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Articles on coffee beans and coffee makers

Are You Among The Millions Of Americans Addicted To Foamy Specialty Coffee Drinks?

   Subscribe To Our Feed Wed 8 Jul 2009

by Michael Stadneck

Making a superb gourmet coffee all starts with beans. Gourmet coffee beans are mostly Arabica because of their supreme robust flavor and smooth texture. Arabica beans are considered the premium bean in the coffee industry and the demand is high which makes it much pricier than other beans. Arabica coffee beans are the most prominently grown and provide approximately 60% of world coffee production. One reason the beans are so expensive is that the Arabica plant is very sensitive to unfavorable conditions such as frost, pests and disease. What leads people to wait in long, long lines for a cup of gourmet-brewed coffee beverage? Just what are espresso, cappuccino and macchiato?

Espresso: Surprisingly enough, espresso coffee is already one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. It is also the basis for specialty drinks like Cappuccino. Espresso coffee is regular coffee, brewed and consumed at very concentrated brewing and drinking ratios. It is brewed much faster than regular drip coffee. Since the hot water is quickly forced through the fine grounds it usually only takes between 25 and 30 seconds to brew a cup of espresso.

Cappuccino: A cappuccino is a mixture of espresso, a little steamed milk and a little milk foam. The milk/foam ratio is up to you what you enjoy most. Cappuccino is a remarkable thing. An incredible exercise in doing something absurd within the browser client. Cappuccino is almost everybody’s favorite drink. People try to make it at home, sometimes unsuccessfully.

A latte is basically a diluted cappuccino with almost entirely steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top. Cafe latte is simply the Italian words for “coffee and milk”. The drink was made using a “moka” (a stovetop coffee machine which makes double-strength coffee, not espresso).

A Mocha or mochaccino is an espresso and steamed milk mixed with chocolate and served with whipped cream on top. Despite being chocolate flavored, these are not terribly sweet. If you don’t want to taste the espresso, ask for flavor syrup or sugar to be added, or try one of the other mocha drinks instead.

A Cafe Americano is simply an Italian espresso that has been diluted with a little extra water to soften the espresso flavor. A similar beverage is referred to as caffe lungo. Or as some Europeans refer to it as the watered down drink for those sissy Americans.

Besides the hot drinks, there are also a wide variety of iced coffee gourmet drinks as well. Basically, you take any of your favorite varieties, add ice cubes and topping, and voila, you’ve got yourself a delicious gourmet milk shake-type drink.

People who frequent specialty coffee shops are intrigued with the taste, aroma and the creation itself. Most customers will remember your business if you serve them beautiful cappuccinos presented with flair. Knowing how to pour latte art also assures your baristas are steaming milk properly, a necessary component of the technique. Customers want the authenticity of a real cup of coffee and do not seem to mind paying a much higher price for their favorite fix.

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A Mouth Watering Frothy Gourmet Coffee Is A Great Way To Greet Your Day!

   Subscribe To Our Feed Mon 6 Jul 2009

by Michael Stadneck

Making a superb gourmet coffee all starts with beans. Gourmet coffee beans are mostly Arabica because of their supreme robust flavor and smooth texture. Arabica beans are considered the premium bean in the coffee industry and the demand is high which makes it much pricier than other beans. Arabica coffee beans are the most prominently grown and provide approximately 60% of world coffee production. One reason the beans are so expensive is that the Arabica plant is very sensitive to unfavorable conditions such as frost, pests and disease. What leads people to wait in long, long lines for a cup of gourmet-brewed coffee beverage? Just what are espresso, cappuccino and macchiato?

Espresso coffee is all about hot water and coffee beans. But it’s the way these two ingredients are put together that spells the success of this drink. Espresso coffee is prepared by a special extraction method which produces a very concentrated, strong coffee in a short amount of time. Softened water at a temperature of 90-95 Degrees C is forced through finely ground and specially roasted coffee at high pressure. Since the hot water is quickly forced through the fine grounds it usually only takes between 25 and 30 seconds to brew a cup of espresso.

Cappuccino is a delicious, luxurious coffee beverage that is enjoyed by coffee lovers the world over, combining creamy, frothy texture with distinctive espresso flavor and aroma. Cappuccino is named for the resemblance of its color to the robes of the monks of the Capuchin order. Cappuccino is a cup of espresso coffee with fresh milk and milk foam bubbles burst on the top of cup. The milk foam bubbles burst acts as the insulator and keep the heat of the coffee for a longer time.

A latte is basically a diluted cappuccino with almost entirely steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top. Cafe latte is simply the Italian words for “coffee and milk”. The drink was made using a “moka” (a stovetop coffee machine which makes double-strength coffee, not espresso).

A Cafe mocha is a variant of a cafe latte Like a latte, it is typically one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of sweet cocoa powder, although many varieties use chocolate syrup. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate.

A Cafe Americano is simply an Italian espresso that has been diluted with a little extra water to soften the espresso flavor. A similar beverage is referred to as caffe lungo. Or as some Europeans refer to it as the watered down drink for those sissy Americans.

In addition to the hot drinks, there are a wide variety of delicious gourmet iced coffee drinks as well. If you’re looking for one of those milkshake looking drinks, you might want to try a mocha frappuccino, which is basically a cold mochaccino with more calories.

The reawakened craze in coffee shops, kiosks and coffee carts can be confusing with menu boards listing numerous gourmet treats in various sizes. Baristas move with lightning speed from espresso machine to flavorings to steaming milk to counter with the talent of circus jugglers. Ordering your first latte takes a lot of courage, but once you get over the initial fear factor, you will be hooked for life.

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A Delicious Frothy Gourmet Coffee Is A Great Way To Greet Your Day Every Day!

   Subscribe To Our Feed Sun 5 Jul 2009

by Michael Stadneck

Making a superb gourmet coffee all starts with beans. Gourmet coffee beans are mostly Arabica because of their supreme robust flavor and smooth texture. Arabica beans are considered the premium bean in the coffee industry and the demand is high which makes it much pricier than other beans. Arabica coffee beans are the most prominently grown and provide approximately 60% of world coffee production. One reason the beans are so expensive is that the Arabica plant is very sensitive to unfavorable conditions such as frost, pests and disease. What leads people to wait in long, long lines for a cup of gourmet-brewed coffee beverage? Just what are espresso, cappuccino and macchiato?

Espresso coffee is one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. This type of coffee goes back about 100 years and since its birth people have found that this is a delicious, yet intense way to enjoy the flavor of coffee. Espresso coffee is characteristically thicker in consistency than drip coffee having a higher amount of dissolved solids than drip coffee in the same amount of volume. The serving size is usually measured in shots which are around one fluid once in size. Espresso coffee is much richer and more concentrated than filter coffee and is the base for a cappuccino or latte.

Cappuccino is a delicious, luxurious coffee beverage that is enjoyed by coffee lovers the world over, combining creamy, frothy texture with distinctive espresso flavor and aroma. Cappuccino is named for the resemblance of its color to the robes of the monks of the Capuchin order. Cappuccino is a cup of espresso coffee with fresh milk and milk foam bubbles burst on the top of cup. The milk foam bubbles burst acts as the insulator and keep the heat of the coffee for a longer time.

A Cafe Latte equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The steamed milk is poured over the espresso. Remember, the order of building the drink is important. A latte is basically a diluted cappuccino with almost entirely steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top. Cafe latte is simply the Italian words for “coffee and milk”.

A Mochaccino is simply equal parts cappuccino and chocolate syrup. Some of the finer coffee houses prefer the term Cafe Mocha, using a powdered cocoa mixed with diluted cappuccino and topped with a whipped cream dollop. This is a very popular alternative to a traditional hot chocolate drink, neither as thick nor as sweet.

Cafe Amricano or simply Americano is a style of coffee prepared by adding hot water to espresso, giving a similar strength but different flavor from regular drip coffee. The strength of an Americano varies with the number of shots of espresso and the amount of water added.

Besides the hot drinks, there are also a wide variety of iced coffee gourmet drinks as well. Basically, you take any of your favorite varieties, add ice cubes and topping, and voila, youve got yourself a delicious gourmet milk shake-type drink.

Knowing how to prepare gourmet coffee drinks is a fine art. A barista is someone who makes espresso drinks for a living, and is usually highly trained and has a thorough understanding of how to work with coffee. Similar to a bartender, a barista specializes in making drinks from almost any incarnation of the coffee bean.

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Wu Yi Tea And Anti-Aging

   Subscribe To Our Feed Sun 5 Jul 2009

by Digby J Wong

This include the ability to facilitate weight loss, reverse signs of aging,and promote overall wellness. While all teas possess similar properties including caffeine, catechin, polyphenals, and teaflavin tearubigin that provide benefits to the human body, the quantities and percentages differ depending on the extent of oxidation during production. Therefore the health benefits of wu long tea, which is semi-fermented, vary from those offered by green tea with its limited processing and black tea with its extensive oxidation process.

In America, Japan and several other countries research studies on the health benefits of wu long tea (also referred to as oolong tea) reveal the brews potential for many health benefits.

In America, Japan and several other countries research studies on the health benefits of wu long tea (also referred to as oolong tea) reveal the brews potential for many health benefits.

Regarding weight loss Scientists from a Japanese University Medical School have found that people who regularly consumed oolong tea/ wu long tea experienced more than twice the calorie-burning results compared to those who drank green tea. Wu long tea directly after a meal increased energy expenditure by around 10%. This compared to an energy expenditure of 4% for green tea drinkers and 0 for water drinkers.

Researchers from one of Japans prominent University’s of Medical Science found that drinking wu long tea each day helps to clear up skin problems within one month. In California a university study found that people who drank wu long tea on a daily basis experienced a fifty-percent reduction in free radicals within 2 weeks. Free radicals are damaging substances in the body that contribute to signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark spots that are caused by ultra-violet rays, chemical food additives, pollution and stress.Regular consumption of wu long tea is shown to assist in enhancing the skin condition.

According to a study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who regularly consumed wulong tea were found to have stronger immune systems and a reduced risk for infections.

According to a study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who regualrly consumed wulong tea were found to have stronger immune systems and a reduced risk for infections.

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Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Mochaccino: What Is Your Favorite Gourmet Coffee?

   Subscribe To Our Feed Mon 29 Jun 2009

by Michael Stadneck

Making a superb gourmet coffee all starts with beans. Gourmet coffee beans are mostly Arabica because of their supreme robust flavor and smooth texture. Arabica beans are considered the premium bean in the coffee industry and the demand is high which makes it much pricier than other beans. Arabica coffee beans are the most prominently grown and provide approximately 60% of world coffee production. One reason the beans are so expensive is that the Arabica plant is very sensitive to unfavorable conditions such as frost, pests and disease. What leads people to wait in long, long lines for a cup of gourmet-brewed coffee beverage? Just what are espresso, cappuccino and macchiato?

Espresso coffee is one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. This type of coffee goes back about 100 years and since its birth people have found that this is a delicious, yet intense way to enjoy the flavor of coffee. Espresso coffee is characteristically thicker in consistency than drip coffee having a higher amount of dissolved solids than drip coffee in the same amount of volume. The serving size is usually measured in shots which are around one fluid once in size. Espresso coffee is much richer and more concentrated than filter coffee and is the base for a cappuccino or latte.

Cappuccino: A cappuccino is a mixture of espresso, a little steamed milk and a little milk foam. The milk/foam ratio is up to you what you enjoy most. Cappuccino is a remarkable thing. An incredible exercise in doing something absurd within the browser client. Cappuccino is almost everybody’s favorite drink. People try to make it at home, sometimes unsuccessfully.

A Cafe Latte equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The steamed milk is poured over the espresso. Remember, the order of building the drink is important. A latte is basically a diluted cappuccino with almost entirely steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top. Cafe latte is simply the Italian words for “coffee and milk”.

A Mocha or mochaccino is an espresso and steamed milk mixed with chocolate and served with whipped cream on top. Despite being chocolate flavored, these are not terribly sweet. If you don’t want to taste the espresso, ask for flavor syrup or sugar to be added, or try one of the other mocha drinks instead.

A Cafe Americano is simply an Italian espresso that has been diluted with a little extra water to soften the espresso flavor. A similar beverage is referred to as caffe lungo. Or as some Europeans refer to it as the watered down drink for those sissy Americans.

In addition to the hot drinks, there are a wide variety of delicious gourmet iced coffee drinks as well. If you’re looking for one of those milkshake looking drinks, you might want to try a mocha frappuccino, which is basically a cold mochaccino with more calories.

The reawakened craze in coffee shops, kiosks and coffee carts can be confusing with menu boards listing numerous gourmet treats in various sizes. Baristas move with lightning speed from espresso machine to flavorings to steaming milk to counter with the talent of circus jugglers. Ordering your first latte takes a lot of courage, but once you get over the initial fear factor, you will be hooked for life.

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Don’t Forget About The Personalized Coffee Mug

   Subscribe To Our Feed Sat 27 Jun 2009

by Jason Findleson

Looking for the right gift to give a friend or colleague? The personalized coffee mug has long been a favorite gift. Today it is easier than ever to give a truly unique mug to anyone and many times you don’t have to leave the comfort of you home to create it.

The Ever Popular Photo Mug

Putting a picture on a mug is always a great idea. You can find a mug with a picture on it you like or you go that extra step to create your own personalized coffee mug containing a photograph that is special to you or someone else.

Today it is easier than it has ever been to create your own personalized coffee mug even by using your own images. You can find many useful companies online that will let you upload your digital file, layout the image on the mug, and then order a mug from the comfort of your home. This is a wonderful way to create a personalized coffee mug that few people take advantage of.

How About A Favorite Quote?

A picture may be worth a thousand words but sometimes few words are better. If you don’t want a picture on your mug you can instead place a personalized message or inspiring quote on your personalized coffee mug. This can be great choice if you have something witty or amusing that you know will make your friend or coworker chuckle. It can also be a great way to tell your relatives you are thinking about them.

An Original Masterpiece

Have you ever seen the plastic coffee mugs that have a clear plastic outer enclosure. You can find these online or in many craft stores. These mugs allow you to create your own artwork on a piece of paper and then slip them into the plastic sleeve. While this may not be the highest quality gift it can certainly be appropriate and fun in certain situation. It is an ideal approach if you have young children in a need of a gift idea or fun project. They can enjoy making their very own coffee mug for themselves or as Christmas gives for relatives.

For a more professional looking personalized coffee mug, consider finishing a clay mug made in an artist’s studio. Many artists will make you a mug and allow you to stencil on it or decorate it with colorful glazes. They can then fire the clay mug in the kiln and provide you with a beautiful gift.

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