna, French or Espresso? Be sure to buy the correct roast for your taste buds or you may get a false impression of the coffee. Vienna is a lighter roast, French is a little darker and Espresso is a very dark roast.

Once you figure out which coffee you like, make sure the brewing is done correctly so that you ensure a smooth delicious flavor. Now you can sit back and really enjoy that coffee taste. Enjoy.

Article written by Michelle Falla, Coffee Distributor for Serenity Cup Coffees. Visit http://www.serenitycup.com for more details.

Author: Michelle Falla
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Most scintillating conversations take place in the coffee house. This is a place where everyone loosens up and tries to just enjoy the aroma and the feel of this wonderful beverage. It is not at all an exaggeration when someone says that “A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.”

Likewise coffee and romance too go hand in hand. Since the advent of coffee and its subsequent popularity, coffee houses have been an integral part of any town or city. They have been the meeting places of both men and women where they used to gather and discuss a variety of subjects ranging from the more personal romantic ones to the more business related. Coffee houses gave a much needed space for leisurely conversation without the hindrance of the outside world. Many a romances have begun and flourished over a hot cup of coffee. There is a Turkish proverb which says “Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death and as sweet as love. “

This proves to be very true when one visualizes the beverage and the impact it has on the human body and the various sentiments it arouses. It can easily draw similarity because true love is also intense and all consuming. It really rejuvenates one’s body and mind. This mystical drink too has the same effect and people once addicted to coffee can rarely let go of it.

Paris is considered the Romantic Capital of the world and since the introduction of the coffee in the late 17th century; the very concept of romance saw a sea change. Many coffee houses or cafes came into existence which served coffee on a cobblestone street which was the perfect setting for people in love. Coffee became an aphrodisiac for the romantics who would spend hours talking over a cup of hot coffee. There is a popular German saying that says “Coffee and love are best when they are hot. “

Can anyone really resist a cup of coffee sitting in front of the fireplace and having a cozy time with one’s beloved? Or can anything be more romantic than the freshly brewed coffee being served by your romantic partner first thing in the morning? One actually enjoys the sound of the coffee grinder when it is being used by your spouse or partner. It doesn’t sound like an intrusion, rather it gives a nice feeling that someone cares about you and is going to such great lengths as to preparing a freshly grounded coffee for you. This is the magic of Coffee.

Coffee always gives a cozy and warm feeling and therefore this drink has become the mainstay of couples round the world and has come to be synonymous with romantic rendezvous. There can be many romantic ideas which include coffee. Some of them are given below for people who would like to surprise their beloved with a romantic gesture. These work for people who are supposedly labeled unromantic by their partners:

Breakfast in Bed including warm delicious croissants and a hot cup of coffee
A cup of hot coffee while it is raining outside
Rendezvous at a cozy coffee shop while sitting in a corner
Long Drive and hot coffee in a village cafeteria
Slow & Soothing music & cup of hot coffee for both
Reading a Book to your Partner while Sipping a cup of Coffee

I am sure that any person who is in love will really love to try out these romantic ideas. If he/she meets with success then the whole credit should rightfully belong to this wonderful drink called the COFFEE.

For more information on Coffee and Coffee Fun please visit our website.

Author: David Urmann
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you’re looking for great coffee, freeing up space in the kitchen, and having the choice you want for your coffee.

So, here are some thoughts to consider:

1. are you looking for an improved coffee experience,
2. looking to save money, and
3. are you a regular coffee drinker (you want more than just a cup of coffee).

For improved coffee experience there are several things to consider – selecting the right roast coffee bean (for the flavour), setting the correct grind, and brewing for freshness. All of these are made easier by a grind and brew coffee maker. Its convenient and automated.

A built in grinder is capable of grinding up to 10 – 12 cups of coffee (for the regular coffee drinker). And the best units are able to keep the coffee hot for hours and not have it bitter or burnt.

By grinding fresh the roast coffee beans the aroma adds to the coffee experience, and the flavour is fresh as possible. The difference between the aroma of fresh ground beans compared with stale coffee is… immense. Your nose knows, trust it – you can tell the difference.

Freshness is lost when oxygen in the air comes in contract with the ground beans and oils. With a grind and brew coffee maker – there is minimal contact with air so the flavours are the freshest possible. The full flavour of the bean is released from grind, to brew, to your cup.

If you’re looking to save space in your kitchen then a grind and brew coffee maker is a good option to consider. With both the grinder and the coffee maker in one unit, you don’t need a separate grinder and a separate coffee maker, thereby saving space (and hassle). Also, you don’t need a separate filter as most of these coffeemakers have built in filters.

If you are looking to save money and you haven’t yet purchased a separate grinder yet – wait. For two reasons – better grind quality and savings.

The grinders used for grinding coffee beans should use a burr grinding mechanism to get the best flavour from the coffee beans. With grind and brew coffee makers the burr grinder is incorporated in the integrated into the single unit.. Other grinders may lack in this mechanism and as such may not serve the purpose appropriately.

In addition, you will save money by having the grinder as part of the coffee making appliance. This saving is even better if you are ordering online, as you will save in the shipping costs. This also applies to the coffee filter as well..

Most g&b coffee makers are automated. They have built in timers and other settings which enable you to have freshly brewed coffee just ready for you when you wake in the morning. Do you know what it is like to wake up to the smell of fresh coffee in the morning – next to heaven, and a great way to start the day.

So when is the best time to get a grind and brew coffee maker? When you are looking to replace your existing coffee maker (or looking to get your first) and you are looking for convenience, savings and a better coffee experience.

Greg Rogers is a coffee nut who just loves coffee. He’s used dripolators, plungers, on-cup coffee makers… etc, the lot.

For more information on what to look for in selecting a new coffee maker, go to GrindandBrew-Coffeemaker.com

Author: Greg Rogers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Who doesn’t love a refreshing cup of coffee to start the morning? It can be a great way to warm up during a cold morning, give a needed energy boost early in the day, just be part of your usual morning routine, and – when consumed in moderation – has health benefits. The problem is for about ten percent of people the high acidity level makes it difficult for their stomachs to digest their morning cup. There are solutions available for making low acid coffee. Whether you buy beans that have been specially roasted to produce low acid coffee or if you are using a special brewing technique to reduce the acidity anyone can enjoy a morning coffee regardless of their stomach!

For people looking for a natural approach to low acid coffee, some coffee beans are roasted with mushroom extracts from Ganoderma or Reishi mushrooms to enhance the flavor and reduce the acidity to make the coffee easier on sensitive stomachs. The mushrooms and beans are steamed naturally to reduce the acidity without compromising the flavor of the coffee. This is an herbal roasting method that still leaves the same taste, aroma, and caffeine levels. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to improve mood, increase focus, and help detoxify the liver. Chemically altered beans can have the same effect on acidity levels but may have altered taste, aroma, and reduced caffeine.

Besides altering the beans or roasting them with mushroom extracts to lower the acidity, you can change the way you brew to get a more low acid coffee. The toddy maker, also known as Cold-Brew coffee maker, actually makes a cold coffee concentrate. A drip coffee maker involves putting coffee beans into a filter and having hot water pass through the filter slowly to extract the coffee flavors. A press style coffee maker involves steeping the coffee in hot water for several minutes before pressing the grounds to separate them from the coffee and pouring it off. On the other hand, a toddy maker uses concentrated coffee and adds it to hot water. You can store this concentrate in a refrigerator to make your coffee later. This cold brewing methods leads to a lower acidity level in the finished coffee, making this low acid coffee easier for people with sensitive stomachs.

Coffee has a wonderful flavor, can give you a good energy boost in morning, and even has many good qualities for your health. When consumed in moderation without adding unnecessary calories from too much cream or sugar it can be good for your heart, help reduce your risk of cancer, relieve pain, boost your mood, and even help prevent cavities. Even if you have a sensitive stomach you may want to consider having an occasional cup of low acid coffee. Just remember to look for low acid coffee beans or a ganoderma enriched instant coffee.

Just remember to look for low acid coffee beans or ganoderma enriched instant (ready brew) coffee. Remember that the acidity can be reduced artificially and naturally. Or you can try a cold brewing method for low acid coffee. Just look for beans that are specially marked as low acid coffee beans or a toddy maker and even people with sensitive stomachs can enjoy their morning java.

Phillip Bynes is a proud husband, father, licensed massage therapist, and Family First Entrepreneur. As an active member of the health and wellness community, he provides resources to people who absolutely love coffee and embrace an opportunity to replace that unhealthy cup of coffee with a low acid ganoderma enriched coffee that can provide substantial health benefits. Learn more at www.DrinkCoffee4Life.com.

Author: Phillip Bynes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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For those who love coffee, you know that you can distinctly tell the quality of the coffee just by the aroma you get from the brew. But for the average coffee drinker, brand names usually reign supreme when it comes to sipping their favorite cup of Joe.

With the growing market of delicious coffee, people continually search their local area for the best coffee that’s convenient. While some may argue that Whole Food has everything you need for the perfect brew, there are gourmet coffee brands that some might dismiss.

It would help those looking for a great brew to experiment and try these higher ticketed beans to get a better sense of what is out there. This article will cover the top five brands of coffee in America today. Some range from the everyday to the premium merchant names that we have all come to admire.

Starbucks

Coming in at number one, Starbucks still remains at the top of the list. With loyal followers nationwide, some argue this is the best coffer brand worldwide. However, this fame to glory can also be attributed to the marketing and public perception of Starbucks Coffee. Its trendiest and cozy couches do help draw in customers day in and day out.

Coffee is embedded in daily culture and it’s no longer a breakfast thing. It’s has become a social engagement as well. It caters to both young and old, across all demographics.

With humble roots back in Seattle, Starbucks has grown internationally with over 16,000 stores worldwide. They also have expanded their product line for coffee lovers to experience the prefect brew at home. One of their more famous creations is the latte and blended coffee being sold in sachet packs.

Pee’s Coffee

Another homegrown coffee brand from Seattle, Peet’s coffee has grown into a 500 million dollar business as of 2009. Its coffee is also sold in groceries stores nationwide. A little history shows a relationship with Starbucks coffee house.

The founders of Starbucks sued to be able to for Peet’s and ended up introducing their own specialty coffee blend.

Dunkin Donuts

On the other side of the coin, Dunkin Donuts ranks in the top five of coffee brands in the United States. The allure of a simple plain good ol’ cup of black coffee has its appeal. Made fresh daily and consistently, Dunkin Donuts still brews a favorite fresh cup of java for its loyal and frugal customers. Some argue it’s just as good as the fancy Starbuck brand.

The simplicity of cream, sugar and coffee is a winner everyday at Dunkin Donuts and their revenue shows that. After buying the Mister Donut brand, they quickly gobbled up more of the market share.

Maxwell House Coffee

The fourth popular coffee brand on consumer favorites is Maxwell House Coffee. Many coffee aficionados claim that their coffee rivals that of Starbucks and can be it in a blind taste test. As a household name, Maxwell house continues to serve its client base every quarter. This Kraft owned brand continues to brew coffee that’s good to the last drop.

Caribou Coffee

Caribou coffee is the second largest retailer of coffee and espresso in the United States to Starbucks.

One of their popular blends is their Rainforest Blend that gives the coffee brew a unique flavor of fruitiness.

So whatever brand fills your cup of coffee, there are a wide range of taste, textures and price ranges to suit your mood. Be sure to also visit your local supermarket for additional selections.

Want the Perfect Brew?

Check out my blog for Breville Espresso and other Breville Espresso Machines. Timothy Schwartz, The Coffee Brewster, reviews and puts his tastebuds and wallet on the line.

Author: Timothy Schwartz
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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