How to Taste Espresso Coffee

How to Taste Espresso Coffee--It is only recently that espresso can claim to have stolen the limelight away from its other coffee competitors...

How to Taste Espresso Coffee

Twenty years ago the word espresso was enough to send people running - drink /that? /The mere idea of offering half a cup of coffee at twice the strength and often twice the price, espresso was hardly a household word. It is only recently that espresso can claim to have stolen the limelight away from its other coffee competitors. The invention of the spring piston by Gaggia in 1946 revolutionized the method by which pressure is achieved without boiling water.


Since I consider espresso to be the at the forefront of the complete coffee experience, let me explain my bias. The complex technology of the espresso machine (scientific) must be combined with care and a skilled technique (artistic) to pull a perfect espresso. The result marvels both tongue and eye; the tongue because the complexity of flavor from the first quick sip is so full of promise, and the eye because, like wine, you can learn a lot about what you are about to taste from just looking at it.

If you do a lot of things right when you are making espresso, it will taste as good as it smells. I'm not making this up. But there are a lot of variables that can mess up your espresso and it's a long list so I'll tell you about them in my next article but controlling these elements is worth the result especially if you're a bit of a fanatic - this article is about tasting espresso. Meanwhile you've got your short espresso in front of you. Before you taste it, stick your nose into the cup and breathe in. The intense aroma should please you, even with a sharp edge to it. This is the moment where you anticipate the taste. Sip a small amount and let it follow to the back of your tongue, and around your entire mouth. Now douse the entire shot. Now, think back a moment - was the "crema" a creamy caramel color unbroken and thick? Can you recall more than one taste? Did you drink it neat? How many tastes could you discern?

In developing our Cafe Espresso house blend, we start with a strong base note of dark-roasted Mexican coffee, somewhat acidity and yet sweet. We add some Ethiopian medium roast for chocolate and floral overtones and finish the blend with a lighter Kenyan AA or sometimes a Guatemalan for a brightness often described as citrus. The competing depth of flavors from sip to finish should invite you to linger. Want another?

Susan Bate is a coffee connoisseur. She owns and operates Coffee Tree Roastery, a Toronto coffee shop located in Bloor West Village. You can also purchase gourmet espresso coffee from Su's online store. Read more about coffee on her site coffeetree.ca.
By Susan Bate
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?

Coffee - Good For Your Health?

Coffee - Good For Your Health--Caffeine is known to be mildly addictive, but this effect cannot be compared to the much more severe dependency, physical effects on the body, social impact or withdrawal symptoms that usually result from taking illegal drugs....

Coffee - Good For Your Health?

Coffee is harmless in moderation, but as with most things, excessive consumption can be damaging to your health. However, there is nothing serious enough for us to start seeing government health warning signs on coffee packets any time soon.

From the health point of view, It is the caffeine content of coffee that attracts the most interest. Caffeine is a mild stimulant, and gives you that "pick me up" that many coffee drinkers yearn for. It is also the reason many people prefer to take their coffee in the morning rather than after dinner or before going to bed, when it is time to wind down.

For most of us a cup of coffee is just to give us a mild lift in our spirits to keep us on the go through our day. For some of us, coffee plays a larger role in their work. Knowledge workers often claim their thought processes are improved and they can work more effectively and faster when well fuelled by endless cups of coffee, especially when working through the hours they might normally expect to be sleeping. The flagging attention of many a long distance driver has been revived by a break and a cup of coffee. These endurance and cognitive performance benefits account for much of the popularity of coffee.

Those who drink a lot of coffee can become over-stimulated, and unable to sleep. Taken to excess, they can even start to experience minor mood changes and physical effects like mild tremors. An increased heart rate and increased blood pressure can develop. For a normally healthy person these effects are unlikely to be serious or have any long-term consequences.

Caffeine is known to be mildly addictive, but this effect cannot be compared to the much more severe dependency, physical effects on the body, social impact or withdrawal symptoms that usually result from taking illegal drugs. Caffeine addiction also appears to vary between individuals.

There is more to coffee than it's stimulant effect from the caffeine. It has complex and interesting flavors that many coffee drinkers enjoy. Much of this pleasure is preserved in decaffeinated coffee, which has been processed to remove the caffeine content. This process eliminates most of the health concerns about coffee at the same time.


If you choose to add too much cream and sugar to your coffee you may not be acting in your body's best interests, especially if you take several cups a day. In this case, to blame your coffee for those added pounds is a little like shooting the messenger for bringing bad news.

On the other hand some medical research has suggested drinking coffee helps to ward off Alzheimer's disease - which is worth remembering! Coffee also appears to have beneficial effects lowering the risk of Parkinson's disease and colon cancer. Research also suggests coffee reduces your chances of getting asthma, type 2 diabetes, gallstones and cirrhosis of the liver. However, don't count on having your daily coffee funded under your medical health plan!

Have all your coffee questions answered at the Internet Coffee House. Visit http://coffee-site.info/
By Van Whitsett
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The 'Flavored Coffee' Craze

Coffee flavorings with the likes of chocolate, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, hazelnuts and others have created a following and most of them have become all time favorites....

The 'Flavored Coffee' Craze

Many coffee lovers have a variety of favorite flavored coffees. Good coffee isn't just in Seattle any more, it's a world wide phenomenon; just look at Starbucks!

Centuries ago, Turks added spices and herbs to their coffee to give it flavor; this is how flavored coffee was first introduced. Until the 1990's the transition was not accepted by everyone. This has changed dramatically since then.

Customers who frequented specialty coffee shops quickly took to flavored coffee drinks once they were introduced. Additions of liquid coffee flavorings with the likes of chocolate, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, hazelnuts and others have created a following and most of them have become all time favorites.

Flavored Coffee - Continues To Be a Favorite

You will find great pleasure in a cup of hot coffee. Nowadays, there's always a choice whether to drink cold or hot coffee. Drinking a hot cup of coffee on a summer day is not so good after all, but having a cool flavored coffee beverage is simply ideal.

Although you can have your flavored coffee made any way you like, we suggest having them cold, blended or iced. Which ever it is, flavored coffee is here to stay no matter the weather.

You have a nice variety of options at coffee shops as you can order it blended, cold or iced. But you will always notice the flavor of coffee is still distinct no matter what flavor has been added.

The best coffee to use in preparing flavored coffee is Arabica because it has a stronger flavor. But a combination of Arabica and Robusta will also make good flavored coffees and this blend is more reasonably priced in the market today.

Which Coffee: Gourmet or Non-Gourmet Flavored?

People fear expensive prices with the thought of flavored coffee. Although it is true sometimes, that does not mean that it always is. The luxury of a gourmet flavored coffee might feel decadent, especially if money is tight. But you really don't have to pay for too much just to get the best flavored coffee.

The coffee shop industry has become sophisticated very quickly - these days they can easily please the customer who doesn't want to pay for anything extra. Gourmet in the world of coffee means only one thing- going straight Arabica coffee.

Coffee handling and ingredients are components of the business expenses, so there is no reason to add to the price of coffee which could be afforded by many. If you are trying to achieve good flavor and quality to coffee, one of the best solutions is to blend Arabic and Robusta coffees. When coffee is supplemented with exotic flavors the taste is further enhanced.

Not only are there numerous flavors, but they have interesting combinations of the beans Find such coffees as almond nut cr?me, amaretto, banana nut, Bavarian mint, blueberry, butterscotch, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon apple, coconut cream, eggnog, French vanilla, kahula, peppermint, pina colada, pumpkin, strawberry, tiramisu, vanilla nut, White Russian and on an on.

Many coffee lovers are turning to flavored coffee. In warm weather or cold, during any season, flavored coffee is great year round.

Peyton Hines has been drinking coffee for over 45 years. He had his first taste for coffee when he worked offshore and realized that the only "break" was a coffee break. Over the years his love for coffee continued to grow. Three years ago he started to investigate and educate himself about the numerous varieties and different types of coffee. You can get more information on coffee and coffee products by visiting his website at http://allaboutgoodcoffee.com/
By Peyton Hines
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Coffee Beans - The Pure Essence of Great Coffee

Coffee Beans -These two most popular varieties of coffee plants are- Arabica and Robusta.,The Secret to Great Coffee is Proper Roasting,Coffee Beans - Gourmet or Non-Gourmet?....

Coffee Beans - The Pure Essence of Great Coffee

Coffee beans are just one of the world's most traded products. It is always on the top 10 most traded and exported products because of the growing demand for coffee as a drink and as a commodity.

Despite the growing love for coffee around the world, very few people know anything about the plant where coffee comes from. But if you learn some basic information about coffee it will enhance your pleasure about your favorite cup of coffee.

The coffee plant is actually a shrub that produces berries that are harvested. The coffee berries are dried and the pits removed. These coffee pits or seeds are then slow roasted and that produces the coffee bean.

These two most popular varieties of coffee plants are- Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica variety will only produce three crops a year so it is normally more expensive. Another factor in the higher cost is the Arabic variety does not normally have as high a yield.

The Robusta coffee plant will produce up to six crops on an annual basis. And the yield per harvest is much higher than that of the Arabica variety. Mainly because of the lower production cost the Robusta coffee bean has become more popular among coffee drinkers or at least it is sold more often.

The Secret to Great Coffee is Proper Roasting

The length of time that a coffee bean is roasted will give it the distinctive color of light or dark roasted coffee. If you have ever brewed a freshly ground dark roast coffee you will find that it has a strong aroma and flavor that is popular with European style coffee. Most people who like dark roasted coffee prefer it because of the strong and robust flavor.


Lighter roasted coffee will tend not to be as strong as the darker roast. It has a much rounded flavor and aroma. Americans in particular enjoy light roasted coffee beans because of the distinct flavor. If you want coffee at its best, try buying from a specialty store to insure that the coffee is freshly ground.

When you get your coffee from a specialty store you will generally get a better quality of coffee or it should be fresher. If you are going to grind your own coffee beans be sure to invest on a quality coffee grinder.

When storing your whole coffee beans remember to store them in a cool, dry and dark storage area. When you store whole beans in the refrigerator they could absorb flavors and odors from other foods.

Coffee Beans - Gourmet or Non-Gourmet?

A blend of Robusta and Arabica coffee are also common in the export and retail industry. Blending these two varieties add more character and distinction to the coffee drink as the end product. You may find coffee blends in almost any specialty coffee shops as these are the more common types of coffee beans around.

But if you wish to try real gourmet coffee, check out your favorite specialty coffee shop and ask for 100% Arabica coffee. Because of the high quality coffee content, Arabica coffee is the one.

Whatever coffee beans you choose, or whichever variety you like, enjoying a cup of coffee is more than just a sip of your favorite beverage. Great coffees take three ingredients, nature's harvest, roasting perfection, and brewed to your taste.

Peyton Hines has been drinking coffee for over 45 years. He had his first taste for coffee when he worked offshore and realized that the only "break" was a coffee break. Over the years his love for coffee continued to grow. Three years ago he started to investigate and educate himself about the numerous varieties and different types of coffee. You can get more information on coffee and coffee products by visiting his website at http://allaboutgoodcoffee.com/
By Peyton Hines
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Fair Trade Coffee Beans - What's the Difference?

Fair Trade Coffee Beans--For Fair Trade importers to become certified, they have to ensure certain other criteria are met.,

Fair Trade Coffee Beans
- What's the Difference?

My enthusiasm for coffee has exploded in recent weeks and it has led me to find out more about Fair Trade Coffee and what it means to farmers and consumers.

How much do we pay for a coffee in a coffee shop? At the moment it is between $3 to $4 if we are lucky. If my maths are correct, we get about 30 cups per pound of coffee. That would make the cost $90 to $120 per pound of coffee.

That would make coffee farmers rolling in money, right? Well, no, far from it. The cost of coffee at the moment on the world coffee market is about $1 per pound. From when the farmer sells the coffee beans to when we drink a cup in the caf?, the cost has risen by 100 times the original price.

The idea of the Fair Trade is to get rid of a lot of the middlemen that traditional coffee trading involves.

Between the coffee production and the consumer there is a long winded and expensive process that involves many middlemen who all want to get their cut which doesn't leave a lot, if anything for the farmer.

For Fair Trade importers to become certified, they have to ensure certain other criteria are met.

Importers will have to pay the farmers a minimum of $1.26 per pound for their coffee. If the world coffee prices rise above the minimum price of $1.26 per pound the coffee farmers are guaranteed a further $.05 above the current market price. Farmers are often paid less for their coffee than what it costs them to produce it so they end up in debt and out of business so this is a substantial benefit to them.

Credit facilities are also given to the farmers by the importers, which keeps them out of debt with the local "sharks", giving them a better chance of surviving and prospering. In between harvests, money can become low and local middlemen can take advantage of the farmers by buying the rights to the crop for a very low price.

Importers must help the farmers to achieve local sustainable farming methods. With the help of the Fair Trade organisations, organic, shade grown and bird friendly methods can be used and their coffee can be sold as such.

They have to provide a good standard of working environment and stop the sweatshops that workers often labour in. Farmers often bring their children in to help them achieve their daily quota. Living and sleeping conditions are harsh in many cases.

Many consumers would prefer to pay a little extra for their coffee if they know that it is helping the farmers that produce it, not only financially but with their working conditions and the future of the producers coffee farms.

Fair Trade coffee is not only great for the local economy, it is great for us as consumers too. Just Because it is Fair Trade coffee it doesn't mean it is any less full of flavour. There are some terrific coffees around for us to enjoy.

If you want to try some Fair Trade coffee at a fair price to us as consumers as well as hundreds of other coffee products, you can find out more at rainforest blend organic coffees

By Martin Loader
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Recipes For a Great and Unique Coffee Experience

Recipes For a Great and Unique Coffee Experience

Coffee is a timeless beverage enjoyed around the world. One of the most enjoyable things about coffee is the variety of ways it can be enjoyed.

A few of the varieties that are well worth trying are the following: Grog, Caribbean, Cuban Cubano and Mexican mocha.

Let's start with Caribbean coffee. Take a coconut and back it at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Once the coconut has cooled crack the outer shell and remove the meet from the inside. Grate it finely and add milk. Put it in a saucepan and simmer until the mixture begins to get thick. Filter this mixture through a strainer to remove any solid coconut pieces and add it to your hot cup of coffee. Enjoy.

The great combination of chocolate and coffee can not be denied or resisted. Make a regular cup of coffee and sweeten it the way you like it. Then add your choice of chocolate flavoring, ? tsp of nutmeg and ? tsp of cinnamon. Top it off with a healthy spoonful of whip cream. Sit back, relax and sip your beautiful creation.

Our next recipe is not made to be sipped. To make Cubano put coffee in a small cup. Add rum to your liking, but don't overdo it. You can also add a bit of hot milk to curb the rum a little. You've got yourself a nice shot of coffee.

Now an old English drink - Grog. Peel and slice one orange and one lemon. In a normal coffee cup put 1/3 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of brown sugar. Place a slice of the orange peel and lemon peel in your mug. Fill the mug halfway with coffee. Add a dash of nutmeg and ground cloves. Finally add a smidgen of cinnamon and swirl in some heavy cream. What a treat!

What have other parts of the world done with coffee. Let's talk Viennese, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Starting with Viennese - place 1/8 cup of dark chocolate and 1 tbsp of light cream in a pan and heat slowly. Stir in a half cup of coffee and whisk into a foamy mixture. Place your mixture into a fancy cup and dust it with a bit of cocoa and cinnamon. You've got yourself a high class cup of coffee.

Turkish coffee takes a bit of a unique approach. The Turkish like their coffee strong so they don't brew it, they boil it! Combine a cup of water with finely ground coffee and ? tsp of sugar and heat until the mixture boils. Remove the pot from the stove and add another teaspoon of coffee. Replace the pot back on the stove and continue to heat. When froth appears on the top remove the mixture from heat again. Let your mixture cool a bit before you settle back and enjoy it.

Looking for tips for making expresso or other coffee-centric subjects? You need look no further than the Coffee Poet blog, where we share your love of a great java. Visit http://www.coffeepoet.com for more great tips and advice.
By Marc Warren
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Crop Report From Costa Rica Coffee Country

Farmers are especially excited about the organic crops and the highest grades of Tarrazu and Tres Rios coffees. Costa Rica grades it coffee on a scale of one to five with one select being the top grade of coffee.....

The Crop Report From Costa Rica Coffee Country

Well its November 2008 and a harvest time in Costa Rica for gourmet coffee. We decided to visit several local coffee farm. It's also harvest time for most of Central America and all of Costa Rica and the initial gourmet coffee reports are outstanding. Look for a very smooth and robust flavorful and smooth coffee and tons of it. Remember too that Costa Rica only grows the finest Arabica beans - no robusta coffee beans are alloed.

The Farmers we metare saying the past summer weather conditions were perfect and no adverse storms to factor in. These same best coffee Farmers are predicting the best crop in years - both in quantity and quality. Farmers are especially excited about the organic crops and the highest grades of Tarrazu and Tres Rios coffees. Costa Rica grades it coffee on a scale of one to five with one select being the top grade of coffee. The number on e select is supposed to be the most robust flavor it has ever had. We are seeing huge coffee cherries everywhere we go - report Samuel Diaz, an organic coffee farmer from the Central Valley.

And farmers across all sections of Costa Rica are giving the same excellent reports. Tres Rios which harvests in December says the cherries are so full of coffee beans they are sitting on the ground in many areas. The Tarrazu region which harvests in November gives the same bountiful report.

The Brunca Region and Orasi regions which started harvesting this month report huge crops. Their gourmet coffee is getting rave reviews from local gourmet coffee drinkers. Says Maria Sanchez - if this were wine we would be putting Italy to shame. The West Valley starts harvesting next week and the locals say the coffee will be off the charts in every category.

Looks like this winter crop season of 2008 will go down as a record year for Costa Rica coffee. Considered by many to produce the world's best overall gourmet coffee, now seems to be the time to try your favorite Costa Rica coffee. Start looking in December to reap the rewards of this excellent crop.

By Boake Moore
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/