Gourmet Coffee 101
Gourmet Coffee
Gourmet coffee brings to mind fancy after dinner cordials with a gourmet coffee and a decadent piece of cake. That scenario might have been true ten or fifteen years ago, but not anymore. Coffee has become one of the most popular drinks in the world and not just for breakfast either.
For many years the only coffee choices available were regular and decaf, unless you went to a restaurant that offered espresso and cappuccinos or to a coffee shop that carried gourmet coffees. Now, the average consumer can purchase gourmet coffees to brew at home for a lot less cost than what the coffee shops charge.
What is Gourmet Coffee?
Gourmet coffee is coffee to which flavors have been added to enhance the taste or complement other flavors. The basics of the coffee are still in the coffee, such as the caffeine content, aroma and texture but now there are hints of other flavors as well. Hazelnut, Irish Crème, Chocolate Mint and many more flavors are now available in the gourmet coffee section of the local grocer.
Another type of coffee that is considered gourmet has nothing to do with added flavors, but where the coffee is grown. There are areas that are considered to be perfect for coffee growing and they are able to command a premium price for their coffees.
Doka Costa Rica Estate coffee is considered a gourmet coffee. It is grown on the fertile slopes of the Alajuela Peas Volcano. This land is considered to be ideal for growing a rich, delicious coffee. This coffee is not available in grocery stores or gourmet shops, it must be ordered straight from the estate.
Jamaica Blue Mountain is another gourmet coffee that doesn’t have added flavorings to make it gourmet. This coffee bean is rare due to uncertain weather conditions in the area it is grown. This coffee bean is so wonderful it is used as the basis for Tia Maria, the famous coffee liqueur.
Purchasing Gourmet Coffee
Where to purchase gourmet coffee depends on what type of gourmet coffee is desired. Coffee that has been enhanced with flavorings can be purchased in many places. The local grocery store, coffee shops and the Internet are all good places to find gourmet flavored coffee.
When buying gourmet flavored coffee from the local grocer make sure it is fresh. Look for signs of age such as cracked or dried out beans. To be sure that the coffee is the freshest possible purchase gourmet coffee from coffee shops. Due to the amount of coffee they use, chances are better that it will be fresh.
Gourmet coffee is no longer reserved for special occasions. Now, a piping hot cup of hazelnut coffee or Jamaican Blue Mountain can bring the sun up in a new and glorious way.
Types of Coffee Beans
The heart of a good cup of coffee lies in the coffee bean used to make the coffee. Technically, the coffee bean is the seed of the coffee plant; it is the pit inside the reddish purple fruit pulled from the coffee plant. These fruits are commonly called coffee berries.
Coffee beans are grown in over 50 countries around the world. First discovered in Ethiopia thousands of years ago it soon was cultivated and spread around the world. Today’s coffee is mostly from Latin America, Western Africa and the Philippines. Coffee is also abundant in Indonesia and southeastern Asia.
Arabica and Robusta are the two main categories of coffee bean that are used for making coffee. These two make up approximately ninety percent of all the coffee drank today. Each bean has a different characteristic based on the growing region, the picking method, the roasting method and finally the actual coffee preparation.
Bean Types
The Arabica bean accounts for over 75% of the beans used to make coffee. These beans are full of flavor and have less caffeine than Robusta beans. Arabica beans are primarily grown in Africa and Latin America. There are several varieties of the Arabica bean; each with its own distinctive flavor based on the region of the country it is grown in.
These varietals have distinct tastes that make them popular among coffee drinkers. For example, Ethiopian coffee banes tend to have a smooth flavor with a hint of floral. Tanzanian coffees have a fruity aftertaste, similar to coffees from Kenya.
Latin America offers many varieties of coffee that are widely popular worldwide. Brazilian coffee has a bitter cocoa flavor with a slight trace of nuts. One of the more popular Latin coffees, Columbian coffee is a rich, strong coffee, perfect for waking up in the mornings. It has a thick, deep feel followed by a walnut ending.
Latin America is also responsible for growing some of the best Robusta coffee beans. These beans contain approximately 5% more caffeine than the Arabica bean and also tend to be less expensive. Robusta beans have less oil and a higher acidity than Arabica beans which makes them bitterer in taste.
Sumatra and Komoto, two areas in Asia are responsible for cultivating Robusta beans that are more acidic and bitter than other areas. However, the flavor and texture of the coffee beans are full bodied, slightly herbal and very tasty.
Influencing Factors
In addition to the growing region, there are other factors that can affect the taste of the coffee bean. Roasting methods are a huge influence on the resulting coffee taste. The longer the beans are roasted, the darker, more full-bodied and full of flavor the coffee will be.
Other factors that influence the taste of a coffee bean or cup of coffee are roasting methods and final preparation. As a rule of thumb, the greater the amount of time spent roasting, the darker, more full-bodied, and flavorful a coffee will be.
As can be seen from the various tastes and flavors the coffee beans produce, they truly are the heart and soul of a good cup of coffee. Low quality beans will produce low quality coffees while a good bean means a great coffee.
-Katya Coen
Coffee Shops: To Pour or Not to Pour
The popularity of coffee shops has never been more intense as it has in the past ten to fifteen years. It seems as though there is one on literally every corner. From giant franchises like Starbucks to local neighborhood coffee shops.
If presented with the chance to own a coffee shop or a franchise many people might jump without thinking about it first. Sure, it might appear to be a wonderful opportunity to own a business but the pros and cons need to be weighed to make it a wise decision. After looking at all sides, it might prove to be a chance worth taking or it might be that the competition is too stiff in your area.
The Pros
If it is a franchise opportunity, the biggest pro is that the shop owner is not alone. They have a giant corporation behind them to teach them along the way. They make sure the product is being supplied properly, to insure that their name isn’t be tarnished due to mishandling or misrepresentation. Typically franchise owners are given training before they open the shop.
If the opportunity is a local neighborhood shop, the pros are that as a local of the area, the locals will inevitably stop in to check out the coffee. This is the perfect opportunity to make the local coffee shop the morning gathering place. By adding features such as WiFi and newspaper delivery, more traffic will stop in for coffee. In addition, many people like knowing that they are contributing to the local economy.
Another pro side of owning a local coffee shop is the ability to serve whatever is desired. They aren’t limited to a menu created by the franchise. This also means that hours of operation are not set in stone and other variables.
The Cons
The major con when owning a franchise establishment is that there are rules and regulations established by the franchise that must be followed, the upfront money to start a franchise can often be more than starting a business that is not franchises and the number of employees that must be on duty is also typically specified. The bottom line is that there is not much flexibility when owning a franchise.
The downside of owning a local neighborhood coffee shop is that there isn’t a support system like a franchise offers. The owner of the shop has to learn on his own as he goes. There is also not a supply chain already established to help with outfitting the shop.
Decisions
Deciding to open a coffee shop is a major decision that should be approached from every angle possible to insure the maximum benefits of owning a business and going into it with eyes wide open, aware of the possible outcomes. Weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision based on knowledge.
-Katya Coen
How to Brew the Perfect Espresso
Espresso
The technical definition for espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. For those who appreciate a finely pulled espresso the definition is pure bliss.
Espresso originated in Italy in the early part of the 20th century. It wasn’t until the later part of the century that it became the beverage that it is known as today. In the beginning espresso was created using steam pressure; however, the spring piston lever allowed for more commercialization and the espresso of today was born.
Characteristics
A truly good espresso pull (brew) has defining characteristics that are unique to an espresso. The consistency is much thicker than coffee due to the high amount of dissolved solids. The chemical components that make up an espresso quickly degrade and so it is served in small two ounce servings known as shots.
The most defining trait of an espresso is the crema. The crema is the top layer of reddish-brown foam that appears to float on top of the liquid. This element of is made up of proteins, sugar and vegetable oils. The flavors in an espresso are highly concentrated which is why it is the foundation for other coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
How to Brew
Brewing or pulling an espresso is not difficult but it does take practice to perfect. An espresso machine is required in order to obtain enough steam pressure to make the beverage. People who enjoy espresso will often visit coffee shops just to watch a good barista (Italian for bartender) pull espresso, much like watching an artistic performance.
First, the barista will fill a metal filter basket with the proper amount of finely ground coffee. There is not a bean that is specifically known as an espresso bean; however, the higher quality the coffee bean, the better the espresso will be. Typically, one-fourth to one-third of an ounce of coffee will make a single shot.
The coffee is then tamped down with a large amount of pressure. The goal being to compress the coffee into a tightly formed, smooth-topped puck of coffee. The filter basket is then placed back onto the espresso machine.
When the machine starts, it forces pressurized water through the filter and the resulting output is the espresso.
Factoring Agents
There are many factors that can affect an espresso pull, which is what makes a good barista an art form to watch. If the coffee is not tamped down properly the resulting espresso will not be of good quality. The crema is dependent on the amount of steam pressure used to force the water through the grinds. Some machines have a manual control that allows the barista to control this force and others are on a timer.
Espresso is a common drink in many parts of Europe while in North America it is more often used as a foundation for other coffee based drinks or to give a cup of coffee some added umph. No matter where espresso is pulled, there is as much pleasure in watching a barista pull it as there is in the couple of minutes it takes to drink it.
-Katya Coen
Shopping for Coffee Grinders
Coffee Grinders
Coffee beans must be ground into a powder form in order to make them usable for making coffee or coffee based drinks. While it is possible to buy coffee pre-ground, coffee lovers know that the best cup of coffee comes from fresh ground beans.
In recent years, the popularity of grinding coffee beans at home rather than at the grocer has surged and there are a multitude of coffee grinders on the market to choose from. There are also coffee makers with built in coffee grinders that grind the coffee as it is needed.
Coffee grinders, in addition to keeping coffee fresher longer because only what is needed is ground, offer another bonus, the ability to grind coffee to any strength or coarseness. If coffee is needed that isn’t very strong grind the coffee very large; however, for espresso or richer bolder coffee, grind the beans very coarse to maximize the amount of caffeine released.
Choosing a Grinder
There are many coffee grinders available to purchase for the home. There are electric grinders, manual grinders, coffee makers with grinders built –in, burr grinders and blade grinders. Choosing one can seem confusing. It doesn’t have to be confusing.
The first factor is going to be cost. Coffee grinders range in price from under twenty dollars to upwards of a hundred dollars. Next, decide how large the grinder needs to be. Grinders are also available in a range of sizes; from compact to large enough to grind several pounds at one time.
Burr or Blade
Blade coffee grinders are the most cost effective grinders, the easiest to use and the easiest to clean. These grinders have a blade that spins very fast to crush the beans, much like crushing ice in a blender. The longer the blade rotates the finer the coffee grounds become.
The biggest disadvantage to a blade grinder is that it is difficult to get a consistent grind and the chance that the beans will be burnt by the blades. If allowed to grind for too long of a period at one time the beans can become scorched due to the heat from the blades.
Burr coffee grinders on the other hand grind at a slower speed using a gear mechanism. The beans are fed into a hopper which releases the beans into the grinding mechanism. The main advantage to burr grinders is the ability to get a more consistent grind and a slower grinding process which doesn’t burn the beans.
Large or small, burr or blade, there is a coffee grinder for every kitchen. For kitchens that rarely use a coffee maker, a small, inexpensive model that can be put away when not in use is fine, for heavy coffee drinkers, a larger, sturdier grinder may be needed. Whatever the case may be, coffee lovers can rest assured they are getting the freshest cup of joe when they use a grinder and prepare their own coffee beans.
-Katya Coen
All About Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a coffee drink that is prepared with espresso, hot milk, and froth made from steamed milk.
Cappuccino is similar to latte but is made with less milk than a latte is. The foamy froth on the top of the cappuccino is a signature part and helps to retain the heat of the espresso and milk mixture.
Ingredients
In addition to a quality shot of espresso, the next most important ingredient is milk that has been steamed to just the right temperature and texture. When steaming milk for a cappuccino it is very important that the steaming wand add tiny bubbles to milk to create a microfoam.
This process makes the milk velvety smooth and adds a sweetness that would otherwise not be found. Making the perfect foam for a cappuccino requires practice and is what makes preparing them so difficult.
History
The name cappuccino comes from an order of Fransican Minor friars, the Cappuccini. These friars wore a hood with their outfit and in the Italian language, cappuccino means hood. Speculation is that the top layer of foam on the cappuccino could be said to be the hood of the drink, since the color of the friars habit is not the same of as the drink.
The cappuccino machine was invented in Italy by Luigi Bezzera in 1901 and helped to further the popularity of espresso, first in Europe then around the world.
Popularity
Due to its European origins, it’s no wonder that the taste for cappuccino was largely a European taste for many years. However, as more and more coffee bars and gourmet coffee shops started appearing in North America cappuccino became a favorite. Coffee drinkers and even some non-coffee drinkers helped to push the popularity of the drink upwards.
North American drinkers have a tendency to modify cappuccino and drink it differently than it was in its native Italy. Often it is served iced or made using methods other than with a cappuccino machine, something that is not see in the Mediterranean region.
It is also not uncommon to see cappuccino mixes on grocer’s shelves, although in truth these are nothing more than frothed coffee mixes. These mixes are also what make up the cappuccino machines that can be found in many convenience stores. These drinks bear little resemblance to a real cappuccino and a true coffee aficionado will notice the difference immediately.
Cappuccino’s popularity has increased so dramatically that it is not uncommon to see home cappuccino makers in friend’s kitchens. The creamy taste of a perfectly pulled espresso teamed up with milk that has been frothed to perfection is one that coffee lovers have come to enjoy.
-Katya Coen
Better Quality and Better Taste With Organic Flavored Coffee
With the millions of coffee drinkers worldwide there is a rise in demand for not only organic coffee but also for organic flavored coffee. Many coffee growers have discovered alternative and safe ways to improve the growing process. They now use organic fertilizer and other earth friendly ideas to enhance and protect their plants.
Organic coffee bean – what is it exactly? This is coffee that is grown without using enhancement chemicals. It has been done that way since time before chemical companies intruded. Farmers plant the seeds, irrigate the roots and let the sun do the rest.
Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don’t confuse these terms with “organic.” Only food labeled “organic” has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.
As with the majority of organic products, organic coffee takes more time to come to term. This means that organic coffee costs more than your general store brands. In some instances, 12 ounces of organic coffee can be sold for $1.00 per ounce.
Organic coffee, like other organic or all natural foods, is sold in an entirely different section of your local supermarket. This type of coffee is sold in caffeinated and decaffeinated as well as flavored with vanilla, chocolate hazelnut or anything else you can think of that regular coffee comes in. Organic flavored coffee (like other all-natural products) must contain a seal indicating it is, in fact, organic. This is an FDA classification and cannot be overlooked.
Organic coffee growers in other countries are free from the dangers associated with working and living in chemically polluted regions. In organic farming cooperatives, streams and underground water supplies are not polluted with chemical fertilizers. Coffee growers do not suffer from chemical poisoning – an all too real side effect of growing coffee the traditional way.
Organic coffee prices will go down over the next few years, analysts predict. This is made possible by the crop rotation practices mentioned earlier by avoiding using fertilizers and pesticides.
You can experience the flavor of these organics even more by preparing them in a French press coffee maker. The use of organic coffee or other products cannot guarantee that you will live longer. These organic products can help you live healthier lifestyles. Healthier lifestyles can lead to longer life. The next time you are in the grocery store or other large food center look at all of the organic food you can buy and realize that you can be feeling better and living a healthier, more enriching life than you were before switching from non-organic foods to organic.
All About Coffee
Morning means coffee for many people all over the world. Lots of people drink coffee to get them started in the morning. Some people make coffee at home, and some go out for coffee. Although it is very expensive to buy coffee at some coffee houses, many people feel the expense is worth it. But more and more people are making great coffee at home by using the best coffee makers and Keurig coffee maker, which makes brewing a coffee house quality cup of coffee at home quite easy.
There are many things that can be done to coffee to enhance its flavor. The flavor of coffee is made unique with the many syrups available, such as hazelnut, Bavarian crème, chocolate and caramel. Coffee can be served hot or cold, with cream or without.
Coffee also comes in many different varieties, coffee roasts and flavors. There is Colombian coffee, chicory coffee, dark roast, medium roast, breakfast blend, and other types. There are limitless possibilities. There are many brands of coffee available today. There is Maxwell House, Folgers, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Community, Hills Bros. and lots of others.
For many coffee represents socializing and getting together with friends and family. Many conversations have been had over cups of steaming coffee. Many problems have been solved and ideas created over a cup of coffee.
The ways of making coffee are endless. You can make it with a traditional drip coffee maker, which is what most people use, or a percolator. Some coffee makers like the Bunn, make coffee quickly, by pushing steaming water through the grounds. Many coffee makers are made to be smart with timers that have auto shut off and on and selectors that allow you to choose the the desired intensity of your coffee. With the immense variety of coffee pots available, it may be difficult to choose one. You can choose by expense or by type of coffeemaker.
The Bunn coffeemaker is very popular, although it is expensive. They are fairly long lasting, so many feel that the price they must pay is worth it. They also make coffee very fast. The coffee brewers with stainless steel carafes keep coffee piping hot for hours. This is good for people who like to slowly savor every drop of their coffee. There is not need to worry about shutting of the pot since there is no warming plate. There are brewers that make coffee directly in travel mugs, which are, ready to take to work.
Grinding beans is necessary prior to brewing. This makes the coffee the best that it can be, because it is fresher than preground coffee. Coffee grinders for beans is not very expensive, although some types of coffee beans can be. It is all a person’s personal preference as to whether you get ground coffee or whole beans.
The taste is almost the same for many. The kind of coffee you get should be whatever you think tastes the best.
Shopping for Commercial Espresso Machines
If you are starting your own coffee shop then you know that your main purchase is going to be your coffee makers and your espresso machines. The espresso machine will get more use than the coffee maker, simply because so many of the drinks you sell will be espresso based. This is not a piece of equipment for you to cut corners on, go for the gusto. It is an investment that will pay for itself many times over during the life of your business.
As you are looking into commercial espresso machines you also need to decide if you are going to need a one-group or two-group machine or more. It is not likely that you are going to have more than two shots being pulled at one time and so a two group will probably suffice.
There are basically three types of commercial machines to choose from and then within those choices are features or additions you can pick from. Your choice will probably boil down to how much money you
Types
Semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic are the espresso machine types you should be looking at.
Semi-automatic machines require the user to shut the steam off manually. This can make producing a consistent shot of espresso difficult.
Automatic espresso machines produce a more consistent espresso and have a cut-off timer. They can be programmed to cut off at anytime.
Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. They grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, shut off when ready and even discard the coffee beans. While they do make pulling a great espresso super easy, they take the pleasure of watching the shot be pulled. Espresso enthusiasts enjoy knowing that the barista took great pains to make sure their espresso was just right. The super automatic maker removes that element. In addition to being super-automatic, they are super expensive.
Other Considerations
In addition to what type of machine to get, you need to consider some other important factors, after all this is for your business which in turn is your livelihood.
Boiler Capacity: The boiler capacity of your machine should be large enough to get you through the largest rush you could have. You don’t want to have to tell your customers that it will be a few minutes due to lack of hot water or steam. This is of course going to take some guesswork, however a 9-14 liter capacity should be large enough.
Warranty and Parts Availability: First you definitely want to make sure your warranty covers all the parts of the machine for at least five years. If offered, buy an extended warranty. Before your purchase the machine, ask about repairs. Is there a local repair shop that sends someone out? How long does it take to get parts shipped in if necessary? Do they offer same day repair service?
These questions are very important. Not having your espresso machine can cause you to lose a lot of money. Make sure there is a way to have repairs made as quickly as possible.
Grinder Hopper: You should make sure the grinder hopper is large enough to accommodate a large amount of coffee beans. You might also want to consider a machine that offers two hoppers, one for decaf beans and one for regular beans.
Water Softener: This option doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in area where you know the water is hard, you should opt for a water softener. This will keep you from having to have your machine de-limed due to build up. De-liming a machine is an expensive task.
Buying a commercial espresso machine is a huge investment that should be done with careful consideration to every aspect of the machine and to all the aspects of your business. The right decision can bring you years of great income and happy customers while a wrong decision can bring you years of grief and a loss of money. Choose carefully and wisely for the best espresso bar in town.
The Best Espresso Machines
If you have sat down and added up all the money you spend on coffee, espresso, and coffee based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos you have probably come to the conclusion that it’s time to get your own machine. With so many out there to choose from how do you know which one to buy? To keep you from having to purchase and return several machines, we’ve listed the top sellers for you along with why they are considered the best.
These machines have been judged using looks, quality of machine (consistency, crema, etc.), convenience, value and price.
The Capresso Espresso Pro
With a cost of around $250 this machine has a striving-for-art deco look, but it missed that mark slightly. On the other hand, it makes a fast espresso shot s without making a huge mess. The frothing wand actually siphons the milk out the tank and into the wand, unlike other machines that send the steam into a pitcher of milk.
Although the machine is small and relatively simple to use, most reviewers report that the espresso is bitter and has a burnt taste.
Krups
Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. It isn’t an art piece to be oohed and ahhed over, but it does make a high grade espresso. Priced at around $180, this machine is not entirely consistent in its production. When it does produce a good espresso, it is really good. Reviewers stated that its consistency is around 66% reliable. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.
Krups service department didn’t fare much better with reviewers. All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.
Starbuck Barista
Priced at $399 this machine is a little on the pricey side, but not near as pricey as some other models. Having the Starbucks name implies that this is going to produce an excellent espresso, and it doesn’t let you down. While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an excellent choice.
The Barista is easy to use, well designed and easy to master. The only drawback reviewers found was the steam wand is on l the left side of the maker. Most people will tend to reach to the right. This is simply a matter of becoming accustomed to reaching to the left. One final plus for the Barista is that Starbucks does have a wonderful customer service.
Gaggia Classic
This espresso maker hasn’t changed in at least 20 years and probably won’t for another 20 to come. The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines. That could account for why this machine makes such a great espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema. And all at around $499.
The Gaggia has simple controls that are easily learned and is also easy to clean and maintain. The only negative aspect reviewers reported was a small cup warmer and the length of time it takes to warm up.
Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all. On the other hand you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality machine. The Gaggia makes a wonderfully thick, rich espresso with a golden crema and doesn’t cost as much as many other models.
-Katya Coen
