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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The by-products of coffee processing are mainly coffee pulp, parchment husks and coffee husks. The main environmentally sustainable alternative uses include soil conditioner, fertilizer, mulch, animal feed, alcohol, bio gas, charcoal, heat energy, wax, and acids.

Coffee chaff from coffee roasting and spent coffee grounds from coffee manufacturing can also be used as CO2-neutral fuels. Spent coffee grounds from soluble coffee production can be burned as renewable fuel which replaces or reduces fossil fuel use for other production stages.

Four common sustainable coffee by-products include the following,

Composting

• Coffee pulp is a rich source of nutrients: 0.5% nitrogen; 0.15% phosphorus, and 0.5% potassium.
• Coffee pulp can be treated and used as organic fertilizer.
• Usually the coffee pulp is placed on piles and left to compost for about 3 to 12 months.
• During that time, coffee pulp turns into rich, black humus excellent for composting.
• Using organic fertilizers improves soil conditions and increases agricultural yield.
• Farmers save money otherwise spent buying inorganic fertilizers.

Mushroom planting soil

• Coffee pulp can also be used as planting soil for mushroom production.
• When used for this purpose, the coffee pulp is fermented for about two days.
• The coffee pulp is then pasteurized with hot water, drained, dried and mixed with mushroom spores.
• Next, the mixture is put in plastic bags with holes where the mushrooms develop for about 3 to 4 weeks.
• When the mushrooms grow out of the holes, they are collected.
• One bag allows for about 2 to 3 mushroom harvests.
• The fresh mushrooms are for table consumption or they can be dried for sale.
• The income from mushroom growing can be significant for the farmers who do this.

Animal feed supplement

• Coffee pulp is very rich in nutrients.
• Coffee pulp can be dried and used in animal feed.
• The pulp needs to be treated as quickly as possible to prevent the development of fungi.
• Usually, coffee pulp is treated with calcium hydroxide and dried under pressure.
• Another way to dry pulp, in the absence of industrial equipment, is to mix the coffee pulp with sugar cane molasses or other inorganic substances before storing the mix in silos.
• The resulting silage is available for use after 3 weeks and can remain stored for up to 18 months.
• The use of coffee pulp for this by-product appears to offer limited value because the cost of processing the pulp can exceed the gain derived from its use.
• The research on the effects of caffeine, potassium and other natural chemicals in the pulp on the health of animals is ongoing and will be influential for the future of this by-product.

Energy source for heat exchangers of coffee driers

• The most energy consuming step in coffee processing is drying.
• Sun drying is very common and offers many benefits but has drawbacks as well.
• Sun drying conserves energy, minimizes the use of fossil fuels and reduces costs.
• However, parchment coffee can be contaminated with dust and dirt during the sun drying process.
• Rainstorms happen without warning and are a challenge for farmers to prevent bean re-wetting which can promote bacterial infections and moldy growth.
• Because sun drying is time intensive, many coffee processors choose mechanical drying. The downside is that the cost to operate mechanical dryers is high and can cut down on margins.
• Using coffee parchment husks as the energy source for burners for heat exchangers of coffee driers is both a great environmentally friendly waste-recycling and energy-saving solution.

With international markets changing and the economic pressures mounting everywhere, crops such as coffee require innovative thinking to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, quality and competitiveness. Sustainable coffee by-product development will continue to be a fast growing and important field of research.

What about drinking a delicious cup of Kona Extra Fancy Certified?

Timothy (“Tim”) S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him “Gourmet Coffee Guy.” He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.

Come visit the author’s website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com

Copyright – Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Author: Timothy S. Collins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One of the best ways to understand your daily cup of Joe is to discover how it came to be in the growing process. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, and it is actually the second most exported commodity globally, second only to oil. Coffee comes in many different forms based on the brewing method, whether it is espresso, French Press, or regular drip brew coffee. However, all coffee is grown in a similar manner using different techniques to cultivate diverse flavors.

To begin with, coffee can only be grown between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This coffee growing region is throughout equator, and it includes Northern South America, Central America, Indonesia, India, Africa, Hawaii, and the Middle East. When a coffee tree is planted, it starts out small and evergreen. Coffee is grown in larger plantations, and it involves intense labor since many beans are handpicked. This is precisely why many developing countries rely upon coffee production because they can start their own small farms and support the community with this livelihood.

Coffee is actually best grown in the equator because it provides a suitable climate. There are two different types of coffee trees that produce beans called Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is seen as the lesser quality variety that makes up around 30% of the market, with Arabica encompassing the remaining 70%. Arabica is often used for gourmet and specialty coffees, and Robusta beans are used for cheaper fillers. Robusta coffee actually contains twice as much caffeine as Arabica, but it often has a bitter or harsh taste.

Coffee is best cultivated in an area that is well aerated and well drained with fertile soil. Coffee trees need a large amount of oxygen to their roots during the growth process, which is why many farmers rely upon aerating the soil to help them to thrive and grow. Coffee trees also require a serious amount of rainfall at anywhere from 1500 to 2000 mm per year. If there is less rainfall yearly within the coffee growing region, then that deficit needs to be accounted for with the use of irrigation.

Many of the finest coffees are grown at higher altitudes at over 3000 feet. The reason that this is so important to growing coffee plants is because it provides cloud cover and mist. This combination allows the coffee plants to grow more slowly, which is important for developing deeper and more complex flavors. There is also a higher oxygen content at these altitudes so that the plants can continue to grow slowly and intake more oxygen. This environment also provides diffused light and moderate winds to the coffee trees to further enhance their development.

At lower altitude regions, you will normally find Robusta coffee trees growing. These are stronger plants that are more resistant to disease, but they are still subpar in flavor to the more premium Arabica variety. When you are looking for the best cup of Joe, look for coffee that is cultivated with care made from Arabica beans!

Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos’ website, The Coffee Bump.

Author: Mark Ramos
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Although it is just south of the birthplace – Ethiopia – of coffee, coffee cultivation did not begin in Kenya until the late 19th century apparently under the direction of missionaries. The British, though, significantly ramped up production around the turn of the century. Today, Kenyan coffee production is known for its network of small farms and mills.   More than 6 million Kenyans are said to be employed in the coffee industry. A cooperative system has evolved over the years with at its core an open auction system.   This auction system may be what has allowed Kenyan coffee to maintain its highly regarded quality. 

There is some confusion among drinkers about the much sought after “AA” designation of Kenyan coffee.   The “AA” is not a type of coffee per se, but rather the label refers to the size of the bean itself.   The Coffee Board of Kenya has established a grading system based on the size and form of the bean.   Coffees assigned the grade “AA” are generally the largest bean. The grading scale, from largest to smallest, is AA, AB, PB, C, E, TT and T. One reason quality is often remarked to coincide with the size of the bean is the higher oil content of larger beans.  Kenyan AA beans also are cultivated from the premium Arabica coffee plants, rather than the less flavorful Robusta coffee plants.

After the beans are milled, the coffee is graded according to size.   Samples from each lot are then provided to licensed exporters, who then bid on each lot according to their own evaluations. Weekly auctions are held in downtown Nairobi.  The open, transparent system wherein the highest bidder obtains the lot reinforces a positive price-quality relationship – that is, the best quality yields a higher price. 

Of course, the quality of Kenyan coffee is not based solely on its exporting infrastructure. The quality must originate in the cultivation process. For certain, Kenya has rich, acidic volcanic soil where the coffee is grown at altitudes ranging between 5,000 and 7000 feet above sea level. Production is concentrated on the high plateaus that surround 17,000-foot Mount Kenya.   Here the climate is moderate throughout the year along with a relatively consistent rainfall patterns. Kenya has invested in researching the best cultivation techniques and even the smallest farmer is likely to be knowledgeable about coffee production. 

Premium Kenyan coffee beans – in particular, AA beans – are universally wet processed. The cherry surrounding the bean is removed and then the beans are submerged in a water tank. In the water tank, a natural fermentation process breaks down the cherry residue left on the bean. The final parchment layer is then removed after the beans have been dried by hulling.

So what should you expect from a cup of Kenyan coffee?  While it generally is classified as medium bodied coffee, Kenyan coffee packs an intense flavor and enticing aroma. Multi-faceted in taste a premium Kenyan coffee enthralls with fruit dimensions ranging from citrus to berry along with noted wine-toned acidity. It is a rare Kenyan cup that will leave the drinker with an unpleasant aftertaste.

The next time you are seeking a quality coffee, remember to try the king of African coffees – Kenyan AA. 

Joe Jefferson is the resident coffee expert at World Trader Coffee, which is proud to offer online a fine Kenyan AA coffee as well as a full selection of African coffees.

Author: Joe Jefferson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The coffee plant, known as Arabica, first grew in the Ethiopian region called Kaffa. Ethiopians call coffee ?bun? or ?buni.?

Ethiopian coffee is available from various regions today, some of it comes dry-processed, some comes washed. The differences between the dry-processed varieties and the washed varieties are significant. In brief, the washed version exhibits the characteristics of a lighter-body and less earthy notes in the flavor and aroma. The dry-processed varieties are wilder, more earthy, and fuller-bodied coffees.

Ethiopian variety

Coffees from Ethiopian are typically characterized as having some of the most unique flavors in the world. They are very fascinating and complex coffee beans, grown in coffee’s most natural environment. Also, coffee originating from different Ethiopian regions vary greatly.

It is widely believed that the coffees grown in lower regions or middle regions are the better coffees. Ethiopia also has a large variety of organically grown coffees and these are probably some of the best certified organic coffee beans in the world.

The three main regions of coffee production in Ethiopia are: the Harrar region, the Ghimbi region and the Sidamo or Yirgacheffe region.

Dry-processed Ethiopian beans

The coffee beans grown in the Harrar region are grown on small coffee producing farms on the eastern area of Ethiopia. Harrar coffee is dry-processed. These coffees have very specific labels, for example, the larger beans are the longberry beans, the smaller are called shortberry, and there is also the Mocha bean.

Ethiopian coffee is known for its strong and dry character. It has a druity acidity, much like wine. And best of all, a rich and pungent aroma with a heavy body. If you focus on a good brew, you will no doubt taste the blueberry or blackberry aromatic overtones. Coincidently, Harrar coffee beans are often used for espresso, because the pungent aromatic are much desired in the espresso’s crema or froth.

Washed coffees

The washed coffees that are produced in Ethiopia come from the Ghimbi and Yirgacheffe regions in the west of the country. These Ghimbi beans tend to have a more balanced flavor with a heavier body and a taste that seems to last much longer than the dry-processed variety.

On the other hand, it seems that the Yirgacheffee bean, with is grown in the southern part of Ethiopia, is especially favored amongst Westerners. That’s probably because it is a milder coffee, exhibits fruity overtones, and is brilliantly aromatic. This coffee is often referred to as Sidamo, which is the region from which it originates.

Brewing the perfect cup

As with all coffees, the raw product is just as important as the process of brewing. You’ll know you’ve brewed the perfect cup of Ethiopia coffee if you’ve chosen the bean to your liking and the level of roast is to your taste. But when it comes to the perfect cup of Ethiopian, it is not just about taste, but smell also. Close your eyes and focus on the smell. You will be transported to place of origin, to Ethiopia, where coffee was born.

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Author: Samantha Evans
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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