http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/rss.xml A blog about gourmetespressoandcoffee.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=36347 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>If you were to go into any home in America, the chances of finding a coffee maker sitting on the counter are quite good. Coffee makers have become a standard appliance for most households in this country. They are typically put in the same category as the stove or the microwave oven, something that our society can not live without. They are very simple to operate and require very few supplies. All that is needed to make a cup of coffee is coffee, coffee filters and water. <br /><br />Since coffee makers have become so common, manufacturers have developed a variety of different models to meet everyone's needs. There are very basic coffee makers with no added features. These basic models do just that, make a pot of coffee. But even most of these have been upgraded with automatic shut off switches. This was added to prevent the fires caused by makers being left on unattended for too long. Basically, what the automatic shut off switch does is shut off the machine after a certain period of time. That way a homeowner does not have to worry about forgetting to turn of the coffee pot before they leave the house. The machine does it for them. <br /><br />With advancements in technology, the coffee maker manufactures of today have added features in addition to the automatic shut off switch. Coffee makers now have clocks and timers that can be set the night before so that when a person wakes up in the morning they do so to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. This is also a time saving device for those individuals who are always pressed for time and who are normally rushing to get out of the house. They can go ahead and start getting ready for the day knowing that the coffee is brewing even before they get up.<br /><br />The birth of the gourmet coffee house also increased the popularity of coffee, though some feared that this would eliminate the need for coffee makers all together. This does not seem to be the case. Coffee is no longer just for Mom and Dad in the mornings. More and more people are enjoying a steaming cup of coffee any time of the day, or even at night. Having a coffee maker in the kitchen allows people to do this in the comfort of their own homes, instead of having to visit a coffee house whenever they want a cup of java. <br /><br />It is probably safe to say that coffee makers are going to remain a standard appliance for most American households. Coffee gets us going in the morning, and with the advances and changes made to what is really a simple machine, Americans are able to enjoy it more and more any time of the day.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as espresso coffee at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-11-14T01:36-05:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=36346 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>With coffee's growing popularity, the demand for coffee beans has increased. Most of the coffee consumed worldwide is grown on large farms, otherwise known as plantations, where the land has been cleared for rows and rows of coffee plants. These plants, like other crops, are grown and ripened under the warmth of the sun. However, for those who prefer the bold flavor of espresso and other gourmet coffee drinks, the sun ripened beans are just not suitable. Shade grown espresso coffee beans which take longer to mature seem to be the answer to this problem.<br /><br />Coffees grown in different parts of the world have different flavors, and there are about 800 different components to coffee that has an effect on the taste of the finished product, plus sun ripened coffee beans or cherries tend to be bitterer than shade ripened cherries. Espresso shade grown coffee has a flavor that is both full and dark but smooth. Also, this type of coffee blends better with other ingredients, making it the perfect base for lattes and cappuccinos. <br /><br />Not only does shade grown coffee have a better flavor, but it is also a more ecologically sound choice. Since most of the land used for the large coffee growers is tropical forest, clearing these lands takes away a vital component in maintaining earth's perfect atmospheric balance. The tropical forests take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen needed to sustain life on this planet. Many argue that by depleting this resource we are contributing to the rise of global warming. <br /><br />Since there is no need to clear the land when growing shade ripened coffee plants, they become part of the forest. They provide shelter for smaller animals, such as birds and other tiny creatures. Not to mention, since larger plantations do not find this type of coffee crop economically viable, shade grown plants are normally raised on smaller family owned farms. These farmers are able to sell their crops to companies through Fair Trade sources, thus obtaining proper pricing so that they are able to provide proper support for their families. This helps to boost the economy of an underdeveloped area. <br /><br />Another thing to consider is that shade ripened cherries are organically grown, which means that no chemicals were used during the farming process. This is important because fertilizers and pesticides like DDT, which is banned in the US, are still being used on most of the larger plantations located outside this country. Fertilizer and pesticides like DDT have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems. <br /><br />So the next time you select coffee for your espresso, or even morning cup of regular Joe, try to remember to look for shade grown espresso coffee beans. You are guaranteed to get a better cup of coffee every time. Also, you are making a healthier choice, one without toxic chemicals that can have lasting effects for years to come.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beverage at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-11-14T01:33-05:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=36345 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>To a coffee lover, there's nothing like the smell of roasting coffee beans. To be honest, the average coffee drinker feels more than willing to leave the roasting of the coffee beans to the staff of their local coffee house or their preferred coffee producer. Of course, roasting one's own coffee beans has not been an option until recently with the creation of the smaller computer driven roasters. Commercial coffee roasters are not as user friendly as these newer roasters, and they come with a hefty price tag. Add to this the difficult process of roasting to insure that the beans retain their flavor, and it is no wonder that people are not lining up to roast their own coffee. <br /><br />So the question is who needs a coffee roaster?<br /><br />Well, there are the coffee enthusiasts who are just as in interested in all aspects of making that perfect cup of coffee as they are in drinking the perfect cup. If you are this person, then these new, smaller, computerized coffee roasters would be a perfect addition to your home. Now you can not only choose the type of bean for brewing, but can determine the right roast to obtain just the flavor you desire. The household coffee roaster makes it easier to control the amount of heat applied to the beans, and the length of roasting time. <br /><br />Buyers beware though. This is still an arduous process that can leave even the most robust bean devoid of flavor. However, with a little practice and know how, anyone who considers coffee brewing not just something that they do as a morning ritual, but rather as a hobby, can take this one step further and create their own roast. <br /><br />Though these roasters are not as complicated as their commercial counterparts, roasting coffee beans is time consuming, thus is still not for everyone. For those of us who are happy with the brand of coffee we purchase already roasted and ready for grinding and brewing, we can still head on over to our local supermarket or gourmet coffee house. The perfect cup of coffee can still be created without having to involve ourselves in the entire process. However, it is nice to know that there are options out there for people looking for something more than just a quick cup of Joe. <br /><br />If you find yourself concerned about having the perfect bean for brewing, and would enjoy getting more involved, then owning your own roaster is defiantly the way to go. Lower cost and smaller sizes make it easier than ever to bring roasting to any home that desires it. Not only will you be able to enjoy drinking your coffee but creating it as well.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as flavored coffee at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-11-14T01:29-05:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=36344 <p>by Gregg Hall </p><p>In our fast paced society, Americans are constantly looking for quick fixes and instant gratifications. So, for some of us the typical morning cup of coffee of previous generations just does not have enough humph to kick start our morning. Many who need that little something extra have found it in a concentrated caffeinated drink called espresso. And thanks to manufacturing companies both here and abroad, every home in America can have an espresso coffee machine if they so desire.<br /><br />The international influences that we have invading our culture on a daily basis, coupled with the gourmet coffee houses popping up on almost every street corner have brought Americans a variety of ways to consume coffee. Therefore, it is only natural that we would want to bring the coffee house into our own home, and add an espresso coffee maker to our growing number of kitchen appliances needed to make our lives easier and more convenient.<br /><br />Espresso coffee makers come in a variety of makes and models. From the very simple machine that makes a single cup of espresso to the high priced imported machines that resemble those used in coffee houses. If one is interested in capturing the old world coffee house feel, they can purchase a piston operated machine. Or, there are the more technically advanced models for people with busy lifestyles that will do everything, including cleaning, with just the touch of a button. Considering most people fall into the later category, the super automatic espresso maker is quickly taking over the market place and saving consumers a considerable amount of time.<br /><br />This is definitely not your father's coffee maker. The automatic espresso coffee maker is on the cutting edge of technology by simplifying the process of producing a quality product. It can grind and tamp the beans; brew the coffee and froth the milk, then dump the leftover coffee grounds when finished. All of this can be done by simply pressing a button. This model of the espresso coffee maker is rapidly becoming more popular than the others worldwide. They are easy to use, time saving and offer quality espresso. However, all of this comes with a hefty price tag, as these super machines can cost several thousand dollars. <br /><br />However, it is not necessary to go into debt to purchase a quality espresso coffee maker in order to achieve the eye opener this particular brew can bring. There are quite a few models on the market that can provide a great cup of espresso, latte or cappuccino for much less. These machines range in prices to fit within every espresso enthusiast's budget and are guaranteed to bring the enjoyment of the coffee house experience into the home for years to come.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as Kona coffee at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-11-14T01:26-05:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=36343 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>How does one brew the perfect cup of coffee? <br /><br />There are several different brewing methods used through out the world and every avid coffee drinker has their own preference. But the one thing that they all agree on is freshly grinding the coffee beans daily. This is something that they believe in deeply and take to heart. Even the average coffee drinker will be a convert to this after having just one cup of coffee from freshly ground beans. With this in mind, every home should have a good quality coffee grinder.<br /><br />The next logical question would be, what is a quality coffee grinder? <br /><br />Well, there are two basic types of grinders, burr grinders and blade grinders. The burr grinders use plates with gears on them, otherwise known as burrs. One plate turns while the other stays still which causes the moving plate to grind the beans against the stationary plate. Blade grinders, on the other hand, use razor sharp blades that spin, grinding the beans in the process. When choosing between these two, keep in mind that heat and uniformity can have an effect on the finished coffee.<br /><br />No matter what type of grinder you choose, a certain amount of heat is produced. Faster grinders are time savers but they produce more heat, and this does cause a certain amount of damage to the beans. Also, the length of time needed to make finer grounds also causes more heat, thus more damage. <br /><br />Another thing to take into consideration when producing a great cup of coffee is the uniformity of the grounds. Coffee should be ground evenly through out. This is important because when the water passes over the coffee grinds it only has a small amount of time to take in the flavor of the coffee. When beans are poorly ground and not as uniform, it is harder for proper brewing to take place. <br /><br />A low speed burr grinder does not produce as much heat, causing less damage to the coffee. Also, unlike the blade grinder, it provides a more uniformly ground bean which allows for better brewing. It is for these reasons that the burr grinder would be a better choice over the blade grinder. This type of grinder can run as much as several hundred dollars, but there are models available to fit into any budget. <br /><br />For those who do not enjoy the flavor and aroma of a great cup of coffee, this may seem like an extravagant purchase and colossal waste of money and time. After all, there are many different already ground coffees on the market, easily purchased at local grocery stores. But for the coffee enthusiast who has a heightened sense of taste and smell, these prepackaged products just do not do not measure up. Therefore, this is a wise investment that will bring years of enjoyment. Let's face it; there is no better way to start any morning than with the perfect cup of Joe.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beans at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-11-14T01:23-05:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=35552 <p>by Gregg Hall </p><p>Choosing good coffee beans has a lot more to do with art than with science. And those who know how to, will spare nothing just to find the best ones that money can buy. But why should you care? Coffee beans are just coffee beans, right? And coffee is just coffee. What's the big deal?<br /><br />Well, if you're fond of the common supermarket variety of the aromatic pods, then chances are that you're right. It isn't such a big deal. But once you have tried the real deal you will understand why so many people go to such lengths just to find the perfect beans for the perfect cup of coffee.<br /><br />So where do you start?<br /><br />When it comes to good coffee, there's no better place to start than what the experts say is a good place to start. But make no mistake. Their words are no bible. However, they do give you some idea on how to go about taking your first tentative step towards genuinely good coffee. <br /><br />First, you need to learn that freshly roasted and ground coffee beans are what make a superior cup of coffee. You can never go wrong with fresh beans. In fact, the underlying philosophy is: the fresher the beans, the better. Just try it and you'll be surprised to find how a few fresh ones can transform your favorite cup of java into a fantastic gastronomic experience. <br /><br />Next, where do you find the freshest possible? You may get lucky and stumble upon a few bags in the supermarket. But if you want to be certain that you are getting fresh, good quality beans, then start at your local specialty or gourmet stores. The salespeople at these stores are usually very knowledgeable about coffee and helpful to the extent that they may allow you to taste before buying anything.<br /><br />But how do you know if they're good?<br /><br />Well, for one thing good quality beans are never splintered or broken. They should be whole and well-shaped. If you encounter a bin or bag of splintered or broken ones, then put it right back where you found it and look for another. <br /><br />It's quite possible that you won't find any helpful salesperson around, especially if you're doing your shopping at a supermarket. If that's the case, then you have to learn to trust your own eyes and nose. <br /><br />Okay, so now you know that good coffee beans are whole and well-shaped, but what about the smell? They smell good, period. That's all you need to know. It has to do with gut instinct, similar to how you'd know right away that the milk has gone sour when you smell it. <br /><br />If you find some that have gone bad will smell just a bit off and you'll recognize that smell, even if you're a novice.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gourmet Expresso and Coffee at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-08-24T00:32-04:00 http://articles.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/?a=35551 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Do you start your day with a morning cup of coffee? Many people do. Do you know how coffee was discovered? There is more to that morning cup of coffee than you realize, read on to find out more about it. <br /><br />Many people feel like they cannot start their day without a cup of coffee, it is actually a necessity for their lives. Coffee helps them get going in the morning, gives them that needed get up and go in order to concur their work day.<br /><br />How is the goat to blame? (Well, almost)<br /><br />The history of coffee did at least start with a goat. A goat herder named Kaldi from Ethiopia noticed that his goats were hyperactive after eating a certain bush. He tried some of the berries that grew on the bush. He experienced a feeling of energy after eating the berries as well. According to the legend this is how the coffee bean was discovered. The caffeine was what gave the energy to both the goats and Kaldi.<br /><br />Did you know that coffee was not always a drink?Originally it was a food that East African tribes mixed with animal fat making large berry-fat balls. They used these balls for energy when they went out to raid other tribes. The first energy bar!<br /><br />Arabians are next in line<br /><br />The Arabs transplanted the coffee tree in the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabs are the ones that first used it as a hot drink. By the thirteenth century the Muslim Arabs drank enough coffee to see &quot;whirling dervishes.&quot;<br />For many years the Arabs were the only ones that knew the secret workings of coffee. Arabs were travelers and they liked to bring the coffee with them, the more they traveled the more coffee information went with them across the world.<br /><br />Turks and Europeans come into the picture<br /><br />The Turks were the ones responsible for giving coffee facts to Europeans. European traders came to Turkey where they learned of coffee and they in turn shared the coffee news wherever they went. The first Dutch colony established the first European coffee estate. This colony was on the island of Java (now a portion of Indonesia). On this colony coffee became known as a precious commodity.<br /><br />So as you can see coffee has come a long way baby, all to wake you up in the morning! Now you can share these little known facts with your friends and colleagues! Amaze them with your brilliance over your morning cup of coffee.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Expresso and Coffee online at <a href="http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com/">http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com</a></p> 2006-08-24T00:29-04:00