Best Coffee Makers |

Aroma Therapy – All Things Coffee
RSS Feed

Hospitality questions! About coffee, tea etc.?

Friday Jul 31, 2009

Here are some questions from the hospitality food and beverage course I’m doing. I have already answered some, but if they are wrong please correct them =) THANKYOU!!! 1.What are the different methods of roasting coffee? There are simple ways of roasting coffee and there are more technical ways, simple ways are pan/stovetop and oven roasting. In between there are home air-poppers and home drum roasters. More technical ways are the many commercial roasters out there. 2.How do you choose the correct grind for the method of brewing? If the method of brewing is only a short time in the appliance then the coffee should be grinded very finely so that the flavors release quickly. If the coffee spends more time in the appliance, such as a percolator the coffee needs to be a coarser grind so that the flavors don’t release too quickly. 3.How should coffee be stored? It should be stored in a cool dry place, like wine. Once the package is open it needs to be stored in an air tight container and used as soon as possible. 4.What equipment is used in coffee making? There are automatic coffee machines that make the whole coffee at the touch of a button and there are many other pieces of equipment used to manually make coffee; -Coffee bean grinders -Percolators -Boiling water units -Espresso machines -Milk frothing jugs -Milk thermometers -Filters -Cups and mugs -Saucers -Spoons 5.What are the different ways of brewing coffee? 1.Turkish – Grind: pulverized 2.Percolator – Grind: coarse 3.Regular drip – Grind: medium-course 4.Plunger – Grind: medium-course 5.Vacuum – Grind: course 6.Cold-water – Grind: course 7.Espresso – Grind: fine 6.What are the different ways in which coffee is served? -Black -White (with milk) -With cream -With or without sugar -Chocolate or cinnamon added 7.What is a scented tea? 8.What is the difference between tea and tea bags? 9.Why is tea brewed? 10. How are milk, lemon and sugar used in tea? 11. How are garnishes used to decorate tea? 12. How should tea be stored? 13. How should tea be served? 14. Why are non-alcoholic drinks gaining in popularity? 15. What fruit and vegetables (fresh, tinned and frozen) does your establishment use? 16. What dairy products are used in non-alcoholic drinks? 17. What cordials and syrups are used in non-alcoholic drinks? 18. What equipment is used to make non-alcoholic drinks? 19. What garnishes are used in your establishment? 20. What glassware is used in your establishment? 21. Why should equipment be kept clean? 22. Why should equipment be maintained correctly?


Specialty Stores Carry Gourmet Coffee

Friday Jul 31, 2009

When creating decaffeinated coffee the European process involves having the beans soaked in water and washing the beans with methylene chloride. The treated beans are then dried and roasted. Gourmet coffee beans from this plant are usually harvested from this tree three times a year for 30 years.

Gourmet coffee made from the beans of this plant tastes great and holds a premium position in the market. Gourmet coffees from Arabica coffee beans boast of a finer aroma, richer flavor, and more body than those made from Robusta beans. The Robusta beans on the other hand, are known for their disease-resistance properties and are more popularly used in commercial blends.

People enjoy the taste of the sophisticated beans used in the making of this delightful gourmet drink. When purchasing coffee beans from different areas they all go through the same type of process. Beans are picked, dried, and sorted pretty much the same way.

The coffee and tea market has become so popular that the exports of some countries are coffee and tea alone, we spend more than $20 billion a year on coffee, that is a lot of coffee. No seems to disagree that a cup of gourmet coffee is definitely better than and average blend of coffee.

Gourmet flavored coffee lovers just don’t seem to get enough from their coffee desire. Gourmet flavored coffee is becoming very popular and many people are like the different flavors that have been coming out in the market place.

If you would like to appreciate a cup of gourmet coffee, take some time to taste other coffees and compare, make sure you use the fresh beans to compare them equally. There are gourmet flavored coffees that are caffeinated and those that are decaffeinated. Some of the newest gourmet flavored coffee includes vanilla, macadamia, and even peanut butter.

Gourmet coffees come in so many different flavors like Toasted Almond, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut. If you want to try something a little out of the ordinary then you can try one of the flavored varieties. When preparing coffee it should be prepared from the bean that is fresh, instead of having the bean ground for you take the time to do it when you want to drink the coffee.

Usually you need a machine to do this and espresso really brings about the right flavour of the coffee beans. Espresso is black coffee and requires a stream of steam which is passed over the coffee beans.

Gourmet espresso beans make excellent gifts for all occasions, especially if your recipient is a certified coffee lover. When brewing an espresso this method needs the least amount of time to prepare but need the beans ground very fine to get the taste just right. You can find espresso machines at any wholesale store or online and you can purchase the gourmet beans at any specialty store or online

There are many coffee shops that have popped up and they seem like they are on every street corner and they sell coffee beans, you can also find these gourmet beans in supermarkets or specialty shops.

David Marc Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/specialty-stores-carry-gourmet-coffee-99616.html


Coffee Machines – What Extras You Need

Friday Jul 31, 2009

Since coffee was first made there have been machines to do the brewing. The Turkish Ibrik was the first coffee maker invented. It’s still in use in the coffeehouses of the Middle East and Turkey, providing one of the strongest drinks around, but needs no filters.

Most machines are designed to drip. Put the water into the top of it, let the coil heat it, just like a kettle does, and then watch the boiling water funnel through your grind and into a pot made of glass, that sits on a heated metal plate. However, this is very basic, and there is so much more that other machines can do to make your life easier.

The modern ones have developed so much that they do everything except play your latest music dvds. Most now come with LCD displays that tell you what time it is, the brewing time, and the temperature. They even have timers and other information.

Brewing control is still very minimal. Auto-switchoffs are useful for those of us who simply forget about it. I’m a fine example of someone who is extremely busy and cannot wait for the pot to fill. I take out the pot before the stream has finished. Once upon a time, the coffee would not stop dripping and splash onto the plate. Thanks to this new feature there is a temporary stop in the flow while the pot is removed. The LCD is especially useful as it lights up the darkness for those of us who get a very early start.

The new European pod machines are probably the niftiest invention because little or no cleaning is involved like the one-cup coffee makers of the past involved. You use paper filters that already contain pre-measured coffee and allow the boiling water to properly filter through the grinds. Once the brew is finished you throw them away. This is extremely important if you are like me, the busy person who does not have an aversion to cleaning, but very little time to do so.

The one cup coffee makers are a great addition with their easy to buy paper filters, perfect for us city folk and the poor quality water we get. However, permanent filters are set to replace these. The pods can use either, but people are still arguing over the affect on your drink if do use paper filters in them. The choice is yours really.

If you really want to splash out then get a machine that has a built in grinder. Personally I prefer the pleasure of a separate machine because the cleaning up afterwards is that much easier. I still have yet to find a machine that roasts, grinds and brews. Have you seen one yet?

Would that be going asking too much? It may be that the traditional way is best. I don’t hear any complaints from Turkey, and their coffee is absolutely delicious. My coffee has not been as good lately. I wonder why?

Peter Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/coffee-machines-what-extras-you-need-120664.html


Why are most coffee makers drip coffee makers? What happened to perk coffee makers. Is drip coffee better?

Monday Jul 27, 2009

My mother always made perked coffee and now everyone uses drip coffee makers. Why? Which method produces the best coffee?

Perked coffee is boiled coffee, too easy to burn the coffee, making it bitter.
Drip pots make a smoother, better tasting coffee.


Organic Free Trade Shade Grown Coffee?

Monday Jul 27, 2009

I am looking for a coffee company, that has their beans in stores that are regularly available, safeway/qfc/new seasons/wild oats/ etc. I would like this coffee to be Organic, Free Trade (meaning no slave labor) and shade grown, so that they do not support deforestation. Does anybody know of a place?

Thanks

Certified Organic Kona coffee would fit that description. You can find it in some specialty coffee shops, but that doesn’t help you. Sorry.

Most Kona coffee is not shade grown because we don’t have to shade the trees. We have a volcanic haze that surrounds the higher altitudes that serves as a natural UV filter. Since it was volcanic soil with little growing on it there was no deforestation. It is free trade as you can get… we go to the farm and deal directly with the grower. The typical coffee farm in Kona is between 10 and 12 acres and family owned an operated.


How do I make a Flat White at Home without a Coffee Machine?

Monday Jul 27, 2009

I would like to make Flat Whites at home but I don’t have a coffee machine. Any insite would be great.

If you want to know how to make the foamed milk, there’s an easy way. Put about 2 cups of milk (2% or heavier, or half & half) in a good stainless pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes (it works best when starting cold).

Now, put the pan on the stove, heat @ medium/medium high while whisking briskly. Keep doing that & it will foam up. Go until it feels hot (not scalding) when you put your finger in the milk, you don’t want to burn it. Never stop whisking until done.

For the coffee, a cheap & very good way to make it is with a moka pot. It’s as close to espresso as you can get without a good machine & they cost between $25 & $150 instead of $700+. The smaller ones actually work better than the big ones. You have to realize that they measure in espresso (2 oz) cups, so a 4 or 6-cup model may only make 1 larger cup of coffee or 2 cappuccinos.

Bialetti makes the most well known moka pots. I went stainless as I wanted it to last longer & I could never get the aluminum one to seal properly.


What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Espresso

Friday Jul 24, 2009

As long as you do not drink too much, espresso is good for you. But just why is espresso good for you? The reason is that it contains anti-oxidants that many people are unaware of. These anti-oxidants help to boost your health and it does not matter whether you drink espresso or a cappuccino.

Unfortunately lots of people will avoid drinking coffee because of the amount of caffeine that it contains. But this is not the only ingredient in it and there are plenty of others that are actually beneficial to our bodies. It has been found that the anti-oxidants contained within coffee help to boost our immune system to lend a hand in staying healthy. It has also been proven that anti-oxidants can help to decrease the likelihood of someone developing heart disease.

Plus these anti-oxidants will also help to reduce the risk of someone developing cirrhosis of the liver that can in some cases lead to liver cancer. But it should not be used as a replacement in place of you having regular checkups or screenings with your family doctor.

In research carried out by various places across the world the following was found that there were some benefits to be had from drinking coffee.

1. A reduced risk of diabetes. Research carried out at Harvard which analyzed data on 126,000 people over an 18 year period found that by drinking between 5 and 6 cups of coffee a day men reduced the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 54% and women reduced their risk by 30%.

2. Parkinson’s. In a recent study carried out it was found that men who drank 4 to 5 cups of coffee each day cut their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by nearly half compared to those who consumed little or no coffee each day.

3. Heart Disease. This is one of the biggest killers of people around the world. In a study carried out by Scottish Heart Health on 11,000 men and women (aged between 40 and 59) it was found that the more coffee they drank the less risk there was of them dying from heart disease.

So as you can see from above there are many reasons as to why espresso is good for you. Why not start enjoying a cup or two each day from now on. I’m sure your body will soon be thanking you for it!

Douglas Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-espresso-106616.html


Drink Coffee for a Healthier You

Friday Jul 17, 2009

Looking for a way to lift your mood and treat headaches? To lower your risk of Parkinson’s, diabetes, and colon cancer? One that could even lower your risk of cavities?

It’s not too good to be true: coffee consumption appears to lower the risk for several diseases. And, what’s even more exciting, the more you drink, the greater the health benefits.

I have what might be referred to as a healthy dependence on coffee, particularly in the morning. As a result, I am already aware that coffee is effective for stopping a morning headache and boosting my mood.

And, as the parent of a teen asthmatic, I’ve also seen first hand that coffee is helpful in managing asthma and even controlling attacks when medication is unavailable.

The interesting thing is, new research by Harvard demonstrates that consuming one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. What’s more, having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30% over those who abstain from coffee.

Granted, that is more than most people normally consume. But it does hold out promise that greater research might what is responsible for such positive effects.

The really interesting thing here is that more and more studies are revealing that coffee, particularly in higher amounts, can have very positive effects on overall health. And while there may be some negatives to excessive drinking of coffee, overall, research shows that coffee is far more beneficial than it is harmful.

For example: recent research indicates that regular coffee drinkers are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s. What’s more, several of those research programs were able to demonstrate that the more a person drinks, the lower their risk.

Another great example is that at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones, versus those who do not drink coffee.

So, what’s causing these health benefits?

In all likelihood, it’s the caffeine and the many naturally occurring antioxidants found in coffee beans. Interestingly, the overall potency of many of these anti-oxidants is increased during the roasting process.

Coffee is a significant source of caffeine, and the evidence is very strong that regular coffee consumption reduces risk of Parkinson’s disease. The cause of that is directly related to caffeine. As a result, Parkinson’s drugs are currently being developed which contain a derivative of caffeine.

Caffeine is also what helps in treating asthma and headaches. For example, a single dose of many popular pain relievers contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent to two cups of coffee.

Coffee also has large amounts of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, and minerals such as magnesium. These compounds have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This increased sensitivity improves one’s response to insulin.

The result is that a cup of decaf is also more effective than a cup of tea in reducing diabetes (though only half as much as those drinking caffeinated coffee).

Finally, research in Europe has shown that the compound trigonelline, which is responsible for coffee’s aroma and bitter taste, demonstrates both antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties. Such properties have a direct effect on dental health, helping to prevent dental cavities from forming.

Of course, coffee isn’t perfect. In some people, that magic “jolt” of caffeine can result in nervousness, hand trembling, and rapid heartbeat. Further, pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee.

Nevertheless, the result is that, for people of reasonably normal health, coffee is a reasonably healthy choice and can have health benefits into the future.

Michael Lee-Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/drink-coffee-for-a-healthier-you-76291.html


All About The Space Saving Coffee Machine

Friday Jul 17, 2009

Life is so hectic, but coffee is a crucial piece of your fast moving life. Making it through the day without those 2 or more cups of delicious, heart-warming coffee would be so totally unimaginable. You have just moved, finished unpacking and your new place has a very tiny and not so manageable kitchen. Unfortunately, there’s room for everything else, the toaster oven and the microwave, but the huge coffee machine. What can you do? Should you budget for a cup from your coffeehouse every day? That’s crazy. It would cost you a fortune. Your best bet is to buy one of those coffee makers that saves space and look attractive too. This type of wonderful machine is the perfect solution, but you need to know which one to buy.

There are many of these space saving machines available. What about the reasonable drip coffee machine? They are one of the most reliable varieties for everyone and some can be mounted under your cupboards like a microwave. The trick is finding the right filters – nylon, gold or other permanent types. The permanent ones ensure that your coffee beans’ oils get into your water and infuse the flavour perfectly. They also don’t taint any unnecessary flavouring into your beloved brew. It is best to clean them after every use, but despite the extra effort, it is worth the time.

You could try the hand and French press types. Some experts claim that these make the best coffee, otherwise just stick to instant coffee. They are also known as cafetieres. You can buy them in your local coffeehouses quite cheaply. You simply put in your grinds, add boiling water, steep for a few minutes, plunge, and pour. Simple, eh?

The new ones are the exciting pod-variety. They speedily shoot boiling water through coffee type pads, that results in a cup of smooth java that is claimed to be pretty close to the European style coffee house brews. Some say that in order to make the supreme brew with your space saving coffee machine that you should use an espresso one. These are similar to the pod-variety, but the grinds in the espresso one are fresher and easier to clean up. Ultimately either one gives a flavoursome cup of coffee.

Turning to the space saving coffee machine is a wise move. You will definitely reduce the clutter and still get that early morning coffee. However, the real trick is getting a quality one to purchase.

Clinton Maxwell
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/all-about-the-space-saving-coffee-machine-119610.html


Choosing Your Next Coffee Maker

Friday Jul 10, 2009

 

A coffee maker is an electric appliance that produces brewed coffee automatically, consisting of a hotplate, coffee pot, filter basket, and water reservoir. When it comes to coffee makers there are many, many to choose from. But if you are a coffee lover, you are probably very discriminating in your preferences so it’s worth your time to do your analysis.

But first, determine what you want in a coffee maker. Are you satisfied with going to the nearest box store and picking one up for about twenty dollars? That’s fine, they make a decent cup of coffee. Or maybe you’re looking for something with a bit added style. Something that will fit into your kitchen decor nicely. Or something of best quality that will outlast the 20 buck special.

What options are essential to you? Should it have a clock built in that will allow your coffee to be ready and waiting when you hit the kitchen? Programmable coffee makers are a type of coffee maker that is becoming additional more popular not only in the workplace, but in homes as well.

Another type of coffee maker that is gaining popularity is the single cup type. Whether you just need one cup of Joe to start the day or you are trying to limit your caffeine intake by fixing just one cup at a time, the single cup coffee makers are an excellent solution. They are also accomplished for the stay at home types who may just want a single cup mid-day and don’t want to make a whole pot. They also are available in a programmable version.

There are many ways to brew your coffee using the ever-reliable coffee maker. Decaf and coffee types that contain caffeine can be equally as appealing to the taste buds. For an analysis of more coffee subjects, visit http://www.fmcoffee.com.

As you begin your analysis of coffee makers, the first thing that you need to think about is what kind of coffee drinks you want to make. Do you prefer regular coffee, espresso, latte, or cappuccino? Espresso makers create a powerful and strong coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. But maybe that’s not you cup of tea. Just know that there are unique and different types of cappuccino, espresso and coffee makers on the market.

If you are a gourmet coffee drinker, you may want to opt for a Cafetiere. A Cafetiere is a French coffee maker that is also known as a French press. Since no filters are used, this coffee pot makes rich, strong coffee. But beware: if you are not going to serve the coffee immediately, avoid using a Cafetiere. If left to sit, your coffee will continue to brew and you will be left with a coffee that is very bitter.

So weather it’s a single cup style, a traditional coffee maker, an espresso, capuccino, or latte type, enjoy your down time with a terrific coffee. And here’s a bonus: once you have a new coffee maker, you will be able to save time and money by spending less time waiting in lines at the coffee shop.

Yvonne Volante
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/choosing-your-next-coffee-maker-84129.html

 

Technorati Tags: ,


Strong theme by partnerstvo & partnership & aerography.