Coffee

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
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People often wonder how they take the caffeine out of coffee.  Though this is a question most have never pondered, recent reports have emerged showing decaffeinated coffee can be bad for your health.  Here are the facts you need to know in order to make an informed decision when you purchase decaf coffee:

Two Different Kinds of Beans

There are two kinds of coffee that are grown:  Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has about twice the amount of caffeine in it as Robusta, and therefore this type of coffee is usually used to make normal, caffeinated coffee, espresso, and most other coffee drinks.  Robusta is usually used to make decaffeinated coffee, since it starts out with a much lower caffeine level to begin with.  The caffeine is then removed from the beans using one of the following methods.

Decaffeination Methods

There are a few different ways that you can separate the caffeine from the coffee beans.  These days, most decaf coffee is produced using a process that removes the caffeine from the coffee beans using a solvent.  The two types of solvents that are used are methylene chloride and ethyl acetate.  The first of these solvents, methylene chloride is on the National Cancer Institute’s list as a possible human carcinogen.  Though the solvents are rinsed from the coffee beans, residues often remain as it is quite difficult to remove all of the substance.  Although the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t declared the use of these solvents unsafe for human consumption, many people are choosing to drink decaf coffee produced using an alternative method.  

A second method that is used to produce decaffeinated coffee is called the Swiss Water Process.  Currently, only twenty percent of the world’s decaf coffee is produced this way.  This process does not use any harsh chemical substances, and relies only on the use of hot water to separate the coffee from the beans.  This process takes longer to complete than with other methods, but there is no residue on the beans afterward.  Health experts generally agree that this is the healthiest way to produce decaf coffee.

Although most decaffeinated coffee for sale today uses solvents, decaf produced using the Swiss Water Process is readily available as well.  Since the Swiss Water Process does not involve the use of solvents, it is considered to be of better quality and taste.  Most organic decaf is produced this way, and it is nearly always clearly marked on the label.  Any specialty coffee shop should know which process was used on their decaf beans, and it also readily available for purchase on the internet.

Decaffeinated coffee is best when used in an electric drip coffee maker.
Chad Damon is the author of the guide to the best cheap coffee makers.

Author: Chad Damon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee has a fairly secure history when in comes to details, although there are a few controversies as to actually who was the very first to grow it. One fact that is not disputed, however, is that Arabian coffee is the finest in the world.

It is accepted that Arabia was most definitely the first country to commercialize coffee growing – so hence its name coffee Arabica. There are in excess of 40 different types of plants in the coffee family but only two of them can be used for coffee; the first being coffee Arabica and the second, somewhat inferior species, Robusta.

Variables that go into making good coffee including Arabian coffee are so many that one little alteration and it can change the quality and taste dramatically. This is one of the factors that makes coffee so intriguing and yet can make it a little frustrating when trying to find that personal perfection in your coffee tastes. There is little doubt though that you will find what you desire within the Arabian coffee selections.

Arabian coffee is such a desired commodity that it makes up for about 80% of the coffee sales in the entire world. It is somewhat harder to grow then Robusta so that partially accounts for the extra cost that is associated with buying Arabica coffee as opposed to Robusta.

Very specific growing conditions are demanded by Arabica coffee beans and where those needs are met then that’s where the most superior coffee in the world is produced. It must have high elevations for optimal growth, which is between 3,000 to 6,500. The consensus is the higher the altitude is the longer it takes for Arabian coffee plants to grow and mature. This is beneficial because it allows for a longer time for the characteristics it possesses to materialize and permeate.

Every coffee has its variations and coffee Arabica basically has three major varieties being Typica, Caturra and Bourbon has well. Although they all have the same origin, they each have subtle differences that make for different variances in the final cup. Most avid coffee lovers that really know their coffee would be able to identify these differences, but many others probably would not. There are small differences in the body and balance for example.

As we, mentioned Arabica coffee can be somewhat fragile to grow, but by having these sub types developed, it has also hardened them up somewhat without jeopardizing the quality and the taste.

What it comes down to coffee Arabica is still great in its worst form but when it is prepared at its best its difficult to put into words just how superior it really is. One of the problems that can happen is if you have had the joy of getting a superior cup of coffee Arabica then go back to what you usually consume you are just not going to be happy with the brew that you have always enjoyed in the past.

For more up to date information on Coffee and all its fantastic benefits, please visit http://www.coffeebeansroasting.com.

Author: Carl Da Costa
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In this the fourth article in our series on world coffees we discuss the coffees from Africa and the Middle East.

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is the true birthplace of coffee. The original coffee plant originated here as well the first brew. Ethiopia today is the fifth largest producer of coffee in the world growing mainly the best arabicas. Ethiopian dry-processed coffee (Harrar), tends to be medium-bodied and strongly acidic with fruity, winy tones. The best wet-processed coffee (Yirgacheffe) is light-bodied and has distinctive floral and citrus notes. Dry processed ‘Djimah’ is a popular bean that a exhibits medicinal taste. ‘Ghimbi’ is a wet-processed bean from western Ethiopia. Limu is the market name for a well-respected fragrant, floral and fruit-toned wet-processed coffee from south-central Ethiopia.

UGANDA

As the 11th largest producer of coffee in the world, Uganda has some fine arabica coffees which display the much favoured winy acidity and other desirable flavour characteristics of the best East African coffees. About 90% of the coffees produced are of the robusta variety, which are mainly used for blending and in the manufacture of instant soluble coffee. ‘Bugishu’ coffee from the slopes of Mount Elgon is the best known coffee from Uganda.

IVORY COAST

As the third largest producer of coffee on the African continent, the Ivory Coast grows mainly rich and strong robustas used in soluble coffee production.

TANZANIA

Tanzania produces mostly robusta coffees much of it grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro from which these Kilimanjaro coffees get their name. Some arabicas are grown further south in the country the best known of which is ‘Mbeya’ coffee. The best coffees from Tanzania have a full body and rich flavour, with classic acidy that make them resemble the best coffees of neighbouring Kenya.

CAMEROON

Due to its high altitude, rich volcanic soils and ample rainfall coffees from Cameroon are of good quality. They are full-bodied flavour with a well-rounded finish with chocolate characteristics.

KENYA

Kenya produces excellent quality Arabica coffees that are renowned for their consistent high quality. Although mainly produced by smallholders the harvested beans are pooled and processed under strict conditions by the Coffee Board of Kenya. The beans are carefully graded by the board into categories. PB or peaberry is considered the best, followed by AA, A and B. The peaberry plant only produces a single bean, rather than the usual ‘split’ bean found in all other varieties. Kenyan coffees have deep winy acidity with subtle fruit and berry tones.

MADAGASCAR

The island of Madagascar produces over 700,000 bags of coffee per year of both robusta and Arabica varieties. It’s most celebrated coffee ‘Kouillou’ has a highly distinctive flavour and is rated very highly by the French.

YEMEN

The name ‘Mocha’ often synonymous with coffee comes from the Yemen port of the same name, which was used as a main trading point for coffee beans. Yemeni beans are known for their rich, winy, aroma and strong chocolate tones.

For more information about coffee and coffee making equipment visit http://www.cafebar.co.uk

Author: Fenton Wayne
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The social beverage of the world, coffee, is by far one of the most satisfying addictions one can have. That aroma of a fresh brewed cup of coffee can awaken the senses like nothing else. That first sip of sweet espresso or well made Turkish coffee can entice even the most devout coffee hater. Not any old coffee will drive men to tears over its savory goodness.

Choosing the right coffee blend is an art form. You can compare it to those who choose wines for gourmet dinners. Coffee is no different. Following are several tips to help you on the way to finding great coffee.

1. Do yourself a favor and avoid buying name brand coffee. All that you are doing is helping them pay for their substantial marketing machine.

2. Look for local roasters. They take great pride in their coffee beans and the roasting process. You may find a gem.

3. Roasting is one of the keys to a great coffee. Light roasts typically go way of being acidic in flavor. Dark roasts are more bitter and “full” or “medium” roasts are balanced between the two.

4. The higher quality coffee lends themselves to distinct flavors and sweetness regardless if they are dark roasts, medium or light roasts. A good bean roasted lightly will still be sweet with a touch of bitterness whereas a good bean dark roasted will be akin to a desert that contains nuts.

5. People like to think that certain countries produce different types of coffee. The best coffees produced tend to be suited to darker or lighter roasted coffees. Light to dark the countries are: Central America, South America and Caribbean, Africa and then finishing up with Indonesia and India.

6. Use coffee beans roasted for less than ten days prior. Older beans will simply taste like boring, unsweetened cocoa.

7. Grind your coffee beans minutes before actually brewing. This will give you the height of flavor and substance in your morning cup and make those gourmet coffee recipes shine above and beyond.

Arabica vs. Robusta

When you buy coffee at a Starbucks or online you will generally be buying Arabica coffee beans. Purchasing from a deli (typically an Italian-run one) will be a blend known as Robusta. Robusta is a bitter coffee with twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.

Arabica is the choice of gourmet coffee drinkers all over the world. It is a subtle flavor that is sweet and nutty, but pleasant. Robusta is simply just too bitter and is really your grandfather’s blend and should be avoided for social coffee drinking.

All of this information is for naught if you do not get yourself a quality coffee maker in order to brew your favorite beverage. One-cup coffee makers are great because they keep your coffee fresh by the cup with no sitting around to get stale and lifeless. Espresso makers with milk steamers are great if you wish to experiment with your coffee. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a machine either. Go with the best that fits your budget.

Paul is a regular contributor to Coffee Maker Review is an informational website for Coffee Machines ratings and reviews, and provides information to the coffee club [http://coffee-club.org]

Author: Paul Simon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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