Coffee

The history of coffee dates back more than a thousand years and is as rich as the brew itself. It is believed that coffee plants originated on the shores of the Red Sea, in the Horn of Africa. Initially, coffee beans were eaten as a food, not drunk as a hot beverage. Tribes located in East African would grind the coffee cherries (the fruit containing the pulp and seed – what we now call the coffee bean) and mix the ground pulp with animal fat making a paste. This paste was eaten by tribal warriors to gain energy for battle. Ethiopians, around the year 1000 A.D., created a coffee wine by fermenting the bean in water. Coffee was also native to the Arabian Peninsula where, in the eleventh century, it was first taken as a hot drink.

Like wine during the first century, coffee developed a mystical, religious reputation. Many believed that the stimulating properties of coffee gave a religious ecstasy to those who consumed it. This drink became shrouded in secrecy and associated with the educated people of the times usually priests and physicians. Out of this environment two stories developed to explain the origin of this gift to man.

The most common history of coffee told relates a goat herder, named Kaldi, became frisky after eating the red cherries of a wild plant. After eating the fruit he was excited to feel the effects of caffeine, of course not knowing what that was. Later, it is told, he was spotted by some monks passing by dancing with his herd. After some experimentation, the monks created a drink by boiling the coffee bean. This beverage was consumed just before all-night ceremonies to keep the monks awake.

The second story that is popular involves a Muslim dervish who was sentenced to death by his enemies. He was forced to wander in the desert to die of starvation. During this time he heard a voice telling him to eat the fruit of what was a nearby wild coffee shrub. In his delirium he tried to soften the beans in water. When this failed he simply drank the soak water out of thirst. He was immediately invigorated and believed this to be a sign from God, returning to his homeland to share his discovery.

It was during the fifteenth century that coffee was first cultivated and the Arabian province of Yemen was the most prominent source of coffee. As demand grew past the boundaries of the Near East, the exportation of coffee went through the Yemeni port of Mocha, destined for Alexandria and Constantinople. This trade was lucrative and cloaked in secrecy. It was so closely guarded that no live plants were allowed to leave the country. The restrictions proved to be no match for those Muslim pilgrims who smuggled coffee plants back home after their trips to Mecca. Soon cultivation grew in India.

As trade routes flourished, coffee began to pass through the port of Venice where shipping fleets along the Spice Route brought Arabian merchants with tea, cinnamon, and other luxuries, including coffee. Liquid consumption became the most popular method with street vendors offering the hot beverages next to their cold ones, like lemonade. As Europeans traveled and experienced coffee in Arabia they also began to return home with this new and exotic drink.

The Dutch started the first plantation-styled coffee cultivation, during the seventeenth century, in their colonies in Indonesia primarily on the islands of Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Bali. The French, taking a cutting from a coffee tree to Martinique, introducing the plant to the Caribbean and Latin America. Brazil became the worlds largest producer of coffee after a rare plant disease killed the coffee plants in Southeast Asia in the mid-nineteenth century.

It is interesting that today coffee is the second most traded commodity behind oil, and many of the nicknames we have for this drink, e.g. Java and Mocha come from locations that have played a prominent role in the history of our favorite beverage.

Lance Curtis is editor and contributor to TheCoffeeDrinker.com where coffee lovers gather with a cup of their favorite brew.

The Coffee Drinker uncovers those hard-to-find gourmet tidbits that coffee lovers, like you, enjoy.

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Author: J. Lance Curtis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low Cost, Quick Turn PCB Prototype

True coffee lovers always drink their coffee black, yes? Wrong. Today, there are more flavors and blends of coffee than there in any wine selection, so let loose and start enjoying the 101 different ways to taste the marvelous gift of coffee.

The creativity of blends is nearly endless. One Indonesian blend combines Sumatran and the coffee beans of Papua New Guinea to create a tasty, full-bodied brew. What a surprise to those who never knew that Papua New Guineans even grew coffee. But, Sumatra can be mixed with more than just other Indonesian beans. Another great mixture is Sumatran with Colombian Patron to produce a delicious, dark roasted blend that combines to coffee perfection.

In addition to blends, flavorings can also make for a delicious coffee treat. Adding almond, vanilla and even cherry to a Brazilian can soften the acid and sweeten the brew, while a banana hazelnut flavoring turns a regular robusta into a bit more than a decent cup of coffee. Yet, a huge coffee breakthrough is the Tahitian vanilla latte, a dangerously delicious treat.

As far as making a mocha, the variety of chocolates is equivocal to that of the wide array of different beans. A Yemeni mixed with a hint of dark chocolate can enhance an already wonderful blend. Or, perhaps try an American roast with a hint of Ghiradelli milk chocolate when something heavy is to be avoided.

Coffee variations are as plentiful as they are delicious and delightful, but they are not limited to just beans, flavorings and roasts. Several different liqueurs and liquors offer even another twist for coffee lovers.

For instance, a Jamaican forms a solid base to which you can add brown sugar, dessert pears, and a good amount of rum or brandy. Or, try using apricots instead of the pears for another twist. Another tasty treat is to try Amaretto’s sweetness with a Costa Rican blend, that is if you prefer to get intoxicated and sober all with the same beverage.

Coffee and cocoa is a favorite for those who enjoy their coffee cut. You can enjoy it cold or hot, as Mexican coffee and cocoa beans can combine for a delicious treat in any season.

The coffee innovations do not end with cocoa. Frozen cappuccinos are becoming increasingly popular. They can wake you up when drowsy and refresh you when you need that something special to awaken your taste buds. Try adding a bit of chocolate mint flavoring for an extra zing.

It really is not clear why a true coffee lover would want decaf, but for these coffee drinkers there is still a wide selection of coffees from which to choose, including Decaf Marrakesh, Italian Espresso and even a Dutchman. Regardless of your caffeine preferences, broaden your coffee horizons to enjoy the many blends, flavors and options available today for your coffee maker Coffee is not just “coffee” anymore!

Robert Carlton’s papers can be found on large numbers of web sites with reference to toddy cold brew coffee maker and toddy cold brew coffee maker. You can find his observations on toddy coffee maker at different sources for toddy coffee maker news.

Author: Robert J. Carlton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Assisted living

Holiday shopping is just around the corner and I’m sure you have your lists – and that special lists of the people you just don’t know what to get. And you either spend weeks finding that perfect gift or you buy something the week of giving the gift just to have a gift. Well here is a way to save the time and energy and worry and to buy something you are proud of. Buy gourmet coffee or teas. And you have so many ways to do it.

We’ve got some gift ideas that gourmet coffee and tea drinkers will undoubtedly love. The best choice is to buy Mission Grounds Gourmet Gourmet coffee. One of the best gourmet coffee available – a great gourmet coffee beyond compare. And they donate all their profits to children. How satisfying will the cup of gourmet coffee be – knowing one of the best gourmet coffee available – donates all its profits to orphans. Great gourmet gourmet coffee as an everyday gourmet coffee and as an espresso gourmet coffee.

Monthly Delivery

One great way is to have the gourmet coffee delivered to their house. Every month. For 3 months or 6 months – even a year. And you can mix and match the coffees – giving them variety and consistency. And they will love you for it. And its the gift that keeps giving.

The Espresso Factor

Gourmet coffee and tea drinkers are quite possibly the easiest group of people to buy for. And which person on your list doesn’t at least drink coffee or tea.If you have a gourmet coffee lover on your Christmas list this year, why not consider getting them an espresso maker? There are espresso makers to fit every budget, so you should be able to find something that you can afford and that your gift recipient will love. Don’t forget to include a package of gourmet espresso too.

How About Just One

They have so many specialty coffee makers – how about one cup? Another great idea for gourmet coffee lovers is to buy a unit that brews a single cup of gourmet coffee. Sometimes it seems like a chore to make a full pot of gourmet coffee, and the coffee gets bitter and strong after sitting on a hot warming plate ,and many people don’t like instant gourmet coffee. And it keeps the coffee fresher. And allows you to have one cup at nine and one cup at noon and one fresh cup at 8 pm after dinner. The coffee maker that matches our chaoitic lives.

Gift Cards Galore

Gourmet coffee and tea drinkers will appreciate a gift card to a national or local gourmet coffee shop . And it removes the guilt of spending $5.oo on a cup of coffee when so many people in the world are lacking water to drink or food to eat. Whenever your gift recipient buys a cup of gourmet coffee, they’ll remember your generosity. And the people who are starving.

A Bounty of Teas

Tea lovers will enjoy gourmet teas. One good choice for tea lovers is to get them loose leaf tea and a tea maker to prepare it in. Loose leaf tea is a great indulgence. It is tasty and satisfying, but many people don’t bother buying loose leaf tea for themselves. That is why it makes a great gift; it is a nice little luxury. And its so much better than the tea bags. They will truly love you for doing this. You might want to get yourself one too. You can purchase a tea maker for under $20, and it will provides the most convenient way for your gift recipient to prepare loose leaf tea. Make sure you include some loose leaf teas as well. Buy a variety of teas so they can figure out their favorites. And since these are so tasty I’m sure their loose tea favorite is not their tea bag favorite. You might want to include a breakfast tea, an herbal tea, and either a green or red tea. Consider some of the above gift suggestions for the gourmet coffee and tea drinkers on your Christmas list. Gourmet coffee and tea drinkers will be surprised at your creative gift selection and be overwhelmingly pleased with their new gifts. And won’t they be pleased knowing you helped some children.

Boake Moore founded a non profit coffee company called Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee http://www.missiongrounds.com/ourcoffee.php It donates all its profits and proceeds to helping orphans and impoverished children. We currently are building schools in rural China, orphanages in South America; supporting orphans in Russia and Africa. And helping homeless children in the United States http://www.missiongrounds.com the gourmet coffee, the church coffee, the Costa Rica coffee.

Lets make the world better -

George “Boake” Moore
Mission Grounds
Gourmet Coffee

Author: Boake Moore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Creditcard Currency Conversion Fee

Are you an avid coffee drinker? Do you want to indulge in quality oriented coffee? Then you have come to the right place. Coffee is basically a herb that is grown in several tastes. Its cultivation also takes place beneath a covering of shade trees. Although in the modern times there is a specific name for this kind of coffee, i.e. “shade-grown coffee”, but almost two to three decades ago it was the one and only method of cultivating coffee. With the passage of time several coffee plantations are also accustomed to grow in the sunlight. The difference between the to is that the coffee that is grown in the shade has a life span that is two times the life span of the coffee that is grown in the sunlight and also spreads the herb meaning that the coffee herbs and shrubs grow even without re-plantation. This also ensures the restricted usage of chemical fertilizers hence giving gourmet its natural flavor that is finer in quality as compared to the regular coffee that is bitter in contrast.

When it comes to coffee one is presented with a wide array of choices, and if you belong to the category that derives pleasure in frequent entertain events and occasions, then you will surely want to keep a variety of gourmet coffee on hand in order to go well with the special taste requirements of your different guests. An equally important factor that is ignored whilst shopping for gourmet coffee is not only do you need to purchase good quality coffee but should also be knowledgeable regarding the most excellent method of preparation of your coffee.

On a personal not, drip filtering is possibly the most ordinary method of making coffee. Further investing in a good brewer or an espresso machine in accordance to your personal requirements would be money well spent. As the method that you employ to brew your coffee will most definitely affect and enhance the taste of the respective coffee. Another thing that needs to be taken into account whilst taking into consideration the different sorts of gourmet coffees is that you need to have all the respective coffee accessories, especially if you are one of those people who visit friends and family just for a cup of your favorite gourmet coffee then it is the appropriate time to make the respective purchase. The gourmet coffee accessories are available in the market a all shapes and sizes and an array of colors and styles.

When we talk about the most loved gourmet coffees that are much popular, they can safely be divided into four main categories namely the latte, cappuccino, espresso and flavored coffees. They have been briefly explained for your benefit. The latte served commonly in café and hence also called the café latte is basically a kind of espresso mixed with hot milk and foam-covered at the top. Cappuccino is also similar to the latte and is made up of espresso and steaming milk blended together. The only difference is that instead of being topped with frothy foam it is frequently garnished with either cinnamon or chocolate.

The espresso on the other hand is a strong and powerful kind of coffee. It incorporates a dark froth and is drunk in over four gulps whereas the flavored coffees include coffee in which the respective flavors are added. Amongst the variety of flavors that are specifically employed for this purpose are Irish cream, vanilla, chocolate, almonds, caramel to name a few.

You can buy coffee both in the market and online. Orders can also be placed on the net and safe and swift delivery is ensured. While doing so you can also look for new flavors of the gourmet coffee. Regardless of the sort of coffee that you purchase, as that is your own choice, but on a personal note I would recommend you to try out all the different flavors in order to find out more about its different tastes. And who knows… whilst trying out new flavors you might find a new favorite! Comparisons amongst the different coffees can also be made. Whereas if you desire to send a gift hamper to somebody, doing so is just a click away, as it is the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life! Any individual flavor/kind of gourmet coffee can be sent on its own and also in the form of a gourmet coffee gift basket that includes its different flavors which are sure to ignite the recipient’s heart and fill up their senses!

Wholesale Gourmet Coffee

Author: Jay Kaplan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android phones

There are different types of cappuccino, espresso and coffee makers on the market. It’s true that when it comes to coffee makers there are thousands to choose from. If you were to go into any home in America, the chances of finding a coffee maker sitting on the counter are quite good.

Once you have a new coffee maker, you will be able to spend less time waiting in lines at the coffee shop. You’ll save time and money. Or if you want to purchase one for a gift, you are sure to make any coffee enthusiast very happy.

It’s not necessary to get a coffee maker that produces 12 cups of coffee or more. Programmable one cup coffee makers are a type of coffee maker that is becoming more and more popular not only in the workplace, but in homes as well.

Whether you just need one cup of Joe to start the day or you are trying to limit your caffeine intake by fixing just one cup at a time, the single cup coffee makers are an excellent solution.

There are some excellent features available on today’s coffee makers. Some coffee makers have a delay brew feature which you can set up to 24 hours in advance so you can have the coffee brew automatically at whatever time you sit it for. An automatic shut off has become standard on every model so you don’t have to worry if you leave the house without turning it off.

Perhaps you prefer Espresso. Espresso makers create a powerful and strong coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. You can select from a wide range of impressive espresso coffee maker machines available in the market to suit your needs.

Among coffee makers, Cuisinart is a big name in the small home appliance world and their coffee makers make that statement as well. Krups is another fine company that offers some fine coffee makers. The Bunn coffee maker is also very popular.

One of the hottest products that coffee enthusiasts will enjoy from Gevalia is their twelve-cup coffee maker. The Gevalia coffee maker is a suitable kitchen appliance that you can buy for your own home, and it also serves as a nice gift set for friends and family who are coffee aficionados.

Using a coffee maker could not be simpler. It is a simple and easy process: Cold water is poured through the flap on the top of the slip and stored in the back cylinder until the machine is heated up.

When the water is at the right temperature and the pad at the bottom of the machine is hot, the water in the cylinder is channeled through the slip and down into the coffee grounds within the filter, and from there down into the pot.

An exceptional cup of coffee doesn’t need to be an occasional treat anymore because it can easily be a part of your daily routine with just about any coffee maker. At this time in history there are plenty of different espresso makers, espresso machines, and coffee makers out there. With the availability and reasonable prices, there is no reason not to have your own automatic coffee maker at home.

Carol Stack has written numerous articles and reviews about coffee and related items. She lives with her husband, three children, and various dogs and cats in the United States. Carol and her sister Barbara are constantly adding to their website dedicated to the enjoyment of coffee. Visit it at: http://www.coffeeloversportal.com

Author: Carol Stack
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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