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For the Love of Coffee, Choose the Best Beans!

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There was a heated conversation as to what is the most popular beverage today. Party from the left, belonging to the younger generation, said it was the softdrink. Party on the right, the older of the two, said it was coffee. The debate clearly shows how famous these two beverages are, especially coffee.

The coffee industry is an industry whose worth is so enormous, like several lifetimes over. With millions upon millions enjoying it every year, there is simply no end in sight on their fame and popularity. Many people are brewing their coffee at home and others are using a takeaway, and/or drink their coffee at work.

The Drinking Habit That is Coffee

A lot of people use coffee as their wake-up call, like a morning exercise to jerk up the bones and muscles into action. Many treat coffee as their breakfast; no need for anything solid so long as he had a cup of coffee before the day starts. Coffee can help overcome drowsiness in the afternoon and in the evening. Finally, coffee is also a pleasant drink, meant to spark up meaningful and healthy conversations.

While it may be that majority of the coffee-drinking population are contented enough with coffee’s “burst of vigor”, a certain percentage is more choosy and critical when it comes to drinking it. Just as there are food and wine critics, there are also coffee critics. This is but a natural offshoot of our desire to have the best experience possible. In this case, coffee drinking is what is being judged. In the pursuit to have it in its best form, it starts with the coffee beans.

It All Start with the Beans

Coffee berries beans growingFor the benefit of those who are uninformed, coffee comes from beans which are classified as a fruit. The coffee plant is closely related to the cherry tree, and certain varieties bear fruits which very much resemble cherries just like those found on the top of cakes and ice cream sundaes.

Coffee beans are grown in many parts of the world, but the top exporters are the Latin American countries. Another region, much involved in the coffee bean industry, is Africa. Coffee beans are also grown in a lot of countries in Asia.

Coffee beans at roasted coffee heapCoffee beans have lots of flavors which has led to a variety of ways by which coffee is prepared and produced. It might be that no flavor can be considered as the best among the rest. However, for those who are really passionate about their coffee-drinking, those planning to put up a coffee shop or perhaps grow coffee, understand that coffee beans are the key and in knowing how to pick them. Read our separate article ‘from coffee plant to a cup of coffee’ here.

With this, you can be assured that every cup drank is as refreshing and enjoyable as possible.

Trust and Believe in Your Own Personal Taste

It might be that you learned to drink coffee from seeing your parents at home. Or it was at school during an overtime project that you were introduced to it. Still, it must have been at the office where everyone had a cup of coffee while working. Even if it wasn’t by your own decision at the start, if you really want to experience coffee at its best, start by being true to what you want.

Before you get into picking the best coffee beans, you need to ask yourself what coffee flavor/s you prefer. Do not simply go for a certain taste because somebody told you to. Real coffee critics state that drinking coffee is a deep, personal experience partly because this drink actually influences your mind, your mood, and can trigger insights at times.

Do you like coffee that is bitter, sweet, heavy or warming? Be honest and stay true to your taste. The flavor that you prefer will be your guide to choosing the coffee beans that will suit your taste.

Now that you know what coffee flavor you prefer, it is now time to pick coffee beans. From digging down deep in yourself, we now go into tracing the source of coffee beans.

Bean Origin – Where Does Your Coffee Come From?

Farmer harvesting coffee beansAs we mentioned earlier, coffee is produced by a lot of countries around the world. Where the coffee comes from will determine the characteristics of its beans from the color, texture, smell and of course the taste. Since you have already picked a flavor, it is now time to pick a coffee beans source.

Coffee bean flavor is influenced by the conditions where the coffee plant grew, from the temperature, altitude, and the climate. Coffee beans produced in Latin America exhibit uniform and delicate sweetness, almost similar to chocolate. For instance, Brazil coffee beans have a peanut flavor while Colombian beans give you a touch of caramel.

Those who like their coffee with a fruity sweet and a touch of acidity can go for coffee beans coming from Africa. One particular source that you should consider is coffee beans that come from Kenya and Ethiopia, partly because of the high altitude where the coffee plants grew.

For those who like coffees that have exotic and unique flavors, the source of coffee beans are those coming from Asia and also India. Coffee beans coming from these parts of the world also have a touch of herbs in them which is why some of the medicinal coffee drink is made here.

Freshness and Proper Roasting Equals the Best Coffee Ever!

Coffee beans and a cup of coffeeAs you well know, fruits are at their best when freshly picked, sliced and served. In the case of coffee beans, they are at their best when freshly picked and roasted.

Unless you live near the countries that grow coffee, your coffee beans are definitely fresh. However, it does pay to look at the label when the coffee beans were roasted. Coffee beans that were roasted a couple of weeks before retaining much of their original qualities and are highly recommended. Coffee beans roasted a month ago or beyond are usually dry and no longer have that “burst effect” that most coffee drinkers seek.

And of course, who says you can’t roast your own coffee beans? After all, being a coffee aficionado, this skill should come with the territory. So if you’re keen to learn, then master the art and science of roasting coffee beans.

The best cup of coffee comes from fresh beans and proper roasting techniques finished with a sprinkle of love and passion for anything caffeine.

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Different Types of Milk Frothers

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A great cup of coffee ends with the appearance of a creamy, rich froth on top. But what sort of device usually makes this milky addition?

Milk frothers are responsible for providing endless cups of coffee with eye-catching fluff and this article will further discuss the devices that one can use to get their very own creamy cup at home.

Basic Milk Frother Info

Epica Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Heater Carafe - great cappuccinoBefore we get into the different milk frother models, we must discuss the fundamental facts. The device aerates the milk present in the coffee by quickly stirring it. This action brings in plenty of air to the mixture, which in turn causes the milk to form a lather on top, which can be light or dense depending on the type of frothing device used.

This procedure intensifies the coffee’s volume which is blended with milk. The whole process also has an effect on the overall taste of the coffee, making it creamier in terms of flavor with a sumptuous aroma. The cream or milk in the coffee balances the sharp, stronger flavors of coffee variants like cappuccinos and lattes.

Other than enhancing the flavor, you can also create eye-catching art with it. Maybe you have seen the awesome latte art at coffee shops and on your own social media feed. With this device you can come up with various forms and silhouettes on your creamy topping.

The device can also be used on any drink with milk as an ingredient. It is a small, handy and straightforward unit to use and can be manually-operated or powered by electricity. Because of its portable size, it won’t take up so much space in the kitchen and can be stored anywhere you wish.

Kinds of Milk Frothers

  • Electric milk frother

MatchaDNA Automatic Milk Frother, Heater and Cappuccino Making Carafe by Phillipe Taglioni for cappuccinoThis is an electric milk frother and has the appearance of a small food processor. The electric kind is highly recommended for individuals who love making big batches of cappuccinos at one go. It can also froth a great quantity of milk as compared with other devices.

It’s pricier than other related units but it works fast and some models can even heat the milk up during the frothing process. Several models also come with a built-in steamer to make frothing possible in just a single step.

With this device, you can save money on coffee and have your own barista-level cup at home. The convenience of having it in your home means you won’t have to go to your favorite coffee shop every time you yearn for a serving of your choice macchiato — you can finally whip one at home fast and easy any time you please.

You can also use it on other milk-based beverages. You can make milkshakes with it, serve matcha tea and it can be used on hot chocolate as well.

  • Motorized whisk

Kuissential Slickfroth 2.0 Hand Held Electric Milk FrotherThe motorized whisk is operated electrically by means of integrated batteries. It includes a whisk and a propeller and typically comes as a hand-held device. The whisk connected at the end of the device turns quickly once it is switched on.

The quick rotating motions causes the milk to fluff and froth, creating big bubbles in the mix. This unit must be used carefully because it can cause chipping once handled improperly. You can make foam out of the beverage in any texture you wish by using this particular device.

Beginners will actually get the hang out of using a whisk since it’s pretty simple to use. All you have to do is plunge the tip of the whisk in the mixture, switch the Start button, move the unit bit by bit while foaming and you will get your creamy drink within seconds. Bear in mind that you should not turn the power on prior to submerging the whisk in the milk since it will have a tendency to spatter out of the cup or jug.

Motorized whisks are usually reasonably-priced and it’s easy to clean too. Since it is small and light, you can carry or store it with you anywhere. It’s durable and provides easy clean-up with little to no maintenance.

  • Hand-pump milk frother

Bodum 1446-01US4 Latteo Milk Frother with Glass Handle 8-OunceThis device features a plunger that is attached to a mesh screen which is located inside a cup that’s made from stainless steel. Hand-pump milk frothers are typically affordable and easy to use as well. However, in order to create a good foam, you have to double the effort since you will be doing the whole process by hand.

The procedure usually takes a good 3-10 minutes, and it depends on how you want your foam to look like. Hand-pump units can also foam all kinds of milk. It’s recommended for frothing smaller batches of the stuff. Like all frothing devices, it does not require regular maintenance and is a breeze to clean.

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Creating Latte Art At Home

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Everybody enjoys a cup of coffee. On any given day, nothing soothes our senses better than a well-brewed coffee cup. It gets more interesting when you have artistic shapes forming at the top of your cup. That is Latte Art, a coffee making sub-skill which is fast gaining interest and traction not only among coffee lovers but also for coffee shop owners who noted how their coffee bars grew in fame thanks in part to it.

The Art in Latte

Close up of Hand Holding Cappuccino Making Latte ArtThere are a lot of people who think making latte art is such a complex skill, requiring detailed instruction plus the necessary investment in coffee makers and other hardware. Even suggested is that learn how to make latte art in Coffee Barista workshops. This is actually not a bad idea, as every person’s learning curve is different. Some people learn faster through step-by-step instruction, which you can definitely get by enrolling in a Barista workshop.

The problem though with barista workshops is these are quite expensive and time-consuming. There are culinary schools which already consider latte art as an individual subject, so you can understand why a significant fee is charged for learning the skill. Good investment if your purpose is to work at an espresso bar and eventually opening your own. But if you are only learning latte art just for fun, this route may not be the most ideal one for you.

Another suggestion most people think about latte art is it requires expensive hardware like a fancy espresso machine. There is some truth to it in that it makes things simpler, from heating milk and creating froth, to the point where you put the finishing espresso touch. However, if your ultimate goal is just latte art on your favorite coffee cup, do you really need a thousand dollar contraption for that?

Learning how to make latte art from the comforts of your home need not be expensive nor demand lots of your time. Learning how to make latte art will do require you to have a few kitchen equipment, like a microwave oven for instance and also maybe a stainless steel pitcher. You may also need a milk frother.

Latte Art’s Medium – Microfoam Milk

MatchaDNA Automatic Milk Frother, Heater and Cappuccino Making Carafe by Phillipe Taglioni - cappuccinoAny form of art has its medium or building block. In the case of Latte Art, the primary medium is microfoam milk. Creating microfoam milk is the key to creating Latte art shapes for without this, you will most likely not be able to form any shape at all, not even a simple ellipse! Learning how to make microfoam milk is the first step towards creating homemade Latte Art.

Here are a couple of guidelines for creating your first batch of microfoam milk:

  1. As anybody would probably guess, you need to heat the milk. Now, this is not your usual way of heating, simply to pasteurize and made safe for consumption. Microfoam milk must be heated to controlled temperatures. Too high and the milk will not even foam. Too low and the milk will foam too much. It should be just at the right heat level.
  2. Experienced Latte Art makers recommend heating the milk at temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Celsius. Some will go as far as recommending that you use a thermometer, preferably an analog one, in monitoring the heat. With patience and careful monitoring, you can actually tell when it is already at the right temperature by the form of the bubbles and the behavior of the milk.
  3. One of the best ways of heating milk at the right level is to use a microwave (hence the recommendation we made earlier). Put the milk in the microwave, set it at the desired temperature and then heat it for just a little less than a minute. Let it stay for about 3 minutes and then heat it again, this time for just a little less than 30 seconds. The repeated reheating is to ensure the milk is at the right temperature by the time you decide to pour the espresso.

Milk Pitcher, X-Chef Stainless Steel Milk Cup Milk Frothing Pitcher 600ml 20fl ozPutting Froth into Microfoam

Now that you have microfoam milk, it is time to use the milk frother. Put the milk in the stainless steel pitcher then tilt it slightly sideways. Now put in the frother, one hand holding the pitcher and the other holding the frother. Turn on the frother and watch as a mini whirlpool is created, as the air starts entering your batch of microfoam milk. You will observe that bubbles will slowly form and then burst. Do not stop the frother until all the bubbles created are gone. This should ensure sufficient frothing for your first Latte Artwork.

Not that you have your medium for your Latte Art, it is time to move towards making your first artwork. We will go with one of the most basic yet quite infamous among Latte Art, the heart.

Your First Latte Art, The Heart

Latte Art with Heart DesignOne of the simplest to make yet also never fails to tickle anyone in the coffee shop, the Heart is a nice starting point for your first Latte Art. Take your stainless steel pitcher that now contains your nicely-made batch of frothed microfoam milk. With the other hand, hold your signature mug that already contains coffee, probably about a fifth of it. Make sure the pitcher is held at a height such that when you pour the milk, it immediately hits the bottom of the cup.

As you pour the milk, look closely at the level by which the cup is filled. When it is about three-quarters full, begin shaking the pitcher. Afterwards, stop shaking and bring the pitcher closer to the cup as you pour. White circles should begin to form soon with this. As the cup gets filled up, pour milk in the direction of one side to another and through the center. You should be able to form a heart at the end of it.

Once you get the hang of making shapes with microfoam milk, creating other Latte Art shapes should be possible. You can also try experimenting with other ingredients like chocolate syrup then shaping more complex art using a toothpick.

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Will There Be a Shortage of Coffee?

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Brown’s Coffee Scholarship

Winning Essay of April 2017

Writer: Matthew J. from Chicago, IL

Will There Be a Shortage of Coffee?

Coffee is prized all over the world. People rely on it for its rich flavor, its stimulant properties and its versatility. Styles of coffee vary, from bold and strong Italian espresso to North American “double doubles” to Brazilian coffee (which contains dissolved sugar) and beyond. In the digital age, people experiment with recipes for coffee or find new ways to enjoy it at local coffeehouses.

So, what would we all do without it? Will there be a shortage of coffee which makes it difficult to enjoy our morning cups… and our usual allotments of coffee throughout the day and night? Will we need to pay even more money to get our coffee fix in the future?

Today, we’re going to share facts which help to answer this important question.

Robusta Coffee Bean Crops are Faltering

According to a story published in London’s Financial Times (online version), one of the world’s most commonly-used coffee beans, the robusta bean, which is known for its affordability, is currently in rather short supply! This is the third year running that supplies of this particular type of coffee bean have dwindled, due to faltering crops.

At present, robusta coffee beans are being produced in the same quantities that they were in 2012 and this statistic shows a big slump in production. According to the International Coffee Organization, a shortage of sixty kilogram bags of coffee is anticipated, beginning in October, based on slackening product levels.

While production of arabica beans remains strong, arabica beans cost more and not everyone can afford them. Since crops for robusta are not thriving as they used to, there may well be a shortage of coffee in the foreseeable future, at least for those who rely on reasonably-priced, robusta-based ground coffees (or whole robusta beans).

Naturally, when one type of coffee bean isn’t available, people will turn to other types of coffee beans. This will boost demand for alternative types of coffee beans and may trigger shortages of those coffee beans, also.

Is Climate Change Affecting Coffee Crops?

The Union of Concerned Scientists reported that climate change is definitely making it harder for coffee crops to thrive in all major coffee-producing regions. Climate change is driving up temperatures and droughts are lasting for longer periods of time nowadays. As well, rainfall is more intense, pests are more likely to survive and damaged crops and plant diseases are prevalent.

All of these factors are linked with the devastating impact of climate change.

Even small temperature increases put coffee crops at jeopardy. For instance, a temperature spike of just one half degree may be enough to hurt production. This is one reason why coffee production due to climate change has declined over the past fifteen years.

If you’ve noticed famous ground coffee products, including blends from Folgers and Maxwell House, rising in price over the years, it’s not just due to inflation. It’s actually strongly linked with the impact of climate change on coffee bean crops.

Is Demand for Coffee Rising?

Global demand for coffee beans is definitely going up. In fact, consumption in 2017 is anticipated to be 1.2 percent greater than it was last year. In America and other parts of the world, such as India, China and Japan, coffee demand is going through the roof. People can’t get enough of coffee beans, and this rising demand, coupled with less supply, may lead to even higher prices for coffee beans in the future.

When demand dramatically outstrips supply, prices inevitably go up.

How Will People Cope?

Droughts in coffee-producing nations, such as Brazil, are taking their toll on coffee production. As well, demand is rising because millenials are discovering coffee and committing to it! Many different variables may drive up the price of coffee in the future. So, how will people cope?

Basically, those who are used to cheaper coffee beans may need to accept paying “Starbucks” prices for costly beans which are in greater supply. Paying more isn’t something that anyone is going to enjoy, but it’s not the end of the world, either. Robusta beans cost less because they have a bitter edge in terms of taste, versus arabica beans, which are prized for their smoothness.

It’s possible that people will enjoy better coffee if they have to turn to costlier arabica beans due to the impending coffee shortage. They’ll elevate their palates perhaps, but their budgets will take a hit.

People have gone through worse things. However, the prospective coffee shortage isn’t good news. It’s going to affect a lot of people, and not just those who love to drink coffee. It will also affect local coffeehouses, whose owners will likely need to charge more for the coffee drinks that they offer. It will also hurt brands that produce coffee and coffee-related products. Everyone will feel the burn. Hopefully, initiatives which are designed to reverse climate change, such as the UNESCO Climate Change Initiative, will help to turn things around, environmentally-speaking, so that coffee crops thrive more in the future.

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Will there be a shortage of coffee?”, you’ll be ready to stock up now if you want to. Coffee beans may indeed be frozen, although some purists believe that they shouldn’t be. They also stay quite fresh for extended periods when stored, unfrozen, in airtight containers. Whether you freeze the beans or not, they should always be stored in containers which don’t let in light, air and moisture.

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How To Make Coffee Using A French Press

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Coffee gives you that extra boost of energy to start your day. It’s also a great drink to have when chatting up with someone, or even when you’re alone reading a book. Regardless, you can’t deny the joy and satisfaction that coffee brings to the world.

From its earliest concept up to the present, coffee preparation has gone through multiple modifications. One of which is the French press method. However, this technique involves a more manual approach, and needs precise preparations and steps in order to achieve a delicious outcome. Luckily for you, this article will guide you through the entire process.

Find Here my Best French Press List of 2017

KONA French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker - fresh coffeeWhat is a French press?

To begin, the French press was first made in France, hence the name. Although the original source of its design is still up for debate and hasn’t been specified, the Milanese designer, named Attilio Calimani, was the first to patent it, way back in 1929. Several inspired improvements from other known personalities followed thereafter, and people all over world are now able to enjoy the beauty that is the French press.

Despite several design changes, the concept of this device remains more or less the same. A procedure wherein coffee grounds are mixed with hot water inside a kettle-like pot, and then pressed down with a plunger that has a filter system attached to its tip, therefore separating any residue from the final brew.

What makes the French press better than other methods?

One advantage of using a quality French press lies on its ability to extract essential oils from your coffee grounds, which ordinary paper filters cannot replicate. It’s also fairly inexpensive compared to other similar yet technologically-involved counterparts.

But, most coffee enthusiasts tend to choose the French press simply because of the former benefit. The cheaper cost is just an added bonus. Furthermore, this device’s lack of disposable filter use makes it not only more economical, but also better for the environment.

If these positive effects won’t convince you, nothing else will. But, if you can’t wait to try out the French press way, then please read on.

Things You Need To Prepare

Aside from the main press unit, you’ll be needing several item before you can start making delicious French pressed coffees. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • KONA French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker - thermal shock resistant carafeCoffee Beans

There’re tons of coffee bean brands out there. Some are imported, while others you can find locally. If you already have a long-time preferred coffee bean product, then you can simply use that. However, if you’re fairly new to the coffee world, you should at least go for the mild variety first.

It’s also good to ask for recommendations, either from a coffee-lover friend, a barista, or from the person selling the beans. There’s also no harm in trying out different kinds, since you’ll never know when you might encounter your next favorite coffee blend.

  • Bodum Chambord 8 cup 34oz French Press Coffee MakerFrench Press

You can’t exactly make a French press without this. Just like with the previous component, this one also has different brands. To find the best model, do some research like reading buying guides and reviews. Or, get inputs from friends or professionals. Just make sure the one you buy has a reliable filter system.

  • Scale

Precision is very important when making coffee with a French press. As such, you need a kitchen scale in order to get the ideal ratio between coffee and hot water. You can also use a calibrated spoon as an alternative.

  • Bodum Bistro Coffee GrinderCoffee Bean Grinder

The coarseness of the beans is just as important as the quality of a French press’ filter. Grind too fine and you’ll get a gritty brew. But, not grinding enough will result in a weak and diluted coffee.

To get the best result, aim for a breadcrumb-like texture, which is coarse enough not to pass through the filter. Such consistency also allows for optimal extraction of oils from the coffee grounds. If you want less work, get an automatic coffee beans grinder that has an adjustable setting. Otherwise, you can do it with a manual grinder, which is cheaper.

Find Here my Best French Press List of 2017

Step By Step Guide To A Delicious French Press Coffee

  • Boil Water

Start by boiling clean water on a separate kettle.

  • Grind the Coffee Beans

While waiting for the water to boil, grind your coffee beans per recommendation mentioned above.

  • Scale and Prepare

Place your opened French press on your kitchen scale, and make sure the number shown is zero. Put your coffee ground in the unit per your intended serving. Ideally, you should measure 7-10 grams of coffee per 1 cup (8 oz.). You can adjust between the 7-10 range depending on how intense (higher) or how mild (lower) you want your coffee.

You also need to consider the max capacity of your French press. So, if your model can brew up to 8 cups, then just multiply the grams needed for such amount, which is usually around 56-80 grams. If you don’t have a scale, you can use the 2 tablespoons per cup trick. But the taste won’t be as great.

  • Add Hot Water

Once your water boils (ideal temperature is 203 °F), simply pour the right amount inside the press, based on your measurements. If you want to go the extra mile, you can measure the water per cup before you boil it. Or measure on a scale as you pour the hot water.

  • Wait & Push the Plunger

Pull the plunger of the lid all the way up, and cover the press. Let it steep for at least a minute, then lightly stir the mixture right after. Then, place the lid back again and wait for another 3 minutes before you can finally push the plunger down, and serve. Remember, press down slowly.

Do keep in mind that you can adjust the intensity of the infusion depending on the steeping time after the stir. If you want a milder taste, steep for less than 3 minutes. For a stronger blend, wait a little longer than 3 minutes. However, steeping for too long will make the coffee bitter, so you should transfer the remaining brew for later consumption.

  • Serve Delicious Coffee

Pour into your favorite cup. Smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Take a sip. Enjoy!

Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - add coffee Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - add water Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - push plunger down Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - fresh coffee
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How to Make Coffee While Camping

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A cup of steaming coffee is the best way to wake up completely, especially on those nippy mornings. Even on camping trips, you can still have your morning joe by carrying a few necessities. Here are the many ways in which you can whip up a hot mug in the wild, from DIY methods to simple, travel-friendly coffee-making equipment.

  • SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup french pressFrench Press

If you’re hiking or camping with a group, carrying a French Press with you is the most hassle-free way to provide joe for several folks. In addition, this equipment will help keep your beverage hot and it’s made from stainless steel as well, which makes it travel-friendly.

Coffee grounds meant for percolator use means it should be roughly milled. For every person in the group, allot one teaspoon of the grounds. Toss the grounds to the French press, pour it with steaming water and let the mix soak for 4 minutes.

After the 4 minutes were done, press the device’s plunger bit by bit to let the coffee grounds stay on the bottom. Congratulations, you can now have your hot cup of joe.

Find here the best french press list of 2017

  • Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee PercolatorPercolator

Percolators are such a ‘70s thing, but this piece of nostalgia from the “Me” decade has proven to be quite a handy tool for camping or overnight trips.

To get your fix, put the percolator together and pour enough water just beneath the basket insert. Toss some grounds in the basket amounting to 1 tablespoon of the stuff per 1 cup of water. Bring the percolator to a boil (make sure that it’s low) and once you see the mix bursting in the dome, you can reduce the heat and let the mix simmer for an additional 5 or 10 minutes.

Unless you are using a campfire to make the coffee, better move the device away from the fire so it wouldn’t boil. To guarantee a great cup, make sure that you watch the dome. A pale-looking mix means the beverage won’t be that strong while simmering it too long will make it bitter. Percolators aren’t automatic devices, meaning it will keep operating until you put a stop to its procedure.

Find here the best percolators of 2017

  • Moka Pot

Make coffee the Italian way by bringing a Moka pot. Moka pots work the same way as percolators but the difference is in the result. Making your brew on this device results into an espresso-like beverage minus the crema.

To make one, fill up the bottom chamber with water and toss the middle filter with the grounds (the espresso-ground variety is recommended). Once the mixture boils, it undergoes a procedure where the water gets forced through the grounds and into the topmost chamber, thus giving you your first brew of the day.

Find here the best moka pots of 2017

  • The Coffee Bag

If you’re worried of carrying too much stuff on your ‘pack, you can lighten the load by doing this method. This will provide a single cup or more depending on the amount of coffee you throw on the filter.

This method requires paper coffee filters and all you have to do is put a needed volume of the grounds into the center of the coffee filter, fold its edges like you would a purse then secure it with a string. Wait for your water to boil then pour the water over it or simply plop the filter on the pot. Just remember to secure the filter properly so the grounds wouldn’t leak.

There are also coffee bags just like thee bags. Completely ready to use and you just pour the hot water in the cup. There are a lot of coffee bags with different coffee beans available for everybody’s taste!

  • Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee Instant CoffeeRecyclable Filters

Recyclable coffee filters are an affordable means to make your coffee and you can store it anywhere on your ‘pack. It’s light and all you have to do is put the coffee grounds on the filter, plop it into your mug, pour some water then let the filter soak for several minutes.

  • Instant Coffee

The premade ones are one of the easiest ways to get your fix of joe. However, those who are into their coffee often took note of its taste; it lacks that freshly-brewed, robust taste of freshly-ground kinds. This method only requires you to add steaming water to the product, give it a few stirs and you’re ready to go.

  • The Cowboy Way

Cowboy coffee brewThis utilitarian approach to making your own cup does not need any additional tools. Heat your water up, throw the needed amount of coffee grounds in the pot then wait for several minutes until you can move the beverage to your mug. To avoid a bitter cup of the stuff, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt to the mix. Not bringing the water to a boil and letting the mix simmer will also help minimize its bitter taste.

A cup of coffee while watching the sunrise can make all the walking and hiking worth the effort, and with all these different way to make your favorite cup, it’s going to become a habit.

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8 Ways to Make a Cup of Joe

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To some, making coffee includes instant mixes and a cup of hot water. For other discerning folks though, brewing joe is a work of art. If you want more creativity out of something several folks might call a basic task, here is a list of common brewing techniques.

Eager for that caffeine buzz? Then you have to get a French press for a faster, stronger cup. All you have to do is put the grounds in the pitches, pour hot water on it then let steep for 5. Once those 5 minutes are done, just press on the strainer to get your freshly-brewed joe.

Keep in mind that the longer you steep, the higher the amount of caffeine on the joe, so this method is ideal for those who want to wake up fully in the mornings. However, also remember that big amounts of caffeine also contain great quantities of cafestol, a molecule present in coffee which can raise cholesterol levels.

The common drip-brew process consists of dispensing hot water on the grounds in an automated machine. It is considered an ideal way to get your cuppa because it’s quick, simple and time-honored.

In addition, it is also the healthiest among the methods because the filter included in the machine takes in the natural oils on the coffee grounds, which can raise your cholesterol levels over the course of time.

Espresso is a method to brew coffee and it needs appropriate equipment to make a great shot. It can be a tiresome process, but given enough time and practice, one can master the craft. Any coffee can be made into espresso but each kind can differ in terms of flavor.

The method involves pressing hot water on a compressed espresso puck of coffee grounds at a high pressure. Each and every espresso machine employs the use of boilers with a heating component that draws the water to the needed temperature. A good espresso machine provides stable heat and pressure throughout the process.

The Moka pot is at times referred to as an electric coffee maker or stove-top espresso maker. You can make a cup from it by passing hot water that’s pressed forward by means of steam through the grounds. It has an extraction rate that’s the same as that of a standard espresso machine, which results into a stronger cup.

Single-serve cups of joe are heaven-sent for those who want that blast of caffeine anywhere they go, anytime. This methods works like a conventional drip device, the difference being the coffee is already crushed and portioned out. You just put a pod of the stuff in the device and after 5 minutes, have your steaming cup of java.

Pods usually come in dark roast and light roast varieties. The dark ones contain antioxidants that fight cancer while the lighter ones are apt to contain greater amounts of caffeine.

  • Instant Coffee

The fastest, most straightforward among methods, without relying on machines; all you have to do is take a cup of steaming water and mix some coffee powder in it.

It is not considered real coffee by connoisseurs of the craft because it’s just freeze/spray-dried coffee extract but studies have shown that instant coffee is packed with blood sugar-lowering antioxidants which can curb your risk of getting diabetes.

  • Cold Brew

Cold brewing is a method embraced by today’s joe aficionados and is quite similar to the French press method. However, instead of hot water, cold water is employed in the process and the coffee grounds are steeped for a good 12 hours. This results into a sharper yet sweeter cup of joe as compared with other coffees because the cold water draws out the organic flavors of the grounds’ oils (hot water modifies the oils or gets rid of it).

Coffee beans are usually acidic, and in cold brewing, these acids are purged so this method is actually recommended for those who go through acid reflux or heartburn. However, if you are not into a frosty cuppa, make some with cold water then mix hot milk or water with it whenever you need one.

The Chemex brewer was made in the 40’s and just recently, it has made a comeback due to the efforts of coffee aficionados who want more than just barista-tendered mixes. It works like a conventional drip-machine and it usually involves dispensing heated water over the coffee grounds. However, the method is distinctive since it needs a thrice-thick filter.

Because of the filter, the finished product provides a smoother, cleaner cuppa with fewer oils than a conventional drip-produced brew. This nifty device also makes sure that the water will stay at a fixed 180 to 200 degrees.

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From Coffee Plant To A Cup Of Coffee: The Unique Process of Coffee Making

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You may not know it yet but there’s more to your cup of coffee than you might know.

Whether it’s brewed or the instant kind, coffee is a breakfast staple that most people cannot go without. However, not all people understand that enjoying their cup of coffee employs a complex process. It’s more than just growing the coffee plant, harvesting the beans and – voila! – you have your cup of coffee to enjoy.

Find here the best espresso machines, french presses and coffee makers.

Labor Intensive Process

Each step in the coffee making process is labor intensive. It requires proper education and careful attention to detail.

Read more and find out how does a coffee bean gets into your cup in the morning.

  1. Growing

Coffee berries beans growingThe growing process of a coffee plant starts with the same coffee bean that you brew after it was harvested. The coffee plant can only grow on subtropical or tropical climates and will only produce coffee beans after 4-5 years. They are also usually pruned to grow half of its size from 20 feet to become just 8-10 feet tall for easier harvesting.

The scent of the coffee flowers resembles that of a jasmine scent. As for its fruit, a young coffee bean starts as a small green cherry and will later on evolve to become yellow and deep red which is an indication of peak ripeness. Some varieties of coffee beans turn yellow or simply dark orange to show their ripeness. See here our complete overview of the coffee beans varieties.

  1. Harvesting

Farmer harvesting coffee beansOnce the coffee beans reach their peak ripeness, they’re now ready for harvesting. In some countries, coffee beans are either handpicked or harvested using a harvesting machine but the actual harvesting process can be categorized into two ways: selectively picked or strip picked.

The selectively picked process usually employs the handpicked selection because only ripe coffee cherries are harvested. Usually, it takes pickers 8-10 days to harvest the right amount of coffee beans for production. Since this process is labor intensive and costly, it is a process used primarily for harvesting the finer coffee variety just like Arabica beans.

On the other hand, the strip picked process is far easier because all coffee cherries are simply stripped off the branch which can be done by hand or using a harvesting machine.

  1. Pulping

Drying coffee beansOnce the coffee cherries are harvested, the beans should be separated from its outer layer of flesh within 24 hours. This process is called pulping and is done so as not to spoil the natural rich flavor of the coffee beans. It also prevents the quick spoilage of the coffee beans.

There are two ways to pulp coffee beans: the dry method which is the age-old method of depulping especially for countries with limited water resources. The harvested beans are simply spread and left put to dry in the sun. The wet method, on the other hand, removes the pulp from the coffee cherries using a machine by passing them through water channels.

  1. Fermenting

Once the coffee cherries are pulped, they would be fermented to bring out the rich and natural flavor of the coffee beans. Most of the time, the beans are placed in large fermentation tanks filled with water. Once the fermentation process is complete; which usually takes from 4-72 hours depending on location, the beans are now ready for drying and will feel rough to the touch.

  1. Drying

Unlike with pulping, the drying process require the coffee beans to be washed first through several wood channels using clean water before they can be prepared for drying. Once done, the beans will be sun-dried on floors or drying tables with an ideal 11% of moisture left for storage. To achieve this, the coffee beans would need constant turning and will be called parchment coffee once dried.

  1. Milling

This process is done to sort through defective coffee beans. Usually, there are three ways how this can be done. One is hulling wherein a machine is used to remove the parchment layer of the coffee beans. Second is the grading and sorting wherein coffee beans are sorted by their weight, size, color, and other imperfections.

An optional method can also be done – polishing – wherein any silver skin left after the hulling process is removed. Depending on the company, this process is either done by hand, with the assistance of a conveyor, or just a machine.

  1. Roasting

Coffee beans roasting at homeNext in the process is roasting the coffee beans which borders between being a science and an art. This is because roasting enhances the best qualities found in coffee beans so you get to enjoy their rich taste and aroma to the fullest. It also turns the green milled beans to the rich coffee brown you know in TV commercials.

There are different levels of roasting: medium roast, full city roast, Vienna roast, and French roast to name a few. There are also times when coffee beans are roasted using two methods to come up with an array of unique flavor combinations.

  1. Grinding and brewing

Coffee beans at roasted coffee heapLast but not the least is the grinding and brewing process. This is the time when you try to get the most flavor of coffee beans in a cup and enjoy it.

… and wow!

Who knew that the process it takes to get yourself a cup of coffee in the morning is that complex? Perhaps right now, you’d enjoy the taste and aroma of those golden beans more than you did in the past.

Read more interesting articles about coffee, how to make the best coffee and reviews of espresso and coffee makers: www.brownscoffee.com

Coffee beans and fresh cup of coffee

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Your Handy Coffee Bean Guide

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Coffee is a hugely popular drink, the top choice for a lot of businessmen, students, and everybody else that want the perk and punch the beverage gives any time of day.

More and more people like to grinder the coffee beans themselves and create a fresh cup of coffee with the coffee beans of their taste. Other people like to skip the grinding and just buy a pack of the best coffee beans. The process of making coffee is part of the whole experience and many coffee-lovers have their special way of doing this.

And whether you’re using a french press, single brew coffee maker, espresso machine or drip coffee maker, the most important thing is that can enjoy the perfect cup of coffee!

There are plenty types of coffee beans and in order to provide a good impression of each kind, you need some basic information first. Let us kickstart this article with essential information on coffee beans.

Cappuccino coffee drinkThe Beans

Those varying types of coffee come from the pits of coffee cherries. Coffee cherries are the berry-like fruits yielded by trees belonging in the Coffea genus. These coffee cherries are then picked from those trees then the pits are taken away and processed, which in turn brings forth coffee beans. These beans are soon roasted, minced and brewed.

There are three kinds of coffee beans and they are the following:

  • Coffea Arabica

Coffea Arabica was first discovered growing abundantly in Ethiopia. One of the earliest species to be developed, it remains to be the most common that’s cultivated for profitable purposes. It supplies around 70 percent on the global trade and is also considered as much more superior than other types.

  • Coffea Robusta

Robusta is a species that was first discovered in Zaire. It has been reported that the kind has a high quantity of caffeine but is considered second-rate as compared with Coffea Arabica. It develops in abundance at lower altitudes, yields plenty of fruit and is more impervious to diseases than the Arabica type.

Countries who produce an abundance of Robusta are Brazil, Vietnam and West Africa. It is second to Arabica in terms of being developed and processed and contributes around 30 percent of coffee produced all over the world. Robusta is more affordable than Arabica to treat and is primarily used by a lot of commercial coffee firms in making instant coffee.

  • Coffea Liberica

This is a species native to the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Its most distinguishing features are its flat and jagged beans. Its quality is as good as Robusta but it only contributes a few percentage among the coffees produced in the world. Liberica is cultivated in Malaysia and West Africa, however only a few amounts of it are marketed worldwide.

The flavor of Liberica is lesser measured up against Arabica but it was praised for its ability to resist parasites, is twice bigger than majority of the other beans and is an excellent graft base for growing new species of coffee trees.

coffee beans cherryThe Cultivars

Cultivars are basically a plant variety that has been created through selective breeding. Because coffee is a popular beverage, many botanists and companies took part in producing and developing new coffee varieties for a wider selection of flavors.

The most common coffee beans among cultivars from the Arabica family include the Var. Bourbon and the Var. Typica. Var. Typica is the oldest among the Arabica cultivars and is the source of many other varieties.

It is assumed that the plants that were grown in the southwestern part of Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley lay the earliest coffee plants. Plenty of these new hybrid species have been bred from those older Arabica varieties in order to multiply resistance to parasite attacks and gather a bigger yield.

  • Bourbon

This is a Coffea Arabica cultivar which was first grown and developed on the island of Bourbon in the eastern part of Madagascar. It’s second to Typica in terms of commercialization and several varieties of Latin-American made coffees came from the Bourbon cultivar. Varieties of Bourbon offer a higher percent of genetic range as compared with Typica.

  • Typica

It is a Coffea Arabica cultivar which is grown in Ethiopia. It is the oldest and the most well-known among coffee varieties and it comprises majority of the world’s coffee manufacture. Like the Bourbon variety, a few of the most celebrated Latin-American coffees came from the Typica source.

It yields lower as compared with other varieties but it compensates excellently enough when it comes to flavor.

Coffee beans and fresh cup of coffeeProof of coffee’s popularity can be seen through the vast number of coffeehouses all over the world and the hundreds of brands available at the moment.

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee retailed and it’s priced as such because of the offbeat manner in which the beans were acquired. The beans are made from coffee beans that have been consumed then defecated by palm civets or civet cats, a cat-like mammal from Indonesia. The civet’s fecal matter are gathered then undergo the required processes to make it into coffee.

It’s assumed that the beans from this variety are topnotch because civets are very particular of the beans they eat, only choosing the ripest among the lot. Also it is believed that the natural enzymes found on the animals’ digestive tract makes the beans less acidic and bitter. Nowadays, Kopi Luwak retails from roughly $300 per pound.

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Most Popular Coffee Drinks

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These days, getting a dose of your daily caffeine is pretty easy and almost always available. There’s a plethora of choices as well which may be attributed to the numerous sources of coffee beans all over the world as well as plenty of ways to brew coffee.

For many years, people have been making ways to perfect the art of making and drinking coffee. It has gone far from the simple daily brewed coffee to the modern-day espresso you get to sip every day. These days, the magical coffee bean has become more than just your usual drink it’s an addictive necessity that most people crave for everyday.

Here’s a look of the world’s popular coffee drinks that are available at most coffee houses and can easily be made at home:

  1. Espresso

Two espresso cups under espresso machine.jpgThis type of coffee is said to be the foundation for the different varieties of special coffee drinks. Espresso is that strong black coffee that most people have been used to drinking for years now. It is done through forcing steam to the sweet-smelling coffee beans at high pressure.

This type of coffee is achieved using an espresso machine.

You will know that you have achieved that perfect espresso when you have a thick, golden-brown cream on its surface. If it’s perfectly done the sugar you have poured on it will float on the surface for few seconds before it sinks at the bottom.

Espresso may either be prepared as it is or with bits of sugar. When you want it done “short”, it means that you will have it prepared with less water thereby making it more concentrated while having it “long” means that you will have more water making it less concentrated.

Check out the De’Longhi espresso machines.

  1. Cappuccino

Cappuccino coffee drinkCappuccino’s been a popular drink these days that even the most common coffee shops offer it and even versions of it. To achieve that classic cappuccino, you oly have to combine equal parts of steamed milk, milk froth and of course, espresso. And if you’ve done it properly this drink can be both your dessert and your drink.

Sprinkle your cappuccino with a bit of grated dark chocolate or your favorite unsweetened cocoa powder to make the best out of your drink.

Wanting your cappuccino “scuro” means that you want it with less milk therefore making it more concentrated and darker, “chiaro” on the hand means that you want more milk while a “skinny” cappuccino is prepared with skim or nonfat milk. Cappuccino may also be prepared with ice, making it the perfect drink for summer.

  1. Caffe Latte

Caffe Latte coffee drinkThis type of coffee is done with three parts of steamed milk to one part of espresso and on top a layer of milk foam. To have it taste better, add some sugar to your latte.

Caffe Latte didn’t really exist in Italy but has its origin in America. The better baristas can make fantastic images in the foam. Popular images are ferns and love hearts.

Caffe Latte is best to pair with cakes, cookies and bread giving your snack time a different twist.

  1. Caf au Lait

Caf au Lait coffee drinkCaf au Lait is the French version of the caffe latte. The only thing that differentiates it from Caffe Latte is that it instead of espresso, you use brewed coffee and is mixed in equal parts with steamed milk. Based on how it is prepared, Caf au Lait is actually the lighter and weaker version of the Caffe Latte. Add some sugar to make the best of it.

  1. Americano

Espresso Americano coffee drinkThe name was said to have originated based on how Americans would usually do with their espresso, which is to dilute it first. To prepare for it, you only have to have a single shot of espresso and dilute it with a cup of hot water. Over the years, the Americano type of coffee had been perfected by many coffee houses and had even revolved its preparation to something rich in espresso and creamy.

For most people, Americano is more preferred to be prepared as it is but others find it more tasty and delicious if they decrease the amount of milk so they can taste espresso better.

  1. Caf Mocha or Mochaccino

Cafe Mocha Mochaccino coffee drinkMochaccino is another version of your Cappuccino or Caffe Latte that has been added with a chocolate powder or syrup.

Actually, coffee houses had already made different versions of this type of coffee and if you find their recipe to be appealing to your taste, you can always ask them how they do it.

For an extra twist to your usual Mochaccino, you can also finish it off with a whipped cream.

  1. Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee - iced coffeeAlso known as Cold Press, the Cold Brew type of coffee is done by precipitating coffee out of coffee grounds soaked in water at a cold or room temperature for at least 12 hours and even more. After the long hours of holding period, the grounds are then filtered out of the water through a paper coffee filter or any filtering system. This gives the coffee with a more concentrated result.

The newly filtered cold coffee is then diluted with milk or water and may be served with ice, served as hot or may also mixed up with other ingredients like coffee.

Cold Coffee is said to be sweeter as compared to other types of coffee probably because it’s less acidic.

  1. Decaffeinated Coffee

NespressoIf you want the goodness of a coffee without the caffeine then a Decaffeinated Coffee is the best choice.

During the decaffeination process coffee beans undergo four different methods to extract caffeine, namely ethyl acetate method, water method, carbon dioxide method and the dichloromethane method. All these process are intended to lower the caffeine content of coffee beans.

Decaffeinated coffee became popular during the 20th century because of the people’s clamor to maintain good health without totally avoiding coffee. Decaf coffees are often served as a regular brewed coffee, a mix of regular caffeinated coffee and decaf, instant or espresso.

  1. Frappe

Frappe coffee drinkThis type of coffee is the best choice if you want espresso served in cold. Frappe has been popular in Europe and Latin America especially during summer season.

Preparing for Frappe is pretty easy. You simply have to mix 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee, water, sugar and ice and there you have it your very own Frappe. It will taste more like a coffee milkshake and is best to pair with some cookies or cakes.