The Legend of Coffee
One of the most interesting stories in the world is the history of that amazing drink that we call now coffee. OK, coffee is varied and interesting, involving chance occurrences, political intrigue, and the pursuit of wealth and power.
According to one legend (no idea is the legend is real or not), the great effect of coffee beans was noticed by a smart sheep herder from Caffa, in Ethiopia named Kaldi as he was watching his sheep. He noticed that his sheep became happy and very active after eating the red fruits of this unusual plant, the fruits look like red “cherries” . Kaldi, the shepherd soon realized that it was the bright red cherries on the plant that were causing the funny euphoria and after trying the cherries himself, he learned about the great effect .
So what Kabi did next? You bet, Kabi as a good network marketing guy, Kaldi dutifully reported his findings to the his community and after a few tries the monks decided to drink water with berries so they could be awake for longer hours of praying.
So you can say that the first use of coffee was mainly religious. Pretty funny isnt’? But obviously keeping the secret was pretty difficult and the word spread, the rumor about coffee reached the Arabian Peninsula, and you pet, coffee was born.
I know, believing in this legend is pretty nice, but some top historians believe something different, they think that the first beans of coffee where brought to Ethiopia (where the legend started) by ships from Yemen, where it existed since the 6th century. Then coffee became world famous once it arrived to key places in that time, Cairo and Mecca.
I love the legends about the origin of things, and in this case, I love the legend of the origin of Mocha mainly because I’m a coffee lover, but the best one so far is the origin of how the name of mocha or coffee was created.
The story goes that Arabian was sent to the desert with his followers to die of starvation (not very nice). Well, the Arabian was so desperate that he had his friends boil and eat the fruit from an unknown plant. (yes, you guess it already, didn’t you? Coffee) Not only this fruit save the exiles, but their survival was taken as a religious sign by the residents of close by town, Mocha.
The plant and its beverage were named Mocha to honor this event. So every time you order a Mocha , think of this. Nice story isn’t?
The ironic thing of the history of coffee is that the plant grew naturally in Ethiopia, but once transplanted in Arabia the Arabic business men took control and make a good profit from the coffee idea, but it took a long time for a country to adapt it as a proper drink. And that was until the Turks started drinking coffee in their everyday life, often adding spices such as clove, cinnamon, cardamom and anise to the brew.
That’s why we have Turkish coffee !
Joaquin is the creator of Coffee Makers Review Blog, where we posts information regarding coffee, automatic coffee machines and coffee makers reviews.
Automatic Coffee Makers - One For Every Coffee Drinker!
Coffee makers come in many different shapes, sizes, colours and abilities. There coffee makers that will make good old regular coffee or others which can produce everything from a espresso to a latte at the touch of a button. What ever your preference may be there is an automatic coffee machine out there to full fill your need for coffee. It is even possible to get a coffee maker which can grind the coffee beans and have perfect coffee ready when you wake in the morning, all you have to do is program it the night before!
As with any appliance if you take care of your coffee machine and maintain it properly it should serve you well for many years. This sounds complicated but, something as simple as switching it off when not in use can extend its life. Keeping it clean is also a good way to ensure your machine works well, run a solution of vinegar and water through a cycle once in a while. This will help keep the machine clean inside and make sure you get a perfect brew every time! Just make sure you get rid of all traces of vinegar by running water through the coffee machine a few times before you brew coffee again.
Automatic coffee machines with timers can actually save you a bit of time in the morning. All you have to do is fill and set the machine the night before to start brewing whilst you have your shower or even 10 minutes before the dreaded alarm goes off and you will have coffee ready to get your day started. With some machines you can even get a quick cup before all the coffee has brewed because of a flow interruption mechanism which stops the flow of coffee to stop for a few seconds when the carafe is pulled out.
The choice of automatic coffee makers is huge. Large and small and these days also in lots of colours so it should not really be too difficult to find one which will fit in with your kitchen decor whilst filling all your needs in the vast array of models on the market. The most important thing is to buy a machine which suits you and your families coffee drinking habits, some only produce full pots of coffee while some will make a single cup. Believe it or not there are even portable coffee makers for those weekends away camping!
To find out more about the vast choice of coffee machines available visit http://electronicspricecomparisons.com
Want to Serve Coffee and Cappuccino without Training Anyone?
While coffee and espresso is a trend that doesn’t seem to die down — especially since Starbucks is still so popular, even though you can find them virtually across the street from each other — barista training is hard. In order to get a staff ready to serve high quality espresso drinks, you have to spend hours on espresso, then on milk, and then on building drinks. If you want to serve espresso, but you don’t want to train anyone, you need help. And that help comes in the form of a coffee/cappuccino dispenser.
Isn’t This Cheating?
Here’s the truth about the average coffee drinker — they don’t know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, even if their life depended on it, they couldn’t tell you. And while you might want to serve the most quality drinks you can, people probably won’t like what you serve. They want sweet drinks that sort of taste like coffee, but not really. And a coffee/cappuccino dispenser does just that. In fact, your customer can serve themselves from this dispenser, saving you time and money in the process.
How’s It Work?
When you buy this dispenser, all you need to have in place is a water source on the counter where it will sit. This water source is going to hook up to the back of the dispenser and mix together with the prepackaged coffee drink mixes you can order. You can choose from popular flavors like mocha and vanilla, or you can do something festive for the holidays like pumpkin spice or cinnamon. All you need to do then is let the machine do its job and then make sure it’s always full so the customer can get what they want when they want it.
Where Can I Use It?
You might want to set up a coffee/cappuccino dispenser where you set up other self serve drinks as this makes the most sense. You can also place this dispenser right behind the counter to serve the customer when they pay for their meal at a buffet sort of arrangement. You can have these machines at your server station as well to help expedite the drink orders.
With a coffee/cappuccino dispenser, you’ll just have to teach your crew how to set the machine up and then how to push a button until the cup is full, then to release it. Baristas aren’t necessary. Heck, most people don’t even know what that means. They just want their coffee.
Able Kitchen (http://www.ablekitchen.com) sells coffee/cappuccino dispensers and other restaurant equipment online. They stock products that have reputable names in the culinary industry with several thousands of restaurant supplies to choose from. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.
For The Perfect Cup Of Coffee Start With Gourmet Beans
How does one brew the perfect cup of coffee?
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.
The next logical question would be, what is a quality coffee grinder?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beans at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com
Why More People Are Getting Their Own Home Espresso Makers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as Kona coffee at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com
Roast Your Own Coffee Beans With A Home Coffee Roaster
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.
So the question is who needs a coffee roaster?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as flavored coffee at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com
Why Shade Grown Espresso Coffee Are The Best
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beverage at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com
Why The Coffee Maker Is A Must Have Appliance For Any Household
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as espresso coffee at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com
The Book You Need To Read To Help You Succeed In A Coffee Driven World
Coffee has exploded in popularity in recent years. In almost any town and city you can find a good cop of coffee. Due to the increased interest in coffee and coffee drinks many people have considered opening their own businesses catering to coffee.
Opening a coffee shop involves a lot of knowledge, funding, and a love for coffee. Out of frustration for the lack of variety of coffee in many areas, has been a main reason some open their own coffee shops.
If you are seriously considering opening a coffee shop then there is a book you should read. It is, “How To Open A Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop” by Elizabeth Godsmark, Lora Arduser and Douglas R. Brown. This is an excellent starting book for anyone who shares a love for coffee and has wondered what steps they would need to take in order to get a coffee shop off the ground and make it a success.
Through the beginning of planning a coffee shop to obtaining proper licenses this book can help you to achieve your dream. The book comes with a CD to help you through the entire process from start to finish. If you have ever wanted to succeed but had questions on how to get started this book can lead you through the journey.
This book can offer suggestions and proven strategies that many people may overlook when opening a business. With so many offerings today for coffee and other drinks the love for coffee has grown to many areas. There are so many different types of coffee that you can find the shops just as varied. If you however want to stand out among the crowds you need to have some tips and suggestions from someone who has been there before you. This book will open your eyes and lift your spirits showing you the strategies that work along with the ones that fail. These tips are proven to work and can open the door to success for you.
From choosing the proper equipment to picking your suppliers there is a vast amount of information contained within this book. The book will teach you how to advertise properly and with success. The book will also teach you how to name your business that will help make it stand out among all the competition.
If you have ever dreamed of opening your own coffee shop then you need to check into the pages of this book. Success can be your with planning tips and start up guides this book can prepare you for getting your coffee shop up and running. This may well be the most important book you will read about your business and the most helpful.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as gourmet flavored coffee at http://www.coffeeandjavashop.com
Is It Possible That Coffee Is Really Good For You?
Coffee has been a popular start to many people’s day for many years. Though coffee is often looked on negatively due to the caffeine in it there are actually many health benefits to coffee.
Antioxidants are contained in coffee and many people are unaware. Coffee contains these health boosting antioxidants no matter if you are drinking straight coffee or a varied drink such as a cappuccino. Coffee is actually good for you like many things as long as you drink it in moderation.
Often people may avoid drinking coffee due to its effects on the body from the amount of caffeine contained. Caffeine however is not the only ingredient and unfortunately many overshadow the other ingredients in coffee, which are beneficial. The antioxidants in coffee have been proven to boost your immune system and help to ward off illness. Antioxidants are also proven to decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Antioxidants also reduce the risks of developing liver cirrhosis leading to liver cancer. This is good news to many especially when so many medicines increase the risk of liver problems. Drinking coffee is not a replacement for regular checkups and screening from your family doctor. Drinking coffee is however a helpful tool to reduce the likelihood of developing these issues.
Coffee has also been proven to increase alertness and concentration in adults. This is especially good news since many people drink coffee specifically for the reason of staying alert or concentration. It is a common sight to see many people starting their day with a hot cup of coffee.
Although there is many benefits to drinking coffee drinking too much coffee has been related to insomnia, and ulcers. This is mainly due to large excess amounts of coffee. It is recommended that you consume between two and three cups of coffee per day in order to reap the benefits of coffee without causing adverse side effects.
A few other diseases that coffee has been shown to reduce are colon cancer, Alzheimer’s, Type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. This is been scientifically proven in various government based studies along with many private health studies.
Due to all the benefits of drinking coffee it is no wonder that coffee has increased greatly in sales in recent years. People are drinking coffee more and more due to the availability and the benefits. As more people realize some of the natural health benefits of coffee it will surely increase in sales once again.
The additional medicinal benefits of coffee are yet to be found. Other countries have recognized the use of coffee as a medicine in the past; with sufficient research it is possible that coffee may prove to be beneficial as an additional source of help for some diseases.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as gourmet coffee gifts at http://www.coffeeandjavashop.com
