Different Espresso Parts
Coffee is a drink which is celebrated all over the world, but does everyone know what goes into it? Well, one thing that makes coffee taste great is espresso. It is a concentrated type of coffee that is used to make coffee drinks. The way that espresso is made is simple and yet it requires experience to make it great, it brings out the great flavor of the coffee beans that are used with the different espresso parts.
First and foremost when making espresso, you have to decide on what kind of espresso coffee beans that you want to use. Usually, espressos are made from different blends of beans put together in order to create a great flavor. There are beans with high caffeine levels, high quality flavor levels, and others. They are roasted at medium to high temperature. Finding a blend that fits best your taste can take some testing, but it is definitely worth it.
The way that you grind the beans is also very important. Grinding the beans to coarsely will make the brew more watery than with coffee. Too fine a grind will leave the coffee very thick, bitter, and unpalatable. You need to find a manner of grinding that is fine but not too fine and that gives a pleasant texture and taste to the espresso.
There is also something called a tamper which is used in order to pack the grounds of coffee so that it will go into the filter basket. This is so that the water will flow through the coffee in a controlled way so that you will have the best coffee. Tamping too tight would not allow the water to flow properly while too loose would make the water not as flavored.
If you have got the other three parts of espresso correct, then the last part would be the cream. The cream is a part of the espresso which comes from the machine after the black espresso. It is light brown in color and makes the espresso look beautiful and also makes the flavor better. It is best to have a thick crema so that the espresso will be even all over. It will show you whether you tamped well, since too tight would make it thin and too loose would make it light.
With all of these espresso parts, it is important to get all of them right in order to create the perfect cup of espresso. If you want to brew your own espresso, it is important to practice and practice until you have the right mixture of beans, taming, grind, and a good crema so that you will get the best that you can.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Different Kinds Of Filter Coffee Machines
Everyone loves their daily cup of Joe. Coffee is something that a lot of people love because of the flavor, the texture, the smell, and the taste as well. One thing that can improve your coffee maker and that is filter coffee machines. Filters are made in different ways and can be used to create better cups of coffee for those who like brewing their coffee.
There are different styles of filters for coffee. There are two basic shapes that they come in, and both have their own pros and cons. The first one is in the shape of a basket. This kind of filter will let the water to stay in contact with the grinds from the coffee for a longer time. This way, the water is better filtered, but they are only available for large grinds.
There are also cone filters which are available for different sizes of grinds. Also, they don't spill as much as basket shaped filters and are easy to clean once you are done using it. Choose the kind of style of filter that you see fit to create your favorite cup of coffee.
There are also different materials that filters can be made out of. Paper filters are the cheapest kind that is used since they are disposable and they also filter well enough. Some of the flavor gets trapped in the paper though, so it is not best if you really want to enjoy your coffee. There are also cloth coffee filters, but these are very difficult to clean. Though, these are reusable and are eco-friendly and make a good coffee.
Stainless steel filters are the most effective reusable filters for most people. They last for a long time and you can switch the filters so that you can clean the used one and put a clean one in its place. They are easier to clean than cloth filters as well. Gold coffee filters are plated with 23 karat gold. These are the best to keep the coffee's natural flavor in place.
There are also filters for the water so that the water that gets mixed through the grinds is made to be completely safe and free from chlorine and other nasty chemicals. With so many filter coffee machines to choose from, you should definitely try out the methods and see which one makes the kind of coffee that you love to drink.
There are different styles of filters for coffee. There are two basic shapes that they come in, and both have their own pros and cons. The first one is in the shape of a basket. This kind of filter will let the water to stay in contact with the grinds from the coffee for a longer time. This way, the water is better filtered, but they are only available for large grinds.
There are also cone filters which are available for different sizes of grinds. Also, they don't spill as much as basket shaped filters and are easy to clean once you are done using it. Choose the kind of style of filter that you see fit to create your favorite cup of coffee.
There are also different materials that filters can be made out of. Paper filters are the cheapest kind that is used since they are disposable and they also filter well enough. Some of the flavor gets trapped in the paper though, so it is not best if you really want to enjoy your coffee. There are also cloth coffee filters, but these are very difficult to clean. Though, these are reusable and are eco-friendly and make a good coffee.
Stainless steel filters are the most effective reusable filters for most people. They last for a long time and you can switch the filters so that you can clean the used one and put a clean one in its place. They are easier to clean than cloth filters as well. Gold coffee filters are plated with 23 karat gold. These are the best to keep the coffee's natural flavor in place.
There are also filters for the water so that the water that gets mixed through the grinds is made to be completely safe and free from chlorine and other nasty chemicals. With so many filter coffee machines to choose from, you should definitely try out the methods and see which one makes the kind of coffee that you love to drink.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Choosing The Best Espresso Coffee Beans
Creating the perfect caffeine drink is the goal of every coffee shop in town, and espresso has been an all-time favorite of the many. Because of this, there is the constant search for the right kind of espresso coffee beans to make each cup a delightful one. It is the secret to make customers keep coming back for more.
Basically, espresso is concentrated coffee brewed through a unique process. This involves the use of high pressure when forcing hot water through more finely grounded coffee beans. Although it is the same kind of beans as the ones used with filters and percolators, they are grounded finer, which makes them different as well.
In espresso, the consistency is thicker compared to the output of other methods of brewing. The term itself comes from the French word express, which is translated to especially for. This is because espresso concoctions are stronger than other coffee mixtures. It comes in different variations, and cappuccinos and lattes are just two of the most popular ones.
Any kinds of coffee beans can be used to create an espresso. However, there is an unspoken agreement that Arabica espresso coffee beans produce the best drinks. This is due to the inherent qualities of the Arabica coffee beans blending in well with the unique procedure of creating an espresso drink.
Generally, espresso drinks end up with stronger taste compared to other kinds of brewed coffee. This is a result of the high ratio between the amount of water and the grounds plus the brewing method used. Furthermore, this strong taste has encouraged baristas and coffee lovers to try mixing espresso with other drinks.
This is where the famous cappuccino, latte and mocha drinks come into the scene. These drinks are basically espresso mixed with milk and other flavors such as mocha. Americanos, on the other hand, are the mixture of espresso and plain hot water while Red Eyes, or Shots in the Dark, is the mixture of espresso and brewed coffee.
The caffeine content of an espresso drink is significantly higher than that of an ordinarily brewed coffee drink. One can find around 64 milligrams of caffeine in an ounce of espresso serving. This is, more or less, the same amount as that in 5.5 ounces of brewed coffee.
To wrap it up, there is no need to be so picky when it comes to espresso coffee beans. Creating an espresso drink does not have to involve a specific kind of beans. One should just make sure to have fresh and good quality coffee beans to have a nice cup of espresso in the end.
Basically, espresso is concentrated coffee brewed through a unique process. This involves the use of high pressure when forcing hot water through more finely grounded coffee beans. Although it is the same kind of beans as the ones used with filters and percolators, they are grounded finer, which makes them different as well.
In espresso, the consistency is thicker compared to the output of other methods of brewing. The term itself comes from the French word express, which is translated to especially for. This is because espresso concoctions are stronger than other coffee mixtures. It comes in different variations, and cappuccinos and lattes are just two of the most popular ones.
Any kinds of coffee beans can be used to create an espresso. However, there is an unspoken agreement that Arabica espresso coffee beans produce the best drinks. This is due to the inherent qualities of the Arabica coffee beans blending in well with the unique procedure of creating an espresso drink.
Generally, espresso drinks end up with stronger taste compared to other kinds of brewed coffee. This is a result of the high ratio between the amount of water and the grounds plus the brewing method used. Furthermore, this strong taste has encouraged baristas and coffee lovers to try mixing espresso with other drinks.
This is where the famous cappuccino, latte and mocha drinks come into the scene. These drinks are basically espresso mixed with milk and other flavors such as mocha. Americanos, on the other hand, are the mixture of espresso and plain hot water while Red Eyes, or Shots in the Dark, is the mixture of espresso and brewed coffee.
The caffeine content of an espresso drink is significantly higher than that of an ordinarily brewed coffee drink. One can find around 64 milligrams of caffeine in an ounce of espresso serving. This is, more or less, the same amount as that in 5.5 ounces of brewed coffee.
To wrap it up, there is no need to be so picky when it comes to espresso coffee beans. Creating an espresso drink does not have to involve a specific kind of beans. One should just make sure to have fresh and good quality coffee beans to have a nice cup of espresso in the end.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Chocolate Coffee Beans: Every Caffeine Lover's Delight
Chocolate Coffee Beans: Every Caffeine Lover's Delight
Coffee can be enjoyed in various ways. For those who want a fix of caffeine amidst the sweet delight that chocolate brings, chocolate coffee beans are a perfect thing to try out. It is not only a different thing this time but also a good way to hit on two birds with one stone, coffee and chocolate in one.
Anyone who loves chocolate and coffee above everything else is definitely going to heaven with this treat. Chocolate covered coffee beans are available at almost all coffee shops and specialty stores offering chocolate variations and coffee products. However, it is also possible to make these treats at home.
Basically, these beans are covered with chocolate. The beans used during the process should be ones that have just been roasted in order to make sure the output is good enough to eat. There are different kinds of chocolate. One can choose from milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate among others.
For beginners, dipping chocolate is most recommended for making chocolate coffee beans because of its flexible nature. It can be set up more easily, but it is not very popular, so it might take a little more time to locate a good amount of this type of chocolate. Chocolate in chips and squares can also be used for this project.
First, the chocolate has to be melted. It can easily burn and end up tasting weird, so utmost care should be taken to ensure that the chocolate does not get burned. If a microwave is used, it should take only a minute or two to melt 14 cup or a square of chocolate, which should be occasionally stirred.
Another option for chocolate melting is to have the chocolate on a pan with boiling water underneath it. Chocolate lumps should be avoided and can be treated by adding a tablespoon of shortening. Constant stirring is a must.
Once the mixture is ready, it is time to dip the coffee beans one by one into the mixture. At this point, one should make sure that the chocolate mixture has already cooled down to avoid getting burns in the fingers. The sweet taste of chocolate cannot easily make up for the pain of a burn.
Although it is easier and hassle-free to get a dose of ready-to-eat chocolate coffee beans, the effort of making the treats by oneself make each one of them more delicious than ever. More so, it is a more cost-efficient option especially when there is a need for a lot of these treats around such as when there is a party or similar social gatherings.
Coffee can be enjoyed in various ways. For those who want a fix of caffeine amidst the sweet delight that chocolate brings, chocolate coffee beans are a perfect thing to try out. It is not only a different thing this time but also a good way to hit on two birds with one stone, coffee and chocolate in one.
Anyone who loves chocolate and coffee above everything else is definitely going to heaven with this treat. Chocolate covered coffee beans are available at almost all coffee shops and specialty stores offering chocolate variations and coffee products. However, it is also possible to make these treats at home.
Basically, these beans are covered with chocolate. The beans used during the process should be ones that have just been roasted in order to make sure the output is good enough to eat. There are different kinds of chocolate. One can choose from milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate among others.
For beginners, dipping chocolate is most recommended for making chocolate coffee beans because of its flexible nature. It can be set up more easily, but it is not very popular, so it might take a little more time to locate a good amount of this type of chocolate. Chocolate in chips and squares can also be used for this project.
First, the chocolate has to be melted. It can easily burn and end up tasting weird, so utmost care should be taken to ensure that the chocolate does not get burned. If a microwave is used, it should take only a minute or two to melt 14 cup or a square of chocolate, which should be occasionally stirred.
Another option for chocolate melting is to have the chocolate on a pan with boiling water underneath it. Chocolate lumps should be avoided and can be treated by adding a tablespoon of shortening. Constant stirring is a must.
Once the mixture is ready, it is time to dip the coffee beans one by one into the mixture. At this point, one should make sure that the chocolate mixture has already cooled down to avoid getting burns in the fingers. The sweet taste of chocolate cannot easily make up for the pain of a burn.
Although it is easier and hassle-free to get a dose of ready-to-eat chocolate coffee beans, the effort of making the treats by oneself make each one of them more delicious than ever. More so, it is a more cost-efficient option especially when there is a need for a lot of these treats around such as when there is a party or similar social gatherings.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Everything You Need To Know About Gourmet Coffee Beans
Everything You Need To Know About Gourmet Coffee Beans
Everyone enjoys a cup of coffee. Whether it is early in the morning or right after lunch, this has become more than just a shot of caffeine but is also an experience to indulge in. Most people are happy with ordinary coffee, without any idea about the goodness that gourmet coffee beans bring.
Compared to the regular coffee beans, gourmet ones are quite pricey. However, they are definitely worth it once they become a hot drink in a cup. Basically, this type of beans is made up of the best Arabica beans, which come from places such as Ethiopia and Brazil. Each one is prided to be carefully handpicked and processed.
Because of the way these coffee beans are handled and prepared, they are of really good quality. This is further translated in the market to be of greater value and are worthy of a higher price. The other type of coffee beans is Robusta, which are considered to be of the commercial grade. They produce harsher-tasting coffee.
When it comes to the overall benefit of coffee, it is logical to say that gourmet coffee beans end up being more beneficial for the human body. It contains a good amount of antioxidants that are very useful in eliminating all the toxins that can harm the body. Heart disease, diabetes and strokes can also be lessened with the help of coffee.
To produce high quality coffee, the coffee beans should be grounded and roasted a couple of hours before actually serving the drink. Logically, coffee beans that have been roasted days ago and not preserved the right way are not going to create a drink that worthy the effort.
One should also learn the art of grinding the beans. Muddy coffee as well as one that is too bitter is due to grinding the beans too finely. If the grinding ends up more coarsely, it can usually be observed that the output lacks the flavor everyone loves in their coffee.
Guesses, no matter how educated they might be, are not at all reliable when grinding and blending. The amounts of coffee and water used should be proportionate to each other at two tablespoons grounded coffee for every six ounces of water. In case the coffee mixture tastes too strong or weak, it is the grinding or blending that should be changed and not the mentioned proportion.
Gourmet coffee beans might seem too fancy for some people who prefer the regular brewed ones. These people should learn to realize the value of money and be able to assess its worth vis-a-vis the different benefits of going with gourmet than ordinary coffee.
Everyone enjoys a cup of coffee. Whether it is early in the morning or right after lunch, this has become more than just a shot of caffeine but is also an experience to indulge in. Most people are happy with ordinary coffee, without any idea about the goodness that gourmet coffee beans bring.
Compared to the regular coffee beans, gourmet ones are quite pricey. However, they are definitely worth it once they become a hot drink in a cup. Basically, this type of beans is made up of the best Arabica beans, which come from places such as Ethiopia and Brazil. Each one is prided to be carefully handpicked and processed.
Because of the way these coffee beans are handled and prepared, they are of really good quality. This is further translated in the market to be of greater value and are worthy of a higher price. The other type of coffee beans is Robusta, which are considered to be of the commercial grade. They produce harsher-tasting coffee.
When it comes to the overall benefit of coffee, it is logical to say that gourmet coffee beans end up being more beneficial for the human body. It contains a good amount of antioxidants that are very useful in eliminating all the toxins that can harm the body. Heart disease, diabetes and strokes can also be lessened with the help of coffee.
To produce high quality coffee, the coffee beans should be grounded and roasted a couple of hours before actually serving the drink. Logically, coffee beans that have been roasted days ago and not preserved the right way are not going to create a drink that worthy the effort.
One should also learn the art of grinding the beans. Muddy coffee as well as one that is too bitter is due to grinding the beans too finely. If the grinding ends up more coarsely, it can usually be observed that the output lacks the flavor everyone loves in their coffee.
Guesses, no matter how educated they might be, are not at all reliable when grinding and blending. The amounts of coffee and water used should be proportionate to each other at two tablespoons grounded coffee for every six ounces of water. In case the coffee mixture tastes too strong or weak, it is the grinding or blending that should be changed and not the mentioned proportion.
Gourmet coffee beans might seem too fancy for some people who prefer the regular brewed ones. These people should learn to realize the value of money and be able to assess its worth vis-a-vis the different benefits of going with gourmet than ordinary coffee.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Arabica Coffee, The Best Coffee Beans
For caffeine addicts, nothing beats having the aromatic cup of hot and delicious coffee whether it is to start a new day or eliminate the worries of a day gone by. Although some people tend to make do with the ordinary one, there are those who choose the best coffee beans to make their daily cup heavenly. Being more knowledgeable about the beans and how they are made into coffee becomes very useful at this point.
Basically, coffee beans come in cluster of two or three contained in a ripe cherry. There are two kinds of beans used for creating the caffeine fix for everyone these days. These are the Arabica beans and Robusta beans. They come from different parts of the world including the Caribbean and Central America, South America, Asia and even Africa.
Robusta coffee beans are mostly found in lower heights. They are quite easy to grow, and one can find a significant amount of them in some parts of Brazil as well as in Southeast Asia and Central Africa. Generally, they have a high resistance to diseases and pests, so farmers find them to be cheaper to produce.
Arabica beans, on the other hand, are considered to be the best coffee beans. Believed to have been initially grown in Yemen, the plant bearing these beans have been in Southwest Arabia for at least a thousand years already, and it continues to thrive wildly in Ethiopia. Topping the line of the bests, however, are those that are cultivated in more elevated areas in the world.
The plant that bears the Arabica beans is called Coffee Arabica. This is a wild plant that stands at least 10 feet and is adorned with glossy leaves and white flowers, where the fruit bearing the coffee beans are produced. This plant is quite vulnerable to pests, diseases and frosts. As a result, these coffee beans are more expensive in the market.
It takes two to four years for the Arabica plant to produce the white flowers and their fruits, which are the coffee beans as we know them. The thing about this plant is the fact that it may produce only pound of coffee every year. This is the main reason why typical coffee plantations are really large.
There is a need for more evidence regarding the healthy effects of Arabica coffee. However, a noticeable difference in the development of cancers among coffee drinkers has been observed with the Arabica coffee drinkers having less incidents of the disease. More so, this type of coffee beans has a higher level of antioxidants.
Despite the general judgment that the best coffee beans are Arabica beans, there is actually nothing wrong with Robusta coffee. It might be harsher in terms of the flavor and more caffeinated, but it is still as delightful to the senses. Not everyone can really tell the difference.
Basically, coffee beans come in cluster of two or three contained in a ripe cherry. There are two kinds of beans used for creating the caffeine fix for everyone these days. These are the Arabica beans and Robusta beans. They come from different parts of the world including the Caribbean and Central America, South America, Asia and even Africa.
Robusta coffee beans are mostly found in lower heights. They are quite easy to grow, and one can find a significant amount of them in some parts of Brazil as well as in Southeast Asia and Central Africa. Generally, they have a high resistance to diseases and pests, so farmers find them to be cheaper to produce.
Arabica beans, on the other hand, are considered to be the best coffee beans. Believed to have been initially grown in Yemen, the plant bearing these beans have been in Southwest Arabia for at least a thousand years already, and it continues to thrive wildly in Ethiopia. Topping the line of the bests, however, are those that are cultivated in more elevated areas in the world.
The plant that bears the Arabica beans is called Coffee Arabica. This is a wild plant that stands at least 10 feet and is adorned with glossy leaves and white flowers, where the fruit bearing the coffee beans are produced. This plant is quite vulnerable to pests, diseases and frosts. As a result, these coffee beans are more expensive in the market.
It takes two to four years for the Arabica plant to produce the white flowers and their fruits, which are the coffee beans as we know them. The thing about this plant is the fact that it may produce only pound of coffee every year. This is the main reason why typical coffee plantations are really large.
There is a need for more evidence regarding the healthy effects of Arabica coffee. However, a noticeable difference in the development of cancers among coffee drinkers has been observed with the Arabica coffee drinkers having less incidents of the disease. More so, this type of coffee beans has a higher level of antioxidants.
Despite the general judgment that the best coffee beans are Arabica beans, there is actually nothing wrong with Robusta coffee. It might be harsher in terms of the flavor and more caffeinated, but it is still as delightful to the senses. Not everyone can really tell the difference.
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