Coffee tasting 101

by Brian Vandenbroek

As coffee beans move from harvest to importer, they pass many tests to ensure their quality. After roasting, tasters put the beans through one last test. Coffee tasting, also called cupping, is how professionals evaluate the coffee. As with wine, coffee is evaluated on flavor, aroma, body and acidity 
for each cupping, a batch of beans is roasted and ground. However, a pot of coffee is not made. Instead, grounds are placed in each cup. Not quite boiling water is added. The grounds soak up the water and float to the top, forming a crust. The taster uses a spoon to stir his coffee and break the crust. A sniff is taken to catch the coffee's aroma and finally, the coffee gets slurped. Slurping the coffee is important as it mixes oxygen with the coffee, releasing all of its flavor. 
You might want to try cupping at home. There are a lot of coffees out there and many of them don't come cheap. So, if you're like me you might want to sample some different coffees one day to find one you really like. But don't worry, you don't need to be a professional cupper to do the job. 
Go to your favorite grocery store or coffee shop. buy some of those coffees you've been looking at. Grind each coffee to a medium grind. Don't grind it fine or you'll get too much coffee out of your bean and it'll taste bitter. 
Fill your cup with 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee grounds. 
Heat water to boiling. Take it off the heat and let it come off the boil for a couple minutes. Pour about 6 oz near boiling water in each cup. 
Steep your coffee 2-3 minutes. The grounds will float to the top and form a crust. While the coffee steeps, sniff it, looking for sour smells. A sour aroma indicates your coffee is old or rancid. 
Give the coffee a gentle stir, breaking the crust. Take another whiff as you stir. Latent aromas are often released as you agitate the coffee. 
Fill your spoon with coffee, avoiding the grounds. Slurp coffee into your mouth. This mixes air and coffee, releasing otherwise unnoticed flavors. 
Swirl the coffee around in your mouth, getting a feel for the flavors. Spit the coffee out, rinse your mouth with water and repeat the process with remaining brews. 
You want to judge your coffee based on aroma, flavor, body and acidity. Coffee should be full in body, not thin and watery. Flavor should be rich with aromas including roastiness or chocolate. Coffee low in acidity tends to come off as flat or dull. 
Doing a little cupping at home is a great way to try different coffees. After all, if you're going to get charged for what coffee costs you owe it to yourself to enjoy what you drink. So try the coffees out. Have some fun and experiment. It'll be so worth it if you do.

Learn more about this author, Brian Vandenbroek.

Coffee tasting 101

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Grinding Gourmet Coffee Beans from Costa Rica

A good cup of coffee starts with the coffee bean and how you grind it. First be sure you select the finest coffee bean - the Costa Rican coffee bean. Then grind it properly.

Grinding Gourmet Coffee Beans from Costa Rica

Quality brewing always needs a quality grind. It is not enough to grow superior coffee beans. If you are not having a proper coffee grind, then get ready for a worse brew. Costa Rica is best in both growing nice beans and grinding them in the right way.

The grinding is done only to get the best flavors out of the coffee beans while infused in hot water. There are three categories for perfect Gourmet coffee grinds, the fine, the medium and the coarse. The third kind i.e. the coarsest one is mainly used in the traditional pot method, the medium grind is required for plunger methods (methods used in drip filters) of coffee making and the finest one is needed for perfect espresso brewing.

If you try to bring in some alterations in the usage of these three diverse coffee grinds, you will surely fail. Trying the coarse one in espressos and the finer ones in drip filters will never work the wonders for you. Strong and mild brews are based on the quantity of coffee your use, not the grind.

The best flavor is obtained if you grind the gourmet beans just before brewing the coffee. This freshness and superiority exists only for a few days after the grinding. Moisture and oxygen oxidizes the coffee and it gradually looses the original flavor. So it is always better to grind the beans just before the brew.

Grinding gourmet beans is quite a simple task to pursue. The market holds a large variety of coffee bean grinders, which can also add up to the exquisiteness of your kitchen. The most hugely used coffee bean grinders of the past are mortar & pestle. The grinds obtained from these devices are not consistent and also requires a lot of time. However, the present day electronic grinding devices have made the task a lot easier.

The electronic motor-grinders are either with powerful blades or crushing burr-plates. The first one is a lot cheaper compared to the burr-grinders. But the burr-grinder is more liked by the mass due to its attractive appearance.  Once you become comfortable to grind your own gourmet coffee beans, having a pot of healthy coffee daily will no more be a dream for you.

About the Author

boake mooreTwo years ago I founded Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee, a church coffee,  www.missiongrounds.com. It is a non profit that sales coffee and donates all the profits to children. Most of the sales come from Kroger Grocery stores and from a growing on line business. I support children in Atlanta; Buffal and New Orleans and in China, Russia, Venezuela and Africa

Grinding Gourmet Coffee Beans from Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Coffee - The Perfect Gourmet Coffee by boake moore

Can a gourmet coffee be too perfect? That's the criticism leveled at the coffees from Costa Rica â€" too much flavor, too balanced, too clean, and too smooth. And Mission Grounds Gourmet coffee is considered by most as the finest Costa Rica gourmet coffee by the locals â€" so why would you not drink the best gourmet coffeeâ€" the gourmet coffee considered to be too perfect and blessed by all. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire Circle, Costa Rica has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back over 65 million years. 

Today 100 or so show signs of volcanic activity and five are classified as active volcanoes. Most of the volcanoes in Costa Rica lie in the northern part of the country and in the Central Highlands; these are prime gourmet coffee growing regions. The volcanoes are a key part of this country’s spectacular natural diversity. This is because they have played an important role in how the lush landscape of this region has come into being. Due to the many volcanic eruptions over the past millennia, the soil in Costa Rica is rich in many minerals and very fertile. This natural fertility contributes to the production of unique and exceptional coffee. Mission Grounds uses the finest shade grown top of the volcano coffee, the only pure number one select coffee. The number one grade is only grown in small quantities and we purchase all of it. So if you want the highest grade of Tarrazu gourmet coffeeâ€" you have to purchase Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee. Buying any other gourmet coffee is settling for second best. 

Our coffees stem from the jungles of Costa Rica. Costa Rican Coffees are known to be full-flavored, with lively acidity, and are very fragrant and tangy. Arabica is the only species of gourmet coffee that Mission Grounds Gourmet coffee sells. It is the sole source of fine gourmet coffee and comes from a more delicate, higher-altitude tree and grows at a lower temperature than the Robusta bean. 

The higher the altitude, the finer the gourmet coffee will be. Arabica coffees receive only 2 hours a day of direct sunlight. The Arabica bean is harder and has a denser aroma. It is the bean of choice for gourmet coffee connoisseurs. It is the reason Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is the finest Costa Rica gourmet coffee. The best Costa Rican gourmet coffee beans, which are grown above four thousand feet and hand selected, are designated as "strictly hard bean". However, because not all gourmet coffee beans which grow at the higher altitudes are "Strictly Hard Bean", we sort the gourmet coffee beans for the hardest gourmet coffee beans and remove the softer -"Cataula" gourmet coffee beans. 

The softer gourmet coffee beans are called Cataula to designate them as a byproduct of this sorting. Most of the Costa Rica coffees contain these softer less flavor gourmet coffee beans â€" but not Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee. Just another reason Mission Grounds is the finest gourmet coffee. Single Origin Coffee: Estate or "varietal" coffees are unblended coffees grown on specific estates or farms in specific regions of Costa Rica. With this designation the consumer is made aware of gourmet coffee varietal used, social practices and environmental practices (land conservation, recycling, natural fertilizers & no chemical sprays for example â€" (like our Signature Roast the Natural Organic coffee) employed in the production of their coffee. 

Our estate Signature Roast is considered by most the finest most flavorful organic gourmet coffee in the world. Costa Rican coffee has set the standards for fine wet-processed coffee for the rest of Central and South America and the world. The most famous coffees by region are the Tarrazu â€" the best of the Costa Rica coffee. And Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is the best Tarrazu coffee â€" making it the best coffee in the world.

About the Author

boake moore started mission grounds gourmet coffee to help children and he actually started the best coffee too.

Costa Rica Coffee - The Perfect Gourmet Coffee by boake moore

Latte coffee art baby elephant spit chocolate

Latte coffee art baby elephant spit chocolate

Latte/coffee Art By Scottiecallaghan.com

Latte/coffee Art By Scottiecallaghan.com

Coffee Machines: Utilizing Todays Technology For Your Favorite Morning Drink

Why are coffee machines in high demand? Considering that current statistics suggest that “the US imported more than 5 million bags of coffee just in the fourth quarter of 2006,” according to the National Coffee Association, it is no wonder that the manufacture of coffee machines has skyrocketed as well.

Coffee machines have not only grown in popularity, but have become much more sophisticated that the early models of old.

Today, you can program a coffee machine for early morning breakfast; utilize gourmet coffee machines to make a tasty cup of espresso or cappuccino; or use a simpler coffee machine wherein you can have a cup of java at any time of the day.

It is currently estimated that there are over 100 million cups of coffee drunk every day. In fact, the U.S. and Scandinavia boast the highest amount of coffee usage. Although percolators have almost been replaced by drip coffee machines, there are still individuals who utilize the former rather than the latter.

There may be a variety of reasons why some households still choose percolators over coffee machines. It may be that some drip coffee machines to not maintain heat as well; or perhaps automatic coffee machines turn off at a certain point; or there is a problem with the decanter; or it may be that having a percolated cup of coffee tastes somewhat better than that which comes from a coffee machine.

Whatever the reason, today you can find coffee machines for a variety of households; from one cup to ten cups or more. In today’s economy, however, prices of food, milk, and especially coffee have risen. When you add to this the fact that many years ago drinking several cups of coffee was not considered a healthy part of one’s diet regimen; today the tide has turned once again and coffee is considered a good thing.

Coffee machines brought the emergence of flavored coffees from around the world. Though quite high in cost, nonetheless, individuals flocked to these coffee houses to have a cup of this rich brew. At the same time, percolators and drip coffee machines would continue to be used in households.

However, many of the well-known coffee houses who charged an exorbitant amount of money for a cup of coffee have now turned towards decreasing the cost due to an economic recession. Although individuals still choose to forgo making a cup of java at home and prefer, instead, to buy a cup of coffee on their way to work. Others, on the other hand, choose not to buy a can or bag of coffee but rather buy a cup at their local convenience store or coffee house.

It seemed inevitable, then, that because there are millions of people who drink coffee that technology needed to take a giant leap forward in order to accommodate coffee drinkers at large and offer a coffee machine that could be programmed to do everything except serve.

For those who still own percolators and who refuse to spend a handsome sum of money to purchase coffee machines, take heart. Percolators are still available, although you may need to research the internet to find them.

About the AuthorCraig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on coffee and coffee beans at http://www.explorecoffee.com

Coffee Machines: Utilizing Todays Technology For Your Favorite Morning Drink

Italian coffee – something for everyone

Espresso, caffи latte, cappuccino; there would seem to be as many types of Italian coffee as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffees are an art form accompanied by hundreds of customs and traditions. Whether it's a corretto coffee thrown back like a shot of alcohol, a cappuccino coffee and croissant for breakfast, or an iced coffee to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.


But how do you make the perfect cup of espresso? There are fully automatic espresso makers, pump driven espresso machines, lever piston espresso machines, and, of course, the classic aluminium espresso coffee maker – the choices are endless. All will make a great cup of coffee but it is entirely dependant on the features that you desire. The perfect cup of coffee depends not only on the bean type and the milk you use but also the machine - blade vs. burr coffee grinders, tamp pressure, water temperature, and humidity. Caffeine lovers not only have their favorite local coffee house or cafи, but even prefer certain baristi because of their ability to deliver a perfect espresso coffee.

So what kind of coffee should you order? The possibilities can be as daunting as a Starbucks menu. Below is a list of the most popular coffee beverages.

caffe (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e., espresso
caffe Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
caffe doppio—double espresso
caffe freddo—iced coffee
caffe Hag—decaffeinated coffee
caffe latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
caffe macchiato— espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
caffe marocchino— espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
cappuccino — espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
granita di caffe con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream

If you are looking for that special blend of Kona roast and you are tired of spending lots of money on pre-roasted and pre-ground tins then you should consider buying coffee online. Buying coffee online is the way to go. Whether you are that single morning cup of java drinker or an espresso guru, buying coffee at home and having it delivered fresh to you when you need it, is all you need to know. The ability to browse literally hundreds of roasters and wholesalers, all eager to sell you top line coffees at discount prices will make your coffee buying experience an enjoyable one.

When you buy coffee online, it is both practical and economical. By purchasing direct from wholesalers, not only are you assured fresh coffee, but you also avoid paying retail overhead. Why buy retail if you can buy coffee direct and save money?

About the Author
Looking for information about Coffee?Go to: http://www.dkcoffee.comDK Coffee is published by Julie CarterThe Complete A to Z Of Coffee ResourcesCheck out more Coffee related articles at: http://www.dkcoffee.com/archive

Italian coffee – something for everyone

Coffee -- Everything You Need to Know From Arabica to Zanzibar

With a gourmet cup of coffee costing almost as much as a luncheon sandwich these days, more and more people are making their coffee at home from an "old fashioned" drip coffee machine. Thanks to Starbucks and the other vendors out there, coffee from a can or a jar just doesn't work anymore. Coffee has become the second most valuable item of international trade, just behind petroleum. Worldwide, coffee lovers drink 2.25 billion cups a DAY! To satisfy that thirst, the world's coffee growers, each year, produce about 6 million tons of green coffee beans and ship them to thousands of coffee roasters around the globe. People who drink coffee range from those interested only in the caffeine "buzz," to the true aficionado, who, like wine connieseurs, are concerned with color, taste, quality and aroma.


Whether you order a cup a "joe", some hot "java" or a caffe macchiato, the primary ingredient remains the coffee bean. Coffee begins on a tree in a warm climate where rainfall is about 50 inches a year, the soil is well drained and preferably volcanic (this is why Hawaiian Kona coffee is so highly prized). The fruit of the coffee plant is called a "cherry" and is appropriately red in color. The heart of the cherry, generally two beans, is separated from the husk by hand and then air and sun dried. Separating the bean from its outer husk, called "hulling" is done either mechanically or by hand. These green beans, as they are now known, have a shelf life of about two years.

The mythical story on the discovery of coffee and its use by human beings, involves an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi. Kaldi watched in awe and amusement as his flock behaved very strangely each time they ate the bright red fruit from a special plant. He tried the berries and found himself suddenly alert and full of energy. The following day Kaldi reported his experience to a Muslim holy man at a nearby monastery who later gathered some berries which he found to have a bitter taste. Hoping to improve their flavor he roasted them in a fire, crushed them with a stone and boiled them in water. Almost immediately after trying his new concoction, his brain became more active and he was able to stay awake all night without being tired in the morning. News of this miracle berry drink spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and by the 16th century, European travelers were praising the drink in their journals. The secret was out!

Most gourmet coffee is produced from Arabica beans which results in a coffee rich and full, providing an intense and fulfilling taste experience. Unlike Robusa coffee, which is considered inferior in taste, aroma and body, Arabica beans grow at higher elevations which means that they take longer to mature thus allowing the beans to produce more of the oils which give coffee its remarkable flavor. With tastes including caramel, chocolate, nutty, earthy, spicy or even floral, gourmet coffee has something for nearly every palate.

It is the roasting process, however, correctly described as both an art and a science, that is essential to the outcome of any coffee. Roasting gives coffee beans their characteristic dark color and intense aroma. The heat cracks the beans, releasing the rich oils hidden inside. Roast at a temperature that is too low, and the bean becomes sour. Roast at too high a temperature and the bean is burnt with a the taste of wood ash. The darker roasts produce the espressos, while the lighter roasts yield the more mellow morning coffees.

Grinding the coffee, another critical phase in preparing the "perfect" cup, should be done at the last possible moment, just before brewing. Utensils should be clean and the water cold and untreated. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of about one tablespoon of ground coffee to every six ounces of water. Of course individual tastes vary, so adjust accordingly.

The Internet is a tremendous source for the refined drinker of gourmet coffee. In addition to buying the world's greatest beans online, there is easy access to the miscellaneous accessories necessary to prepare the ideal beverage. Coffee can be both a food and a pleasure and with a little online help the perfect ingredients can be easily gathered.

P.S. In Italy, espresso is considered so essential to daily life that the price is regulated by the government.

About the AuthorLarry Denton is a retired history having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, an Internet business dedicated to providing information and resources on a variety of topics. For an urnful of information, trivia, history, tips and advice about coffee, or if you are looking for a special gift, coffee accessories, or a unique coffee recipe visit http://www.coffeefolks.com

Coffee -- Everything You Need to Know From Arabica to Zanzibar

COFFEE ART -2

COFFEE ART -2

Olympia Cremina - Part One, Inside and Out

Olympia Cremina - Part One, Inside and Out

Latte/coffee Art By Scottiecallaghan.com

Latte/coffee Art By Scottiecallaghan.com

The art of coffee

The art of coffee

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Two Types of Coffee Beans

By Ten Leu Jaw

Today coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. As a stimulant drink, coffee is prepared from roasted beans. Coffee beans also have become one of the top agricultural exports for many countries.

From flower to cherry, the colour of the bean is first green and turns red when it is ripe. The fruit is sweet in taste and after biting off the fresh; each little red cherry contains two seeds. After being picked, the cherries are then processed and dried. The seeds are then roasted to different degrees depending on the flavour and there come our brown coffee beans. Generally there are two common types of bean: Arabica and Robusta.

Coffea arabica accounts for more than 70% of the world's coffee trade. Originated from Ethiopia and Yemen, it is known as 'mountain coffee' or 'coffee shrub of Arabia'. Arabica beans are more delicate and planted at higher and cooler ground; making them more costly. They grow at about 1000 to 2000 m above sea level; generally, the higher the altitudes, the harder the beans and the better the quality. So they are also called hard bean coffee. Arabica has a wider taste range and the roasted bean is more fruity in smell.

Coffea canephora or Robusta coffee has its origins in Africa, and also Brazil which is now surpassed by Vietnam as the largest exporting country. The plant grows at lower altitudes near sea level and requires little rainfall. Robusta plant is hardier and less susceptible to pest. So it could yield more fruit and the production cost is less. The beans are smaller and yellowish in colour. The taste of Robusta is more neutral and the roasted bean has a more burnt smell compared to Arabica.

Which types of bean you like is subjective. Although Arabica bean is pricier, there are different grades of bean. A high quality Robusta will taste much better than a low quality Arabica. It is best that you do some homework before buying coffee bean. It is also worth noting that Robusta contains higher caffeine compared to Arabica.


Ten, writer for brew1819, a cafe situated at one corner of 8 Shenton Way, Singapore. http://brew1819.com/blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ten_Leu_Jaw

Two Types of Coffee Beans

The Adventurous History of the Coffee Bean

By Leroy C. Calstard

Beer and wine are in close competition as far as the oldest man-made brew, but beer wins just slightly. Beer recipes date back as far as 6000 B.C. while winemaking only goes so far as the first millennium. Coffee came onto the scene just a few hundred years later, although how old the coffee plant is still is unclear. Some evidence suggests that people were eating the berries as much as a hundred thousand years ago.

It has been said that an Ethiopian goat herder saw his goats become very excited after eating the red berries from one of the nearby trees and experienced the same stimulation when trying the berries himself. By 600 A.D., this stimulating berry and the resulting brew from its dried and ground seeds made its way to the southern tip of the Arabian peninsula to a location called Yemen.

Some stories speak of a native of India smuggling these seeds from a tree in Arabia around 1650 A.D. after which he planted them in the Chikmagalur hills since the law of Arabia at the time did not permit the exportation of beans that could germinate. This successfully controlled the coffee trade for many years. Whether this is myth or historic fact, the berries from those seeds now make up one-third of India's large coffee production.

The coffee bean then spread to many other countries thanks to travels of the Europeans, Dutch, French and British, among others. The Dutch introduced the coffee bean to Java during the eighteenth century which history relays as the famous tree the king of France coveted so greatly and that was finally gifted to him.

Louis XIV of France soon found that the tree did not grow well in frost and, consequently, he had a greenhouse built so he could continually be supplied with the beans that made the brew he so much desired. This is said to be the source of cultivators used in South and Central America.

Having reached Martinique around 1720 A.D., the seeds grew well in the Caribbean climate. Some of the thousands of trees that sprouted were transported to Mexico which is now one of the largest exporters of this coffee product.

The tree also grew well in the steamier environment of French Guiana when it finally reached this area around the same time. Francisco de Melo Palheta managed to get the help of the governor's wife to help smuggle the seeds out of the country. The story is that she handed him a bouquet of flowers containing the forbidden bean as he prepared himself to leave for Brazil. Interestingly, Brazil has become one of the largest coffee producers.

From Brazil, these seeds made their way to Kenya and Tanzania during the late nineteenth century which is, coincidentally, not far from Ethiopia. They nearly made a large circle as they traveled the globe, only taking around six centuries to do so. So, next time you enjoy a tasty, low-priced cup of coffee at a local restaurant, think about the history behind that drink. It may be plentiful now, but there was a time when it what just beginning its journey to where it is today.

The free-lance writer Leroy Calstard is particularly passionate about ideas associated to single cup coffee brewer. You might discover his comments on single cup coffee brewers over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/single-cup-coffee-maker.html and various other sources for single cup coffee brewers news.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leroy_C._Calstard

The Adventurous History of the Coffee Bean

Which Countries Grow the Best Coffee Beans?

By Scott Andrew Richards

If you are like me and you love coffee, you are probably consistently searching for that perfect cup. Well, the perfect cup starts with the perfect bean. And the perfect bean is largely based upon the combination of soil quality and climate. So when you think of the perfect country for coffee bean growth what comes to mind? Probably, somewhere tropical. A place with regular rain and sun. If you are like most people you will undoubtedly say "Brazil". It's true, Brazil is the biggest dog on the block accounting for a whopping one-third of all coffee bean production. Its climate is ideal for coffee bean production. It's no wonder they hold top spot. But, do they make the best bean?

Ironically, coffee bean production did not start in Brazil. It actually began in Ethiopia. Even though they can still be seen there they're popularity has spread. Today you can find coffee beans being produced in many countries throughout the free world. Matter of fact, there are now about seventy some countries officially growing coffee beans. Unfortunately, only a few of these countries actually have the most ideal situation for producing beans of a high quality. Aside from Brazil, some of the most popular destinations for coffee bean production are Columbia, Indonesia, Hawaii and Mexico.

We must not forget that aside from climate and soil quality, the altitude at which beans are grown has a significant impact on their quality. The higher they are grown the better. With this in mind we must give some attention to Columbia. They certainly produce some of the best beans in the world. However, its poor economy and underdeveloped infrastructure makes transport to processing plants difficult. Therefore, I am sure we are not seeing the best that that country has to offer.

If you have ever had Hawaiian coffee, you probably will swear up and down that it is the best in the world. Well you could be right. Even though they don't produce large quantities Hawaii's volcanic ash, large amounts of rainfall and hot sweltering sun create the perfect environment for production. There is, also, probably something to the small quantities they produce. The small crafted feel no doubt enhances Hawaii's mystic as a supreme coffee bean producer. Much like we see here in the states with regards to small-batch Bourbons.

Lastly, a very popular place that could possibly win the best coffee bean award would have to be Indonesia. The countries humid climate is ripe for perfect growth. Also, they have taken the production of coffee beans to new heights. They use very advanced technologies that help them grow beans in remote places like Java and Sulawesi. Coffee is so popular from this area that we often euphemistically refer to our coffee as a "Cup of Java".

To read other coffee-related articles visit my blog: A Coffee Lovers Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Andrew_Richards

Which Countries Grow the Best Coffee Beans?

How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker

By Kenny Vanderburen

When you are cooking you know that using the best ingredients and the best pots and pans can help you to cook the most delicious meals and when you are used to good quality products it has to expand to other things, like the beverages you drink and certainly the coffee that you drink. With coffee it is in fact the same as with cooking, if you want a great tasting coffee you need the best beans (the ingredients) and the best coffee maker (the pots and pans) and when you have that, you can make the best coffee ever.

For that perfect cup of coffee, when you first wake up in the morning, you need to find the best beans that is not that hard especially when you buy and look for it online. Just sample and taste the different kinds of coffee and buy the one that you like. But you also need the best coffee maker and that can be a bit harder.

Finding the right beans is a bit subjective, the beans need to fit your taste. Well with the best coffee maker it is in fact the same way, it is also very subjective. It all depends on your taste, lifestyle, budget and eye for design. People make different choices and that is a good thing, it would be a very boring world if we all prefer the same. There are however common grounds on which we decide what would be the best coffee maker for us.

Pure simple coffee
For the purist among us the best coffee maker ever made is a French press. According to them this kind of coffee is pure and all other coffee makers are just fancy. It is true that coffee made with a French press is rich in flavor, you can buy it anywhere and it does not break easily in fact it is just a glass jar with a plunger. You just need to put the (freshly grinded) coffee grounds in the jar and fill it further with hot boiling water. After that you need to give the brew a couple of minutes to get ready and then push the plunger down. This way you will get a strong concentrated flavor and if that is exactly what you like, you do not have to look any further this is the best coffee maker for you. It does not cost much and you can try out some gourmet coffee beans to experiment with this pure strong flavored coffee.

Coffee makers for the everyday user
If you drink a lot of coffee a French press is probably not a good choice for you. There are many other choices but we would like to bring the common coffee drip brewers at your attentions, because it is not fashionable any more to like these kind of machines while they in fact are the best coffee makers available. It is not just coincidental that these kind of coffee makers are used in almost all office pantries. These machines are reliable and can make a real good cup of coffee.
You need to look around for the more expensive models that have paid attention to details like the temperature and the amount of water used. If you buy a coffee drip brewer you do not want the ones that makes a lot of coffee at one time and keeps it heated in the carafe for a long time. The first cup is good but the last few cups taste awful.

What type of machine you buy is totally up to your taste, just make sure that you buy the best coffee maker of its kind and the best beans you can get.

Kenny Vanderburen loves to write about his one passion, cooking. If you want to know more about Prime Rib Slow Cooking or outdoor cooking grills for sale take a look at his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Vanderburen

How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker

Coffee Maker Reviews Help You in Finding Your Best Coffee Maker

By Yogi Shinde

Who knew there were so many styles and varieties of coffee makers? We have come a very long way from the time my grandmother and yours boiled the coffee over the open fire in the hearth. Choosing a coffee maker to fit your lifestyle is a big deal.

Now we have one cup coffee makers,2-cup coffee makers, and 4-cup coffee makers, 10 and 12 cup coffee makers and espresso machines that offer 4 oz cups of espresso for the coffee connoisseur. There are coffee makers that do everything for you, almost even to washing the cup when you are finished - but not quite. There are coffee makers that just simply can not have your coffee ready when you wake up in the morning - you actually have to go and push the button before you get your coffee. And there are coffee makers for the in between crowd. So how do you choose a coffee maker?

Choosing the Budget
For people for whom money is an object to consider, the first thing you will need to do is determine your budget for a coffee maker. Choosing a coffee maker that will break your bank account is not a wise decision; but choosing a coffee maker that is inexpensive just because it is inexpensive may not be a wise decision either.

How much coffee do you drink and how much money do you spend at the neighborhood coffee stand? Some of the low end coffee makers may cost the same as you already spend in a week at the coffee shop just down the street. Probably, you can afford to spend a little more and get a few more features in your coffee maker. You don't want to end up buying a coffee maker but still stopping 2-3 times a day at the coffee stand for that specialty coffee you like so much but your machine can't make. When choosing your coffee maker, make sure that it is adequate to meet your needs. Some simply want a cup of coffee in the morning before work and when they finish that cup, they are finished for the day. There's no need to buy the most expensive machine for one cup of coffee per day.

Choosing the Brand
What brand stands out in your mind as a really great brand? Do they help people you would like to help out of their earnings? Is the brand well-made? Is it important to you where the coffee machine is manufactured? Is there anything important about the brand that would cause you to choose the coffee maker over another coffee maker?
Usually, every brand offers some sort of history about itself on their website which we have tried to summarize on our website. Find out the information you want to know and choose a brand you would like to buy. Choose the coffee maker from among their offerings that will fit your lifestyle and your needs.

Choosing the Type of Coffeemaker and Its Features
What type of coffee maker would you like to own? Do you want a machine that will serve enough coffee for guests? Do you want a machine that makes tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and hot water for soup? Do you want a machine that dispenses one cup of coffee at a time and allows the user to choose from a variety of flavors and options? Choosing the coffee maker that best fits your needs will work best when you know how much space you have for the machine and what features interest you the most.

An RV will not have as much room as a home with 2,000 square feet of living space. The galley on a boat will not have as much room as a gourmet kitchen. Think about your space. Choose which coffee makers will fit in the space.

Then think about the features you want. Do you really need a programmable machine? Do you have your first cup of coffee after you've had a shower, applied your make-up, and fixed your hair? Or can you not even breathe until you've had your first sip of coffee? Do you always go for lattes or are you the person who always goes for the basic cup of coffee? Choose the coffee maker with the features that fit your desires and your lifestyle.

Conclusion
If you're like me, you will want to choose the best coffee maker for the amount of money you have.Choosing and buying smart is the best way to choose a coffee maker.

With so many coffee maker possibilities out there, take your time. Read coffee maker reviews look at the features, compare and contrast, and study your budget. Yogi Shinde is the publisher of coffee maker reviews and ratings website offering researched information on choosing best coffee maker to suit your needs.
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Coffee Maker Reviews Help You in Finding Your Best Coffee Maker