Coffee

Dark roasted coffee is more popular than ever, and the odds are that you may have enjoyed a dark roasted cup of Joe a time or two in your lifetime. However, as a coffee lover, it is important to understand the difference between dark and light roasted coffee because they are two diverse coffee styles.

Interestingly enough, mass marketing and commercial appeal has presented dark roasted coffee as the best quality and choice. Dark roasted coffee is popular on the market, especially when you consider that the coffee industry is the second-largest exporter next to oil worldwide. This gives the coffee industry the opportunity to market dark roasted beans as the number one choice available. A dark roast is actually made of coffee beans roasted for a longer period of time at a higher temperature, which causes many flavor molecules within the beans to burn away. This is both good and bad because bad flavors can be burned away in the roasting process, but that can include good flavors as well. When a coffee is roasted very dark, it is difficult for the drinker to tell if it is made from good or bad quality beans because it has a smoky and charcoal flavor overall.

Many coffee companies are attempting to dark roast all of their coffee to mask the type of beans that they are using, which is why dark roast Java is presented as the more popular variety on the market. This does not always mean a dark roasted coffee is a bad choice because there are many wonderful beans used to create dark roasts of Java. However, it still pays off to be a savvy customer and choose a roast made of flavorful and quality beans, whether it is light or dark.

A light roasted coffee is roasted for a shorter period of time, and it will have more flavor characteristics from the region that it is grown in. Some of these flavors may include those influenced by weather and soil, and some examples of light roasted coffee beans are Java and Kona. Light roasts are for coffee drinkers who want more specific flavors and characteristics within their brew, native to the region that the beans were grown in. Oftentimes, the coffee drinkers that choose a darker roast are not focusing necessarily on where the beans came from but the flavors that the roasting process provided as a result.

The lightest roasted Java available is called the City Roast, and the beans will normally look light or medium brown. These beans are roasted after the first crack in the roasting process, and the second lightest roast, Full City Roast, will be roasted until the second crack.

If you are a dark roasted Java drinker, it may be worth your while to try a lighter roast if you want to experience flavors and tastes from each specific coffee growing region. This is an excellent way to sample premium varieties in your cup of Joe!

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

Author: Mark Ramos
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee maker ratings can help you choose the best coffee maker for you and your family. These ratings are helpful because aside from helping you find the best coffee makers, they also point out in which aspects the coffee makers are good and in which aspects they’re not.

According to coffee maker ratings, there are top brands that manufacture good coffee makers, and there are top models that manufacture good coffee. There are also top innovations in the world of coffee making, pioneered by specific brands, which help make your coffee experience unforgettable and perfectly convenient and easy for you.

Which Brands and Models Top the Ratings?

There are several coffee maker brands that top the ratings. And from each brand, there are several models that shoot up the charts. There are also certain features that are highly appreciated by consumers and reviewers. According to the coffee maker ratings, the brands that get the best scores are Braun, Keurig, Gevalia, Krups. Capresso, and Melitta, among some others.

There are also consumers who show loyalty to some household names in the industry, including Cuisinart and Black and Decker. When it comes to specific models, however, the top raters include Braun’s Tassimo and the Braun Aromaster models. From Keurig, ratings show that their best products include the B70 and the B80, both of which have a great set of features and a fairly large capacity for brewing.

Krups is also a well-rated company, and their secret is the affordable prices of their coffee makers. Don’t let the affordable prices fool you; Krups coffee makers are innovative, durable, and are of top quality, despite their reasonable prices, which makes them a great choice for a lot of homemakers who are trying to keep within a budget.

Which Innovations Win Gold Medals?

When it comes to innovations, Keurig gets extra points for their innovative single cup coffee makers. Even as more and more companies offer this product, Keurig remains to be one of the pioneers who pushed this product to its state of popularity now. To help make the innovation even better, Keurig came up with the K-Cup, which already contains a specific pre-measured coffee recipe just perfect for one great cup of coffee. These K-Cups are great companions to Keurig’s single-serve coffee makers. The single-serve concept was also adopted by another industry dominator, Cuisinart.

Cuisinart marketed the innovation through their Cup-O-Matic products, which is the name they gave to these single-cup coffee makers. Another innovation that revolutionized the world of coffee drinking is Braun’s T-Discs of Tassimo Discs. These discs are designed to be used with the Braun Tassimo coffee maker. They work like your personal barista, whipping up great coffee for you in an instant. You will also get a guaranteed fresh-brew perfect taste because the T-discs hold the perfect recipe that teaches the coffee maker exactly how to make your coffee.

The Braun Tassimo concept also garners additional points for its versatility. They not only produce great coffee but can also prepare tea and hot chocolate for you without any extra effort. All you need are the right T-discs and you’re good to go. Aside from those two top innovations, Melitta coffee makers also get good coffee maker ratings especially for their thermal cup coffee makers. Although thermal carafes are not Melitte’s proprietary inventions, Melitta has one of the widest variety of models that have the thermal cups. These thermal coffee makers keep coffee warm for a longer time while you’re not drinking it yet.

How Coffee Maker Ratings Help

When looking to buy a coffee maker, make sure to check out the coffee maker ratings. The ratings will show you which products are worth buying. They will also help you weigh the good points of certain products against their weak points. There is no one perfect coffee maker that has it all; there are just coffee makers that can be perfect for you, based on which factors you appreciate and value the most.

You can find more detailed coffee maker ratings on our Best coffee makers website.

Copyright 2008 Coffee-maker-guide.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Mark is the editor Coffee-maker-guide.com which provides you with the best coffee maker reviews and ratings. You can find more detailed coffee maker ratings on our Best coffee makers website.

Author: Mark Van Tuel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Peaberry coffee is not unique to Jamaica. It is grown (or perhaps, we should say found) throughout the world’s coffee growing regions.   Peaberry coffee relates to the form of the coffee bean itself. Most – ninety percent or more – coffee beans split into two halves as they mature. This pair of flat-shaped bean is the typical coffee bean. On the other hand, some coffee beans do not split into halves and form a single, rounded bean in the shape of a pea, and, hence, the name “peaberry.” 

Many consider peaberry coffees to produce the most flavorful and intense cups of coffee. Experts do not agree as to why the peaberry appears to yield a superior cup. Reasons vary from more nutrients being packed into a single bean to how the rounded bean rolls more smoothly during the roasting process. Peaberry coffee beans by nature are infrequent and routinely constitute only five percent of a coffee crop. Generally, Peaberry coffee beans are separated from regular coffee beans through a mechanical screening process, where the peaberry beans will drop through a screen whereas regular beans will not. 

This extraordinary coffee is grown in the majestic Blue Mountain range in Jamaica reaching approximately 7,402 feet at the highest peak.   The Blue Mountains dominate the eastern third of Jamaica, located between Kingston to the south and Port Maria to the north. The upper reaches of the mountains are preserved as forest while the lower slopes are dedicated to coffee production.  An incredible mix ofl, cool and misty conditions,, rich soil, high rainfall and good soil drainage yields a very high quality coffee. The foggy conditions are believed to slow the growth of the coffee, thereby producing a more dense and flavorful bean. 

Only coffee cultivated in this mountainous range is permitted to hold the Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee label, which is adminitered by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board. Coffee grown at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 feet has been traditionally known as Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee grown at lower elevations is known as either Jamaica High Mountain, Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.

The colonial British government instituted the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board in 1950 to maintain and standardize the quality and consistency of Jamaican coffee in a world class manner. Upon achieving independence, the new Jamaican government continued to invest in coffee cultivation. Jamaican coffee is hand picked and supervised at every stage of pulping, drying, hulling, sorting and grading according to the Board’s regulations. All Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is wet-processed. Every export shipment is “cup quality” tested by certified tasters on the Coffee Industry Board staff. All shipments of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee must be approved and certified by the Board.

With Jamaica Blue Mountain Peaberry coffee, you have the combination of the rare Peaberry bean along with the most sought after single-origin coffee in the world.   Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is known for its sweet, rich flavor and a remarkable lack of bitterness. Often considered the most balanced and complete cup of coffee. To this impressive taste and aromatic profile, add the enhanced flavor usually experienced with a Peaberry coffee. While some have tried Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, even fewer have tasted the same coffee as a Peaberry.   If you are thinking of trying Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and are already aware of Peaberry varities, you may just want to make that little bit extra to taste Jamaica Blue Mountain Peaberry.

Joe Jefferson is the resident coffee expert at World Trader Coffee, which is proud to offer online gift packages [http://www.worldtradercoffee.com/Jamaica-Blue-Mountain-Peaberry-Coffee-p/jm2-r12.htm>Jamaica Blue Mountain Peaberry coffee</a> as well as a wide selection of <a target=] of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and a dozen varieties of Peaberry coffees from around the world..

Author: Joe Jefferson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you are passionate about drinking the very best coffee, give Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee a try.

What is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee?  

Although other Caribbean islands grow coffee, certainly Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is the best, and the most well-known. The name Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is a registered trademark of Jamaica’s Coffee Industry Board. Connoisseurs characterize Jamaica Blue Mountain as a perfect combination of acidity, body and aroma. It is rich and flavorful, with no bitterness and a hint of chocolatey sweetness – a very smooth, mild coffee. Some say it is also very low in caffeine.  

Blue Mountain is not a brand, but a coffee-growing region. At the Eastern end of Jamaica, the Blue Mountains form the backbone of the island and are among the highest mountains in the Caribbean, rising to 7,402 feet. To be called Jamaica Blue Mountain, the beans must be grown at altitudes between about 3,000 and 5,500 feet in the parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas or Portland. Above 5,500 feet, the lushly wooded forest, which is home to over 800 species of plants and more than 200 species of birds, is maintained by the Jamaican Government as a Forest Reserve. (By the way, there are great hiking trails throughout this area.) Beans grown at lower elevations are called Jamaica Low Mountain or Jamaica High Mountain, based on elevation, and, while they may produce fine coffee, they tend to be more acidic and cannot legitimately be called Jamaican Blue Mountain.  

There is usually a cool misty cloud cover hanging over the Blue Mountains and the region gets about 200 inches of rain each year. This constant mist gives the mountains a bluish hue, which is where they derive their colorful name. Combined with volcanic soil rich in potash, nitrogen and phosphorus and good drainage, it makes for an ideal coffee-growing region (think about the climatic similarities with the Hawaiian Kona coffee-growing region). This perfect combination of factors causes the beans to mature more slowly (as many as 10 months to harvest), developing more character and producing a larger, harder bean with more intense flavor.  This is compared to other regions in the world where the beans mature in 5 or 6 months. Most of the coffee trees are of the Arabica Typica variety which produces delicious coffee.  

History  

Coffee is not native to Jamaica. The beans were brought to the island in 1728 by the governor at that time, Sir Nicholas Lawes, and coffee growing began as a plantation slave crop. Jamaica was able to produce such high quality beans that the industry grew quickly, resulting in more than 600 coffee plantations by 1814. After slavery was abolished, many former slaves acquired their own land and began to grow their own coffee. This caused a dramatic decline in the industry primarily due to labor shortages and, by 1850, only about 180 coffee plantations remained in operation.   Revived in the 1870s, some (mostly white) plantation owners started designating their coffee as Blue Mountain to distinguish it from the beans being produced by the emancipated slaves. These estate owners had access to better processing equipment and benefitted from their connections to merchants in colonial Britain (in power at the time), so their crops could be sold at the highest prices. Their reputation for high quality caused a high demand around the world even though this Blue Mountain coffee was only a small part of Jamaica’s total production.  

Jamaica’s coffee production has suffered many hardships caused by unscrupulous dealers, hurricanes and lack of organization. But in the 1950s and 1960s Japan developed a taste for their coffee, forming relationships with growers and processors, and investing in the production of the coffee crop. Today, Japan buys over 80% of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee crop under contract, adding to its rarity in world coffee markets.  

Regulation

Responding to the various problems, the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board (C.I.B.) was established in 1953 to reorganize and develop the industry, control the quality of the crop and provide assistance to farmers. Quality was once again the number one priority.   The Coffee Industry Board carefully examines crops, evaluating bean size and other qualities to determine whether or not the coffee will be certified, and how to grade it. Grade One Jamaica Blue Mountain is the finest coffee. Today, there are many coffee cooperatives consisting mainly of small farmers with plots between ½ to 10 acres. Jamaica’s farmers send all their beans to designated pulperies and are paid per box by CIB. Once certified, the coffee can be sent for roasting to a CIB-licensed roaster who is also the only entity authorized to market Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee in Jamaica and around the world.  

In addition to its use for brewed coffee, the beans are the flavor base of Tia Maria coffee liqueur, another delicious Jamaican product.  

Because of the restricted geographical range where it’s grown, Jamaica Blue Mountain is available in limited quantities and can sometimes be difficult to find and rather expensive. Its production of about 2,000,000 pounds per year makes Jamaica a small fry in comparison to the large coffee producing countries of the world like Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala and Costa Rica. About 65% of the total production is exported, with about 95% of that going to Japan. That doesn’t leave much for the rest of us and it explains the high prices this great coffee commands!  

Its coffee exports earn between $25 and $30 million a year – far less than its other exports like sugar, bauxite and rum. But Jamaica can rightfully say it produces the premier coffee of the world!

Visit http://www.keepitjiggy.com for loads of information about Jamaica, its history, its food, travel information, reggae music, its artists, and resources for locating those hard-to-find collectibles in the genre.

Author: Theresa Goodell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Since it’s discovery, coffee has been one of the most sought-after drinks on the planet, mainly for it’s aromatic flavour and pick-me-up qualities.

Until recently, coffee vendors offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and variations of these. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was basically still coffee with milk and sugar.

But today’s coffee consumer has become far more sophisticated. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to satisfy even the most fastidious consumer. No longer are gourmet coffees only set aside for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees stocked in their cupboards for any occasion.

So What is Gourmet Coffee Anyway?

Gourmet coffee is simply ordinary coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enrich its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still there, but with a hint of, let’s say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle differences in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected parts of the world with varying climates and elevation and you have the perfect combination for gourmet coffee.

This is what gives gourmet coffee its distinction.

Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint biscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you’re enjoying both, without actually eating the food.

Where Can I Buy Gourmet Coffee?

Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to choose your selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extended range.

Gourmet coffee has become a very popular gift idea. They’re great for housewarming parties and are a very smart business gift. Many vendors, such as Boca Java, offer gift presentations which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal.

The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been assessed by an authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it’s good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name.

One of the most expensive gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to hurricanes. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any repute will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu.

The term “gourmet coffee” not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that surrounds that type of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour… to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

Peter enjoys great coffee. For more information about online gourmet coffee providers, visit http://bocajavareview.com

Author: Peter Halpin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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