Coffee

When you taste a really fabulous cup of coffee you can be sure that a lot of care and effort has gone into its preparation. Great tasting coffee does not happen by accident, but represents the culmination of preparation, cleanliness and meticulous brewing methods.

The starting point for great tasting coffee does not come from choosing the right blend of coffee or even the type of brewing equipment to be used, but in the quality of the water used and the cleanliness of the equipment!

As coffee is more than 98% water is should come as no surprise that the quality of the water has a dramatic impact of the quality of the finished beverage.

Freshly filtered water should be used when making coffee. Many domestic and commercial water filters and calcium treatment units are available and most do an excellent job in removing heavy elements, impurities and odours from water.

Be sure to draw a little water from the system first, and pour it away. Use fresh clean cold water for starting off the process of brewing your favourite beverage.

The equipment used to brew the coffee should be clean and free of coffee stains and grounds. Coffee contains many complex compounds that can go rancid when left on equipment for a while and will adversely effect the quality of the coffee produced.

Choose a good quality roast coffee bean to suit your taste and make sure you buy it in a sealed bag or container.

Avoid buying pre-ground coffee – it may be more convenient but it will start to oxidise the moment you open the packet and even if subsequently kept in an air-tight container much of the damage will have been done. The flavour of freshly roasted coffee can deteriorate remarkably fast and within a week or so much of the flavour will be lost.

Whole roast coffee beans will also begin to lose some of their flavour once the seal has been broken on the coffee bag, but so long as you keep them in a cool dry place, out direct sunlight and not open to the atmosphere they will stay fresh for quite a while.

For these reasons you should only grind as much coffee you need for the brew in question and not be tempted to grind more than what it going to be used immediately.

Don’t be tempted to store you coffee in the refrigerator as it may become tainted by the odours of other products.

The grind of the coffee is very important to the taste of the final coffee brew. Always follow the guidelines of the brewing equipment used and grind your coffee beans to their specification. Grind too large and the final beverage will be too weak, grind too fine and it may clog up the system.

Typically a standard pour and serve drip method coffee brewer should take between four and six munutes to complete the brew.

Keep your grinder clean.

Grind a little coffee and then discard it, this should get rid of any old stale coffee within the grinder that you cannot see or reach after cleaning.

It is best to wait until the complete coffee jug has brewed before serving. Typically a drip filter machine will produce slightly weaker coffee at the start of its cycle as it comes up to temperature and slightly stronger towards the end. All good things come to those who wait!

Why not take a at look at our Coffee Resource Centre on our web site to learn more about coffee and coffee machines.

Author: Fenton Wayne
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A coffee grinder is a must have for anyone who loves coffee, for two simple reasons:

1. Freshness
2. Control over the Coarseness of the Grind

Freshness

To keep coffee as fresh as possible you need to minimise its contact with air. Air is one of coffee’s worst enemies as it destroys delicate flavours by turning the natural oils present in coffee rancid.

If you have a coffee grinder at home you can grind your coffee beans as and when you need them. This preserves their freshness, as a whole coffee bean has a much smaller surface area than that of a ground bean and therefore is less exposed to air.

The actual process of grinding releases many of the coffee’s aromatics; as you grind you can smell this in the air. If you don’t quickly use these grounds then you are going lose this aroma and deprive your cup of valuable flavours. This is another good reason to only grind coffee on demand.

Control over the Coarseness of the Grind

Different coffee makers require a different coarseness of ground coffee. For example: an espresso machine, which has a short brewing time (less than 30 seconds), needs a very fine powder-like grind; whereas a cafetiere, which has a long brewing time (3-4 minutes), needs a much coarser grind.

With your own coffee grinder you get to control the coarseness of the grind as you can adjust the grinder’s setting. So if you find that your coffee tastes bitter, a result of over-extraction, then you can adjust the grind to a coarser setting; and if your coffee tastes flat, a result of under-extraction, you can adjust the grind to a finer setting.

Blade Vs Burr Coffee Grinders

Coffee grinders come into two categories:

1. Blade Grinders
2. Burr Grinders

A blade grinder works in a similar way to a food processor: there is a set of spinning metal blades which roughly cut through the coffee beans. The coarseness of the grind is determined by how long the grinder is left running. Coffee ground by a blade grinder is inconsistent in size as some beans will be sliced through more times then others.

Rather than chopping the coffee beans into tiny pieces, a burr grinder crushes the beans between two pieces of burred metal. A burr grinder produces a much more consistent size of grounds as the coarseness is controlled by how close the two pieces of metal are set to each other: i.e. a smaller distance for fine grounds and a larger distance for coarse. For this reason, burr grinders are far superior to blade grinders.

Why is Consistency Important?

The ultimate aim when making coffee is to extract the maximum amount of flavour whilst leaving behind bitter compounds and caffeine. This is why different coffee makers require a different coarseness of grounds. However, if your grounds are inconsistent then the larger particles in the grounds are going to be under-extracted, leaving behind flavour, and the smaller particles are going to be over-extracted, releasing bitter compounds and further caffeine into the cup. Unfortunately, the two don’t balance each other out; instead you have a flat, bitter coffee that will keep you awake for hours.

Choosing a Coffee Grinder

The coffee grinder you choose should depend on for what type of coffee maker you’re grinding the coffee. If you’re using a cafetiere or stove-top espresso maker then a hand grinder is perfectly adequate, although they do require plenty of physical effort to get results.

However, for an espresso machine a good quality electric burr coffee grinder is essential. As making an espresso is a pretty intense process (its all over in less than 30 seconds) the margin of error for the grind is very slim. This is why you need a grinder which allows for minuscule adjustments to be made so you can get the grind spot on.

James Grierson is the owner of Galla Coffee – UK based retailer of espresso machines, coffee makers, grinders and cups for the home.

View the original article in its context at: Guide to Coffee Grinders

Author: James Grierson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Not Called Stumptown

We all know Portland is no stranger to delicious coffee. As pioneers of many great local products, it only seems fitting that some of the world’s best roasted coffee is made right here in this fantastic city of ours. As a purveyor and distributor of these fine coffee products let me introduce to you the best coffee you can find, not called Stumptown, in Portland, OR.

Nossa Familia Coffee

Clearly one of the best coffees roasted in Portland. Nossa Familia gets all of their green coffee beans from their family farm in Brazil. They’ve been growing coffee in the rich fertile lands of Brazil for over 100 years and the taste can’t be matched. With superb roasting skills to bring out the best of the coffee bean flavor, you simply can’t help but love their coffee.

Where to find them?

2 N. Killingsworth, Portland, 97217 (Ethos Builiding)

What makes them great?

Single origin coffees can be hit or miss, but when they hit they’re out of this world. Nossa Familia has perfected the art of consistency and quality. You haven’t lived till you’ve had an Ernesto’s latte or a Teodoro’s French press.

Cellar Door

This is one of our favorite little roasters. Jeremy and Andrea have been working hard to produce one of the finest coffees you’ve ever tasted. That would be good enough for most companies, but not for them. They strive for perfection from roasting, packaging, and brewing. Using 100% renewable energy to power their shop and their roaster they’re dedicated to helping our environment.

Where to find them?

2001 SE 11th, Portland, 97214

What makes them great?

Their caf has that neighborhood feel that just oozes charm. From the moment you walk in you can smell the waft of fresh roasted coffee as it seeps up from the cellar. All of their coffee is hand roasted in small batches ensuring the finest quality. From drip to espresso, there isn’t anything they can’t do.

Heart Coffee

Heart Coffee is a new comer to the coffee scene but has made a grand entrance. Small hand crafted artisan coffee that truly warms the heart. Highly skilled baristas and great pastries to boot this place is surely a repeat visit.

Where to find them?

2211 E Burnside, Portland, 97214

What makes them great?

You mean besides the expertly pulled shots or the fantastic home baked goods? The moment you walk into Heart you know you’re in for a treat. With a state of the art roaster located right in the heart of the caf and a beautiful espresso machine to match, the ambience can’t be topped. This place is hip- Trendy hip.

Ristretto Roasters

Ristretto Roasters has been around for a little more than a half a decade. Time has really favored them as they have perfect their craft. Artisan crafted coffee that is hand roasted in small batches. As fine a coffee as I have ever tasted.

Where to find them?

3520 Northeast 42nd Ave, Portland, 97213
3808 N Williams Ave, Portland, 97227

What makes them great?

Have you ever bought a bag of whole bean coffee that is still warm from the roasting process? You can at Ristretto.

Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters

Considered an Old World craftsmanship coffee Blue Kangaroo stands out with their roasting process. Using no formulas or automated recipe cards they simply roast by sight, sound, and smell. Their process starts with the search for the finest green coffee beans and then roasting those to make the finest black coffee you can drink.

Where to find them?

7901 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR.

What makes them great?

All of their roasting is done to order. If you want a guaranteed fresh roasted coffee, you simply can’t pass them by. Stop in and order a bag of coffee, I bet it’ll still be warm.

All of the aforementioned coffee shops are local to Portland, Oregon. Put down the Starbucks and see what else Portland has to offer.

Find coffee for your office at http://www.hhcoffeesupply.com. We Keep Your Employees Awake! Whether you have a small, medium, or large office we can provide you coffee break room supplies at wholesale pricing and bulk discounts. We offer free shipping on all of our coffee and coffee related items. We specialize in small micro roasted coffees. We carry a large line of BUNN commercial brewing equipment to for your office break room. We carry an ever increasing line of specialty coffee from the Pacific Northwest. All of our coffee is considered gourmet but at wholesale pricing. http://www.hhcoffeesupply.com

Author: Eric Hermeling
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Not Called Stumptown

We all know Portland is no stranger to delicious coffee. As pioneers of many great local products, it only seems fitting that some of the world’s best roasted coffee is made right here in this fantastic city of ours. As a purveyor and distributor of these fine coffee products let me introduce to you the best coffee you can find, not called Stumptown, in Portland, OR.

Nossa Familia Coffee

Clearly one of the best coffees roasted in Portland. Nossa Familia gets all of their green coffee beans from their family farm in Brazil. They’ve been growing coffee in the rich fertile lands of Brazil for over 100 years and the taste can’t be matched. With superb roasting skills to bring out the best of the coffee bean flavor, you simply can’t help but love their coffee.

Where to find them?

2 N. Killingsworth, Portland, 97217 (Ethos Builiding)

What makes them great?

Single origin coffees can be hit or miss, but when they hit they’re out of this world. Nossa Familia has perfected the art of consistency and quality. You haven’t lived till you’ve had an Ernesto’s latte or a Teodoro’s French press.

Cellar Door

This is one of our favorite little roasters. Jeremy and Andrea have been working hard to produce one of the finest coffees you’ve ever tasted. That would be good enough for most companies, but not for them. They strive for perfection from roasting, packaging, and brewing. Using 100% renewable energy to power their shop and their roaster they’re dedicated to helping our environment.

Where to find them?

2001 SE 11th, Portland, 97214

What makes them great?

Their caf has that neighborhood feel that just oozes charm. From the moment you walk in you can smell the waft of fresh roasted coffee as it seeps up from the cellar. All of their coffee is hand roasted in small batches ensuring the finest quality. From drip to espresso, there isn’t anything they can’t do.

Heart Coffee

Heart Coffee is a new comer to the coffee scene but has made a grand entrance. Small hand crafted artisan coffee that truly warms the heart. Highly skilled baristas and great pastries to boot this place is surely a repeat visit.

Where to find them?

2211 E Burnside, Portland, 97214

What makes them great?

You mean besides the expertly pulled shots or the fantastic home baked goods? The moment you walk into Heart you know you’re in for a treat. With a state of the art roaster located right in the heart of the caf and a beautiful espresso machine to match, the ambience can’t be topped. This place is hip- Trendy hip.

Ristretto Roasters

Ristretto Roasters has been around for a little more than a half a decade. Time has really favored them as they have perfect their craft. Artisan crafted coffee that is hand roasted in small batches. As fine a coffee as I have ever tasted.

Where to find them?

3520 Northeast 42nd Ave, Portland, 97213
3808 N Williams Ave, Portland, 97227

What makes them great?

Have you ever bought a bag of whole bean coffee that is still warm from the roasting process? You can at Ristretto.

Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters

Considered an Old World craftsmanship coffee Blue Kangaroo stands out with their roasting process. Using no formulas or automated recipe cards they simply roast by sight, sound, and smell. Their process starts with the search for the finest green coffee beans and then roasting those to make the finest black coffee you can drink.

Where to find them?

7901 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR.

What makes them great?

All of their roasting is done to order. If you want a guaranteed fresh roasted coffee, you simply can’t pass them by. Stop in and order a bag of coffee, I bet it’ll still be warm.

All of the aforementioned coffee shops are local to Portland, Oregon. Put down the Starbucks and see what else Portland has to offer.

Find coffee for your office at http://www.hhcoffeesupply.com. We Keep Your Employees Awake! Whether you have a small, medium, or large office we can provide you coffee break room supplies at wholesale pricing and bulk discounts. We offer free shipping on all of our coffee and coffee related items. We specialize in small micro roasted coffees. We carry a large line of BUNN commercial brewing equipment to for your office break room. We carry an ever increasing line of specialty coffee from the Pacific Northwest. All of our coffee is considered gourmet but at wholesale pricing. http://www.hhcoffeesupply.com

Author: Eric Hermeling
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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