Tips on How to Make Espresso Coffee

Making a good espresso coffee shot takes is usually just a matter of practice. It is the most basic type of exotic coffee item to make. It involves a step-by-step process and a special machine to brew. During the brewing process, there are number of helpful hints that can give a shot of espresso the best taste possible.

The first and probably most important tip is make sure that all items being used are clean before brewing. The different components of the espresso machine, the shot holder, and the ingredients must all be in perfect condition. Making sure that all these materials are clean helps make the espresso have its own, original taste each time it is brewed.

Once all items are thoroughly cleaned, the coffee and espresso grounds must be fresh and ground to the right level of fineness. Mix both coffee and espresso together to give the shot a kick and the right taste. If the beans are ground too fine or too coarse, the flavor will most definitely be lacking. About 7 grams of finely ground coffee will usually satisfy most taste buds.

Once the machine is cleaned and the coffee materials are taken care of, a good brewer knows exactly how to work their espresso machine. Make certain that it is plugged in before using and that all the required levels of water, coffee, and espresso are being fed to the correct parts of the machine. Once turned on, the espresso shot itself should take only a few seconds to brew.

When trying to make a good shot of espresso, a good brewer takes a certain factors into account. First, they must make sure that all apparatus is clean to maximize flavor. Ground coffee to the correct level of fineness and use the espresso machine correctly. After some practice, it is not unreasonable to expect your espresso to taste just as good as Starbucks!

Best Tasting K-Cups Morning Coffee For Keurig Brewers

Morning Coffee

Morning coffees are a legendary type of American coffee. While European coffees are celebrated for their boisterous bodies and bold, bitter flavors, American coffee traditions introduced breakfast roasts to the world. Breakfast roasts, or New England roasts, are much lighter than your average European roasted coffee bean. The coffee roaster will heat the raw green coffee beans in a roaster. After about 5-7 minutes the coffee beans will suddenly crack. This crack indicates a chemical change in the bean-in an instant the bean will have grown in size and acquired a light cinnamon color, and the first tones of roasted flavor begin to form within the bean. The delicious breakfast roast bean offers light flavors and retain high levels in acidity.

Bright and Light K-Cup Coffee
Some coffee drinkers don't enjoy the boldness of their coffees. Instead of coffee that have structure and presence, some coffee drinkers would like their coffees to dance and jump. Breakfast roast coffees, luckily, offer that quick movement. Thanks to the high levels of acidity, breakfast roasts tend to dance on your tongue. The main component that allows Keurig Breakfast Blend K-Cups to taste so dazzling is caffeic acid. And besides the wonderful taste benefits that caffeic acid offers, this naturally occurring chemical also offers some health benefits.

Health Benefits of Keurig Coffee
Caffeic acid is a known antioxidant. So if you're always searching for the latest antioxidant drink or the best super fruit, you'll be pleased to know that you can get the same health effects from drinking a light roasted coffee. Caffeic acid also helps boost your immune system as well as decrease any inflammation in your body. With all the health benefits of a breakfast roast coffee, you just might forget why you drink coffee in the first place! While most people drink coffee for the energy that caffeine bestows and the delicious flavors that the coffee bean releases, you now have added health benefits that are worth celebrating!

Energetic Flavors of Breakfast Blend Keurig K-Cups
Morning coffees are created to taste lighter and brighter than your average coffee. This means that with one sip of the delicious liquid you'll be experiencing invigorating flavors without the heaviness of bolder, deeper notes. Rich espressos are great for drinking after a full savory meal, but in the morning the bold bitter kicks might prove to be too much. Bright breakfast roasted coffee beans don't venture into the serious territory of mouthfeel, body and presence. Instead they stay in the happy, comfortable arena of lighthearted flavors. For a delicious golden taste that will wake you up in the morning, enjoy a cup of Keurig Breakfast Blend K-Cups coffees.

Spellbinding Dark Keurig K-Cups Coffee - Best Bold Coffee on the Market

Why Bold Coffee is Better

While light coffees tend to coax you into a wakeful state, a bold drink give you the kick in the butt that is often needed in the mornings. And on lazy afternoons, bold drink give your brain something interesting to mull over. In short, light coffees might dance, but bold coffees are the movers and shakers of the coffee world.

How They Make Dark Magic Extra Bold K-Cups
As roasters prepare to roast the coffee bean, they know that every second counts. Each second the coffee bean sits in heat, the bolder the coffee gets and the richer the flavors become. When roasters aim to make a delicious batch of bold roasted coffee beans, they need to mentally prepare. Roasters, when creating bold coffees, need to bring the coffee beans to their very limit. The coffee bean needs to be pulled into their very depths, almost to the point of burning and charring. But the coffee roasters take intense care to pull the coffee bean as far as it can go without creating smoky, charred flavors. The coffee roasters roasts the bean up to the point where full aromas are created and spicy complexity is established. The coffee beans needs to stand on one side of the fine line. And that requires the skill of a great coffee roaster! Luckily Dark Magic Keurig K-Cups are created by Green Mountain coffee one of the strongest coffee roasters in America.

Flavors of Dark Magic K-Cups
Dark Magic Extra Bold K-Cups hits the top of the dark-roasting scale. As a result, the flavors are intense and complex. This Keurig K-Cup boasts a full-bodied mouthfeel, strong classic coffee aromas, and a beautiful finish that lingers on the tongue. The folks at Green Mountain Coffee love it so much they believe that this boldly roasted coffee is actually spellbinding for coffee lovers. Dark Magic casts a charm with its interlacing of rich espresso flavors that hijack your tastebuds, full aromas that make you believe you're in the same room as the roaster, and bold kicks that can jolt anyone into a fascination.

How To Drink Dark Magic Keurig K-Cups
If you love European coffee, be it French bold coffees or rich Italian espressos, you'll probably want to drink this coffee straight. The natural flavors are complex and sweet. So this Keurig K-cup makes a great stand alone coffee. You can even brew a small, intense brew to make your drink more intense, and more like a cup of European espresso. If you're like most, and you want to add a bit of milk and sugar, you'll find that this bold coffee does really well with any added extras! With additional sugary, creamy notes, this Keurig K-Cups is all the more rich and complex. It seems there's no way you could do wrong by this K-Cups treat.

Coffee Cake - A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Even though it is always called coffee cake, not all cakes actually contain coffee as an ingredient. Instead, a coffee cake is usually defined simple as a dessert that is most often served with a cup of coffee and enhances its flavor. Take a look at the following recipe for coffee cake that does not contain any actual coffee.

There is an incredibly wide variety of recipes out there, many of which are made with some type of fruit. Coffee cake can be made creamy and designed to eat with coffee or intensely sweet so that it blends well with the bitterness of coffee.

Coffee Cake Ingredients

The coffee cake that will be outlined here requires these ingredients: 2/3 cup of all purpose flower, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, 1 cup of blueberries, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup of white sugar, another 1/2 cup of butter, another 2 cups of all purpose flower, and some confectioner's sugar to be dusted on top.

Coffee Cake: Baking the Mixture

Start the cooking process by spraying cooking spray on a pan. Your oven will need to be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then you can begin mixing the 2/3 cup of flour together in a bowl with your 1 cup of brown sugar and your cinnamon. Next, you will add a 1/2 cup of butter into what you have mixed together until it starts to get crumbly. This can then be set to the side, since you will use this to top your coffee cake.

The 1/2 cup of butter that is left over now gets beaten to a creamy consistency, after which you can add your white sugar to it and continue beating. Once it gets fluffy, add your egg and vanilla. After you have beaten that for a while, continue by whisking together your salt, baking powder, and 2 cups of flour. Next, add the milk slowly. Do not stop beating the entire mixture. It should get creamy. Once that is ready, you can spread half of the mixture onto your pan. The other half will be saved for later. Now you will spread your blueberries over the batter that you placed in the pan with a spoon and cover that with the rest of your batter.

Let it bake until it has turned golden brown. Next, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool. When it comes time to serve it, sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top and enjoy it with a cup of coffee.

Saving Money by Purchasing Coffee Bean Direct From the Source

If you want a high quality cup of coffee but you need to do that on a budget then there is really only one way to buy coffee bean direct from the supplier. When you choose to purchase directly from the seller you are going to limit the amount of travel time and the amount of people that your coffee pass through. This means that you will have a completely different experience with your coffee than normal.

When you are buying coffee beans direct from the source you are going to be able to save money. You will be able to get these same java beans that you might have purchased in the store but at a greatly discounted price. You can even save more money by buying in bulk because there is less of a need for you to have to have your coffee processed or moved by other people. During hard economic times people often give up unnecessary things but you will not have to if you are saving money.

Some other great advantages include being able to have coffee that is the best tasting possible. The quality of your coffee will actually increase while you are saving money and that is because by buying coffee bean direct you will be getting the freshest beans possible. Plus you can rest assured that your coffee has passed through the least amount of hands possible, ensuring that it is the freshest possible coffee that you can get.

The difference will be quite apparent in the taste of the coffee and you will be able to tell the difference from the first drink that you take. You will have the richest and fullest bodied coffee available so for coffee lovers this means a deeper enjoyment of your daily cup. Remember there are ways to order bulk coffee and not have to throw it out because it has gone bad.

Now that you know all of the facts you will be able to buy coffee bean direct and save money while getting the highest quality cups of coffee. In addition, you can share the love of coffee with your friends, save even more money by ordering more at the same time, and help them to enjoy their coffee even more as well. You will be able to ensure that you can still enjoy your daily cup of coffee when you have learned how to buy coffee bean direct.

How to Buy Good Quality Coffee?

Oh, there is truly nothing more frustrating than buying coffee that is not as good as it seemed. It can definitely ruin your day to take a sip of a cup of Joe that doesn't live up to its reputation, so you do need to make sure that you heed these purchasing tips when buying your coffee for home use.

First of all, find out the roast date. This is something important for you to understand the freshness of the roast of your coffee since coffee should be consumed 10 to 14 days after roasting. As a rule of thumb, it is not a good idea to purchase coffee from a grocery store because it will be stale. Also, if you are someone that drinks decaf coffee, it is best to purchase from a roaster because decaf coffee can sit on the grocery store shelves for up to six months because it is less often purchased. Shocking! As a rule of thumb, it is best to enjoy your coffee a few days after it has been roasted, and make sure to seal it in an opaque, airtight container for maximum freshness.

The next tip is to grind what you will brew. You also must freshly grind your coffee beans every time that you brew because freshly ground coffee beans will go stale within 30 seconds. This is imperative to protect the essential oils within the coffee beans since they will become damaged when they are oxidized and exposed to air. Once the essential oils are damaged, there goes the flavor of your coffee along with it. As soon as you grind the coffee beans, they will start to lose their natural flavors. There are different grind consistencies necessary for various brew methods. As an example, if you are using an automatic coffee maker, the grind consistency should be medium, like granulated sugar. If you are using a French Press, the coffee grounds need to be very coarse. You will need a very fine ground for espresso or Turkish coffee that is similar to a powder.

Lastly, make sure to store your coffee beans with the right method to have a better taste in your brew. Although rumor has led many people to store their coffee beans in their freezer, do not do it! Coffee beans are porous and delicate, and they will absorb the flavors of what is around them. The coffee can begin to taste bad if you have fish or other foods in your freezer, and freezing coffee will also damage the essential oils to completely ruin the natural flavors of the coffee beans. You must store your coffee beans in a dry and cool location in an airtight and opaque container.

So there you have it! These are the best methods for storing your coffee beans so that you can protect their delicate flavors and constantly enjoy a delicious and rich cup of Joe. Even these subtle changes will make a dramatic difference in the coffee that you buy, and you will notice a much fresher flavor in your cup of Joe!

The Best Single Serve Coffee Makers

Single serve coffee makers are my favorite. I can make a cup of coffee whenever I need one and they really only take about 2-3 minutes to make. Now, the downfall with your regular based coffee makers is that you're going to find out that you're going to have to wait 20 minutes and half the time, you're going to have to let the pot go to waste.

You will want to just think about this one for a second. Think of the times when you have wasted, say 6 cups? You could have had 6 cups of coffee in the future. We all know that coffee grounds and filters cost a few bucks, so why think of saving?

They are great for dorm rooms, apartments, and even homes. Sure, if you're going to be feeding the whole office, you're going to have to get a commercial based one, but if not, let me give you the upsides, as well as the downsides.

The Upsides...

• Quick and easy: Most of them are going to make your pot within 5 minutes.
• Very clean: Many use a permanent filter where you don't even have to worry about replacing them. It's going to ease the waste.
• Solo cups: Instead of measuring the grounds and doing things such as that, you're going to find that some come with individual pods, making it super easy to measure out.

The Downsides...

• Not enough cups: If you have a party and people want to drink some coffee, this won't do the trick.
• Not as many features: Some have all the features that you want, but they are going to cost an arm and leg, but many complain that they want more. This is a personal choice though.

Now, onto the top 5. There are many brands that make individual coffee makers. You're going to find some such as Black and Decker, Cuisinart, as well as a few others make great makers that are going to work for you. Check out a few mentioned below, as they may be what you're looking for.

1. Keurig B40 (around $120)
2. Black and Decker DCM18S (around $20)
3. Keurig B70 (around $170)
4. Delonghi Drip Maker (around $50)
5. Brew N' Go by Black and Decker (around $27)

Tips for Making the Perfect Latte

Making a perfect latte is actually really easy, provided you have some basic equipment and know what you're doing. A latte is made up of two ingredients; milk and espresso coffee. For the milk, ideally you will need a steaming wand, something that shoots steam into a pitcher of milk, creating something that is known as microfoam. You can however still achieve almost the same effect using a microwave or saucepan and stovetop, and a small, very low cost foaming wand.

The espresso is critical, so make sure that if you can only afford one piece of kit, you get a decent espresso maker. They take on all different shapes and sizes, ranging from things like the pod based machines offered by almost all of the major manufacturers, to your more traditional coffee shop style portahandle machines where you literally pull your own shot of espresso.

To begin with, froth your milk. Many people often assume that you start with the shot, but you want to be able to add your shot to your drink as quickly as possible, so don't waste time leaving the shot on the side to get cold or stale. You want to literally pour it, add it to the drink and serve, so start with your milk first. You want to heat the milk up to around 65 degrees C and at some point you will want to do a small bit of frothing.

It's worth pointing out the difference between a cappucino and a latte however. A cappucino is one third steamed milk, one third foamy milk and one third coffee. A latte is about one eighth coffee and about six eighth steamed milk, with maybe one eighth foamy milk to top the latte off. Bear this in mind when you are heating up your milk!

Once you have your milk hot and good to go, you want to pour a shot. The way you do this will vary depending on your machine. It might require grinding some beans, tamping them off in the portahandle and pulling a shot the traditional coffee shop way, or it might just involve putting a pod in the machine and pushing a button. Either way, you need to add your espresso to the mix! The ideal brewing time for an espresso is between 18 and 21 seconds. If you let the drink brew for less than that, if will come out watery, if you let it brew for longer than that, the coffee becomes burnt and overly bitter tasting.

Finally, take a tall latte glass, add your hot milk and pour in your shot. Stir to mix up well, and serve!

Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans

Chocolate covered gourmet coffee beans make truly interesting and unique gifts for men whether the man belongs to you or to someone else and the caffeine it contains will kick start the man too.

Unique corporate gifts for men are harder to find than for women, but you can solve that problem, by making up your own unique gift basket that contains the following.

• Commercial one cup coffee maker, with a special message engraved on it or your company logo or both.
• A variety of gourmet coffees, the selection available is huge since there are seventy coffee producing countries and the coffee from each country has its own distinct flavor.
• A personalized coffee mug, the variety is endless and the ready available messages on these mugs are funny, inspiring even romantic or you can have your company logo placed on the mug if you cannot find something that is to your liking.
• Last but not least add the chocolate covered gourmet coffee beans to your gift basket, the possibilities are endless, you can make your own, which will really make it a very unique gift for him or you can buy some.

Wrap it elaborately with, beautiful gift paper that fits the occasion, cellophane and bows, remember to add a beautiful card. You can make it even more unique by making your own card from handmade paper, there are many sources available online and offline that will show how. This gift basket will be well received as a unique Christmas gift for him, unique gifts for men of all ages, stages and positions and your unique gift basket will even be appreciated as a unique birthday gift.

If this gift is meant as a unique birthday gift for the sunshine of your life, you can make a wonderful dinner for two at home and really go wild and elaborate on the coffee theme of your gift basket or reserve a dinner for two at your favorite restaurant. Restaurant owners are very helpful and go out of their way to help you create an evening that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Restaurant owners have a lot of experience in creating special evenings for special occasions, do not be afraid to ask for some help to ensure that you get more than your monies worth.

Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans

Chocolate covered gourmet coffee beans make truly interesting and unique gifts for men whether the man belongs to you or to someone else and the caffeine it contains will kick start the man too.

Unique corporate gifts for men are harder to find than for women, but you can solve that problem, by making up your own unique gift basket that contains the following.

• Commercial one cup coffee maker, with a special message engraved on it or your company logo or both.
• A variety of gourmet coffees, the selection available is huge since there are seventy coffee producing countries and the coffee from each country has its own distinct flavor.
• A personalized coffee mug, the variety is endless and the ready available messages on these mugs are funny, inspiring even romantic or you can have your company logo placed on the mug if you cannot find something that is to your liking.
• Last but not least add the chocolate covered gourmet coffee beans to your gift basket, the possibilities are endless, you can make your own, which will really make it a very unique gift for him or you can buy some.

Wrap it elaborately with, beautiful gift paper that fits the occasion, cellophane and bows, remember to add a beautiful card. You can make it even more unique by making your own card from handmade paper, there are many sources available online and offline that will show how. This gift basket will be well received as a unique Christmas gift for him, unique gifts for men of all ages, stages and positions and your unique gift basket will even be appreciated as a unique birthday gift.

If this gift is meant as a unique birthday gift for the sunshine of your life, you can make a wonderful dinner for two at home and really go wild and elaborate on the coffee theme of your gift basket or reserve a dinner for two at your favorite restaurant. Restaurant owners are very helpful and go out of their way to help you create an evening that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Restaurant owners have a lot of experience in creating special evenings for special occasions, do not be afraid to ask for some help to ensure that you get more than your monies worth.

Decaffeinated Coffee Beans and Its Advantages

"Coffee is the next best thing after water!" That statement may be a coffee lover's battle cry, but coffee is indeed the most popular beverage next to water. What is it in coffee that has made it an essential part of our daily lives?

Coffee is said to have been discovered in Ethiopia and brought to Arabia by the traders. The Arabs were the first to boil the coffee beans and make it into a drink similar to tea because of its stimulating effect that keeps one awake. This mild stimulant is of course, the caffeine in coffee that gives us that kick when we feel laggard. From Arabia, coffee was introduced in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire and then it reached Italy where the very first coffee house was opened. That would probably explain why the Italians make the best espressos. Today, coffee has become one of the biggest industries worldwide, and Brazil, and the neighboring South American countries are the leading suppliers of the best coffee beans. It was during the early part of the 20th century that decaffeinated coffee was introduced in Europe.

The caffeine content in the coffee is the main component that gives one the jolt, especially at the start of the day, or when one needs to stay up late at night. But coffee is not enjoyed because of its caffeine, but it is the pleasure from the aroma, then to the pleasant intensity of its taste from the first sip down to the last gulp that makes coffee so enticing. But for those who are wary of the caffeine in coffee, decaf coffee beans are the best substitute. As much as 97% of the caffeine is taken out from decaf coffee beans. And although there are several methods of taking the caffeine out from the coffee such as the water-only process, the carbon dioxide process or the solvent process, what matters most is the taste that gives you the most pleasurable feeling. Coffee is not only a sought after beverage, it is also a highly traded commodity next to fuel. That is why it continues to be a highly debated health issue, and there is a barrage of information out there with regard to its fitness value.

Studies have proven that coffee is a good antioxidant that helps protect our cells, especially as we age, from the harmful by-products of our metabolism. Current findings show that coffee may delay the onset or prevent diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver. However, a good thing will always have its drawbacks. Coffee as a stimulant may cause increased heart rate and blood levels, and too much of coffee can stain the teeth, may contribute to the weakening of bones such as osteoporosis, and can be addictive as well. There is no fast and quick rule on how little or how much coffee we should drink. It will all depend on how much your body can tolerate coffee without compromising your health. Perhaps one can be guided by the dictum, "Too much of a good thing is bad."

But for those who can't have enough of the hot or cold java and is conscious of their wellness or you need to stay awake, but don't want too much of the caffeine, take decaffeinated coffee from decaf coffee beans. There are several choices out there now, and a cup or two can give you the health benefits that coffee has been proven to possess. Decaffeinated coffee will not give you the same jolt that will keep you awake like the ordinary coffee, but the taste and aroma will let out the feel-good sensation that will certainly keep you alive and kicking.

Two Sweet Coffee Recipes

Honey Butter with Hazelnut Latte Recipe

Honey Butter mixing with Hazelnut, are you sure is a good combination? Try this out yourself to find out.

Ingredients
Enough for 1 person (tall glass)

1. 2 tablespoons of Hazelnut syrup
2. 1 tablespoon of Honey Butter
3. 1 shot of organic espresso
4. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk

Equipments Needed
Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. Take an empty blender cup and pour all the ingredients into the cup.
2. If you like cold latte, you can add in few cubes of ice before you start to blend it.
3. Blend it for 1 minute until all well mixed.
4. Bring an empty tall glass and pour your latte into the glass.
5. You can enjoy your cup of latte now.

 
Classical Honey Butter with Cinnamon Latte Recipe

This latte is for someone who likes Cinnamon mixing with coffee. If you are belong to that group, try this out and you will like it.

Ingredients
Enough for 1 person (just nice for one tall glass)

1. 1 tablespoon of honey butter
2. 1 shot of organic espresso
3. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk
4. 3 to 5 ice cubes
5. 2 tablespoons of Cinnamon syrup
6. 1 small tablespoon of Cinnamon powder as garnish

Equipments Needed
Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. You need an empty blender cup to pour all the ingredients except cinnamon powder which we need to use at the later stage.
2. Start to blend it for 55 seconds until all evenly mixed.
3. Take an empty tall glass and pour the latte into the cup.
4. Spread the cinnamon powder on top of the glass as garnish.
5. You can now serve your latte.

Two Sweet Coffee Recipes

Honey Butter with Hazelnut Latte Recipe

Honey Butter mixing with Hazelnut, are you sure is a good combination? Try this out yourself to find out.

Ingredients
Enough for 1 person (tall glass)

1. 2 tablespoons of Hazelnut syrup
2. 1 tablespoon of Honey Butter
3. 1 shot of organic espresso
4. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk

Equipments Needed
Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. Take an empty blender cup and pour all the ingredients into the cup.
2. If you like cold latte, you can add in few cubes of ice before you start to blend it.
3. Blend it for 1 minute until all well mixed.
4. Bring an empty tall glass and pour your latte into the glass.
5. You can enjoy your cup of latte now.

 
Classical Honey Butter with Cinnamon Latte Recipe

This latte is for someone who likes Cinnamon mixing with coffee. If you are belong to that group, try this out and you will like it.

Ingredients
Enough for 1 person (just nice for one tall glass)

1. 1 tablespoon of honey butter
2. 1 shot of organic espresso
3. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk
4. 3 to 5 ice cubes
5. 2 tablespoons of Cinnamon syrup
6. 1 small tablespoon of Cinnamon powder as garnish

Equipments Needed
Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. You need an empty blender cup to pour all the ingredients except cinnamon powder which we need to use at the later stage.
2. Start to blend it for 55 seconds until all evenly mixed.
3. Take an empty tall glass and pour the latte into the cup.
4. Spread the cinnamon powder on top of the glass as garnish.
5. You can now serve your latte.

You Have to Know about the Health Benefits and Risks of Coffee

Are you the type of person who just has to have your morning cup of coffee before you can get started on your day? If so, you've probably thought about the possible health consequences of drinking coffee. It may even cross your mind every time you pour yourself a cup, if you're anything like me.

Coffee tastes great and it provides some definite benefits to those who drink it, including significant boosts in energy. And there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who just wouldn't want to live without it.

Research has shown that drinking reasonable amounts of coffee makes a person feel more aware and focused, leading to increased productivity. If you feel yourself lagging behind at work, you might benefit from drinking a cup of coffee sometime.

It's clear that coffee can give us a mental boost, but unfortunately it's still unclear whether it has a positive effect, a negative effect, or no effect at all on physical health. Coffee drinkers are likely to insist that it's a harmless and innocent beverage, but others say that it can cause a variety of health problems.

Some research has shown that coffee does play a part in raising blood pressure levels when consumed regularly. It also increases heart rate, and these two effects together can frighten many people into avoiding coffee.

However, the same research points out that for such ill effects to be caused by coffee, an individual would have to consume large amounts over a long period of time. A cup a day, or something in that range, likely won't cause any health problems.

It seems that anti-oxidants are coming up more frequently when people discuss the health ramifications of coffee. Some more recent studies have shown that coffee beans contain anti-oxidants. It's not hard to believe that coffee could contain some helpful compounds, as it's made from all-natural coffee beans. We've known for awhile that red wine has similar health benefits.

Whatever your beliefs on coffee, it's still important to consume it in moderation, as with any food or beverage. Even if something hasn't been definitively proven to be unhealthy, it's still easy to overindulge and have too much of one thing. Always be careful with stimulants such as coffee, especially as you grow older.

Arabica Coffee, the Best Commercially-Produced Type of Coffee in the World

Arabica coffee is widely-regarded as the best commercially-produced type of coffee in the world. It is known to be the first type of coffee ever consumed by humankind. Most of the coffee you drink comes from Arabica plants, which are grown all over the world. This plant is most associated with Africa and the Middle East, but is now found in the coffee-growing regions of Latin America, as well. Its beans produce one of the most popular beverages in the world, in all its various incarnations. The plant that produces it, however, can be quite fragile.

The Arabica coffee tree is grown on plantations from regions as far apart as Brazil, Java and Ethiopia. This plant is a tree, which produces a berry that contains, at its center, the coffee bean. In Java, plantations are able to harvest at any time of the year, due to the climate. Latin America has more pronounced seasons, and many of the plants in this region are only harvested once a year. There are other varieties of coffee, as well, such as Robusta. Generally, however, the Arabica plant is considered to produce the superior brew. It has some other advantages, as well.

Arabica coffee, depending upon the roast, can have low levels of caffeine. While many coffee drinkers indulge in the beverage specifically for the caffeine, there are a growing number of people trying to cut back on the amount that they consume. Arabica has lower levels of caffeine than the other types of commercially-produced coffee. Remember that lighter roasts generally have more caffeine in them, as well, and that these beans are available at all levels of roast, making them good choices for those who need their caffeine intake cut down, but not out.

Arabica coffee is one of the most important cash crops in the world. It constitutes a major export of several Latin American and Asian nations. There are also a number of nations which are dramatically increasing their exports of either this coffee or Robusta, and the produce of the farms that grow this plant is popular among investors. The plant is actually native to the nation of Yemen but, since that time, it has moved all over the world. The plant, however, is a lover of mountain climates and most plantations are located in areas where there is a rather rugged landscape.

Arabica Coffee, the Best Commercially-Produced Type of Coffee in the World

Arabica coffee is widely-regarded as the best commercially-produced type of coffee in the world. It is known to be the first type of coffee ever consumed by humankind. Most of the coffee you drink comes from Arabica plants, which are grown all over the world. This plant is most associated with Africa and the Middle East, but is now found in the coffee-growing regions of Latin America, as well. Its beans produce one of the most popular beverages in the world, in all its various incarnations. The plant that produces it, however, can be quite fragile.

The Arabica coffee tree is grown on plantations from regions as far apart as Brazil, Java and Ethiopia. This plant is a tree, which produces a berry that contains, at its center, the coffee bean. In Java, plantations are able to harvest at any time of the year, due to the climate. Latin America has more pronounced seasons, and many of the plants in this region are only harvested once a year. There are other varieties of coffee, as well, such as Robusta. Generally, however, the Arabica plant is considered to produce the superior brew. It has some other advantages, as well.

Arabica coffee, depending upon the roast, can have low levels of caffeine. While many coffee drinkers indulge in the beverage specifically for the caffeine, there are a growing number of people trying to cut back on the amount that they consume. Arabica has lower levels of caffeine than the other types of commercially-produced coffee. Remember that lighter roasts generally have more caffeine in them, as well, and that these beans are available at all levels of roast, making them good choices for those who need their caffeine intake cut down, but not out.

Arabica coffee is one of the most important cash crops in the world. It constitutes a major export of several Latin American and Asian nations. There are also a number of nations which are dramatically increasing their exports of either this coffee or Robusta, and the produce of the farms that grow this plant is popular among investors. The plant is actually native to the nation of Yemen but, since that time, it has moved all over the world. The plant, however, is a lover of mountain climates and most plantations are located in areas where there is a rather rugged landscape.

How to Clean Up Your Coffee Pot

People who like using natural products to clean cooking and drinking items, have used this simple system for years with great success. It is easier to clean the coffee pot at the same time as cleaning the coffee maker with vinegar. You can, of course, heat the vinegar on the stove top and clean the pot or glass carafe if that is all you need or want to do.

Vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution since it is nontoxic, has no noxious fumes and easily rinses with water. Plus, it is inexpensive and you most likely already have some in your kitchen pantry. Use white vinegar preferably, a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. White vinegar is fairly colorless which makes it good for removing the dark "coffee ring" that begins to form on the pot after regular use. Apple cider and red wine vinegar do not work as well as white vinegar does for cleaning a coffee pot.

To clean a coffee pot that has a stubborn coffee ring, leave it soaking for 24 hours. Pour enough vinegar to fill the pot so it covers the ring. Use undiluted vinegar this time. Put the lid on it, move it aside where it will not be disturbed. The next day, scrub and rinse it. Repeat the same steps as often as needed until satisfied with the results.

The exact same procedure can be used to clean anything that holds coffee. For example, mugs, carafes, canister, coffee grinders, coffee makers, and anything else that comes in contact with soluble coffee. The same vinegar solution is an excellent cleansing solution for the outside of the pot and other kitchen appliances. It helps remove fingerprints and gives appliances a little extra shine.

If you like to recycle, you can pour the vinegar and water solution into a plastic container with a lid and reuse several times before finally discarding it. No refrigeration required. Discard the solution when it gets dark or soiled after reusing it about two to four times.

Because coffee tastes better with a clean coffee maker and a clean coffee pot, we recommend following these directions:

• Pour enough vinegar to fill the coffee maker with it instead of water as normally done for coffee brewing. Use a 50/50 water to vinegar mixture.
• If you prefer to use just vinegar, that works fine as well.
• Put the coffee pot in the coffee maker just like you do when brewing coffee. Turn the coffee maker "on."
• Some people recommend using a paper filter, others prefer not to do that. This is a personal choice.
• Once the pot is filled with the vinegar and water mixture, turn it off and let it cool. Pour the solution back into the coffee maker or back into the pan if doing the coffee pot only.
• Go through the whole process one more time.
• Pour out the vinegar mixture and run two pots full of water through the coffee maker to remove the vinegar residue.
• Pour the coffee pot out again and fill the sink to half full with warm water. Add some dish soap, stir and put the coffee pot in the soapy water.
• Scrub the pot with a soft kitchen brush or a sponge to remove any rings, marks or debris missed.
• Rinse with warm water instead of cold water to prevent possibly cracking the glass.
• Towel dry the pot and run it through the dry cycle in the dishwater. If you prefer not to do this, then simply dry very well with a clean towel.

How to Clean Up Your Coffee Pot

People who like using natural products to clean cooking and drinking items, have used this simple system for years with great success. It is easier to clean the coffee pot at the same time as cleaning the coffee maker with vinegar. You can, of course, heat the vinegar on the stove top and clean the pot or glass carafe if that is all you need or want to do.

Vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution since it is nontoxic, has no noxious fumes and easily rinses with water. Plus, it is inexpensive and you most likely already have some in your kitchen pantry. Use white vinegar preferably, a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. White vinegar is fairly colorless which makes it good for removing the dark "coffee ring" that begins to form on the pot after regular use. Apple cider and red wine vinegar do not work as well as white vinegar does for cleaning a coffee pot.

To clean a coffee pot that has a stubborn coffee ring, leave it soaking for 24 hours. Pour enough vinegar to fill the pot so it covers the ring. Use undiluted vinegar this time. Put the lid on it, move it aside where it will not be disturbed. The next day, scrub and rinse it. Repeat the same steps as often as needed until satisfied with the results.

The exact same procedure can be used to clean anything that holds coffee. For example, mugs, carafes, canister, coffee grinders, coffee makers, and anything else that comes in contact with soluble coffee. The same vinegar solution is an excellent cleansing solution for the outside of the pot and other kitchen appliances. It helps remove fingerprints and gives appliances a little extra shine.

If you like to recycle, you can pour the vinegar and water solution into a plastic container with a lid and reuse several times before finally discarding it. No refrigeration required. Discard the solution when it gets dark or soiled after reusing it about two to four times.

Because coffee tastes better with a clean coffee maker and a clean coffee pot, we recommend following these directions:

• Pour enough vinegar to fill the coffee maker with it instead of water as normally done for coffee brewing. Use a 50/50 water to vinegar mixture.
• If you prefer to use just vinegar, that works fine as well.
• Put the coffee pot in the coffee maker just like you do when brewing coffee. Turn the coffee maker "on."
• Some people recommend using a paper filter, others prefer not to do that. This is a personal choice.
• Once the pot is filled with the vinegar and water mixture, turn it off and let it cool. Pour the solution back into the coffee maker or back into the pan if doing the coffee pot only.
• Go through the whole process one more time.
• Pour out the vinegar mixture and run two pots full of water through the coffee maker to remove the vinegar residue.
• Pour the coffee pot out again and fill the sink to half full with warm water. Add some dish soap, stir and put the coffee pot in the soapy water.
• Scrub the pot with a soft kitchen brush or a sponge to remove any rings, marks or debris missed.
• Rinse with warm water instead of cold water to prevent possibly cracking the glass.
• Towel dry the pot and run it through the dry cycle in the dishwater. If you prefer not to do this, then simply dry very well with a clean towel.

The Health Benefits in a Cup of Coffee

Drinking coffee daily is a normal routine for more than 108 million Americans consumers, including the majority of US adults and a growing number of children. Is this habit good for our health or is it harmful?

Coffee has been the subject of research for decades and the results consistently show that coffee is more healthful than harmful. Research takes place daily on coffee, caffeine and health around the world. Hundreds, if not more, of new studies are published every month by scientists and research institutes worldwide.

Coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine. Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities.

The health benefits of coffee are many and the research supports them. For example:

ASTHMA RELIEF: caffeine can help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is not available. Did you know that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.

CAVITY PROTECTION: caffeine can prevent cavities because of a compound called trigonelline which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste. Trigonelline has both anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties that help prevent dental cavities from forming.

CHOLESTEROL: a paper filter is worth a "pound of cure" or so. There are two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, that raise cholesterol levels. During the brewing process, paper filters capture these substances. Paper filters, in this case, help in the prevention of harmful cholesterol levels. Coffee drinkers who drink non-filtered coffees such as "lattes," which do not use paper filters, may want to reconsider their choice and frequency of beverage for their own health benefit.

CIRRHOSIS: coffee drinkers have up to 80% reduced risk to suffer from cirrhosis than non coffee drinkers. People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less liver damage as compared to those who do not. The reduced risk of alcohol cirrhosis may be associated with the phenolics and related substances in coffee.

DEMENTIA: drinking coffee during middle age may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk of dementia in the elderly. Coffee drinkers at midlife have a lower risk for dementia or Alzheimer's later in life than people who drank little or no coffee at midlife. Moderate coffee drinkers had up to a 65% decrease risk of contracting these conditions as compared with low coffee drinkers.

GALLSTONES: certain compounds in coffee may help prevent liquid stored in the gallbladder ("bile") from crystallizing or hardening. This is what causes gallstones and obstructs the bile duct, a narrow tube which leads from the gallbladder to the intestine. Gallstones are painful and patients can experience fever and jaundice. Coffee drinkers have almost a 50% reduced risk of suffering from gallstone disease as compared to non coffee drinkers.

HEART DISEASE: People who smoke and are heavy coffee drinkers have less heart disease as compared to those who do not. Drinking coffee as part of a healthy and balanced diet is not associated with the development of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension.

MENTAL ALERTNESS: caffeine enhances concentration, reduces fatigue and heightens alertness. The reason lies in caffeine's effect on brain receptors, enabling a better energy uptake.

MALE FERTILITY: caffeine in coffee appears to increase sperm "motility." Motility is the speed at which sperm moves. Since sperm hyperactivity is critical to fertilization, heightened motility increases the odds of pregnancy.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE: antioxidants and caffeine have health and anti-aging benefits. Antioxidants repair the damage to cells caused by free radicals. People who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine's adenosine-blocking power may be one mechanism through which the brain cells in Parkinson's disease are protected. Based on this and other evidence, Parkinson's drugs are being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. However, it seems that coffee protects men better than women against Parkinson's disease. This is because estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized and estrogen captures those enzymes.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: drinking one to three cups of coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. Drinking six cups or more each day can reduce men's risk up to 60% and women's' up to 30% as compared to non coffee drinkers. Coffee has large amounts of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid and tocopherols. Coffee also has minerals such as magnesium. All these components improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar.

The good news about coffee and health keeps getting better. Coffee and caffeine are recognized for their positive health benefits and potential functional food attributes. Obviously, check with your own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you.

Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you will derive some health benefits. Enjoy a cup of Panama Boquete specialty coffee!

The Health Benefits in a Cup of Coffee

Drinking coffee daily is a normal routine for more than 108 million Americans consumers, including the majority of US adults and a growing number of children. Is this habit good for our health or is it harmful?

Coffee has been the subject of research for decades and the results consistently show that coffee is more healthful than harmful. Research takes place daily on coffee, caffeine and health around the world. Hundreds, if not more, of new studies are published every month by scientists and research institutes worldwide.

Coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine. Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities.

The health benefits of coffee are many and the research supports them. For example:

ASTHMA RELIEF: caffeine can help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is not available. Did you know that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.

CAVITY PROTECTION: caffeine can prevent cavities because of a compound called trigonelline which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste. Trigonelline has both anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties that help prevent dental cavities from forming.

CHOLESTEROL: a paper filter is worth a "pound of cure" or so. There are two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, that raise cholesterol levels. During the brewing process, paper filters capture these substances. Paper filters, in this case, help in the prevention of harmful cholesterol levels. Coffee drinkers who drink non-filtered coffees such as "lattes," which do not use paper filters, may want to reconsider their choice and frequency of beverage for their own health benefit.

CIRRHOSIS: coffee drinkers have up to 80% reduced risk to suffer from cirrhosis than non coffee drinkers. People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less liver damage as compared to those who do not. The reduced risk of alcohol cirrhosis may be associated with the phenolics and related substances in coffee.

DEMENTIA: drinking coffee during middle age may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk of dementia in the elderly. Coffee drinkers at midlife have a lower risk for dementia or Alzheimer's later in life than people who drank little or no coffee at midlife. Moderate coffee drinkers had up to a 65% decrease risk of contracting these conditions as compared with low coffee drinkers.

GALLSTONES: certain compounds in coffee may help prevent liquid stored in the gallbladder ("bile") from crystallizing or hardening. This is what causes gallstones and obstructs the bile duct, a narrow tube which leads from the gallbladder to the intestine. Gallstones are painful and patients can experience fever and jaundice. Coffee drinkers have almost a 50% reduced risk of suffering from gallstone disease as compared to non coffee drinkers.

HEART DISEASE: People who smoke and are heavy coffee drinkers have less heart disease as compared to those who do not. Drinking coffee as part of a healthy and balanced diet is not associated with the development of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension.

MENTAL ALERTNESS: caffeine enhances concentration, reduces fatigue and heightens alertness. The reason lies in caffeine's effect on brain receptors, enabling a better energy uptake.

MALE FERTILITY: caffeine in coffee appears to increase sperm "motility." Motility is the speed at which sperm moves. Since sperm hyperactivity is critical to fertilization, heightened motility increases the odds of pregnancy.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE: antioxidants and caffeine have health and anti-aging benefits. Antioxidants repair the damage to cells caused by free radicals. People who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine's adenosine-blocking power may be one mechanism through which the brain cells in Parkinson's disease are protected. Based on this and other evidence, Parkinson's drugs are being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. However, it seems that coffee protects men better than women against Parkinson's disease. This is because estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized and estrogen captures those enzymes.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: drinking one to three cups of coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. Drinking six cups or more each day can reduce men's risk up to 60% and women's' up to 30% as compared to non coffee drinkers. Coffee has large amounts of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid and tocopherols. Coffee also has minerals such as magnesium. All these components improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar.

The good news about coffee and health keeps getting better. Coffee and caffeine are recognized for their positive health benefits and potential functional food attributes. Obviously, check with your own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you.

Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you will derive some health benefits. Enjoy a cup of Panama Boquete specialty coffee!

Try Bananas Foster Float Coffee

In fact, it originated from the New Orleans dessert, and it is a combination base of the following:

1. Cinnamon
2. Bananas
3. Brown Sugar
4. Brandy

When I first drank this coffee, the triple-treat pleasure combination create an extraordinary delicious sensational taste, which I quickly share with all my friends.

So, you might wonder what are the characteristics of Bananas Foster Float Coffee. This is it.

The pleasing aroma with exceptional and interesting flavor, it has the smooth taste and a pleasant roasts which attracts our mouth feel and body.

People who tried this coffee indicated that they never get enough of it. It is something like having a dessert at anytime throughout the day. The flavor it offers is so exceptional that makes coffee lovers a memorable experience. If you love bananas, this coffee would be best suitable for you!

You can drink this coffee at anytime you like and it can compensate as a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is also a great gift that you could give to your friends who love to drink coffee as well.

If you love to drink coffee, this is one of the flavors that you should try and you could experience just like having dessert in a mug. In addition, it is a highly rated coffee flavor by its customers including myself who had experience it.

Besides the taste, Bananas Foster Float coffee also offers a very cheap price in the market today. It is one of the best coffee flavors that you definitely worth for you to try!

Try Bananas Foster Float Coffee

In fact, it originated from the New Orleans dessert, and it is a combination base of the following:

1. Cinnamon
2. Bananas
3. Brown Sugar
4. Brandy

When I first drank this coffee, the triple-treat pleasure combination create an extraordinary delicious sensational taste, which I quickly share with all my friends.

So, you might wonder what are the characteristics of Bananas Foster Float Coffee. This is it.

The pleasing aroma with exceptional and interesting flavor, it has the smooth taste and a pleasant roasts which attracts our mouth feel and body.

People who tried this coffee indicated that they never get enough of it. It is something like having a dessert at anytime throughout the day. The flavor it offers is so exceptional that makes coffee lovers a memorable experience. If you love bananas, this coffee would be best suitable for you!

You can drink this coffee at anytime you like and it can compensate as a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is also a great gift that you could give to your friends who love to drink coffee as well.

If you love to drink coffee, this is one of the flavors that you should try and you could experience just like having dessert in a mug. In addition, it is a highly rated coffee flavor by its customers including myself who had experience it.

Besides the taste, Bananas Foster Float coffee also offers a very cheap price in the market today. It is one of the best coffee flavors that you definitely worth for you to try!

Making Delicious Coffee with French Press Coffee Maker

The history of the French press coffee maker may give you an idea of the reasons for its growing popularity. The French press pot has a history of brewing the richest coffee most people have ever enjoyed.

Starting in the mid 1800's balance brewers and vacuum pots were introduced. Although plunger or press brewing systems existed, the ability to make a tight enough plunger/filter was not there. Consequently the coffee was brewed accompanied by grounds in the cup. It wasn't until the 1900's that the press pot started to increase in popularity and show up in stores. Later in the 1900's stainless steel pot and filter were introduced.

The best press pot coffee is made with freshly ground coffee. Your choice of coffee grinder can make the difference between a superb cup of coffee and a so-so cup of coffee. With the coffee press pot, you want large chunks of coffee as opposed to the fine grind of espresso. The proper grinder will give you an even grind and will make the coffee the same size, consequently each morsel will react in the same way to the water and the process.

If the coffee is too finely ground, the press is much more difficult to operate. Most coffee reviewers will recommend a cone type grinder to achieve the even course ground coffee you will enjoy in your French press pot. Other types of grinders will produce uneven grounds and ultimately cause grounds to be the last swallow of that cup. That is not what you are trying to achieve. Sludge free coffee is much more enjoyable. If you don't mind a little sludge in the bottom of your cup, you can purchase a less expensive grinder. Don't buy cheap, buy quality.

Another consideration is the filter that you use. There are nylon filters and metal filters. The metal filters will require a course grind of your coffee, similar to coarse pepper from a pepper mill. The nylon filters can better handle an uneven grind or one that is actually too fine for the best taste from the French press coffee maker.

While shopping, consider the coffee you purchase and the water you use. The coffee you use should not be freshly roasted. Because of the carbon dioxide present in early roasted coffee beans, the amount of foam will be larger and therefore go over your filter causing a bit of sludge in your cup of coffee. The larger your pot, the more foam will be produced and consequently the more grounds you will have in your finished product. Not good.

If the water coming out of your faucet tastes terrible to you, so will your coffee. Areas of the country with strong sulfur taste or other undesirable tastes will want to use bottled water to achieve the best tasting coffee that has ever traveled over their lips and taste buds. You would not invest in a French press coffee maker and fine coffee beans and ultimately skimp on the quality of water that you use to brew the pot.

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Coffee

A great cup of coffee is awesome. It not only smells great, but it tastes great and you can enjoy sipping it for a long time. Many enjoy the slight stimulant effect of the caffeine, and modern day caffeine free varieties are pretty tasty as well if you prefer. You can add milk, cream, or sugar as you prefer, and have it made strong such as espresso or a weaker variety if you prefer.

I like single cup brewers myself so that each cup is made to order and perfectly fresh. It's very hard to beat a small French press but there are other good types too and partially it comes down to preference. I've used several and the French press is perfect for me. Make sure it is clean before starting.

You'll also need water. The tap water may be fine or it may not be. I find most tap water is acceptable but in some areas it may be off tasting. For example the water in my office is very mineral laden and tastes bad so I use jugs of inexpensive water from the market or bring jugs from home. Bad tasting water will make bad tasting coffee and it is primarily water after all!

The beans are also important. Tastes vary a lot here, but you want freshly roasted and ground beans. There is no way instant or coffee in a can will match fresh, any more than frozen fish sticks can match the taste of stunningly fresh fish. I'm always trying new beans as I enjoy variety too.

What type of mug do you prefer? I like a ceramic mug, maybe 16 ounces or so, and I fill it with very hot water first so that my coffee stays hot a long time. I'll also occasionally use a metal travel mug in the car.

So, you've made a great cup, how to enjoy it best? Some may prefer to just sit and think, but I usually kill off a few emails as I'm drinking. I prefer to wait after the kids and wife are gone so I can enjoy it in relative peace and solitude as compared to the mayhem of getting three kids fed, three lunches made, and them off to the school bus in time. You however may prefer drinking it during mayhem and upheaval. Like many details, what is perfect for you is up to your own individual tastes and desires, and that's great!

Making Delicious Coffee with French Press Coffee Maker

The history of the French press coffee maker may give you an idea of the reasons for its growing popularity. The French press pot has a history of brewing the richest coffee most people have ever enjoyed.

Starting in the mid 1800's balance brewers and vacuum pots were introduced. Although plunger or press brewing systems existed, the ability to make a tight enough plunger/filter was not there. Consequently the coffee was brewed accompanied by grounds in the cup. It wasn't until the 1900's that the press pot started to increase in popularity and show up in stores. Later in the 1900's stainless steel pot and filter were introduced.

The best press pot coffee is made with freshly ground coffee. Your choice of coffee grinder can make the difference between a superb cup of coffee and a so-so cup of coffee. With the coffee press pot, you want large chunks of coffee as opposed to the fine grind of espresso. The proper grinder will give you an even grind and will make the coffee the same size, consequently each morsel will react in the same way to the water and the process.

If the coffee is too finely ground, the press is much more difficult to operate. Most coffee reviewers will recommend a cone type grinder to achieve the even course ground coffee you will enjoy in your French press pot. Other types of grinders will produce uneven grounds and ultimately cause grounds to be the last swallow of that cup. That is not what you are trying to achieve. Sludge free coffee is much more enjoyable. If you don't mind a little sludge in the bottom of your cup, you can purchase a less expensive grinder. Don't buy cheap, buy quality.

Another consideration is the filter that you use. There are nylon filters and metal filters. The metal filters will require a course grind of your coffee, similar to coarse pepper from a pepper mill. The nylon filters can better handle an uneven grind or one that is actually too fine for the best taste from the French press coffee maker.

While shopping, consider the coffee you purchase and the water you use. The coffee you use should not be freshly roasted. Because of the carbon dioxide present in early roasted coffee beans, the amount of foam will be larger and therefore go over your filter causing a bit of sludge in your cup of coffee. The larger your pot, the more foam will be produced and consequently the more grounds you will have in your finished product. Not good.

If the water coming out of your faucet tastes terrible to you, so will your coffee. Areas of the country with strong sulfur taste or other undesirable tastes will want to use bottled water to achieve the best tasting coffee that has ever traveled over their lips and taste buds. You would not invest in a French press coffee maker and fine coffee beans and ultimately skimp on the quality of water that you use to brew the pot.

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Coffee

A great cup of coffee is awesome. It not only smells great, but it tastes great and you can enjoy sipping it for a long time. Many enjoy the slight stimulant effect of the caffeine, and modern day caffeine free varieties are pretty tasty as well if you prefer. You can add milk, cream, or sugar as you prefer, and have it made strong such as espresso or a weaker variety if you prefer.

I like single cup brewers myself so that each cup is made to order and perfectly fresh. It's very hard to beat a small French press but there are other good types too and partially it comes down to preference. I've used several and the French press is perfect for me. Make sure it is clean before starting.

You'll also need water. The tap water may be fine or it may not be. I find most tap water is acceptable but in some areas it may be off tasting. For example the water in my office is very mineral laden and tastes bad so I use jugs of inexpensive water from the market or bring jugs from home. Bad tasting water will make bad tasting coffee and it is primarily water after all!

The beans are also important. Tastes vary a lot here, but you want freshly roasted and ground beans. There is no way instant or coffee in a can will match fresh, any more than frozen fish sticks can match the taste of stunningly fresh fish. I'm always trying new beans as I enjoy variety too.

What type of mug do you prefer? I like a ceramic mug, maybe 16 ounces or so, and I fill it with very hot water first so that my coffee stays hot a long time. I'll also occasionally use a metal travel mug in the car.

So, you've made a great cup, how to enjoy it best? Some may prefer to just sit and think, but I usually kill off a few emails as I'm drinking. I prefer to wait after the kids and wife are gone so I can enjoy it in relative peace and solitude as compared to the mayhem of getting three kids fed, three lunches made, and them off to the school bus in time. You however may prefer drinking it during mayhem and upheaval. Like many details, what is perfect for you is up to your own individual tastes and desires, and that's great!

What You Want to Know about Organic Kona Coffee Farming

On the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the finest coffees in the world is produced. This coffee, named Kona coffee, is meticulously cultivated by approximately 800 farms. The majority of the farms are 3 to 10 acres. The size of these farms certainly would not be considered Kona coffee plantations, but small dedicated farmers, artisans in the production of this gourmet coffee. Many Kona Coffee farmers have opted to grow their coffee organically to preserve the pristine condition of this beautiful Island.

Fertilization, is a simple necessity, yet critical to the grower and equally important to the consumer. First and foremost, the organic methods and practices of these farmers promote natural processes and maintain a balance between coffee production and the environment. The benefit to the grower is sustainability, cost reduction and the knowledge that no artificial contaminants are on their farm. The value to the consumer is the fact that Kona Organic coffee is free from; GMOs, pesticide and herbicide residuals and petroleum based fertilizer impurities.

While the technique of organic farming is an age old practice arising out of need, the modern philosophy has touted higher production and profit, through chemicals and bio-engineering.

Which brings to the subject at hand, organic fertilization programs, practiced by Kona coffee farmers. Several methodologies and systems are employed to meet the nutritional requirements of the Coffae Arabica trees of Hawaii. The first weapon in the Kona farmers arsenal is composting, the collection of pulped coffee cherries, vegetation from pruning, weeding and chipping, amassed in a pile and through nurturing and cultivation of microbes, breaks the material down to it's chemical constituents. These mounds of future fertilizer are moved daily and kept moist. When the majority of the plant material has decomposed it is either worked into the soil or placed around the coffee trees to conserve moisture. The compost is rich in nutrients and together with the soil boosts plant health.

A more recent innovation has been the making of organic Teas, this is an approach practiced in one form or another, by our fore fathers for centuries. The process entails the utilization of farm animal manure, enclosed in a burlap bag and suspended in water. The micro-organisms present in the environment break down the fundamental components of the necessary nutrients required by the trees. Our farm applies further enhancements to this basic formula. We aerate the brew continually and add additional ingredients to enhance both nutritional levels and beneficial micro flora reproduction. We add organic alfalfa feed, this assures an enhanced nitrogen concentration so critical to the coffee cherry production. We also add a few cups of molasses for the addition of its available mineral density. And finally we use kelp for its trace minerals. This mixture is allowed to steep for a month or two, and applied before the first flowering and throughout the year.

These methods assure the consumers a pure cup of coffee that is unblemished by man-made chemicals and equally delicious Kona Coffee.