Saturday, December 31, 2011

Coffee and Your Health - Four Important Facts

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_John_Gallacher]Andrew John Gallacher
Coffee drinking is a favourite pastime all over the world. Whether you enjoy a quick instant Nescafe or grind your own vacuum packed beans and use the latest high-tech espresso maker, drinking coffee brings with it not only a range of flavours and tastes but also a number of benefits to your overall well being and health.
Important Coffee fact number one. The bad news.
The only negative effect of drinking coffee has to do with the intake of larger than usual caffeine amounts. This may temporarily increase the coffee drinker's blood pressure particularly if they already suffered from high blood pressure (hypertension) Apparently there may also be some temporary stiffening of the body's arterial walls. Another negative side effect for people who consume massive amounts of caffeine is a magnesium deficiency. The jitters and over alertness suffered by normally healthy people after a large dose of caffeine is a temporary state and has not been found to have a long term negative effect on health.
Important Coffee fact number two. The good news.
There is a long list of conditions that researchers and scientists have shown to be helped by regular coffee drinking including Parkinson's disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, cirrhosis of the liver, and gout. Coffee also appears to help reduce the risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease.
Important Coffee fact number three. Antioxidants help fight cancer.
Coffee is known to contain antioxidants, which prevent free radicals in the body from causing cell damage because of the anticancer compound Methylpyridinium. This compound is rarely found in in any other foods. Methylpyridinium is not contained in the raw green coffee bean but develops gradually from Trigonelline, which is the naturally occurring compound, during the roasting process. It occurs independently of the caffeine content of the coffee and is present in both regular and decaffeinated coffee, and is even present to a certain degree in instant coffee.
Important Coffee fact number four. Espresso is the most healthy.
If your favourite java brew is a dark rich espresso made using high pressure steam passed through the finely ground coffee roast then you are getting the highest possible yield of antioxidant from your coffee. Other methods such as brewing, filtering and percolating do produce the beneficial antioxidants but not in such large amounts.
So carry on drinking coffee.
Carry on enjoying your daily espresso, latte or cappuccino. Drinking coffee is good for you and those dark roast beans may even help you live longer. The more scientists look the more benefits they find, and there are many benefits they can all agree on. A freshly brewed cup of coffee not only tastes good, it does you good too.
Andrew John Gallacher is a writer, journalist and photographer. He blogs on freelancing, travel and food and drink. He loves old movies and new ideas, imaging and imagining and learning every day how much he doesn't know. [http://www.coffee-lover-cafe.com/]Coffee is one passion among many.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Coffee-and-Your-Health---Four-Important-Facts&id=6641190] Coffee and Your Health - Four Important Facts

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A Quick Look at Organic Coffee Beans

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Cowan]Wayne Cowan
It can wake anyone up in the middle of the night and early in the morning. Many people love it, so quality can affect the cost, but it is money well spent. People spend more time preparing it than any other of its kind. If someone does not love it, they have probably never had it. Everyone loves organic coffee beans.
It is a cash crop because of the world's love for coffee. The average person in the U.S.A. in 2009 consumed nine pounds of coffee. That's the weight of a heavier newborn child.
A person's first French-pressed brew may cause them to wax poetic, if their love of organic coffee beans is in the right place. It is hard to reproduce the sound and smell when boiling water is poured into a press filled with fresh grounds from organic coffee beans. The mere heady burnt smell of freshly Frenched coffee can wake some from deep sleep.
Coffee beans contain caffeine, a psychoactive stimulant. Caffeine directly affects the central nervous system in order to relieve drowsiness and restore alertness. Too much can cause insomnia, nervousness and irritability. It is also an addictive substance and should be treated as such. An overdose on caffeine is possible at only one gram and can be lethal at two. An overdose from organic coffee is only possible, for the average 25 year old, after about 100 cups.
University students swear by it, anyone with an early morning worships it and many developing nations depend on it. Brazil produced 2.59 million metric tons of organic coffee beans in 2009. Considering each coffee cherry, the fruit surrounding the beans, contains two beans at most, one can stretch the imagination and still need a properly annotated map of coffee plantations to understand the full scale of production. 59% of Burundi's average total export earnings are from coffee beans.
It is a luxury in some countries. Ethel A. Starbird began her 1981 National Geographic article The Bonanza Bean: Coffee with a recap on her "therapeutic" bath in thirteen tons of fermenting, ground coffee in a Tokyo suburb. Coffee has been a staple to Muslims since its introduction to their culture from the Arabic peoples. Turkish law once permitted a wife to divorce her husband for failing to keep the coffee pot filled.
Religion loves its coffee too: legend has it that Pope Clement baptized organic coffee beans so the beverage would have Christian status and not be labeled the drink of infidels.
If environmental impact worries anyone, look for shade-grown organic coffee beans. Growing coffee in the shade, as opposed to the sun, creates a lesser environmental impact but also produces fewer yields per year. There is no clear cutting of forests to make room for shade-grown coffee farms; a typical farm can contain up to 40 different species of trees, making a habitat for animals and insects and enhancing the soil quality of the farm. The workers must love this type of coffee growing as well: spending the day outside, in a forest, the smells and sounds of plants and animals everywhere. Sounds like heaven.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Quick-Look-at-Organic-Coffee-Beans&id=6647493] A Quick Look at Organic Coffee Beans

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Keurig Special Edition Coffee Maker For Home Use

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku]Wayne Rasku
A growing number of us these days are considering the question, "How I can choose a single serve coffee maker which best meet my needs at home." In particular, is this a good time to get that Keurig Special Edition machine that has been getting all those great reviews?
 Up until recently, we've been a bit restricted in our options, and we've frequently had to brew an entire pot of fresh coffee just to enjoy a single cup, then toss the rest into the sink after it got burned and bitter.
 The Benefits Of Single Serve
 The benefits of single serve coffee stations are mainly found in the simple reality, as the name implies, that they are able to make just 1 serving of coffee at a time and that they make it quite fast in comparison to multi-cup machines. So, you will not have to waste coffee nor will you have to make much more coffee than you will actually drink.
 And, in the event you select among the new single serve k-cup or pod systems as your final option here, then you are able to merely slip a little individual coffee pod into the machine, make your cup of coffee, after which you throw the pod away. So, there is really no mess and nothing to clean up.
 You can even pick and choose from many different brands of coffee, because all of the major coffee makers are now making single servings for the various types of coffee makers. Just check the grocer's shelves or look online to see just how many of the big coffee companies are now among the ranks of single serve producers. And there is one that stands above the crowd - Keurig. Special Edition machines are now the "go-to" coffee brewer in a large number of households.
 Variety - Isn't It The Spice Of Life?
 These machines have become popular now partly simply because they're so handy and dependable but it is also because they permit you to purchase such a wide variety of coffees. Whether you prefer strong or mild, hi-test or decaf, you will not be disappointed in the choices. And you can change the kind of coffee you drink on a daily or even hourly basis. Keep a huge supply of flavors and brands in the kitchen cupboard for use when guests come over, too. Your coffee-loving friends will appreciate your tremendous hospitality.
 No longer do you have to buy those large bags of coffee that start to lose flavor as soon as the bag is opened. Single serve containers remain fresh until the probe of the coffee machine makes an incision in the top of the serving. Then, after use, it goes into the recycle bin or trash can. It is fresh every time.
 There is one complaint that some folks have about single serve machines. The price per cup is much higher than when you purchase your coffee in bags.
 There are a couple of arguments that may offset the higher cost for the K-cups that go into the Keurig Special Edition coffee maker. First, you do not throw away any coffee as you might with a 12-cup coffee pot. That helps justify the higher price. Second, the taste of each cup is the same. There is no need for measuring or guesswork as there is when using bags of loose coffee grounds. And, you can consider using some of the online coffee clubs where you can buy large quantities of servings to save money.
 At the end of the day, the choice boils down to whether you want the best cup of coffee that you can make in your house. If you are a real lover of this heavenly beverage and you want to match the quality and taste of the local coffee shop, go for the single serve machine.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Keurig-Special-Edition-Coffee-Maker-For-Home-Use&id=6650671] Keurig Special Edition Coffee Maker For Home Use

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Holidays, Special Celebrations And Coffee Drinking: Why People Enjoy Them So Much

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Collins]Timothy S. Collins
People celebrate a variety of holidays throughout the year for many different reasons: secular, religious, international, personal, or uniquely American. Some days have special meaning to some people such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduation day, or because they are the occasion to participate in a large parade and partying such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many holidays are associated with the changing of the seasons.
Celebrations are a reason to get together with friends, family, business associates and to build relationships. Drinking coffee is fun and a great way to sit around a table or on a couch and have a memorable conversation with loved ones. The meaning of the special day becomes greater when you stop to enjoy the moment and contemplate your surroundings. Rushing a holiday moment or a birthday celebration is not something people do on purpose. In fact, people try to enjoy every minute of the special day to have memories they will cherish in the future.
People drink coffee primarily because of the aroma, the taste and the sensory experience. Coffee is a beverage you can keep on drinking throughout the day and day after day. As a coffee lover, you never really have too much coffee. With the increasing availability of new flavored coffees, for example, coffee drinkers have more coffee choices to taste and experience the wonderful flavor of coffee, a gift from Mother Nature coffee lovers appreciate! Hundreds of years ago, people enjoyed blending coffee with nuts and spices to create special flavors which they would savor during special days and celebrations.
With the passing of time, many things can change and look very different after a few months and years. One constant that remains is people's love for special celebrations and adherence to holidays we observe on our calendars. Another constant is drinking coffee as an everyday beverage of choice and, for party revelers with few hours of sleep, a great buzz to stay awake and active. One additional constant is the use of gifts during special day celebrations: flowers, candy, clothes, money, chocolate, music, and coffee.
Yes, indeed, coffee is a favorite choice in gift lists to take as a present for someone hosting a meal or to give to a coffee lover on a specific special celebration. What makes specialty coffee great as a gift choice is that it offers so many choices! Whole beans, ground coffee, flavored, espresso, regular or decaffeinated coffee.
What choices of specialty coffee would you offer someone and for what special day?
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Celebration: Fun and festivities to see the old year out and to ring in the new year. A time to eat and be merry, to relax and stay late for the beginning of a new year. To many Americans, the ball dropping at Times Square in New York City signals the start of the New Year. This may be past bedtime for many people and drinking a great cup of specialty coffee is a sure way to be alert and celebrate. A New Year's resolution for you: order and enjoy Kona Extra Fancy 'Certified' gourmet coffee, fresh roasted to order and delivered to your home! Flavored coffee recommendation: Macadamia Cream flavored coffee.
Super Bowl Sunday, first Sunday in February: Every NFL football team wants to make it to the Big Game at the Super Bowl! Millions of fans attend the "Big Party" and make this the second biggest snack day of the year after New Year's. It is also a day when people drink more coffee than usual. When casual sports fans and true aficionados watch the game and celebrate the action, Certified Jamaican Genuine Blue Mountain gourmet coffee is a great coffee choice or, as an alternative, a bolder, heartier coffee such as French Roast. Flavored coffee recommendation: Eggnog gourmet flavored coffee.
Valentine's Day, February 14th: A celebration of love and lovers going back to ancient times when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility on the Feast of Lupercalia. A time to exchange cards, small gifts, chocolates, jewelry, and specialty coffee. Interesting trivia: women purchase 75% of all specialty and candy chocolate during the year. However, men make more than 75% of all chocolate purchases the days and minutes before Valentine's Day. So, it is not at all surprising that the favorite flavored coffees for this day are chocolate flavored ones such as Chocolate Fudge flavored coffee, Chocolate Hazelnut flavored coffee, and Chocolate Swiss Almond flavored coffee!
Erin Go Bragh ("Ireland Forever"), Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th: A special day in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland, who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isles or Ireland. This is a day to celebrate Irish history, ancestry, traditions and customs. There are more than 34 million Americans of Irish descent which is about nine times the population of Ireland! Favorite specialty flavored coffee on this day: Irish Cream flavored coffee, rich and smooth non-alcoholic 100% Arabica bean gourmet coffee.
Easter Sunday, April: To Christians,this is the most special day of the year commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter also has a pagan celebration with the Easter Bunny, colored eggs, jelly beans, chocolate candy, and coffee before and after the family meal. Families dress up in their finest and colorful new spring clothes. Some families have a big brunch feast. Others have a big main meal with baked ham, turkey or other delicacies as the main dish. Brightly colored boiled eggs are popular as is keeping the coffee pot full with freshly brewed coffee. Favorite coffee selections: Hazelnut Cream flavored coffee; French Vanilla flavored coffee, and Colombian Supremo specialty coffee.
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The 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
Also visit: http://www.squidoo.com/thegourmetcoffeeguy-lensography
� Copyright - Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Holidays,-Special-Celebrations-And-Coffee-Drinking:-Why-People-Enjoy-Them-So-Much&id=6650723] Holidays, Special Celebrations And Coffee Drinking: Why People Enjoy Them So Much

Friday, December 23, 2011

Caffeine: The Pick-Me-Up That Pushes You Down!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Krista_Braun]Krista Braun
Did You Know?
� The average cup of coffee contains around 135 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Three cups per day means you are consuming more than 500 milligrams of caffeine which is twice the amount considered in a large drug dose.
� Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Excess caffeine consumption can cause anxiety, nervousness, insomnia or light sleep patterns, stomach and intestinal maladies, and moodiness. Caffeine also stresses the heart leading to heart disease.
� Coffee belongs to the same alkaloid group of chemicals as morphine, cocaine and strychnine.
� "I'll have a Double Toxic Latte Please": The roasting process that brings out the coffee bean aroma converts the oils in coffee into dangerous trans fats which have many detrimental effects on our health. Growers use more pesticides on coffee crops than on any other crops and decaffeinated coffee contains a high concentration of trichloroethylene, a potent liver carcinogen. Nitrosamines naturally occurring in coffee are the same carcinogens found in bacon and other cured meats.
Other Reasons to Limit Caffeine Consumption
� Depletion of vitamins and minerals, mostly vitamin B1 and magnesium. Vitamin B1 is responsible for energy metabolism, protein synthesis and plays a major role in the nervous system. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, nervousness, general malaise, general aches and pains, and headaches.
� Caffeine taxes the adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands react to stress and release a hormone called cortisol. Excessive cortisol can cause certain "stress diseases" including decreased immunity, high blood pressure, and possibly stomach ulcers. Not to mention, taxed adrenal glands means hormonal dysregulation and fatigue.
� The sympathetic response that occurs with coffee consumption suppresses optimal digestive system functioning. Instead of resting and digesting, blood is being sent preferentially to muscles, the lungs, and the heart. Any food left in digestive system will then begin to ferment, putrefy and perhaps even turn rancid. When this happens, nutrients and minerals will not be properly absorbed and may lead to deficiencies.
� Interference with blood sugar metabolism by sending blood sugar levels up. The pancreas are forced into action, releasing insulin into system to normalize blood sugar levels. This can cause a huge energy crash later.
� Coffee is highly acidic, resulting in a decrease in healthy bacteria in the intestines leading to many associated health problems: acne, constipation, diarrhea, recurring colds and flu, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia.
Coffee Alternatives
� Green tea - rich in bioflavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties.
� Herbal tea including Roobios, Yerbe Matte - caffeine-free and available in a wide variety that boost energy through antioxidants and non-caffeine mechanisms.
� Grain-and-root coffee substitutes found at health food stores.
As a Treat
� Organic dark chocolate - contains cocoa phenols, which act as an antioxidant and may lower blood pressure.
� A cup of coffee as a treat - use organic beans and grind them fresh to use.
Dr. Krista Braun, ND is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing at the Inlet Wellness Gallery in Port Moody, B.C. She is licensed in acupuncture and bowen therapy. Dr. Braun's passion in the mind/body connection and background in science and research focuses her practice on whole body healing using gentle and evidence-based treatment. Please visit http://www.drkristabraun.com for more information.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Caffeine:-The-Pick-Me-Up-That-Pushes-You-Down!&id=6642555] Caffeine: The Pick-Me-Up That Pushes You Down!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Gaggia Brera - Style And Simplicity

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Riley]Stuart Riley
Gaggia is a company synonymous with Italian espresso heritage, and all the features a coffee aficionado could want are included on this quality bean-to-cup coffee machine from Gaggia.
The Gaggia Brera has a compact design, ease of use and energy saving capabilities allowing you to brew your coffee the barista way in the comfort of your own home, while the Gaggia Brera automatically switches to standby mode after one hour to save you energy when not in use, using less than one watt per hour when in standby mode, while the twin boiler reduces the waiting time between coffee brewing and steam output to just a few seconds.
This Gaggia coffee machine can use either coffee beans or ground coffee, making it ideal for preparing espresso. It also has twin boilers allowing you to brew coffee and add milk to make a cappuccino or latte without having to wait, so with just a turn of the steam knob you can froth milk to make cappuccinos, lattes and macchiato coffee.
The grinder in the Brera is a high-quality ceramic, which retains the purity of the coffee aroma as ceramic material is inert and thus ensures the best results without changing the consistency and flavour of the coffee and is durable and safe in use. The default setting gives you a medium grind but it can be easily adjusted to grind as coarse or as fine as necessary.
Obviously, grinding the coffee more finely produces more flavour from the same volume.
Ceramic grinders are long-lasting, make minimum noise and substantially reduce the amount of coffee residue left in the cup; so the quality of the grinder is extremely important.
It goes without saying that the settings on the Brera can be fully customised The dispensing buttons on the control panel can be programmed to your own personal taste.
You can customise everything to your personal tastes, from the amount of milk that is dispensed to the size of coffee. The Gaggia coffee maker has a finger touch function to save user settings incorporating two buttons which can each be programmed for a personalised coffee. This allows the saving of two individuals' custom settings and means that brewing a morning cup made exactly to your liking is as easy as pressing a button.
The Brera offers still more Variety as the ground coffee compartment allows you to brew a different blend without having to change the beans.
Gaggia have helpfully included a 'strength selector' feature to assist you in your decision making process; so you can play around with the coffee strength from very mild to very strong, or anything in between - and altering the settings is a breeze.
Cleaning the Brera is also effortless as it boasts a detachable brewing unit for easy maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential as it removes hard water mineral deposits, residual oils from previously brewed coffee and other impurities that can adversely affect the taste of your coffee. Scale forms while the machine is in use, so it's also necessary to de-scale every three to four months of use.
Enjoying quality coffee in the comfort of your own home is easy with the compact and stylish Gaggia Brera bean-to-cup coffee machine. Professional results are at your fingertips with this compact and lightweight machine which boasts an electronic LED control panel, a 250g bean hopper and a 15 bar pressure pump. It has an integrated ceramic coffee grinder, and is easy to clean due to the detachable brewing unit.
In addition there is a 1.2 litre water tank and a stainless steel boiler.
In short, the Gaggia Brera is an effortless and efficient bean-to-cup coffee machine and would make a great addition to any kitchen.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Gaggia-Brera---Style-And-Simplicity&id=6643821] Gaggia Brera - Style And Simplicity

Monday, December 19, 2011

Coffee Stains - How to Get Rid of Them

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Dunaway]Shawn Dunaway
Whether or not you drink coffee all the time, accidents happen, and every now and then, you may find yourself having to deal with a coffee stain. It could be a fresh stain on your clothes, carpet, upholstery, or even set-in stains on your favorite mug, your brewing pot, or coffee appliances. Either way, a stain is a stain, and you may want to learn a few tips to effectively tackle coffee stains.
Cloth Stains: Just because you thoroughly enjoyed your morning cup of coffee doesn't mean that you want to wear it around on your clothes all day. The first thing you want to do when you spill coffee on your clothes is to dab at the stain with a damp cloth; this will help to gently lift out the stain. Rubbing, on the other hand will only make the stain set, and as a result, make it more difficult to get rid of.
If the stain doesn't go away completely, you can always dab at it with some white vinegar. White vinegar can remove fresh stains as well as set-in stains. Baking soda is another household item that can work wonders on coffee stains. Simply dampen the stained area, apply some baking soda, rub it in, and let it sit. After a while, dab at the affected area with a clean damp cloth, and the stain should come right off.
Carpet or Upholstery Stains: While coffee stains on your clothes could be worn as a badge of honor, they are not quite as attractive on your carpet or upholstery. As always, the first thing you should do is to try to absorb all the excess liquid with a cloth or paper towel. Apply baking soda, white vinegar, or a store-bought stain removing agent to the affected region, and let it sit for a while before scrubbing it gently.
Blot it dry, and repeat the process again until the stain is gone.
Coffee Mug Stains: These stains often come about as a result of letting coffee sit in your mug for a while before finishing it. To prevent your coffee mug from staining, don't leave coffee sitting in it for too long, and rinse it out with clean water after you finish your coffee.
To remove already set stains from your coffee mug, fill it up with white vinegar or a baking soda solution, and let it sit overnight. It should be good as new when morning comes.
Coffee Pots and Appliances: Coffee stains on coffee pots can be treated the same way that coffee mug stains are treated; baking soda and white vinegar can go a long way in cleaning coffee appliances.
With any luck, these tips should work and you can stop worrying about your coffee stains, and enjoy your coffee instead.
Shawn Dunaway is the Vice President at CoffeeAM.com, one of the largest online gourmet coffee and tea companies with more than 150000 customers worldwide. CoffeeAM offers a variety of coffee equipment, and pretty much anything that you need to make and enjoy your coffee. To see their full line of products, visit: http://www.CoffeeAM.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Coffee-Stains---How-to-Get-Rid-of-Them&id=6636769] Coffee Stains - How to Get Rid of Them

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Dolce Gusto From Krups - Quality, Versatility And Style

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Riley]Stuart Riley
The Nescafe Dolce Gusto by Krups brings real coffee shop quality coffee into your home in the form of a stylish, multi-coffee capsule system which makes it so easy to enjoy your favourite drink. The Nescafe Dolce Gusto combines the technical brilliance of Krups with great coffee, creating a fantastic match and a must-have kitchen accessory for any coffee lover and is a great example of the new type of single serve capsule coffee makers which are becoming increasingly popular. Capsule coffee makers like this are designed for those who love a good cup of coffee but just want their coffee quickly, without the hassle of grinding beans or spooning out ground coffee.
The Dolce Gusto coffee pods offer a tremendous variety of flavours, from a frothy cappuccino, or a simple shot of espresso, to a multilayered latte macchiato or a rich coffee lungo; the Dolce Gusto dispenses high quality coffee to suit every taste and all at a much lower price than you'd find in a coffee shop.
It's also extremely easy to use
Everything is done automatically, and even better there's no mess at all.
Just switch the machine on having filled up the removable water tank with cold water straight from the tap. Then just pop a capsule in, press the button, and within seconds you'll have a lovely hot coffee. If you are making a frothy cappuccino, for example, which requires both a milk capsule and a coffee capsule, just take out the first capsule, pop in the second, and repeat.
Like all Krups coffee machines cleaning the Dolce Gusto couldn't be easier either. The water tank is easy to remove and empty when not in use, and you can remove the drip tray and pod holder and wash them individually too. Instructions are provided should you need to de-scale the machine, but this seems to be seldom necessary.
Whatever your personal taste there's certain to be something to suit you with eighteen different varieties of gusto coffee drinks available for the Dolce Gusto. One thing you should note is that if you buy latte or cappuccino capsules half of them will be milk pods so you will only get half as many coffees for your money.
In summary, the Dolce Gusto is a top quality pod coffee machine, with which you can enjoy a coffee house quality coffee at home. The Dolce Gusto is a single serve coffee machine that allows you to customise your favourite hot or cold coffee, chocolate or tea drink at a much lower price than a coffee shop. It uses the specially designed capsules from Nestle which provide a wide variety of choice, including cappuccino, americano, espresso, decaf and mocha to name but a few - and all without any mess whatsoever. The Dolce Gusto boasts a professional 15 bar pressure system, a removable water tank, automatic flow stop function, a magnetic capsule holder, a hot or cold water selector and a timer; giving you the convenience and versatility of higher-end machines at a fraction of the cost.
CoffeeMachineExpert.com is a high-quality online review site covering a large variety of coffee machines, providing genuine and in-depth [http://coffeemachineexpert.com]coffee machine reviews, including [http://coffeemachineexpert.com/krups/nescafe-dolce-gusto-cafe-culture-in-your-home]dolce gusto coffee machines. At Coffee Machine Expert you'll find coffee machine reviews of all the latest brands and models, and every type of machine including bean-to-cup, espresso, and capsule. You'll also find great deals and competitive prices from a host of major suppliers. So whether you're looking for a humble filter coffee machine or a state-of-the-art bean-to-cup machine you can find whatever you're looking for.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dolce-Gusto-From-Krups---Quality,-Versatility-And-Style&id=6643873] Dolce Gusto From Krups - Quality, Versatility And Style

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Using Coffee As a Plant Fertilizer

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mel_Chan]Mel Chan
People around the world drink coffee and this means that every day millions of pots of coffee are brewed and millions of wet grounds, filters and bags trashed. Many people did not know that coffee by-products have many uses in the garden and in the farm.
Are you wondering how the coffee by-products have so many uses? If you have a garden at home, sprinkle the coffee wet grounds around the plants before it rains or before watering them. This creates a slow-release of nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen is the most important element for plant development and required in large amounts. It is essential for the chlorophyll in plants, making photosynthesis possible and the green color of plants. Plants lacking nitrogen show stunted growth and yellowish leaves. Just as too little nitrogen causes problems, too much nitrogen can also cause problems.
If there is too much nitrogen, it will produce plants with weak stems. Quality of the produced fruits, such as peaches and apples will be lower and the sugar content in fruits such as beetroot will be lower. In addition, it can lead to nitrate accumulation in edible foliage of plants. Ingesting such high nitrate foods can pose possible health risks for animals and humans.
Though nitrogen is abundant in our atmosphere, plants cannot use it directly, unless processed naturally in the soil. Therefore, by adding the coffee by-product to the soil, results in slow release of nitrogen. This is a perfect gift to your soil and plants. It is like adding fertilizer to the soil. The coffee by-product releases the nitrogen slowly into the soil that makes it so perfect. It is because quick release of nitrogen may cause harm such as burning of the leaf tissue and plant death.
Most people with a garden and a farm tend to forget about their houseplants. I hope that you are not one of them. You can mix the wet grounds into the soil of the houseplants too.
If you prefer to use fast-acting liquid fertilizer, you can mix the wet grounds in water. You can use about half pound can of wet grounds in a five-gallon bucket of water. However, remember to leave it to stand before use for an ambient temperature. Once usable, you can water the plants with this homemade, gentle liquid fertilizer.
Personally, I prefer to place the coffee by-products directly in the soil, as I find it rather cumbersome to make the fast-acting fertilizer.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-Coffee-As-a-Plant-Fertilizer&id=6639389] Using Coffee As a Plant Fertilizer

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Tips When Trying to Fix a Broken Coffee Maker

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Kaaland]Joyce Kaaland
Before trying to fix a broken drip coffee maker, check to see if your warranty is still valid. If it is no longer valid, check the light switch to see if the light turns on and off. This lets you know whether or not electricity is going through the power cord. This also means that if the light works there is a problem further on in the coffee maker. If it is not heating these first steps are most important. Make sure your coffee maker is unplugged, is on a dry surface, in a place where there is good lighting, the reservoir is empty and the spent grounds have been removed.
The next thing to do after this simple check is to consider what tools may be needed. This would include an appropriate sized flat bladed screwdriver, a circuit probe or multi-meter on the ohm setting and the owner's manual.
Depending on whether the coffee maker is made of metal or plastic will make a difference on how you get the bottom off. A metal one will require removing screws from the bottom plate. For a plastic one, you will need to put the screwdriver in a crack and wedge it with force until the back wall and the bottom come apart. Turn the coffee maker upside down and look at the wiring.
Now you can follow the electrical cords from the two power switch terminal ends. Using a circuit probe or multi-meter, you can find out whether there is a continual flow, which is a closed circuit. If the circuit has a broken connection, known as an open circuit, then the following parts may need replacing. This includes the terminal where the off-on switch is located and the wires that connect to the thermostat and heating element.
You need to also check to see if there is a problem in the thermostat or in the heating element. Using the circuit probe or multi-meter, check for connectivity through the thermostat. If the problem was with the coffee not getting hot enough or if the coffee warmer did not keep the coffee hot, the probe or multi-meter will show only slight connectivity; this means that the thermostat definitely needs to be replaced. To change the thermostat, remove the connectors and replace the new thermostat by reconnecting the connectors.
Before you begin to take the coffee maker apart, check for coffee and mineral deposit buildup. If you have not been cleaning your coffee maker on a regular basis, you could have a lime buildup in the water-line. This can cause the unit to stop working. Use white vinegar to clean your coffee maker on a regular basis. When you begin to clean your coffee maker check for loose-fitting tube connections and make sure they are fully connected. Next, put white vinegar equal to the amount of water you normally put in for a full amount of coffee. Run the brewing process without a filter in the filter basket. Rinse the carafe if you are using one. Then, run the brew cycle again with clean water. Dry the filter basket and carafe and any place you can see that is wet. Now you are ready to brew a much better tasting cup of coffee. You will be surprised by how much better your   rel=nofollow [http://www.coffeemakersshop.com/household-coffee-makers.html]coffeemaker runs as well as how great the coffee tastes.
Joyce Kaaland is the owner of CoffeeMakersShop.com and a published author who loves to write. If you want pertinent information about household or commercial coffee making equipment or just have a general question, you can ask anytime at:  [mailto:info@coffeemakersshop.com]info@coffeemakersshop.com. Joyce is also called Mrs. Coffee by some because of her knowledge in this field. You'll find her informative blogs at: [http://www.todayscoffeeblog.com]http://www.todayscoffeeblog.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-When-Trying-to-Fix-a-Broken-Coffee-Maker&id=6653173] Tips When Trying to Fix a Broken Coffee Maker

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding the Best Coffee Maker

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_AG_Watson]Chris AG Watson
When it comes to finding the best coffee maker that you can get, it may seem to be a lot more work then you're in for. However, if you keep just a few things in mind you'll easily be able to find out which ones are better than the others. With that said, let's take a look at what it takes to pick a coffeemaker out like an expert who's done it a hundred times before.
Decide What You Want to Use It For
The first thing that you should do is decide exactly what you want to use a coffee maker for. Do you want to make espresso that has a nice froth or do you just want an ordinary cup of java to get your day started off the right way? By keeping this in mind from the beginning you'll be able to easily narrow your options to the choices that only pertain directly to your needs.
Understand the Downside of a Warming Plate
One thing that many people don't keep in mind is the fact that a warming plate can actually reduce the quality. The longer that your coffee sits there staying warm, the more the taste is going to be downgraded. Believe it or not, there have been times where it tasted burnt after so much time. The best way to eliminate this risk is to choose one without this as its source of heat.
If your mornings are hectic, opt for the programmable options.
When you want to get your hands on a hot cup of coffee that's going to give you a nice kick to start your day off then you may want to look into the options where you can pre-program the brewing process so that you don't have to wait on it when you get up in the morning. There are many cheap coffee makers that are programmable, so if money is an issue you don't have to skip something that can be rather convenient for you in the long run
Consider Pod Coffeemakers
When you want the highest quality, this is the perfect option. It works by sending hot water at a high pressure through coffee packets known as pods. This type of coffeemaker actually provides one cup of coffee at a time and the brewing process is actually pretty quick when compared to other choices.
Harness the Power of Coffee Maker Reviews to Your Advantage
If you're serious about getting the best of the coffeemakers on the market then you should really check into coffee maker reviews. This is a chance to see the features and the reputation from the eyes of gurus who have experience reviewing the various coffee makers on the market.
Keep in mind that you'll want to choose a reputed website in order to get the best information possible. One that has been proven to provide in-depth reviews in an easy-to-understand manner is   rel=nofollow [http://www.coffeemakersreviewsz.com]www.CoffeeMakersReviewsz.com. They've been providing consumers with the best information for quite some time now and they only feature some of the best coffee makers in the industry which eliminates the risk of being overwhelmed with useless information.
Chris Watson http://www.CoffeeMakersReviewsz.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-No-Nonsense-Guide-to-Finding-the-Best-Coffee-Maker&id=6654525] The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding the Best Coffee Maker

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Brewer DGB 900BC - A Premier Home Coffee Maker

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Fabrianna_Payne]Fabrianna Payne
If you are looking for a coffee brewer which will brew an incredible morning cup of coffee then a Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee machine, model DGB 900BC, is a nice choice. It includes all the features you'll want to brew the very best cup of joe.
Begin with a good charcoal water filter to remove any unwanted flavors in the tap water. This ensures that your coffee has no traces of chlorine or other impurities -- therefore you get pleasure from nothing but clean fresh coffee flavor. The finest coffee must be brewed at a really hot temp of between 190 to 205 degrees(just below boiling). Many cheap home coffee brewers simply cannot get to this heat range. But the Cuisinart Grind and Brew is able to get there. The heater turns out a steaming hot pot of coffee -- extracting optimum taste from your coffee beans. And brews into a double-walled insulated thermal carafe designed to maintain the coffee hot and tasty for many hours without the burned and bitter flavor of coffee which has sat on a warming plate.
Moreover, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee brewer has a built-in burr grinder. Burr grinding is better than propeller grinding because it crushes rather than chops the beans to better pull out the flavor. The coffee bean hopper features a sealed lid so that your beans to keep dry and fresh prior to grinding. Not only is the coffee brewer constantly geared up to grind beans and brew a fresh mug of coffee with really modest effort (just add water and go!) but also it acts as a terrific safe-keeping container to keep damaging air faraway from your beans. You can also set the grind settings and brew strength to regulate the potency of the coffee to meet your special tastes. If you happen to be out of unground coffee, no issue. You can get around the grinder and directly fill up the filter canister with pre-ground coffee.
And the machine includes a round the clock programmable setting. Just fill your bean hopper and set the timer before you go to bed. It's that simple to awaken every morning to the sound of grinding coffee,and the aroma of brewing java. With a timer, grinder and brew settings, this Cuisinart Grind and Brew ensures that you will launch every day with a pot of great coffee that is perfectly brewed to your unique preference.
Come visit the Coffee Maker Showcase at [http://www.coffeemakershowcase.com]http://www.coffeemakershowcase.com/cuisinart-grind-and-brew-coffee-maker.php if you are a coffee lover who is interested in learning all about coffee. If you are in the market for a coffee maker -- take a look at our reviews of the best products on the market today. If you are simply looking to make a better cup of joe, we've got articles to help you better understand the art of coffee brewing.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cuisinart-Grind-and-Brew-Coffee-Brewer-DGB-900BC---A-Premier-Home-Coffee-Maker&id=6661082] The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Brewer DGB 900BC - A Premier Home Coffee Maker

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 Espresso Machine Reviewed

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kay_Jane]Kay Jane
Introducing the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200
The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 espresso machine is a well-designed, select product for making brewed espresso. The boiler system is conveniently designed so you can easily remove the drip tray or brewing unit if needed, and one-touch operation ensures that you will obtain a premium cup of coffee or cappuccino in a quick amount of time. In addition, this machine can be used for ground coffee as well as coffee beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 espresso machine is associated with a well-known Italian brand, DeLonghi, which has been in business for over a century. The DeLonghi name is known for its high quality products - domestic selections that are unparalleled with respect to efficiency and stylishness. A De'Longhi espresso machine then is a worthwhile investment as the quality control standards are high when manufacturing these coffee brewers. In fact, each machine is produced with a barcode for tracking its use over time.
Therefore, whether you have never used an espresso machine or are well-acquainted with making espresso, you will appreciate the features on the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 machine. For example, the frothing arm on the equipment is used to make the aforementioned cappuccino as well as other coffee-milk beverages, such as caffe latte. No need to visit Starbucks when you have this machine. You can enjoy finely brewed coffee or coffee and milk beverages whenever you choose.
Positive Reviews
Most of the reviews for this coffee and cappuccino maker were favorable, if not enthusiastic, about the benefits associated with using this machine. In fact, one customer said that they had bought three of these machines-one for a gift, one for the office, and one for home use-and all of the machines were still working reliably after a little over three years' time. In addition, many of the reviewers stated that the espresso produced was close to perfect and the frothing arm did an excellent job in making cappuccino. The safety feature on the machine, which turns off the espresso and cappuccino maker after two hours, was a noted amenity too.
Drawbacks
Most the comments, as already indicated, were mainly favorable. However, there were some issues that were underscored as well. For example, some customers felt that the machine emitted a bit too much noise when grinding coffee beans or when it was first operating.
Some Final Comments
Also, when you buy the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 espresso machine, make sure that you read the small booklet that comes with the machine so you can make full use of all the features. In addition, only buy premium quality coffee for the machine. Making a good espresso is somewhat of an art form, so understanding the features will help you become just that much more knowledgeable. Therefore, take advantage of the amenities that come with this espresso product as they are the same features you will find on upscale coffee makers used in fine restaurants which serve espresso. Once you learn to hone your skills as a barista, you will come to appreciate the features on this top-of-the-line device.
If you are looking for in depth reviews including the popular [http://www.espressomachinereviews.org.uk/delonghi-icona-espresso-machine-review/]DeLonghi Icona, just visit our website [http://www.espressomachinereviews.org.uk/]Espresso Machine Reviews.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?DeLonghi-Magnifica-ESAM4200-Espresso-Machine-Reviewed&id=6664089] DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 Espresso Machine Reviewed

Monday, December 5, 2011

Five Recipes for Celebrating National Espresso Day

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Molly_H_Duggan]Molly H Duggan
Everyone loves a holiday, and coffee drinkers are no different. Although no one knows the exact origins of National Espresso Day - November 23 - espresso certainly deserves its own day of celebration.
Espresso dates back to 1822 when Louis Bernard crafted the prototype of the first espresso machine in France. Then in 1901, Luigi Bezzera of Italy tried to speed up the brewing process by adding steam pressure to force hot water through the coffee, resulting in a more flavorful yet stronger cup of coffee. Although Bezzera patented his machine, he was never able to market it, and in 1903 Desidero Pavoni purchased the patent and began producing the espresso machine commercially, distributing it throughout Europe.
Since then, espresso has increased in popularity, leading to a variety of espresso-based drinks. Some of the most popular espresso drinks include the Cappuccino, Mocha Cappuccino, Spicy Viennese Espresso,Espresso Macchiato and Cappuccino Ciocolocino. If you do not have your own espresso maker, then try instant espresso available at your local grocery store. Have fun with these recipes and do not be afraid to be creative.
Cappuccino
The basic Cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 frothed milk (foam) to fill a 6 ounce cup. Although the strength of your Cappuccino can vary between coffee shops, fixing one at home allows you to adjust the strength according to your taste, so feel free to vary the proportions. Garnish the finished product with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or vanilla powder.
If you have a steady hand, you may not need to use separate steaming and frothing operations. Frothing gives hot steamed milk at the bottom of the container and milk froth or foam on the top. Pouring carefully can give you the proper proportion of steam to froth.
Mocha Cappuccino
A Mocha Cappuccino uses the 1/3 espresso to 2/3 part steamed milk ratio, with a change. Dissolve cocoa or chocolate syrup to taste in the milk. Then sprinkle cocoa powder on the top.
Spicy Viennese Espresso
Begin with 3 ounces of espresso, then add 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, � teaspoon allspice and � teaspoon cinnamon. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Espresso Macchiato
Top your espresso with a small dollop (spoonful) of frothed milk.
Cappuccino Ciocolocino
How about turning your coffee into a dessert? After preparing a traditional cappuccino, add a scoop of vanilla, coffee, or chocolate ice cream.
These easy recipes can help you make every day a National Espresso Day. Pour a cup and enjoy!
Molly H. Duggan, Ph.D., loves her coffee and everything related to the world of coffee. She is President of My Perfect Coffee http://myperfectcoffee.com an online resource for organic shade grown free trade coffees, roasted and ground to order.
Visit http://myperfectcoffee.com for fresh roasted organic shade grown fair trade coffee from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Bolivia.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Recipes-for-Celebrating-National-Espresso-Day&id=6658276] Five Recipes for Celebrating National Espresso Day

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Krups Espresseria Automatic EA8080 - Compact And Contemporary

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Riley]Stuart Riley
The Krups Espresseria Automatic EA8080 beans-to-cup espresso machine makes a quality cup of coffee whether your preference is an espresso, latte, cappuccino or a rich americano, and boasts a sleek piano black finish and compact design.
The Krups EA8080 has a cool blue-backlit display control panel which is very easy to use and allows you to fully program the machine with your individual preferences.
The Krups Espresseria has so many handy functions which are all so easy to access from the control panel which also has a built-in digital clock, tells you when to descale, when to clean the machine and empty coffee grounds and even when to refill the beans hopper. From here you can also adjust the water temperature and coffee strength and program the machine to switch on and off.
The Krups EA8080 includes a brushed stainless steel milk container and an auto-cappuccino attachment in the form of the XS6000 Auto-Cappuccino set.
As with other Krups coffee machines it has a professional 15 bar pressure pump to guarantee that the perfect aroma is achieved and the maximum flavour is extracted from the beans. Every cup is produced with fresh water at the perfect temperature, and at high speed, due to the integrated Thermoblock technology and Claris water filter. Therefore the need to de-scale the machine is greatly reduced. The auto cappuccino steaming arm which is connected to the elegant stainless steel milk container enables the EA8080 Espresso machine to produce an authentic froth too.
This automatic coffee machine comes complete with a welcome pack including a Claris water filter, two sachets of descaling crystals, two cleaning tablets, a water hardness test strip, and an instruction booklet. There is also a very useful wipe clean quick reference guide to the main functions of the machine which is conveniently stored in a slot in the side of the machine for easy access.
For a fraction of the price you would pay at a coffee shop this high quality coffee maker produces coffee of the same standard. Simply pop your choice of coffee beans into the 275g capacity transparent hopper, choose your preferences, and the machine does the rest, producing a quality cup of coffee in a matter of seconds. The machine automatically deposits the coffee grounds into a collector drawer for easy cleaning after dispensing the coffee. The combination of this and the automatic rinsing, cleaning, and descaling program, maintaining your Krups EA8080 is an absolute breeze.
The Espresseria boasts a wealth of features including a 1.8 litre water tank, a metallic conical burr grinder, stainless steel milk jug, an easy touch control panel, a compact Thermoblock system, and a 275g capacity bean hopper. The machine also comes with a free 2 year warranty if you complete and return the registration card to Krups to extend the standard one year warranty. If you register you will also receive free membership of the Krups Coffee Club, which has a wealth of tips on how to make fantastic coffee and other coffee related offers.
The machine improves upon the similar previous model (XP7240) by having an upgraded control unit, improved grinder and other updated features which make the Krups Espresseria EA8080 a top quality machine: compact and stylish and crammed with a host of features usually only found on higher priced bean-to-cup machines.
To read more about the krups ea8080 go to CoffeeMachineExpert.com - a high-quality online review site covering a large variety of coffee machines, providing genuine and in-depth [http://coffeemachineexpert.com]coffee machine reviews.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Krups-Espresseria-Automatic-EA8080---Compact-And-Contemporary&id=6643902] Krups Espresseria Automatic EA8080 - Compact And Contemporary

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Information and Overview of the Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 Coffee Machine

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tony_Levine]Tony Levine
Delonghi have an unrivalled history in the development of home based bean-to-cup coffee machines and the Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 coffee maker is yet another example of why they are the market leader in this field. It has been expertly designed to make the home barista experience a simple and enjoyable affair by combining elegant styling and state of the art technology.
Delonghi have studied the advancements in modern technology and integrated them into the Delonghi ESAM5500. This forward-thinking attitude has enabled the user to create the best bean-to-cup brew simply and quickly with the minimum of effort. The features that have been built-in to the Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 mean that the perfect espresso, cappuccino or cafe latte are available at the touch of a button. Sometimes the simple factors are overlooked by coffee machine designers but this has never been the case with Delonghi. A good example of this is the removable milk carafe that can be stored in the fridge between uses of the coffee machine ensuring the minimum amount of waste and clean-up time, a great advantage of the machine for the average user.
The built-in burr grinder has seven individual settings to accommodate for the user's preferences. Turn on the Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 and place your cup on the integrated cup warmer, within minutes you have a brew that your local coffee shop barista would be proud to serve.
The powerful pump in the coffee machine delivers a professional 15 bar of pressure and electronic temperature control means that you can vary the temperature from medium to piping hot depending on the individual's tastes.
The   rel=nofollow [http://www.delonghicoffeemachines.org/Delonghi-Perfecta-ESAM5500.html]Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 has a detachable brewing unit for quick and hassle-free cleaning ensuring that your time is not unnecessarily spent on the chores that some other manufacturers often overlook when designing a coffee machine.
Overall, the Delonghi ESAM5500 coffee machine makes creating coffee an exciting and enjoyable experience, it's like having a professional barista into your own kitchen!
Features and benefits
� Delonghi patented "single touch" mild carafe and frothing system
� Coffee shop standard 15 bar pump pressure
� The 1 litre milk carafe can be cleaned at a touch of a button and stored in the fridge
� Automatic shut-off feature
� Can be used with fresh coffee beans or ground coffee
� Integrated burr grinder with seven pre-determined coarseness settings
� Adjustable quantities of coffee and water
� Electronic temperature control so you can choose to have your coffee from piping hot to medium temperature
� Detachable brewing unit for easy cleaning
� Ultimate bean-to-cup quality
� Electronic steam and coffee thermostat for accurate temperature control
� Removable water storage tank
� 2 Year warranty
� Dimensions (WxDxH) 272mm x 374mm x 441mm
Tony Levine has searched the internet in order to locate the best deals for Delonghi Coffee Machines. Check out his latest website at Delonghi Coffee Machines. Here you can find reviews on the [http://www.delonghicoffeemachines.org/Delonghi-Perfecta-ESAM5500.html]Delonghi Perfecta
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Information-and-Overview-of-the-Delonghi-Perfecta-ESAM5500-Coffee-Machine&id=6656183] Information and Overview of the Delonghi Perfecta ESAM5500 Coffee Machine

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Caffeine's Health Benefits For Espresso Coffee Makers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ron_Frey]Ron Frey
For all you espresso coffee makers the good news keeps coming. Because of the increase in  popularity of coffee, espresso shops and even home espresso coffee makers more attention has been given to the effects of caffeine.  For many years coffee was perceived as being one of those vices that jump started our day but could not possibly have any positive effects over time. Things have changed and starting back as far as the early 1970's studies have been conducted and the results are amazing.
Years ago coffee (caffeine) was being questioned or considered as a possible cause for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, decreased fertility, osteoporosis and even breast cancer. Most studies, as time went on and control groups improved indicated at the very least that there is no correlation between drinking coffee and the disease's mentioned above.
Studies seemed too really take off in the early 1990's and involved hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The consumption amount of those studied was generally in the 3 to 6 cup a day range. Depending on the questions being asked some people were studied who had a minimal daily usage of 1 to 11/2 cups and some were studied who had a high daily consumption of over 7 cups. The results of the studies not only indicate that coffee is not the culprit originally thought but that it is also associated with several health benefits. Coffee is one of our greatest sources of antioxidants which fight off free radicals (molecules in the body that attack healthy cells). Coffee also contains minerals like chromium and magnesium which aid the body in its use of insulin and blood sugar control.
These later studies have also revealed that those with a medium to high rate of consumption of coffee are less likely to have Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, dementia, type II diabetes, heart disease, strokes and some cancers. Some studies have also indicated that high coffee consumption is related to a lower risk of cirrhosis of the liver along with reduced liver cancers.
The rate of consumption is definitely on the rise in the United States. In the group of people between 18 and 54 years of age the number of those who consume coffee on a daily basis has increased approximately 10 percent from 2010 to 2011. With this increase in popularity it is good news to see  that these studies indicate coffee could be beneficial to one's health and longevity. Now  you can relax and enjoy your espresso coffee maker and all it brings to you, your family and friends.
Ron Frey is the owner of Empire Marketing and the founder of http://www.espressomakerempire.com an online marketing website which was established to promote the making of espresso and all related coffee drinks in the home. This is done by providing the highest quality espresso making machines and related products at the lowest possible prices. Espresso Maker Empire also provides exceptional service and educational resources so that the customers may have the best possible espresso making experience at home. Go online today and view the product line and take advantage of the ongoing promotions and sales.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Caffeines-Health-Benefits-For-Espresso-Coffee-Makers&id=6664578] Caffeine's Health Benefits For Espresso Coffee Makers

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Do You Enjoy Pumpkin Spice Coffee?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Shaefer]Chris Shaefer
Do you know what? I love pumpkin spice, butter toffee, mocha mint and all the other varieties of coffee flavors. I think for me, it is just this time of year. Living here in upstate, New York and those of you who believe upstate is the North end of New York City, would be wrong. Upstate, is actually anything above New York City.
We are close to Syracuse, home of the fighting Orange and this time of year means football, cooler temperatures and all the leaves on the trees changing to beautiful orange, red, yellow, and green colors, and watching the rolling hillside explode with vibrant colors.
It is also the time of year I start craving everything fall; like football, hunting and my delicious flavored coffees, teas, cocoa beverages and of course great food! There is just something great about the full flavor of a great cup of pumpkin spice coffee when you are standing out on the porch watching the turkeys or the whitetail deer running across the hillside, or standing down at the barn looking over Oneida Lake (it sits down in the bottom of the Mohawk valley), nestled in amongst the colors of fall with the mist rising off the water and into the blue skies.
So, to make this time of year more fun, easier, and be able to indulge my hot beverage habit, I started looking into the new trend of single serve home brewing systems, and found that there are a lot out there. I have been so set in my ways of going out and buying a one pound bag of coffee, getting it in a few different flavors, and either mixing a couple, or having one kind at a time, that I never really thought there could be a better way.
I would make a full pot of coffee every time in my Mr. Coffee or my Black and Decker coffeemaker. And don't get me wrong, it is very good and those machines make an excellent cup of coffee. I even have my bur coffee bean grinder and while I do like to get the fresh beans and make a good cup of coffee, I am not a coffee snob and don't use a French Press and check the water temperature and all that good stuff. I am sure that doing it that way, would make an excellent cup of coffee and I will do it some time real soon, but I haven't yet.
The point I am getting to is this. The new "single serve brewing systems" are amazing! The variety of brands and varieties of coffees is phenomenal. I have researched and done my "due diligence" and have come up with what I believe is the best system out there. if you would like to know more please go to   rel=nofollow [http://bestcoffeesecrets.com/my-reviews/keurig-reviews/]Keurig Reviews.
Chris Shaefer
Loves his coffee! Go Orange! [http://bestcoffeesecrets.com]K Cups Cheap
Email:shaefercd@BestCoffeeSecrets.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Enjoy-Pumpkin-Spice-Coffee?&id=6649456] Do You Enjoy Pumpkin Spice Coffee?

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Names of Different Coffee Drinks

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Kaaland]Joyce Kaaland
Coffee drinks have many different names that come from many sources. Coffee houses have 64 drink selections they agree have the same basic recipe. Some of these drinks have different names or have a number of variations. A good barista is one who knows how to make them all.
Affogato is Italian for drowned. This can be a drink or served as a dessert a drink or dessert with espresso that may also incorporate caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.
The Baltimore is an equal mix of decaffeinated and caffeinated brewed coffee while the Black Eye is dripped coffee with a double shot of espresso creating a strong taste.
The Black Tie is a traditional Thai Iced Tea, which is a spicy and sweet mixture of chilled black tea, orange blossom water, star anise, crushed tamarind, sugar and condensed milk or cream, with a double shot of espresso.
The Breven is made with steamed half and half cream while the Caff� Americano or simply Americano is prepared by adding hot water to espresso, giving a similar strength, but different flavor from regular drip coffee. The strength of an Americano varies with the number of shots of espresso added. Variations include the Long Black, Lungo and Red eye.
The European Caf� au Lait is a continental tradition known by different names, but is the most popular drink in European coffee houses. It is made using strong or bold coffee as well as espresso that is mixed with scalded milk in a 1 to 1 ratio.
Cafe Bombon was made popular in Valencia, Spain and modified to suit European tastes and many parts of Asia such as Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. The basic European recipe uses espresso served with sweetened condensed milk in a 1 to 1 ratio. The Asian version uses coffee and sweetened condensed milk at the same ratio. For visual effect, a glass is used, to create two separate bands of contrasting color.
In America, the Caffe Latte is a portion of espresso and steamed milk, generally in a 2 to 1 ratio of milk to espresso, with a little foam on top. This beverage was popularized by large coffee chains such as Starbucks.
The Cafe Medici starts with a double shot of espresso extracted using a double filter basket in a portafilter that is poured over chocolate syrup and orange or lemon peel, which is usually topped with whipped cream. This drink originated at Seattle's historic Last Exit on Brooklyn coffeehouse.
A Cafe Melange is a black coffee mixed or covered with whipped cream. This drink is most popular in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
A Cafe Miel has a shot of espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, and honey. Miel is honey in Spanish.
Coffee milk is similar to chocolate milk; but coffee syrup is used instead. It is the official state drink of Rhode Island in the United States.
A Cafe mocha or Mocha is a variant of a caffe latte, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of chocolate syrup. When bought from a vending system, instant chocolate powder is used. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate.
Moccaccino is a term used in some regions of Europe and the Middle East to describe caffe latte with cocoa or chocolate. In the U.S., it usually refers to a cappuccino made with chocolate.
Cafe Zorro is a double espresso added to hot water in a 1 to 1 ratio.
Ca phe sua da is a unique Vietnamese coffee recipe that means iced milk coffee. Mix black coffee with about a quarter to a half as much sweetened condensed milk, pour over ice. Phe sua nong means hot milk coffee, which excludes ice. In Spain, a similar drink is called Cafe del Tiempo, hot, or Cafe con Hielo, ice.
Cappuccino is a coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam. It is served in a porcelain cup, which has far better heat retention. The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator to help retain the heat, allowing it to stay hotter longer.
The Caramel Machiatto or C-Mac is a vanilla latte with foam and gooey caramel drizzled on top, while Chai Latte notes that the steamed milk of a normal caf� latte is being flavored with a spiced tea concentrate.
A Chocolate Dalmatian is a white chocolate mocha topped with java chip and chocolate chip while Cinnamon Spice Mocha is mixed cinnamon syrup, topped with foam and cinnamon powder.
A Cortado, Pingo or Garoto is an espresso with a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity. The ratio of milk or steamed milk to coffee is between 1 to 1 to 1 to 2. Milk is added after the espresso is made.
Decaf is a beverage made with decaffeinated beans while a Dirty Chai is Chai tea made with a single shot of espresso.
An Eggnog Latte is a seasonal blend of steamed 2% milk and eggnog, espresso and a pinch of nutmeg. In Germany, the Eiskaffee, ice cream coffee consists of chilled coffee, milk, sweetener, vanilla ice cream, and sometimes whipped cream.
An Espresso Romano is a shot of espresso with a small rind of lemon and sugar added.
A Flat White is prepared by pouring creamy steamed milk from the bottom of the jug over a single shot of espresso creating a lighter froth. This drink originated in New Zealand and Australia.
Frappuccino is the name and registered trademark of Starbucks blended ice beverage and bottled coffee beverage that may different flavors.
Galao is a hot drink from Portugal made of espresso and foamed milk. It is made in a tall glass with about one quarter coffee, three-quarters foamed milk.
Guillermo was originally made with one or two shots of hot espresso, poured over slices of lime or on ice; sometimes served with a touch of milk.
Another seasonal blend, a Gingerbread Latte consists of steamed milk, espresso, gingerbread syrup, topped with a pinched of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla powder.
Greek frapp� coffee is a foam-covered iced coffee drink made from spray-dried instant coffee. It is a very popular Greek summer drink.
A Green Eye, also known as Triple Death, is dripped coffee with a triple shot of espresso.
Half-caf is made with half and half parts caffeinated beans and decaffeinated beans. Iced coffee varieties include Farmers Union Iced Coffee and Toddy coffee.
South Indian Coffee, also known as Madras Filter Coffee or Kaapi is a sweet milky coffee made from dark roasted coffee beans and chicory. It is especially popular in the southern states of India.
Instant coffee is a beverage derived from dehydrated brewed coffee beans that come in powder or granules. Some brands include Chock full o'Nuts, Japanese canned coffee, Moccona and Nescafe.
Irish coffee is coffee combined with whiskey and cream, often further sweetened with sugar.
Kopi susu is found in Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia. Kopi susu means coffee milk and is served in a glass of cooled mixed black Arabica coffee including grounds with about a quarter to a half a glass of sweetened condensed milk. Kopi Turbruk uses sugar instead of sweetened condensed milk.
Libbylou is a hot espresso made with equal parts mocha and white mocha topped with espresso and steamed half and half. It is served plain without a topping,
Liqueur coffee, is brewed coffee with a shot of liqueur and usually served in a warmed glass. Sugar is required in the coffee mixture to help the cream float. There are 17 varieties; each uses a different liqueur.
Macchiato is an espresso with a dash of foamed milk that is put directly into the espresso cup first; espresso is dispensed into the cup. Cocoa is then sprinkled over the drink.
Mary Turner Coffee is a soft amount of milk, 3 sweeteners, and the rest coffee. It's an evening drink.
Mazagran is a long cold coffee beverage from Portugal and served in a tall glass. It is made with at least strong coffee, usually espresso, lemon and ice. Sometimes sugar, rum or water is added or a fast version uses previously sweetened espresso in a cup with ice cubes and a slice of lemon.
Mochasippi is prepared by baristas in coffee houses in southern states. Similar to the Mocha, but a Mochasippi contains actual shots of espresso rather than a powdered instant coffee.
Pumpkin Spice Latte is a Fall seasonal blend of steamed milk, espresso, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, topped with foam and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
Pocillo is a shot or small portion of unsweetened coffee, now usually made either using an espresso machine or a moka maker, but traditionally made using a cloth drip and served in cups made for the purpose in Latin America.
Raspberry Mocha is a regular mocha with raspberry flavoring.
Red Eye is a dripped coffee with a single shot of espresso while a Red Tie is a traditional Thai Iced Tea, a spicy and sweet mixture of chilled black tea, orange blossom water, star anise, crushed tamarind, sugar and condensed milk or cream along with a single shot of espresso.
A Red Tux is a Zebra Mocha with raspberry flavoring.
Regular Coffee in New York City, a regular coffee with cream and sugar. A variant phrasing is coffee regular.
Ristretto is a very short shot of espresso coffee. All strengths of flavors are usually attributed to espresso in general, but are more pronounced in Ristretto.
Skinny Latte is a reduced calorie latte made with steamed non-fat milk and artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda or Equal. A Soy Latte is a latte made with steamed soy milk.
A Torpedo is made by placing the froth from steamed milk in cup with espresso coffee falling though the froth. The torpedo creates a very clean and distinct flavor for those who prefer a stronger taste of espresso than through conventional cappuccino.
Triple C's combines Cinnamon Dolce Latte with caramel syrup and chocolate syrup.
Turkish coffee is made by immersing the coffee grounds in water that is hot but not boiling long enough to dissolve the flavorsome compound. In Turkey, sweetness used is from a pinch to two teaspoons. Pouring that creates the most foam is considered the best cup.
Vienna coffee is the name of a popular traditional cream based coffee beverage. Made by preparing two shots of strong black espresso in a coffee cup, it is infused with whipped cream until the cup is full; then topped with more cream and chocolate sprinklings.
White Chocolate Mocha or sometimes referred to as White Mocha and is a sweet mixture espresso, steamed milk, white chocolate syrup. This sugary drink is often topped with whipped cream.
Yuanyang, sometimes also called Ying Yong, is a popular beverage in Hong Kong. Made of a mixture of coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea, it is served hot or cold. Yuanyang means pair of two unlike items as used in this drink.
Zebra Mocha, sometimes known as a Black Tux, is a mixture of regular mocha with a white chocolate mocha.
Local drinks add to the variety of coffee drinks covered here as do new creations whether by customers or by baristas themselves. If they become known around the world, they will join the list above.
Joyce is a published author who loves to write. She is the owner of CoffeeMakersShop.com that offers household coffee making products and more as well as Grindmaster-Cecilware commercial coffee making and dispensing products and more along with all there accessories and options. Check us out at: [http://www.coffeemakersshop.com]http://www.coffeemakersshop.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Names-of-Different-Coffee-Drinks&id=6672329] The Names of Different Coffee Drinks

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Wondrous World of Coffee

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jamie_P._Johnson]Jamie P. Johnson
Coffee has now become an international beverage that is enjoyed by many countries, and wherever you go you will find that the coffee is prepared and presented in a different way. Now I'm not talking about your local Starbucks, I'm talking about the little coffee caf�s that are unique to a country; there you will get the unique flavor and feel the difference.
However, there are a number of variations of coffee that are widely used and are more popular, most of these are made from Espresso which originated in Italy.
Espresso: The main base for a lot of coffee variants, it is made by passing pressurized steam through ground coffee, and has a rich layer of cream called "crema" that is the result of pressurized steam passing through the coffee. It is served in small cups, without milk.
Cappuccino: This uses espresso as a base, and you just add frothed milk to make this beverage, it can be served either cold or hot.
Latte: Similar to a cappuccino except it is a bit lighter and has the addition of different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, caramel, honey and many others.
Macchiato: Again made with espresso, it just has a hint of milk normally not more than a table-spoon.
Mocha: In this variant, one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk are used and a bit of chocolate is added that makes it Mocha.
Americano: The way this variant got its name and well actually was made was because of the American soldiers in Europe. Now, the Americans were accustomed to drinking normal drip coffee and in Europe all they got was Espresso, which was way too strong for their taste and so they used to add hot water o the espresso making it more like the normal coffee hey were accustomed to.
Frapp�: Very popular in Greece, this is made from instant coffee, and is served chilled and has a thick layer of froth on it.
Turkish: This is one coffee that does not use espresso as a base and it is made on very low heat, on a Turkish coffee maker that is similar to a jug and is usually made from brass and you heat it on the stove. The result is a beverage that is extremely strong and is bit sludge like when you come around to finishing it. The very strong flavor is due to the coffee grounds being thoroughly soaked and heated in water, only removing them when poured in a cup.
Although these were the popular variations, you may find a lot of other types since people make some changes themselves and every place has a different method of preparation and serving. Even coffee beans have loads of variations and you can find Arabica, roasted, and then each of them will have different strengths from mild to strong. Then there are different ways of grounding them as well, for instance fine ground coffee is best for Turkish coffee while medium ground is used for Espresso and the even the way it is ground has an effect on the final flavor.
If you are a coffee enthusiast like me you will also enjoy this article to get to know more about the types of coffees:   rel=nofollow http://www.ehow.com/list_7437418_types-espresso-coffee.html
James Johnson is an expert online author and internet marketing specialist from the UK. http://www.facebook.com/johnson1506
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Wondrous-World-of-Coffee&id=6671719] The Wondrous World of Coffee

Monday, November 21, 2011

Can Coffee Really Save Your Life?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Lee_Scully]Mary Lee Scully
From the Arab world, coffee has spread to Europe and to the Americas. This addictive beverage has found its popularity amongst Asians as well. I profess to be a lover of coffee, would you care to join me for a cuppa? Anyone who loves coffee can attest to it, that it drives away fatigue and lethargy with its powerful and stimulating effects on keeping people awake--particularly, those desperate times when you are expected to be on your toes... whilst on duty!
Little do we know of the amazing and miraculous benefits, that are found in this wonderful beverage. One of these days in a moment of crisis, people will learn to appreciate that Coffee Can Really Save Your Life! You may find this incredible, but believe it or not--it certainly has the potential... to be your life saving grace!
Don't I love to share its life-saving benefits with you? Here they are:-
   By consuming three cups of coffee a day, you keep the risk of basal cell skin cancer at bay! Due to its antioxidants to reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of cellular tumour. This is a study discussed in Cancer Prevention Research in October 2011.
  If you drink one to five cups daily, your risk of having a stroke is reduced. It is known to decrease significantly the risks of stroke, cerebral infarction and subarachnoid  haemorrhage in the Brain.
  The good news for women who drink four cups a day--you are less likely to have depression! I am certain you know that caffeine is used widely as a central nervous system stimulant. People feel more alert, energetic and even in good spirit under the influence of caffeine.
  Can you believe that with six cups of it daily, you are less likely to have Type 2 Diabetes than those who drink less than two cups?--provided you don't add in a lot of sugar! I know some people would feel the vibrating effects, if they should consume that much--unless they build up a tolerance to it.
  Out of the blues you have now heard of coffee drinkers who are less likely to develop the potentially, deadly Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; which is a superbug infection in their nostrils! Recent study has discovered that by drinking only hot coffee or hot tea, (not cold) as you inhale in its aroma, increases your resistance to MRSA via nasal carriage. This superbug infection is found rampantly in hospitals...killing many patients in the past, as it is in the present.
  Those of you who drink four cups per day, are eighty percent less likely to develop Liver Cirrhosis than those who don't drink it at all. There is an ingredient in it, but not tea, that prevents cirrhosis--particularly Alcoholic Cirrhosis!
  Rejoice, all you women coffee lovers! Even if you drink decaffeinated, your risk of death from all causes is reduced by twenty percent. What is its magic bullet? The answer is the antioxidants which reduce the risk of death attributed to cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases.
  Men who love it are comforted to know, that if you drink six cups each day--your chances of developing lethal prostate cancer are indeed,  less likely!
  What if I tell you, that six cups a day will reduce sixty-three percent of likelihood to having Parkinson's disease? But for women, it will only be effective for those who are not on Hormone Replacement Therapy!
  Scientific research reveals that caffeine inhibits biliary cholesterol crystallization, thus increasing hepatic bile flow and decreasing the development of gall stones.
Mary Lee Scully (Author)
Blogger:User Profile:maryleescully
With all these amazing and awesome benefits, can coffee actually save your life? Oh yes, definitely! I am very impressed and convinced, by the fact that it really does. Given the studies researched and the facts revealed, my question is, "what is your reaction? "
More Coffee--anyone?
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Coffee-Really-Save-Your-Life?&id=6677187] Can Coffee Really Save Your Life?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Starting a Coffee House Business - 5 Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Vincent]Tom Vincent
Starting a new business is an act of creation, an act of design. Even if you are pursuing a business model that has been "done before" and therefore proven, the myriad of decisions that you need to make when planning for a new business is mind-boggling. Still, being able to recognize which of those decisions will potentially have the greatest influence on the success or failure of your venture is a skill unto itself.
This is particularly true in the case of starting your own coffee house business. On the one hand, the coffee house business model is a proven one, with tens of thousands of coffee shops running successfully across the country. On the other hand, for every successful business that has been able to stay in business for over 2-3 years, there are countless others which failed and had to close down far too early.
When it comes to the coffee business, savvy entrepreneurs and long-time business owners alike know that there are certain pitfalls that need to be avoided in order to help assure success. These items are classified as pitfalls because many novice owners fail to recognize their importance until it is too late to turn things around.
If you are thinking of starting a coffee house business, here are 5 pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing a location for the wrong reasons:
Almost everybody who has read at least one book on the retail and food service businesses knows that one of the most important factors in a successful venture is "location, location, location." However, many coffee house entrepreneurs choose their new location for the wrong reasons, such as basing the decision on a gut feeling or the fact that it is located near a major road.
Smart location selection takes into account a large number of factors, including area demographics/psychographics, the nature and quality of the nearby businesses, the structural layout of the facility itself, and more.
2. Assuming that training employees on technical skills is sufficient:
Having strong technical skills - or, how to make an excellent cup of coffee or espresso - is without a doubt one of the marks of strong employees. However, be sure that your employee training efforts do not stop there. Instead, your employees need to have a host of other skills, including knowledge about how to care for your equipment, how to treat customers, and how to reinforce your brand image with every customer interaction.
3. Skimping on the details when planning the layout of your facility:
Having a logical, well-designed facility layout is another essential element when creating a successful coffee house business. Your layout design must take into account operational efficiency, customer capacity, and aesthetic factors.
4. Ignoring the importance of building a strong brand:
Without a strong brand image, you will basically end up as just a decent place to get a cup of coffee. If you are reduced to that, then customers could just as well go anywhere to get their coffee fix. However, to keep them coming back your way, you will benefit from establishing a strong brand identity that is consistent everywhere: from your color scheme to your marketing materials to how your employees interact with customers.
5. Failing to capitalize on the efficiencies to be gained from smart operational planning:
To stay in business for the long haul, you need to get smart about the operational side of things. This includes understanding the quantities and frequencies ideal for ordering and storing your raw materials in a way that balances cost, freshness and customer demand.
The best way to avoid each of these pitfalls is by undergoing a well-designed training course before you start your business. Consider seeking expert consulting help from coffee business experts who know how to get results in this competitive and potentially rewarding business.
Find out everything you need to know about starting a successful coffee house business at: [http://www.texascoffeeschool.com/]Texas Coffee School.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Starting-a-Coffee-House-Business---5-Pitfalls-and-How-to-Avoid-Them&id=6681186] Starting a Coffee House Business - 5 Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Matching Coffee Grind to Brew Type

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Molly_H_Duggan]Molly H Duggan
We can either buy whole coffee beans that we grind at home, or we can buy coffee pre-ground. But wait, there's more to it than that - we need to decide what type of grind...from the fine grind of espresso to the more coarse grind used in a French press - all of this to turn those coffee beans into that beverage we love!
Types of Grind
Coffee Grinds are on a continuum from coarse to very fine, and the planned method of brewing determines the choice of grind... or, phrased another way - the type of grind dictates the brew method...
A Coarse Grind is primarily used with the following brewing methods: French press (press or plunger pot), vacuum coffee maker, and percolators (making a comeback).
A Medium Grind works best with auto drip coffee makers with flat bottom filters.
A Medium/Fine Grind is used with auto drip coffee makers that use cone-shaped filters.
A Fine Grind is used in stove top espresso pots and some drip makers with cone-shaped filters.
A Super Fine Grind is reserved for espresso machines.
A Turkish Grind is used with Turkish style coffee.
All right, a brew process is chosen, so it is time to grind those coffee beans.
The Grinding Process
The coffee grinding process is sometimes referred to as "milling" the coffee. Ground coffee deteriorates more quickly than roasted beans due to the exposure to oxygen, so many coffee drinkers prefer to grind their coffee beans themselves immediately before brewing their coffee.
There are four methods of grinding coffee for brewing - burr-grinding, chopping, pounding, and roller- grinding.
Burr-grinding
Burr mill grinding gives more uniform results while preserving the delicate natural oils of the beans - for a better cup of coffee. A grind selection dial lets you automatically adjust the texture of the grind - from a very fine grind for espresso to a coarse grind for Turkish coffee and percolator brewing.
Burr coffee mills can be manual or electric and crush the coffee beans between two revolving abrasive elements such as wheels or conical-shaped grinding elements. These mills grind coffee to a somewhat uniform size, releasing the coffee beans' oils which are then more easily extracted when infused later with hot water, leading to a rich and smooth-tasting coffee.
These mills often offer an assortment of settings, allowing them to grind coffee for such brewing systems as espresso, drip, percolators, French press, or others. Many burr grinders, however, are unable to grind the coffee beans fine enough for Turkish coffee.
Conical burr grinders use steel burrs which rotate relatively slowly, preserving the maximum aroma. These grinders are more quiet and less likely to clog than disk-grinders.
Grinders that use disk-type burrs rotate faster than the conical burrs and tend to be cheaper than the conical burr grinders. The disk-type grinders work well with small amounts of coffee for home use.
Chopping
Coffee beans can also be chopped in a blade grinder designed for coffee or spices or in a home blender. These grinders are often cheaper than burr grinders and tend to last longer. The grind, however is not as uniform using this method, producing particles of various sizes. This method also produces some friction which can warm the coffee. If only grinding enough beans for a few cups of coffee, this heat has minimal impact on the coffee.
These blade grinders can create a type of "coffee dust" that clogs up espresso machines and French presses, thereby making these grinders better suited for grinding coffee for drip brewing.
Pounding
Coffee beans for Arabic and Turkish coffees need to be ground almost powdery, much finer than most burr grinders can achieve. This coffee powder can be created using a mortar and pestle.
Roller grinding
A roller grinder uses pairs of corrugated rollers to grind the whole coffee beans, producing a very even grind size. This method tends to heat the coffee less than other grinding methods. This type of grinder, however, is used exclusively by industrial scale coffee producers due to the size of these grinders and their cost.
Water cooled roller grinders are also used commercially for fine grinds such as Turkish and espresso.
The Matching Begins
Everyone has a favorite method of grinding coffee. While some coffee connoisseurs prefer to use a burr-grinder, still others choose a blender. Video websites provide instructions on using every type of home grinder. A recent search on one such site, using the phrase "grinding coffee beans," produced 5,120 results! Before choosing the grinding method - and the grinder - coffee lovers need to consider how they plan to use those beans.
So, what will it be? The fine grind for espresso? A more coarse grind for percolators and french presses? Or a medium type of grind for a drip brewer? The choice is yours - but keep the type of grinder in mind.
Molly H. Duggan, Ph.D., loves her coffee and everything related to the world of coffee. She is President of My Perfect Coffee http://myperfectcoffee.com an online resource for organic shade grown free trade coffees, roasted and ground to order.
Visit http://myperfectcoffee.com for fresh roasted organic shade grown fair trade coffee from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Bolivia.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Matching-Coffee-Grind-to-Brew-Type&id=6679220] Matching Coffee Grind to Brew Type

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Becoming a Successful Coffee Shop Owner - Do You Have What It Takes? 7 Criteria

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Vincent]Tom Vincent
From the outside, the life of a coffee shop owner might look kind of fun or - dare we say "cool," even? And, it without a doubt can be all of the above for many who have attempted their own coffee venture.
However, there is an element of running a successful coffee business that relies squarely on having good business sense, the right training, and the stamina and guts to see things through both good times and bad. Owning or managing your own coffee shop is less like a sprint and more like a marathon.
If you are interested in becoming a successful coffee shop owner, check to see if you meet each of the following 7 criteria:
1. You have talked in depth with current or past coffee shop owners to get their insights:
The first step in becoming successful with any venture is to learn from those who have gone before you. A great way to get a general feel for how this type of business is run is to spend some time behind the counter at a friend's coffee shop. Or, at the very least: buy dinner for the owner of a (non-competing) coffee shop and pick his or her brain about what it is really like to run a coffee business.
2. You love people:
The coffee business is without a doubt a "people business." You will not be successful if you prefer to escape off to your back office when things get busy while your employees handle things out front. Rather, you need to be where the action is, which means interacting with people on a daily basis. If you do not like people much, try a different line of work.
3. You have a mind for efficiency:
Once your business is up-and-running, making it successful in the long haul is all about efficiency (again think marathon, not sprint). You need to have a mind for balancing cost considerations with having enough fresh coffee and other materials on hand to meet customer demand.
4. You are willing to learn new technical skills:
Your fancy new coffee equipment will come with plenty of "how-to" instructional manuals, but those manuals will not adequately teach you the nuances behind the techniques you need to know. Rather, be willing to seek in-person training so that you can get the techniques down just right. Your customers will thank you for it by frequenting your shop more often to get more of your delicious product.
5. You have an understanding of brand-building:
Think that only big-name companies can afford to build a brand? Think again. Every company, large or small, needs to build their brand. And, building a strong brand that people recognize and come to love is about more than just creating a cool logo.
6. Slow weeks or months don't bother you:
Another thing about running the marathon that is a successful coffee business: having the guts and stamina to stick it out when you experience a temporary downturn in your business. This is partly something that is learned, but it is also something that you need to have inside of you.
7. You are open to receiving ongoing education and training:
Things change over time: new equipment is purchased, new techniques are invented, and old skills atrophy if not used often enough. Every business owner should be willing to seek out continuous training for both themselves and their employees.
As you consider the best way to make a go of it in the retail coffee industry, check your qualifications against these 7 criteria. If needed, seek out training from professional coffee business consultants who have helped others achieve the same level of success you seek for yourself.
Find out everything you need to know about becoming a [http://www.texascoffeeschool.com]successful coffee shop owner at Texas Coffee School.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Becoming-a-Successful-Coffee-Shop-Owner---Do-You-Have-What-It-Takes?-7-Criteria&id=6681197] Becoming a Successful Coffee Shop Owner - Do You Have What It Takes? 7 Criteria