[Food & Beverage , Travel & Leisure]

Gourmet Coffee – When Only The Best Will Do!

2008-02-23T09:58:00.000+07:00

Do you remember not so long ago when there were only two choices of coffee available, either regular or decaf? Coffee drinking was pretty simple in those days. When you invited guests to your house the most you could offer them was a cup of black or white coffee.

Now days however, the world is a much bigger place offering a plethora of choice.

Coffee drinking has become a lot more sophisticated. Should you find yourself at your local coffee shop, you’re sure to be confronted with an entire menu dedicated to a host of speciality flavors and blends that can be served either hot or cold.

Gourmet coffee has essentially come of age allowing those who like to indulge a wide array of choices of the finest tastes from all over the globe. As a rule gourmet coffee is generally more expensive than the regular types. However I am sure anyone who has tried some will agree it is well worth paying the bit extra for the uniquely enjoyable experience of tasting the different specialty blends. If you have never tried gourmet coffee, trust me you are really missing out on adult pleasures.

As times have changed so have people’s tastes in coffee.

No doubt that is why coffee makers have become so popular with many people installing the machines in their kitchens so they can whip-up their favourite gourmet coffee in just minutes. But the old favorite coffee presses are still used everyday by loads of people just like me who adore their simplicity and easy, no fuss clean up and storage.

If you venture down to you local coffee house you are sure to gain an education of the number of ways coffee can be prepared. Gloria Jean’s is one of my favourite coffee shops and some of their gourmet blends that might inspire you are butter toffee, creamy chocolate caramel, French vanilla supreme, Swiss chocolate almond, hazelnut and of course everyone’s favourite Irish cr?me.

Coffee tasting can be a delightfully social experience and believe me you will never run out of varieties to try when as part of the selection there are coffees like amaretto, cookies and cream, chocolate macadamia and mudslide, just to name a few.

Today via the internet there is a huge variety of coffees available. If you are willing to be a bit adventurous I am sure you will find a gourmet brew that will appeal to your taste buds.

Sites are being set up as online coffee shops to sell the very best quality premium coffee blends from all around the world. Africa, South America, Italy, France and even New Orleans are just some of the places where these gourmet coffees originate.

If you are trying to find a great gift for that difficult to buy for relative or friend then why not put together a gift basket of speciality quality organic coffees. I am sure they will be thrilled – you can’t beat the taste sensation of a top gourmet brew.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: John Falkinder

Coffee Roasters – All You Need To Know For Roasting Beans At Home.

2008-02-22T12:41:00.000+07:00

Coffee roasters come in all shapes and sizes ranging in price from 30 dollars to nearly a thousand. As with any product, the price you pay for it doesn’t always correlate with the quality. Besides looking for a reliable brand, here are a few tips on what to look for when buying a coffee roaster.

The bottom of the range Roasters are basic stove top models which are just a saucepan with a tight lid and a special handle that contains a crank to allow the beans to stir up the beans during the process. It is essential to keep stirring the beans as they roast to prevent them from burning on the bottom as well as to keep the hot air inside the saucepan circulating evenly. Temperature control is vital for proper roasting so even if you are purchasing a base model be sure to buy one that has a thermometer in the lid.

At the other end of the scale are roasters that do pretty much everything automatically. All you have to do is put in a measure of green beans, close the lid and walk away for a few minutes. These deluxe models have built-in thermometers which control the heat and air-flow along with control geometry and rotating canisters and of course an all important timer to automatically shut off the device when the beans are done.

The most common types are air roasters that work along the same lines as popcorn makers whereby hot air is circulated through the mixture, while an agitator moves the beans around in the canister. This process produces a well uniformed roast.

When you are out shopping for a coffee roaster it is important that you remember to look for a product that has the ability to circulate air evenly over the beans to heat them uniformly. Avoid roasters with a heating source only at the bottom because they constrict air flow, which makes for an uneven roast. Drum roasters eliminate this problem, by their rotating drum design that uses gravity to move the beans around rather than relying only on a stirrer fitted to the bottom of the machine.

Most of these machines allow you to monitor the entire process through a see-through glass insert. This feature is a must for those who like to experiment and fine-tune the roast to their liking. One thing to also consider is the greater the quantity of beans you use, the more smoke will be created so be prepared to ventilate well.

Commonly these types of upmarket roasters also have pre-set amounts on the dial so you can set them from light to dark. Some models even filter out the chaff produced as the skins burst from the expansion of the bean.

Today coffee roasters are no longer solely for professional use as good quality home devices are now readily available which have the added benefit of being able to roast quite larger quantities of beans. If you are into catering for dinner parties and other types of home entertaining then certainly I would recommend you look into adding a roaster to your kitchen appliances.

Enjoy!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: John Falkinder

Is Too Much Coffee Draining Your Energy?

2008-02-19T19:35:00.001+07:00

Is too much coffee draining your energy?

Do you need four to six cups of coffee each day just to stay awake? Is America on a collision course with low energy levels just as it is with obesity?

The lack of energy can be traced to poor diet, stress, food allergies, liver problems, too much sugar, too much caffeine and adrenal exhaustion. The adrenal glands are the big energy regulators in the body. They are just like a bank. If you make a withdrawal, you need to recharge or make deposits before you go to the bank again. That is where coffee begins to become an energy depleter and not an energy builder. Caffeine forces your adrenals to secrete energy hormones even when your body does not have much to offer. Over the years it takes more and more coffee to get the same result. (Do you think Starbucks knows about this?) The adrenals are responsible for releasing more than 150 hormones into your body including adrenalin, testosterone and cortisol. Doctors know that constant high levels of cortisol shrink the part of the brain that is responsible for memory. Cortisol also interferes with the immune system making you less able to fight off infections. If you are drinking three or more cups of coffee a day your adrenals are depleted. Your body is in a constant state of "fight or flight." Coffee, the very substance you thought was giving you that little kick is actually, in the long run depleting your energy levels to almost zero. Over stimulating the adrenals leads to fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, depression and a weakened immune system. Caffeine has been shown to stay in people’s systems for as long as eight and up to thirty hours. Like other herbs and drugs it affects each person in a different manner.

Caffeine also forces the liver to release more glucose into the blood stream. This produces a blood sugar high that is often followed by a severe drop in blood sugar. (The need for a nap or another cup of coffee!) Extra coffee also puts added stress on your kidneys.

So what is wrong with your coffee habit if it lures you out of bed every morning? The reason you may be craving that coffee every morning is that you are addicted to its effects. Coffee or caffeine withdrawal headaches can be terrible. They often come with the overwhelming feeling of fatigue as your body tries to recuperate from its former caffeine driven pace. If you skip your morning coffee you get a terrible headache. Caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor in the brain. That means it actually constricts blood vessels in the brain and decreases circulation! When caffeine is not present the sudden increased circulation causes headaches.

What is the answer if you are someone like me who loves the aroma of dark coffee and just can’t say no? The good news is that you can wean yourself down from the several cups a day and eventually off coffee completely if you do it slowly over a two to three week period. You can also rebuild your adrenal glands with herbs and help from organic whole foods. I like to recommend superfood blends that are very dense in nutrients and minerals. Your diet should be a building diet and avoid or cut back on stimulants, sugar, sodium and alcohol. Foods rich in Potassium should be added to the diet This will help the adrenals by correcting the potassium/sodium balance in the body. You can also help rebuild the adrenals by adding several herbs to your diet. Some of the best adrenal builders are cayenne, licorice, ginseng, ginger and hawthorn. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water and evaluate your sleep to make sure you are getting restful sleep and waking up energized. One final point on energy. One reason we as a society may feel we need more stimulants is because the main energy vitamin, B-12, is stored in the liver. As you know, the liver is bombarded with all types of toxins and pollutants on a daily basis and struggles to perform at a high level. Doing a regular cleansing routine will help keep the liver in good shape and hopefully help you store more B-12 for your energy needs.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Marty Meshek

Coffee intake linked to lower diabetes risk

2008-02-19T19:34:00.000+07:00

Drinking coffee, especially when it is decaffeinated, will be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the Sept 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The link between coffee and diabetes risk appears to be very consistent across different ages and body weights; in addition, most research has found that the more coffee an individual drinks, the lower his or her risk for diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether it is the caffeine or any other ingredient in coffee, which may confer a protective effect.

Mark A. Pereira, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, had studied coffee intake and diabetes risk in the 28,812 postmenopausal women in Iowa over a 12-year period. At the beginning of the study, in 1986, the women answered questions about the risk factors for diabetes, including age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption and other smoking history. They also reported how often they consumed a variety of foods and these beverages over the previous year, including regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Based on this information reported in the initial questionnaire, about half of the women (14,224) drank one to two cups of coffee per day; 2,876 drank more than six cups; 5,553 four to five cups; 3,232 less than one cup; and 2,927 none. Over the following 12 years, 1,417 of the women reported on surveys, which they had been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting the data for some of the other diabetes risk factors, women who drank more than five cups of any type of coffee per day were 21 percent less likely than those who drank no coffee to be diagnosed suffering from diabetes; those who drank more than five cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 32 percent reduction in risk compared with those who drank none.

Overall caffeine intake did not appear to be much related to diabetes risk, further suggesting that some other ingredient in coffee was also responsible. "Magnesium, for which coffee is a good source, can explain some of the inverse relation between coffee intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus through known helpful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism," the authors write. However, the study found no relation between Magnesium and diabetes risk. Other minerals and nutrients found in the coffee bean including compounds known as polyphenols, which have also been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin producing pancreas can contribute to its beneficial effects and needs to be examined in future studies.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Adam Akelis

Coffee: Quality Is Important

2008-02-18T19:46:00.002+07:00

A quality cup of coffee can depend on many factors, such as:

The time since the coffee beans were ground;
The time since the beans were roasted;
How clean the brewing equipment is;
The quality of the coffee bean being used;
The quality of the water being used.

Some Interesting Facts About Coffee

The quality of the coffee bean is the most important of these factors, if you are going to buy “good” coffee. The very best bean will taste bad if any one of the other listed characteristics are out of place. Not all coffee beans are equal, but the other points listed above will even the field.

A lesser coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground is many times better than coffee that has been roasted and ground then left to get stale - no matter how good it was when it was fresh.

A can of coffee found in the supermarket often contains large amounts of robusta, low quality Arabica beans and past crop (old) beans. To make matters worse, there is no way for the major coffee companies that roast and ship all over the country to get you truly fresh coffee.

Once you have coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground, good water and brewing equipment free of oil residues from the last brew and the quality of the coffee beans makes a huge difference.

How To Tell Coffee Quality

Please note that a coffee can bought in the supermarket often contains a blend of Arabica and robusta beans, while most coffee houses sell only Arabica beans. Arabica beans are normally rich in flavor - while robusta beans have more caffeine, less flavor and are cheaper to make.

There is an exception to every rule, and the exception here is that some very good espresso coffees will have small amounts of the highest quality robusta beans available on the market. This should not, however, be taken as a guarantee that a coffee house will have any better coffee than the diner down the street.

If any of the previously discussed items, such as cleanliness or freshness, are not in order then even the very best coffee can be made to taste bad.

When you buy coffee, whether it be in a coffee house or in a supermarket, you want to get 100% Arabica - except for espresso blends, which may be a combination of both. Whether good quality robusta can improve the flavor of espresso is up for debate.

For absolute freshness when buying in a coffee house, it is better to buy popular blends that move fast - while buying in a supermarket, vacuum packaged containers with an expiration date are your best bet although all canned coffee will be stale to some extent.

It should be noted that in order to be able to vacuum pack coffee, industrial coffee producers actually let the coffee sit for a while before it is packed. As soon as coffee is roasted it starts to release CO2, in a process called outgassing. This can actually help to protect the bean from going stale. Unfortunately for the people vacuum packing coffee or putting coffee in tins, this also will inflate the bags. This outgassing is the reason that you may very well see one-way valves on coffee bags. These valves allow the CO2 to escape, while keeping oxygen from entering the bag.

Chances are fairly high that you will not get truly fresh coffee in a supermarket. This is an absolute fact if it is pre-ground. In a coffee house, look for a shop that roasts in-house and ask what was roasted that day. If the person behind the counter does not know, ask to talk to someone who does know. If no one knows, simply go somewhere else.

Additionally, it should be noted that coffee is at its very best after a few hours rest. This is one of those places where an expert in the field of coffee can advise you. As a general rule of thumb, most coffees are improved with a rest time of about 12 to 24 hours. Some coffees, particularly those that are musty or earth coffees, actually mellow for the first two to three days - making a much longer rest better.

A final point to remember is that for best results, grind your own coffee. Buying fresh and then having it ground completely defeats the purpose. Ground coffee only lasts a few hours or one day at the very most.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: David McFarlane

A Blog Of Brewed Coffee, Anyone?

2008-02-18T19:46:00.001+07:00

Coffee is something that we a drink to enjoy the quiet moments of our day. It is also something we drink to jolt our systems when our system is falling asleep and we still need to work. What contrasting reasons to drink this brew yet both are accurate.

Coffee is a complex drink that is drunk at any time during the day. It is enjoyed by many millions of people yet not truly appreciated by these very same people. There are so many varieties and blends that it can be bewildering. In fact, as the character of Tom Hanks in “You’ve Got Mail” puts it, it can be a challenge to choose for those who have difficulty making decisions to go into a Starbucks shop because suddenly you are asked to make six, all in one go.

It is always great to learn new things and try out new tastes. It also helps if you can learn about what blends may match your taste without your having to waste money on a cup that you will find you absolutely unappealing after the first sip.

Coffee is grown in many places all over the world. Each area produces coffee that is unique to the soil it grew in. Though it is acknowledged that the first coffee plants came from Ethiopia, by no means has Africa cornered the coffee market. Thanks to the varying tastes of people, many delicious blends have resulted.

Coffee is like wine. To truly appreciate it you need to use all your senses and savor not only the taste of each brew but its aroma as well. The scent alone of coffee is enough for some individuals to relax. For them, coffee reminds them of home or a place to just hang out, kick back and relax even if they are sitting in the middle of a crowded caf?.

Of course, some may prefer to learn how to make great coffee at home instead of always buying from the local caf?. A blog that talks about practical tips on how to make coffee is invaluable. Recipes for various coffee recipes, be it brew or food flavored with this delicious ingredient, add an interesting and helpful touch to any website that is much appreciated by this reader. It is always nice to work with recipes that other people have already found to be successful.

There is much to experience about coffee and many people to enjoy it with. Each cup of coffee is a connection with that community. The beans and the brew spark off that common interest. Brewed-coffee.com provides a venue which talks about the many aspects of coffee. It tries to bring to life the fun side of coffee as well as the facts of this beverage.

Brewed-coffee.com invites you to sit in front of your computer for a moment and have a wonderful coffee break with other coffee loving individuals. It brings art, culture and facts right to your virtual doorstep. You may want to enjoy a cup while reading about today’s brew.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Tom Takihi

How To Choose A Coffee Maker

2008-02-17T16:12:00.001+07:00

Have you seen the choices in coffee makers today? Have you seen what they can do? I don’t think it will be long before they are able to bring you your cup of coffee in bed!

There are the very popular filter machines, French press and stovetop espresso coffee makers. There are glass carafe coffee makers, thermal carafe coffee makers, some industrial sizes with two pots that brew at the same time. If you are into espresso did you know that there are three different types of espresso makers to choose from? Steam, pump or piston. How about the coffee maker that makes you one individual cup of coffee?

Then, to complicate it even more there is the decision of what you want the coffee maker to do other than brew coffee!!! Do you want your coffee maker to have a pause so that you can pull the pot out for your first cup before it is finished brewing? Or, do you want your coffee maker to have the coffee ready for you when you get up? Do you want to be able to grind your own beans? If yes, do you want a separate coffee bean grinder or do you want one that is built right into the coffee maker? If you say yes, do you want your coffee maker to figure out just the right amount of ground coffee for the amount of water you choose? How about the strength of coffee? There are machines that let you choose how strong they brew your coffee. Some have built in water filters. Some have auto turn offs. Some allow you to use a permanent filter rather than deal with messy paper filters.

If you head isn’t spinning enough now comes the toughest decision of all... what type of coffee do you want? Do you prefer a light roast or a medium roast or a dark roast? How about an Italian or Espresso roast - the heaviest of all roasts. Have you thought about roasting your own beans? There are many sources of green beans available and home coffee roasters can easily be purchased and you can be well on your way to not only brewing your coffee, but roasting your beans.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Catherine Olivia

Espresso Machines - Making The Best Coffee In The World, At Home

2008-02-17T16:11:00.000+07:00

Think about having a fresh, coffee-shop-quality espresso when you get up in the morning – without having to leave the house. This is what your very own espresso machine can provide, but it is important to make sure you buy the right product, and know how to use it when you get it home.

Espresso is a syrupy, traditionally Italian, speciality coffee. Coffee shop owners will tell you that making mouth-watering espresso is just like pulling the perfect pint of beer. It requires patience, practice, and is much harder than it looks. Good quality espresso machines can make it easier by controlling the temperature and the internal mechanisms more exactly.

These machines function in several different ways. If, for instance, you value authenticity, and have strong arms, a Piston-driven espresso maker could be for you. The design for this fully-manual espresso machine comes from as far back as 1938. Many are now sold for decorative value in addition to making a good cup of espresso coffee,

There are various types of semi-automatic espresso machines. In all cases the water is delivered via a pump mechanism, but the grinding, preparation and insertion of the coffee must be done by hand. These may be more difficult to find, as recently automatic or super-automatic machines are becoming more popular and cost-effective.

Automatic espresso machines are very similar to the semi-automatic version, but the temperature and amount of the water is also controlled automatically. Super-automatic espresso machines are still mostly for the high-end of the market. These basically only require you to put the coffee beans in! They may also have many extra features, such as milk frothing or filter coffee making. However, some coffee fans believe the super-automatic espresso machines produce poor quality espresso.

Prices for espresso machines range from below fifty dollars to over two thousand dollars. The most expensive are pump-controlled espresso machines, which are generally only used by coffee shops. If you are purchasing one of these, clearly it is vital to find a reputable provider with experience. Thanks to the Internet home espresso machines are becoming more easily available, even from non-specialist shopping websites.

The best advance the Internet has brought though is the increase in consumer reviews of espresso machines. This helps you to purchase based on the experience of others, rather than the sales materials provided by the manufacturer.

Once you have invested in the best espresso machine that suits your tastes, you will need to buy the best quality coffee beans. There is no point blaming the espresso machine if you have scrimped on this vital component! Espresso machine providers often offer their own range of coffee beans, which may be much wider than that available at your local supermarket.

An espresso machine is a perfect investment or gift for somebody really passionate about coffee. You should be willing, like the coffee shop connoisseurs, to put some time and effort into making the perfect cup. If you do this, and choose your espresso machine carefully, you could be well on your way to coffee heaven!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Loreno Lepe

Coffee Benefits - Move Over Green Tea

2008-02-16T15:31:00.001+07:00

Green coffee beans have supplied a new player in the antioxidant arena. An extract of green coffee beans has been found to have a stronger antioxidant effect than established antioxidants like green tea and grape seed extract.

The active constituent in coffee that is responsible for its many health benefits is a compound called chlorogenic acid. It neutralizes free radicals, and addresses the problem of hydroxyl radicals, both of which can lead to cellular degeneration if left unchecked. Chlorogenic acid also helps regulate metabolism. Compared to green tea and grape seed extract, green coffee bean extract is twice as effective in absorbing oxygen free radicals.

One of the advantages of using the green coffee bean extract is that the negative effects of coffee are avoided. The chlorogenic acid is thought to boost metabolism by changing the way glucose is taken up by the body. And it does contain caffeic acids, which give a boost to energy levels like regular coffee does. But unlike boiled coffee, green coffee bean extract contains no cafestol, which is a diterpene. Along with its diterpene relative kahweol, cafestol increases concentrations of the ’bad’ cholesterol, LDL, to levels that over a lifetime might increase the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 20% These diterpenes also had an effect on the levels of liver enzymes measured. When these are elevated it is an indicator of stress on the liver. However the study that measured this found this was a transient effect, and also that the levels of liver enzymes were much lower than those with liver disease.

As a side note on the health effect of the diterpenes found in regular coffee, it was found that by simply drinking filter coffee, none of these effects on cholesterol levels or the liver took place. The coffee filter removed the offending diterpenes. And levels of these diterpenes in instant coffee are low.

Other benefits of green coffee bean extract include an increase in the effectiveness of pain killers, especially for migraine medications; a reduction in the risk of diabetes; and assisting the body burn a higher proportion of lipids (fats) compared to carbohydrates, which could help with muscle fatigue for athletes and bodybuilders.

Interestingly, on the subject of caffeine and liver disease, further studies have indicated it may in fact support liver health for some people. Those who were at high risk of developing liver disease due to drinking too much alcohol were found less likely to suffer liver damage if they drank more than two cups of coffee or tea a day. This was a population based study, not a clinical trial, and so is not conclusive on the subject. But it does offer some promising information. Those drinking in excess of two cups or more a day were half as likely to develop liver disease compared to those drinking less than one cup a day. Researchers do not know what caused this protective effect.

One of the criticisms of coffee in regards to health is that it leaches calcium from the bones. But this effect has been found to be overemphasized, at least in children. And adults who consume a diet with sufficient levels of calcium will be protected from the small amount of calcium that is lost due to coffee consumption.

So the old axiom that caffeine can stunt a child’s growth is a myth. It was based on the fact that in older studies, caffeine was associated with low bone mass because those studies were done on elderly people who both drank a lot of coffee and had diets that were low in calcium. Recent studies in the US followed 80 teenagers over 6 years, and found no difference in the bone density of those with a high level of caffeine in their diet, compared to those teenagers who had little caffeine. Other studies determined that the amount of calcium lost from bones is small and can be balanced by having sufficient calcium in your diet.

References: Australian Healthy Food Magazine, January.
nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=643516&m=1FSND06&idP=2&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arch/11_30_96/food.htm
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Rebecca Prescott

Coffee Flavor Peaks with Freshly Roasted Beans

2008-02-16T15:30:00.000+07:00

True coffee lovers know the best way to buy coffee is to get it directly from the roaster. Green beans, those that are not yet roasted, can hold their flavor for years if stored correctly, but once the roasting process is completed, the peak of freshness begins to wane quickly. By buying beans directly from the people who handle the roasting process or at least the next step in the chain, coffee connoisseurs can ensure the best quality and even save a little bit of the fun in grinding for themselves.

Coffee itself only comes from two main beans - the robusta and the arabica. The arabica is considered the most flavorful of the two and is used by most major coffee makers the world over. In fact, this bean accounts for some 70 percent of the world's production of coffee. The key in getting different flavors often lies within the skill of the person handling the roasting process. The same batch of beans, for example, can be roasted in a number of different ways to produce coffee that's very different in taste.

When a different end result is desired for flavor reasons, the roaster will ensure the beans stay in a special, commercialized roaster for the set amount of time. Expert roasters know exactly what to do and how long to "cook" beans to ensure the end result is masterful. Roasting can produce several different types of brews. They include:

* Light or American roast. When a less full bodied flavor is desired, the beans are kept in the roaster for the least amount of time. This produces beans that are ideal for American coffee. Tasty, yet not strong or "thick," these beans are used throughout America for typical coffee shop, home and diner brews.

* European roast. Beans for typical French coffees, for example, stay in slightly longer than American brews. They produce a "darker" and often more flavorful cup of coffee.

* Dark brews. These are rich, bold and thick. This variety requires a longer cooking time to bring out more of the beans' natural oils and sugars. The color comes from the beans' sugars caramelizing.

* Espresso blends. These beans are cooked to the burn point and actually begin to smoke. The darkest of the darks, beans cooked this long are meant for use in rich, espresso drinks.

Other flavors, of course, may be obtained by adding them in after the roasting process. Designer coffees come with a whole grocery list of flavors that range from hazelnut and chocolate and mint to orange and beyond.

No matter the kind of coffee desired, it's likely it can be found online. If purchased directly from a roaster or from a company that ensures freshness, online purchases can net much better coffee than typical grocery stores. Look for beans that are promised to be delivered within short time of roasting and plan on grinding yourself for the freshest of flavors. Grind only what's needed one pot at a time for best flavors.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Ray La Foy

Have you heard the news? Coffee has antioxidants!

2008-02-15T12:13:00.001+07:00

Have you heard the news? Coffee has antioxidants! Antioxidants have been studied to a great extent. The evidence that is becoming available today shows that antioxidants can potentially delay the aging process as well as protect the body against the development of age-related diseases.

If you read any medical articles that relate to these studies and you are not in the field of medicine, most likely you will get lost inside the information. This is where a problem in believing that certain foods containing antioxidants are good for you begins.

A very interesting study was conducted regarding coffee beans and the antioxidant benefits that could be obtained when consumed.

The article was very lengthy and had a great deal of medical terms and references in it. What the results proved was that although antioxidants did exist in coffee, when the beans were heated and processed, the benefits that can be obtained when drinking it, are diminished.

This is easier to understand when you can consider how the testing was done.

Using lab rats to test the effects of the antioxidants in coffee is misleading. Especially when the coffee was not simply ground up and processed in the normal human fashion where we place the grounds into a coffee pot and run hot water over it resulting in a pot of hot liquid which is of course coffee.

The testing in the labs involved breaking down the coffee bean into different parts. For instance, the skin was removed from the coffee bean and tested as to the amount of antioxidants it contained.

Why would they do this you might ask?

Well, the skin is where the highest amount of antioxidants can be found. Yet, we have to ask the question, "Who drinks just the skin of the coffee bean?"

Another problem with thinking any positive results meant that coffee is good for us is the fact that after coffee is brewed, it looses a great deal of the antioxidants through the heating process.

After testing coffee in various forms and breaking it up into several different components, at the very end of an extremely long description of medically challenging terms and data, it became clear that the lab test did not in fact prove coffee to have any antioxidant benefits when consumed as a hot stimulating drink.

In fact at the end of this article the bottom line was that there was no proof at all that coffee was good for us due to any substantial amount of antioxidants after the brewing process.

So, the bottom line here is...

Rumors can start very fast and become thought of as fact if we do not do our own research.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: ian Williamson

Can Good Coffee Change Your Life?

2008-02-15T12:12:00.000+07:00

There is no real secret when it comes to your morning routines. If your routine is disrupted then most likely the rest of the day will fair badly. If the routine goes without a hitch then the day will have a chance to be great. What if you changed your routine for the better? I mean, what if you made a change that will enhance your routine? This concept of enhancement requires at some length for you the person with the routine to step out of the box of regularity. To do this totally would not be an enhancement to your routine, but to change one or two small details would. Is this transition hard? What are the benefits to making one small change in my routine? Let me share my story with you, and you will see what a small change did for me.

Here is one change recently that I made. I used to buy regular Columbian roasted coffee, but it would contain French Vanilla flavored creamer. I drank my coffee like this for years. Then in an attempt to step out of the box I tried one of my company’s flavored coffees and used a plain creamer. It at first went against the grain, but it was not the taste of the coffee it was the routine that bothered me. I stayed committed to the change, and on the 3rd day I was open for another change. I am an ice tea drinker thru and thru, but I stopped drinking iced tea and changed to bottled water. This change made me miserable for about 48 hours, but after that I was fine. Here is the great part I started to lose weight. My pants became a little looser and my perception of life became much better.

What cause the reduction in weight? The drinking of water was removing the toxins in my body and according to my doctor those toxins were slowing down my metabolism. When I made just one change it helped me make another, which changed my life for the better. Are there any other benefits to this change? Yes, it not only helped me lose weight and made me feel better, it also showed me that the routine theory was a bunch of hoopla. I did not need to keep a routine to have a great day. I needed to step out of the box to have a better quality of life. Just think if we all just took one step out of our routines we might discover that there is more to life then Columbian coffee with French Vanilla creamer.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Don McKay

History of Colombian Coffee

2008-02-14T08:06:00.001+07:00

Coffee was first introduced to Colombia around the same time Jesuit priests first began arriving from Europe in the mid 16th century. The leaders of Colombia tried to encouraged people to grow coffee, but they met with resistance. Worried that a
coffee tree takes five years to provide its first crop, they wondered how they were going to survive during this period?

A priest in a small village named Francisco Romero had an idea, instead of the usual penance at confession, he told them to plant 3 or 4 coffee trees. The Archbishop of Colombia ordered everyone to use this penance thinking it was an excellent idea and it became the general practice. This started Colombia as the worlds second largest coffee producing country built on the penance of its forefathers.

Colombia began exporting coffee and in 1835 exported around 2500 bags to the U.S. By 1875 Colombia was now exporting 170,000 bags to U.S. and Europe. In 1992 exports of coffee topped at 17,000,000 bags, and are currently around 11,000,000 bags per year.

Vietnam has recently taken over from Colombia as the world's second largest coffee producing country but Colombia's coffee still remains some of the best and most well known throughout the world. This is largely due to the very successful marketing
campaign created by the National Federation of Colombian Coffee Growers in 1959. They introduced the world to the fictitious character Juan Valdez. 85% of Americans still associate Juan Valdez with Colombian Coffee.

Colombian coffee is grown at high altitudes and tended to with care inter cropped in the shade of banana and rubber trees. Colombian coffee is known to be among the best in the world, with a rich, full-bodied, and perfectly balanced taste. The rich volcanic soil in the arid mountains of Colombia produce ideal conditions for growing high quality coffee.

Colombian Coffees are grown in two main regions; The region of Medellin, Armenia and Manizales (MAM), in central Colombian are more heavy bodied, rich in flavor with fine, balanced acidity. The area near Bogot? and Bucaramanga which is more mountainous in the east produce an even richer, heavier and less acidic coffee and are the finest of the two regions.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Submission

Coffee Smoothie Recipes

2008-02-14T08:05:00.000+07:00

For a hot day, or just for a change of pace, enjoy these coffee smoothie recipes!

Quick Instant Coffee Smoothie Recipe
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1 cup ice
3 Tbsp. flavored instant coffee in blender container

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Serve immediately.

Easy Coffee Smoothie Recipe
1 cup ice
1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup of coffee chilled
4 tablespoons lowfat milk or skim milk

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. For an interesting variant, you can use low-fat coffee yogurt instead of the vanilla yogurt and the coffee, with a 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a dash nutmeg. Serve immediately. Makes one 16-ounce serving.

Coffee & Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
1 cup of coffee chilled
1 tsp of sugar (or equivalent of sugar substitute)
1 tsp chocolate syrup (regular or lite)
1 banana, chopped
1/2 cup of whole milk

Combine in blender the milk, coffee and bananas and blend on high speed until smooth. Taste to see if it is to your liking, add the chocolate syrup and blend until desired flavor. For a non-dairy variant, substitute the milk for non-dairy creamer, such as Coffee Mate and add about 4 to 6 ice cubes.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Ray Torres

Is Coffee Good For Your Health?

2008-02-13T21:09:00.001+07:00

Many sober, law abiding people who would never dream of knowingly ingesting an addictive, mind- altering drug, actually consume one every day—caffeine!

Caffeine is so pervasive in our culture and in many other cultures that we often forget it is actually a drug that affects our brain. Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, many cola drinks and over the counter medications.

The most common way that most of us ingest caffeine is in the form of coffee. And some of us drink many cups of coffee in a day.

If you are one of those people who drinks a lot of coffee daily, you probably wonder what all that coffee is doing to you. Is coffee really bad for you, or is drinking coffee just a harmless vice? Can it be possible that coffee is actually good for us?

The research on coffee shows mixed results. Some studies show that drinking coffee increases the rate of heart attacks, while other studies have shown that drinking large amounts of coffee decreases the risk of diabetes.

There are nutritional advisers who claim that coffee makes us age faster, wears out our adrenal glands, and causes all sorts of untold damage to our cells.

Other researchers claim that coffee, especially if it’s freshly roasted and ground, is full of antioxidants, and therefore good for us. Most doctors say that drinking one or two cups of coffee a day is probably not harmful. And of course there are others who say we ought to avoid caffeine altogether.

The one thing that most researchers and most coffee drinkers agree on is that coffee can keep us awake at night and cause insomnia if we drink it late in the day.

Yet many of us drink coffee precisely because we want to boost up the activity of our brain cells, especially when we first wake up.

Many of us feel that we cannot really get going in the morning until we have had our first cup of coffee. We often continue to drink coffee throughout the day whenever our energy appears to be flagging and our brain seems to need additional help to think more clearly.

Does caffeine really enhance mental performance, or is that just a myth? Yes, caffeine does give a temporary boost to brain cells. But the amount required to improve mental performance is not very high. Even half a cup of coffee will be enough to give your brain a boost that lasts several hours.

Oddly enough, more caffeine is not necessarily better. In one test done when high-level executives were given the equivalent of fourteen cups of coffee in a day, they made their decisions faster, but the decisions were not of very good quality.

Not every person reacts to caffeine in the same way. Some people experience greater mental clarity, alertness and productivity after a cup of coffee. Other people become jittery, anxious, or depressed when they drink coffee. Although caffeine will keep most of us awake if taken at night, it does not have this effect in everyone.

In some older people, coffee or tea can improve memory and alertness enough to partly offset the effects of aging.

It is true that caffeine is mildly addicting for most people. Some people can quit using caffeine with absolutely no withdrawal symptoms, while others will feel headaches, fatigue, and experience cravings for caffeine for weeks.

Caffeine works by blocking one of the neurotransmitters--adenosine—which normally tells brain cells to calm down. Brain cells that have been affected by caffeine will remain excited and on high alert for several hours.

The most noticeable negative effect of caffeine is that it can interfere with sleep. In most people, drinking coffee, tea or cola in the late afternoon or in the evening will cause insomnia.

If you are particularly affected by caffeine, you will find that the quantity and quality of your sleep will be greatly reduced. This can set off a vicious cycle, where you feel so tired all the next day that you drink a lot more coffee just to try to feel awake.

If this is happening to you, cut back on the amount of coffee you consume each day. You may experience fewer withdrawal symptoms if you cut down gradually. You may wish to substitute green tea for some of your cups of coffee. Green tea has some caffeine, but not as much as coffee.

Better yet, consider substituting exercise for some of those cups of coffee. If you can’t leave your workplace, at least get up from your chair periodically.

Do a few stretches, walk around a bit, and jump up and down a few times. Take some deep breaths. A little exercise break can revitalize your brain without giving you the caffeine jitters.

Remember that your brain won’t really benefit from more than one or two cups of coffee in a day.

Grind And Brew Coffee Makers Overview

2008-02-13T10:25:00.000+07:00

It won’t matter how rich, expensive or high quality your coffee beans are, they won’t produce the best flavour if the grinding isn’t right. There is more than one type of grinder on the market and when evaluating grind and brew coffee makers, you will want to pay careful attention to the grinder.

The Grinding Side of Coffee Makingc

Some grinders come with blades and some have burr type grinders. The generally consensus among coffee growers is that the burr type is best. The blades tend to cut the coffee in a way that doesn’t release the best flavour. On the other hand, 2” burrs will gently chop the beans into a well ground consistency that will enhance the bean’s flavour. The objective here is a fine, consistent grind.

The Brewer

The other side of the combination grind and brew coffee makers is the brewing component. This will consist of a water reservoir, a filter and the cup or pot area to catch the hot coffee. Brewers come with a thermostat to heat water to the perfect temperature. Filer areas can hold a filter designed to hold enough grounds to make a full pot, or have single serving filters. The most important part of the brewing side of things to consider is how well the water is filtered as well as the coffee. If tap water is used and contains minerals, there must be a water filtration system to avoid having chemicals or minerals change the taste of the coffee. You could of course use filtered water, but in combination units convenience is the goal.

Putting the Two Together

Combination units have taken the best grinders and best brewers and put them conveniently together. Many combo units have timers so you can program them to grind and brew just minutes before you are ready to enjoy the coffee. This freshly ground and brewed coffee can be waiting for you and begin the process as you sleep. You will wake up to the aroma and flavours that will help you start your day just right.

There are various sizes and styles of combination coffee makers. Depending on the recipe (Espresso, Latte, etc) or if you plan to make more single cup drinks than pots, you can right the model for your needs.

In addition to comparing features you will want to compare your personal needs to the machine’s abilities. For example, the super automatic Espresso maker or Cappuccino Makers are designed for the busiest people. They go from stone cold to a freshly brewed cup of coffee in a matter of minutes. There is also a clean up time to factor in. With super automatic styles, there is no clean up so you can save even more time with these models.

The basic formula for the perfect, freshest brew then is to begin with the beans. Select a flavour from around the world that appeals to you. Next, make sure you retain that flavour by grinding it with a burr style grinder (not usually found at your local grocery store) to ensure the texture is just right for brewing. Then brew with pure water and a good filter that won’t change the flavour. Grind and brew coffee makers with all of these features will do the job. The rest of the features, such as timers, automatic cleaning, etc. will just be foam on your latte!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Erica Bosworth

Coffee - Benefits

2008-02-12T19:40:00.001+07:00

A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee is certainly the best way to start your day. Sipping coffee with your friends is considered the best way to start a conversation. Add to it the fact that drinking coffee has many positive effects on our health and well being. With its rich taste, appetizing smell and benefits, coffee has become a part of our modern day life.

Coffee is a beverage that is prepared from roasted coffee beans. Coffee beans from different places have their distinctive characteristics like flavor, caffeine content, body or mouth feel, and acidity. To turn the coffee berries and its seeds into roasted coffee, a lot of processing and human labor is required. The processing of coffee involves Picking, Defruiting, Drying, Sorting, Aging and Roasting.

Benefits of Consuming Coffee

The caffeine in the coffee acts as a stimulant. “Coffee Breaks” are taken during office hours to revitalize oneself. Coffee is consumed by students while preparing for exams because it makes them more alert and even boost the learning abilities and powers of reasoning. Coffee helps to improve alertness and attention and removes tiredness.

The effectiveness of painkillers, especially those taken for migraine, is increased by drinking coffee. It can rid some people of asthma.

In men, it can reduce the occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder disease. Coffee may help to reduce the risk of a number of diseases and ailments that includes Type II diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, depression and much more.

Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease. Coffee represents by far the largest source of valuable antioxidants in the diet.

Coffee Recipes

A steaming cup of coffee is the best way to energize oneself. For superior taste, cold coffee with different flavors is consumed. Expresso, Doppio and Macchiato, Long Black, Caffe Freddo, Latte and Cappuccino are some of the varieties that will be a treat to your taste buds.

Healthy Coffee Recipe:
Mocha (hot) 4 servings
Ingredients: -
? 2 Cups Coffee
? 1/3 Cup Cocoa
? 2 Cups Milk
? ? Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
? ? Cup Whipping Cream
? Dash Cinnamon

Procedure: -
? Mix milk, cocoa, sugar, and coffee in a saucepan.
? Constantly stir while medium heating until it simmers.
? Mix the vanilla after removing from heat.
? Pour it into cups and add the whipped cream and cinnamon on top.

Coffee is the early morning energizer that helps you to begin your day in high spirits. Next time when you take a “coffee break”, think of its benefits, you will perhaps relish the taste even more!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Barney Garcia

What Is In My Coffee?

2008-02-12T17:42:00.001+07:00

One cold winter morning in a small town north of Chicago IL a man named Jim stands totally paralyzed. He just witnessed what appeared to be a sign that we are not alone in the universe. As he stands with his head looking up at the north sky and he tries to comprehend what just happened. It was a regular morning just like every other. The winter chill pierced the skin and made the body shiver just like it would every other January. The difference this time was the sky seemed to be dimmer. While on his way to work Jim stopped in for a cup of his favorite coffee, and he noticed something new a flavored coffee called Bourbon Truffle. He asked the clerk in the store “Is this coffee made with real bourbon?” The clerk replied “No! Just artificial flavoring!” Curious about the taste of this coffee Jim buys one large cup.

As he sips his hot cup of brew he notices that the flavor was unbelievable. It was as if there was a shot of Kentucky Bourbon in his cup. It had a hint of heavenly sweet chocolate that made this the best cup of joe Jim ever had. As he continued his journey he started to feel a little strange. His chest and arms were starting to throb. As he continued to walk to work he heard an ear piercing sound that made is head feel like it was going to explode. As he gazed into the dim sky he saw what appeared to be a round floating object. Stunned with amazement he stood motionless with awe-inspiring fear. The floating object seemed to have a glow about it that was definitely not of this earth. In an instant the object was gone. He rushes to work in a panic and he realizes that if he told anyone they would think he’s gone nuts. He takes his last sip of coffee and turns to throw the disposable cup in the trash. Before he clocks in he decided to confide his experience with a friend he believes he can trust.

“Carl” he calls out. “Hi Jim!” Carl replies. “I have to tell you something that I saw that you won’t believe.” Jim relates. “What is it?” Carl asks. “I have worked with you for about 4 years. Right?” says Jim. “Give or take.” Carl replies. “Would you say that I am in anyway the type who over reacts?” Jim pleads. “Not at all. In fact, you are in my opinion the most sound person here.” Carl relates. Jim reveals his experience with caution to Carl. He knew that if anyone at work would believe him it was good ole Carl. Carl and Jim had been through a lot as co-workers and have accomplished things most said could not be done. You could say they had a great working relationship. As Jim tells his story Carl stands with a confused look on his face. “Have you lost your mind?” Carl asks. “Forget it!” Jim replies. “You of all people know me and know that I would not make something like this up.” Jim demands. “It just sounds so crazy.” “Have you been under any stress?” asks Carl. “Well, a little, but nothing traumatic” Jim pleads. “The only thing that I have done differently this morning was I tried a new cup of coffee.” “It was supposed to have artificial bourbon flavoring, and besides I only had one cup,” he explains.

Many people like Jim who seem to have close encounters with alien life try to reason with themselves as to what really happened. Was it really an alien encounter or just a great cup of coffee? We will let you decide.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Don McKay

What Is Gourmet Coffee?

2008-02-11T20:19:00.000+07:00

thousands of tactics to sell things. We have heard the “Your to smart to be without this product” tactic. We have heard the “Everyone needs this product” tactic. We have also seen the way that TV sells products making them more appealing then they really are. Has the coffee industry followed such tactics? Sure it has! Do you remember Folgers little jingle? “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup.” That ad made Folgers famous! So, is the term “Gourmet Coffee” another sales tactic? No! Allow me to explain.

Coffee is grown all around the world, and because of the many differences in governments, cultures, and religions people do things differently in other lands. So, how is Gourmet Coffee made? When you acquire coffee beans from different regions they for the most part go thru a similar process. Beans are picked, dried, and sorted pretty much the same way. The differences are the climate and the elevation they were grown in, and the pesticides the farmers used to protect their crop. Those are just a few factors. We also need to consider the roasting process. The roasting process is as crucial to coffee as air is to our lungs. If you under roast your coffee your coffee may turn out weak, and if you over do it your coffee will taste burnt. So, where does the word Gourmet fit in? The hardest coffee to acquire today is the Jamaican Blue Mountain. The reason is due to the hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. This coffee is the most sought after coffee, because of its rich taste and divine smell. When roasted correctly this coffee is probably the best tasting in the world. What other factors makes coffee Gourmet?

When Roasters add flavorings such as chocolate syrups, or caramel to name a few, these additives give your coffee a unique taste that is qualified as Gourmet Flavored Coffee. The definition of Gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been judged by an expert to be excellent. When coffee experts say that a certain brand of coffee is excellent then their credibility is on the line. It better live up to the hype or their opinion and reputation becomes as worthless as the dust on a windowsill. If an expert deems a product as excellent then it has to be good. Right? Well, it should. We live in an imperfect world, but Gourmet Coffee is legitimate. Many people around the world take pride in there coffee and when you find one that stands out you will find that it is in high demand. It cost more then regular coffee, but depending on your preference in many cases it is worth its weight in gold.

Where do you find Gourmet Coffee? The best place is straight from a Coffee Roaster, and there are thousands to choose from. They all have different techniques, recipes, and philosophies about coffee. The great thing about them is that they always have fresh roasted coffee. Some other places would be at a supermarket, but I highly advise against these places. The coffee is usually never as fresh as it should be. I hope that this article was able to help you understand that Gourmet Coffee is real, and not a clever marketing tactic.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Don McKay

Why Is Coffee So Addictive?

2008-02-10T12:01:00.002+07:00

Millions around the world consume coffee. It has been well documented that coffee also helps you to stay awake. Is there an addiction to coffee that we are not aware of? Well, if you are dependant on a chemical then you will become sick from not being able to take it. This sickness I am referring to is called with drawls. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that when some regular coffee drinkers are suddenly deprived of their morning coffee, they usually get headaches. Fatigue and depression are usually associated with coffee with drawls, and many people are unable to function at their usual level of efficiency. Students have trouble learning and writers may have trouble concentrating. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association described one worker who made errors that cost thousands and another who kept her head on the desk trying to catch a nap. Most of the people withdrawing from coffee went to bed early as if they just ran out of gas.

Is it really the coffee that keeps them going? Well, that all depends on many factors, and the main factor is the amount of coffee consumed. Most people who drink a cup or two in the morning are less likely to feel drained if they miss their fix the next day. Those who drink 4 to 10 cups a day may crash and burn (figuratively speaking) without their coffee. Why is that? Is the reason caffeine consumption? Coffee contains a large amount of caffeine. The more coffee you drink the more antsy you will become. You may have the shakes, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or insomnia from consuming to much caffeine. What is it about coffee that makes people over consume it? It may be the stimulation one receives you know that burst of fast energy that coffee gives you after you wake up. After all a cup of coffee has been called a cup of ambition. It seems to motivate people to start their day. Can this be a mental addiction?

Mental addiction is defined as if one believes that he or she is addicted to something with no real basis, so they become mentally addicted. If you switch your coffee to decaf and do not tell anyone you did it then if they say “this coffee taste different” you say, “it is a new brand of coffee” they may function just as well as if they had the real thing. A study in a college in Pennsylvania showed that students at a party who thought they were drinking alcoholic beverages were just as drunk as those who really were. Why? The students were stimulated with the thought of getting drunk. This profound experiment proved that the mind is fully capable of fooling itself into believing something that is not true. If you see it then it is real. If you smell it then it is real. If you taste it then it is real. Non-alcoholic beer looks, smells, and tastes just like regular alcoholic beer. This same theory can also be applied to caffeine drinks. Right? Decaffeinated soft drinks taste horrible, but decaf coffee tastes close enough to the real thing. Take the test and see if your coffee is truly addictive, or is it mental. You may be surprised at the results.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Don McKay

French Press - Making Great Coffee

2008-02-10T12:01:00.001+07:00

If you want a good cup a coffee, you will need to add some oil. Coffee oil is very flavorful and improves the taste of coffee, but it is lost during the normal filtered brewing process. Coffee made with a French press doesn't pass through a filter so you don’t lose those natural aromatic coffee oils. Most coffee lover’s agree that a French press makes a superior cup of coffee.

A French press (sometimes called a coffee press) is usually a glass cylinder with a plumber like device inside. You place your coffee grinds inside and pour hot water into it. The water should not be boiling or you will scald your grinds, which will affect the taste. 200 degree water is the optimum temperature for a fine cup of coffee. If you’re using a kettle to heat your water, remove it from the heat before if starts whistling. Either that or you can let the water boil but let it sit for a few minutes before pouring it into your coffee press. Remember to leave at least an inch of space when filling up the French press.

Coffee beans that are ground too finely will clog the filter. You will probably be okay with automatic drip coffee grinds but the best way to enjoy French press coffee is to grind the beans yourself. Try to grind the beans to a size a little bigger than automatic drip coffee grinds. This may take some practice to get comfortable with your coffee grinder but it’s worth it. And remember that once you grind your coffee beans they should be used immediately or kept in an air tight container to keep them from getting stale.

Let the coffee steep in the water for about 4 minutes. Now it’s time for the press part of the French press. Place the French press on a no slip surface and slowly and smoothly press the plunger down. Press too hard or too quickly and in a worst case scenario, you could have boiling hot water shoot out all over you. This step is how the coffee grinds are forced to the bottom of the container and you’re left with delicious fresh brewed coffee in the top chamber. You are now ready to pour and serve.

The French press has undergone a makeover in recent years. Manufacturers have added French presses to travel mugs and thermoses. As long as you have hot water you can make a fresh brewed cup of coffee anywhere. And most of these travel mugs and thermoses are insulated so that your coffee will stay warm longer.

With coffee becoming such an important part of most people’s days, isn't it time that we pampered ourselves with a better tasting brew. The French press is an easy and flavorful way to make a cup of coffee. So if you’re tired of the brown water that comes out of coffee vending machines in your office, then the French press is perfect for you.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Anthony Tripodi

A Guide To Choosing Expresso Machines

2008-02-09T16:10:00.001+07:00

Expresso machines are one of the most popular kitchen appliances. They have gained popularity in recent years. With one of these machines in your house, you can have your favourite coffee shop drink whenever you want, without having to leave the house.

Specialty coffee machines can be very expensive and are a significant investment. The most common machines are semi automatic or super automatic machines. Both have benefits, depending on your preference and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Take some time to learn the features and benefits of each type before you make a purchase.

Semi Automatic Expresso Machines

Semi automatic machines allow you more control in the brewing process. These are the most popular in home machines. You start and stop the brewing process, which only takes about thirty seconds. Most come with either a frothing adapter or a stem want for making cappuccino or other specialty drinks.

Semi automatics come with either a pressurized or a commercial portafilter. A commercial portafilter has a metal holder with a plastic handle. These are found on coffee shop cappuccino makers. You need to get the grind setting, tamp pressure and timing right to get the best cup possible. It takes a few tries to perfect this process.

A pressurized portafilter has a ring inside that adjusts the flow of the water. the water will flow slower for coarse grounds and faster for finer grounds. The ring also enhances the crema on top and makes a better cup with less effort from you. With a pressurized portafilter, you don’t need to worry as much about the tamp pressure or grind of the beans.

Super Automatic Machines

Some people prefer a super automatic machine. With a super automatic, you can make a complete cup of Expresso or cappuccino with the push of one button. When you first set up the machine, you pre program everything and then it’s ready to go. If you want a fast cup with little effort, or aren’t skilled at brewing, you may want a machine that can do it all for you.

Great Features of Expresso Machines

There is a wide difference in the price of Expresso makers. Part of the price difference lies in the features of the machine. The more features, the higher the price.

o A digital display allows you to control many options on your machine. You can set the timer to shut off or enter the energy saving mode. Program the machine for the water level or amount of coffee grounds to affect the taste and strength of the drink. Set the temperature for the finished drink. Some even allow you to program the machine for the hardness of your water.

o A bypass doser allows you to use different coffees. With this feature, you can bypass the grinding process and use pre ground coffee.

o An adjustable dosage feature allows you to adjust the amount of beans to be ground. Most allow for between six and thirteen grams, depending on the machine.

o A rapid steam feature will go from brewing temperature to steam temperature in ten seconds.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Ken Morris

Coffee Flavors - Chocolate, French Vanilla, Espresso, Amaretto, Hazelnut, Kona

2008-02-09T16:09:00.000+07:00

Who doesn’t enjoy waking up to a fresh pot of brewed coffee? With so many different flavors, it can be hard to figure out which are the best ones out there. It is definitely a subjective matter. You should try different varieties to see what appeals to your tastebuds. Try to make your own choices about the best options in coffee flavors.

According to our research from a variety of sources, here are some other most popular coffee flavors:

* Chocolate. Believe it or not, people love their chocolate. Now, this could be a bit of dark or even white chocolate that is added. It can be sweet or bitter. The smooth texture that it adds to the coffee is always a draw in for many.

* French Vanilla. This creamy blend of vanilla and cream is perfect for a luxury coffee drink. You’ll find them in all sorts of types. Being one of the most popular options out there, you can find it quite easily to sample.

* Love That Espresso. Yes, especially if you are from Europe, you know the value of a good cup of coffee. In Italy, ordering a cup of coffee will get you this small cup of very strong, very wonderful flavor.

* Go For The Nut. Hazelnut is another one of the wonderful blends of coffee that coffee drinkers are after. When it comes to tasting like a nut, you won’t get much of that here. But, you will get an even taste, one that is not too bitter, yet not too sweet either.

* Amaretto. This type of coffee is sure to give you a little zing. That’s because it is made to taste like the Italian liquor. Most times you will find it called Almond Amaretto.

* Dark Roast It Has To Be Here! There is just something amazing about the flavor and after taste of a dark roast coffee. If you haven’t had it, try it.

* Kona Anyone? Kona is a very wonderful coffee that is much unlike other flavors out there. It has an underlying hint of citrus that is just enough to make you say, “What is that wonderful coffee flavor?”

There you have it. You might’ve heard of some of these, and the others must be new to you. You’ll never know what you’re missing out on till you try the others. Have fun.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Mike Singh

Search For The Right Coffee Machine

2008-02-08T15:25:00.004+07:00

“Joe was on the department store one day in search for a coffee machine he will use at his kitchen. He scanned and looked around for several brands just to make sure he ended up with the perfect one. Few minutes later, he was on his way home. When he arrived, he set up his brand new coffee machine on the kitchen. In the first few days, the machine worked perfectly. But after some time, he discovered that it was not the right one for him. He wanted more and can’t have it with his present coffee machine.”

Most people experience this. They buy what they think are the mort attractive coffee machine on display but ending up disappointed because it seems that their choice is wrong. But it does not automatically exclude that fact that there are those who have somehow landed on the perfect coffee machine. It is just there are more and more people craving to have the perfect coffee machine without knowing what they really want. So in order to put everything in place, this article may help you or ever improve your chances in bringing home the right coffee machine by determining different kinds of coffee machine available.

There are as many types of coffee machine makers as the types of coffee around the world and choosing the right one has to be perfect so as not to end up buying another set few days later.

The most popular coffee machine must be the percolator. It might not be your expected electric coffee machines but this type makes great tasting coffee by boiling water with coffee beans several times. This is perfect if you are going to use mild coffees.

For more flexible coffee mixture, the drip coffee machine might be right for you. There are two types of drip coffee machines: automatic and manual. Both use filters of nylon, paper, or gold. Temporary filters are also essential that is usually paper filters. The method of automatic drip is to pour cold water to the reservoir and place coffee on the filter. When the coffee machine reaches the right water temperature, it will pour to the coffee in the filter.

The automatic drip also has a wide array of great designs from different coffee machine manufacturers with lots of features you can use. Manual drip on the other hand has the same principle with that of the automatic.

The main difference is that the manual has greater flexibility that enables the owner to change, the taste of the coffee in the middle of the brewing. If in the automatic drip you cannot add more coffee once you close the lid, the manual gives you all the freedom to keep the right taste you want without worrying of spillover.

One drawback from the drip coffee machine though is the after taste of the paper filter.

Another type of coffee machine is the French press. All you have to do is the mix coffee beans and hot water and you can have a great tasting coffee in no time. If you don’t mind the temperature of the coffee, you can consider French press.

Espresso coffee maker is another type of coffee maker you can have. There are two types of these: the stovetop and the electric. The stovetop is much cheaper than the electric with the same principle of making coffee. For some, this type of coffee machine makes the perfect cup of coffee.

There are more coffee machines available but basically these types are widely used. It is up to you then to choose from these.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Robert Thatcher

How To Enjoy A Good Cup Of Gourmet Coffee

2008-02-08T15:25:00.003+07:00

Are you tired of your regular Joe life and your regular Joe cup of coffee that you start your day with? Then it’s time to reward yourself with something different. Why not jazz up your morning ritual with cup of rich gourmet coffee.

The dictionary defines gourmet food like this, “Gourmet food is that which is of the highest quality, perfectly prepared and artfully presented.” If you want the highest quality food you go to a top notch restaurant but if you want the highest quality coffee, you can do that at home yourself. That gourmet meal is probably going to stay at the restaurant unless you invite a chef over but gourmet coffee can be made in the comfort of your own home with just a little practice.

Gourmet coffee is more expensive than say, supermarket brands but the taste is also much richer. Unless money is no object, why not save the gourmet cup of coffee for the weekends. Make it an end of the week tradition. Stick with the supermarket coffee for when you’re rushing off to work.

To make your own gourmet coffee start with the beans. Gourmet Coffee beans can be bought by the pound and there are many varieties to choose from. Some of the most popular gourmet beans include Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain, and Sumatra types.

Coffee beans are similar to wine in that they name the beans after the region. In the world of wine you have the popular Sonoma wines which come from Sonoma Valley in California. In the world of coffee the equivalent would be Kona beans which come from Kona, Hawaii.

Kona coffee beans are grown in rich volcanic soil and the mild tropical climate of the Kona coffee belt on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It has a wonderfully full, rich and smooth flavor with little or no bitter after taste. Be sure that you buy Kona beans and not a Kona blend. A Kona blend can legally be labeled as Kona with as little as 10% of actual Kona beans in it.

Next you’ll need to grind your beans. Ground coffee begins losing it’s flavor once it’s exposed to air. So you’ll want to grind just enough to make your desired amount. Store any leftover grinds in an air tight container. You’ll want to grind you coffee beans very fine but don’t pulverize them into dust. If you over grind them the heat and friction will vaporize the oils that give the coffee it’s distinct flavor.

When was the last time you cleaned your coffee maker? A clean coffee maker makes a significant difference in how your coffee tastes. At least once a month pour a mixture of half vinegar and half water into your coffee maker. Let the mix run through the full brew process. Repeat the process again using only water this time to rinse it out. Do this one more time if a vinegar smell is still present.

Now you’re work is done and it’s time for the coffee maker to pulls it’s weight. Use clean filtered water and fill the coffee maker to the desired level. Use about 6 ounces of water for every 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee. Turn it on and hang around while it brews. You’ll want to be there to enjoy the delightful aroma.

Everyday coffee is perfect for everyday life. But every once in a while you should treat yourself to something special. And what better way to start a special than that with a special cup of coffee. Gourmet coffees can really jazz up your day.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Anthony Tripodi

Caffeine Benefits - Does It Boost Memory?

2008-02-08T15:25:00.001+07:00

Caffeine, like chocolate, often receives bad publicity. Whilst in some instances, and in excess, these can have negative effects on our body, they can also be quite beneficial.

I am not disputing that some people are more sensitive to the negative effects of either caffeine or chocolate. For example, excess caffeine can create anxiety, nausea (particularly if taken on an empty stomach), an increase in heart rate, and even depression in some people. And chocolate is certainly not something that should form the mainstay of one's diet. If struggling with sugar addiction, or wanting to lose weight, there are more nutritionally complete foods that are available.

But scientists have turned up some interesting facts on caffeine. For example, caffeine actually blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain (adenosine) that otherwise makes us feel tired. This is why it works so well to keep us awake. It also encourages the release of another brain chemical, dopamine (as well as adrenaline). Dopamine contributes to a feeling of well being.

Two studies, one a population based study (which are not as specific or rigorously defined as other types of studies, but nonetheless valuable indicators) found that drinking caffeine containing drinks like coffee and tea had a protective effect for those at risk of developing liver disease. Issues that the study participants had that increased their risk of liver disease included alcoholism, hepatitis B or C, obesity, or other complications.

And the results indicated that people who drank more than 2 cups of coffee a day had a 44% lower chance of showing actual liver damage compared to those who drank no caffeine. This was not a clinical trial, and the reason why coffee and tea had such an effect is not known. Coffee and tea contain a range of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that could be responsible for this. A 2005 Norwegian study also found similar benefits for coffee with regards liver disease. This study found that drinking 3 cups of coffee a day could lower the risk of death from liver cirrhosis.

Even if you're not at risk of liver disease, caffeine still has some advantages. Recent research from Austria showed that caffeine may actually enhance short term memory. Researchers found that there was an increase in brain activity (as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging) in the parts of the brain that were associated with memory and attention. These parts of the brain were the frontal lobe and the anterior cingulum. This was a placebo controlled study, meaning that some people were not given any caffeine. Another, earlier study (2004) found that caffeine did support short term memory, but only when it was in relation to a topic that people were already thinking about. This study found that when testing coffee's effects on unrelated subjects, short term recall was actually inhibited.

Everything does have a flip side though. Adenosine, which is blocked by coffee, is also calming. This could be why it can also cause anxiety in excess, and in some individuals. After all, the balance of our brain chemistry is unique. And when we are addicted to stimulants like caffeine, we lose the sensitivity to our own natural stimulants (dopamine and adrenaline).

References:
1. Australian Healthy Food, February 2006.
2. foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=52281-caffeine-containing-drinks
3.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=64274&m=1FSND06&idP=2&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Rebecca Prescott

Before You Purchase A Home Espresso Machine

2008-02-08T15:24:00.003+07:00

Instead of running to your local coffee shop or favorite corner caf? for the perfect cut of espresso, consider making your own at home. If the thought of becoming a kitchen barista has you shaking without any caffeine, think again! There are a wide variety of espresso machines that are geared for home use, from the basic to the same machines used by the professionals. However, before you drop a couple hundred of dollars on that top of the line espresso machine, consider your options and needs. Also, if you are experiencing sticker shock from some of the higher end espresso machines, keep in mind that you are saving a great deal on a daily basis by avoiding high priced indulgences at coffee shops or cafes.

The first think you should know before choosing a home espresso machine is that there are several different varieties of machines. Each different type of machine will come with a different price tag and different capabilities. Although the top of the line machine may be nice, it may not necessarily meet your needs. Instead of buying an espresso machine simply because it is deemed the “best,” buy a machine that you can (and will) use on a regular basis. The different types of home espresso machines are:

Pump Espresso: Typically what you will find in a coffee shop, a pump espresso machine are usually made for commercial purposes, but can be used in your home. Be prepared to expand your budget if you are looking to purchase a pump espresso machine, since they are typically the priciest of the bunch. Also, pump espresso machines are usually the largest, heaviest, and noisiest of the options, but it produces a fantastic cup of espresso. These machines work by using a pump to keep the water pressure at an appropriate level.

Piston Espresso: If you are looking for a great, low maintenance espresso machine, consider those than run on a piston or lever system. Instead of a pump to create pressure, these machines use a level that must be maneuvered in order to create steam. Although a piston espresso machine is very quiet, they may require a great deal of arm strength to continually pull on the lever. Furthermore, the piston espresso machine is capable of making a great cup of espresso, but it may take practice to get the hang of the process.

Steam Espresso: Using steam to create pressure to make the espresso, these steam powered espresso machines are typically the type found in the home. With smaller machines that occupy less space and cost less money, steam espresso machines are quite quick and easy to use. However, keep in mind that the steam produced may not provide the appropriate level of pressure, so the steam level should be constantly maintained.

Moka Pots: Moka Pots are a stovetop method to producing espresso. The process is simple and easy, although the final product may be less than professional. Using specially designed two-part pot, the steam produced by the water boiling in the bottom of the pot is forced into the top part of the pot, where the coffee is boiling. It requires a great deal less pressure than the other types of home espresso machines, but there is no milk frothing or foaming attachments, so you may have to sacrifice that feature for price and size.

Any one of these different types of home espresso machines will allow you to make a delicious cup of espresso. Your choice should be based upon needs, usability, overall size of the machine, and of course the price. A high end espresso machine can run up a bill in the thousands of dollars.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: John Marcus

Interesting Facts About Supermarket Coffee

2008-02-08T15:24:00.001+07:00

In the supermarket you have alot of choices. It is fair to say that there are thousands of companies in the coffee industry. So, how do you decide which is right for you? Do you start at the supermarket and buy every single brand of coffee on the shelf? Well, before you do that let me clue you in on the freshness of supermarket coffee.

Typically, after the coffee completes the roasting process it sits in a warehouse for about two weeks. Then the coffee is loaded on a truck and transported to a distribution center where it sits from about 48 hours to a week depending on which supermarket chain wants it the most if at all, and then it is shipped again to another distribution center owned by your favorite supermarket where again it sits until your store orders it. It then gets transported once again to your supermarket where it sits until you buy it. If the coffee is a number one seller like Folgers it sits for no more then a week, but if it is an uncommon name brand it may sit for months. How is that for freshness? YUK!!!! As my kids would say! The real catch is that the comsumer believes that they are buying a full one pound bag of coffee, but read the fine print. Almost every company sells their coffee in 12 oz bags shorting you 4 oz. This is done for less expense on shipping a truck load of coffee.

What are the alternatives to supermarket coffee? If you desire fresh roasted coffee then you need to buy straight from a roastery. Many roasteries are different, but most of them have by far fresher coffee then any supermarket. Before you purchase from a roastery call them or email them and ask when will your coffee be roasted. If they respond by saying "we have coffee already roasted" then you may want to try somewhere else. The roaster that tells you that they roast it just prior to shipping is selling you very fresh coffee.

You may ask, what is the cost difference between supermarket coffee and a roastery? Cost always vary, but if you think that $8.95 a lbs to $35.95 a lbs is to much then you probably will never have a great cup of coffee that leaves your palate screaming for more. I personally can't stand the taste of stale coffee. I only drink the good stuff.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Don McKay

Brewing A Perfect Cup Of Coffee

2008-02-08T00:27:00.003+07:00

Brewing a great cup of coffee depends on a number of things such as the quality of the coffee bean, the quality of the water being used, the type of brewing being done, and the grind of the coffee. Now quality of bean and water is something you can easily take care. Just use good quality beans and pure water. However the relationship between the grind of the coffee and the type of brewing being done is more detailed and could use a little explanation. Now we all know that we make coffee by passing hot water over crushed coffee beans. However for it to really work well we need to understand just how long the water should be passing over the beans. The purpose of this article is to help you understand how to match your coffee's grind to the type of brewing you are doing in order to make the best coffee possible.

Generally speaking, the 'soaking' time relates directly to how coarse the coffee is ground. This means that smaller coffee grinds need less contact with the water, and coarser grinds need longer contact. Espresso coffee is only exposed to water for 20-40 seconds and as a result is made using extremely fine grind coffee. A French press coffee maker can take as much as 4 minutes and uses an extremely coarse grind. If coffee is left contacting water for too long for its grind size, unwanted extracts emerge and make the coffee taste bitter. Of course if the grind is too large and the water passes very quickly (like using frech press grind in an espresso maker), very little of the caffeine and flavours extracted and will have poor flavour.

Of course filters play an important role in managing the balance between over and under brewing your coffee. Not only do they keep the grind out of your cup, but they also control how fast the water passes over the grinds. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Paper filters are quite good. However they can absorb some of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. Metal filters are normally made from stainless steel or gold plated mesh. They have very fine weave and filter out the coffee grinds very well. They also do not alter the taste of the coffee at all. Metal filters are also more environmentally friendly than the paper alternative.

Whichever you choose, be sure to buy decent quality. Cheap filters often clog or not allow the coffee to brew properly. A decent quality metal filter will last years and save money in the end.

Brewing a cup of coffee is not that hard. Brewing a great cup takes a little more understanding, but isn't any harder. Start with fresh beans and good clean water and then match your brewing style to the proper grind and then mess around with the exact proportions and pretty soon your be brewing killer coffee every time.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Lynne Birch

How To Select A Coffee Bean Grinder

2008-02-08T00:27:00.001+07:00

If you’re currently wondering how to select a coffee bean grinder to suit you and your kitchen then you probably already know that there are various options open to you. In simple terms most coffee grinders will be spilt into two camps – blade grinders and burr grinders. So how do you choose between the two?

First, it’s worth noting that you can buy both types of grinder as both electric and manual options if you wish. It’s becoming more popular for people to buy electric machines on the whole as there is a big added convenience here so, for the purposes of this guide, we’ll be focusing on electrical options rather than manual ones.

In simple terms the final decision you make when it comes to working out how to select a coffee bean grinder will, in most cases, come down to budget and to how seriously you think about coffee so this is worth bearing in mind as you read through this article.

So, let’s take a look some of the pros and cons of the two types of grinder. If you want, you can learn more about coffee gridners here: http://www.coffee-n-beans.com/grinders.html

Blade Grinders

Blade grinders – as the name suggests – use a blade to chop up your coffee beans until they are ground. Most of these machines work on a simple principle – the longer the machine grinds, the finer the grind will be.

Pros

- Generally cheaper than burr grinders.

- Do an effective job of grinding your coffee beans.

Cons

-Can’t give a completely consistent or even grind (this can have an adverse effect on the taste and quality of the coffee you drink).

-The blades on some models may overheat – especially if they are left on longer for a finer grind – which can again alter the actual taste of your coffee.

Burr Grinders

A burr grinder – often also referred to in some circles as a mill – works on a different principle to a blade grinder. Here the beans are crushed between the machine’s moving wheel and its static surface. You decide on the level of grind by using pre-specified settings on the burr. Models vary between doser and doserless for coffee bean storage in the actual grinder.

Pros

- A burr grinder will give you a consistently even grind with no problems.

- These grinders and their grinding pres-sets are easy to use.

Cons

- A burr grinder will generally cost you more than a blade grinder.

- Some models clog easily and can be harder to clean.

So, when you’re deciding how to select a coffee grinder – as you can see – you need to consider how important the quality of your grind and the resulting taste of your coffee is to you as an individual to a certain extent. This is what will dictate whether you opt for a blade grinder or a burr grinder at the end of the day.

Most blade grinders users will simply like a regular cup of coffee that has been ground at home for optimum freshness. If you simply like grinding your own beans for basic coffee drinking use then there’s no real reason why you should waste money on a burr grinder when a blade grinder will suit your needs just as well.

It’s very important to remember here that a blade grinder may give a more uneven grind but it still does an effective job. But you may not get the best grind – and therefore the best tasting cup of coffee – from the beans you buy in this case. One good tip that many blade grinder fans give is to give the grinding machine a little gentle shake every now and then as this will help distribute the bits of cut beans more evenly which may help your grind’s consistency.

If, however, your cup of coffee is real important to you and you want consistent brewing results each and every time you grind your beans, then you will probably be better off looking at buying some sort of burr grinder to meet your needs. These grinders are adored by coffee aficionados simply because they treat your coffee beans and the grinding process consistently and will therefore bring out the best taste for every cup by making sure that each grind is even across every single coffee bean.

It’s real simple to source and buy each kind of grinder – both in stores or over the Internet. Major coffee maker manufacturers such as Braun, Capresso, Alpina, Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Russell Hobbs, KitchenAid, Krups and Solis will all have a grinder line of some sort to choose from.

You may find – if you shop around a little – that you may be able to afford to buy a more expensive grinder for your budget as there are often great bargains and discounts to be had all year round. For this reason it’s certainly worth while not rushing out and buying the first grinder you see but doing some price comparisons first to see what savings can be made.

It’s equally important to read reviews to find out how specific models have worked for other people in the past. The Internet is a great source for these kinds of user reviews so once you’ve identified a few models you can log on and see how these machines have worked for others in their homes rather than just relying on manufacturer’s ‘blurb’. This will give you a real useful idea of how well a model/models may actually work in your own home rather than having to wait to find out once you’ve purchased a grinder.

There are certain things to look out for in these kinds of user reviews. For example, you should be looking to discover if other grinder users have found that their grinder:

- Gets clogged or blocked easily.
- Gets beans stuck in its mechanism.
- Overheats and leaves a bitter taste on the coffee.
- Is easy to clean and maintain.
- Gives a really even grind consistently.
- Is excessively noisy.
- Has a problem with static electricity.
- Gives you an easy way to pour out your ground coffee.
- Is well made and won’t fall apart after a couple of uses.

If you can get the right kinds of answers to these questions then the chances are you’ll find the kind of grinder – either burr or blade – that’s right for you.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Carol Finch

How To Select A Coffee Roaster

2008-02-08T00:26:00.001+07:00

If you have decided to roast your own coffee then your first port of call will be to consider how to select a coffee roaster that is right for you. This decision is probably one of the hardest coffee-related choices you’ll have to make – there’s nothing worse than buying the wrong kind of roaster for your needs.

We’re going to be primarily looking at automated custom coffee bean roasters for the purposes of this article. But, it’s worth noting that you can roast your own coffee beans fresh at home without having to buy a roasting machine.

It is possible to roast beans in or on the stove, on a barbeque or fire or even, sometimes, in a popcorn popper. But, if you take your home roasting seriously and want some help with the process (the do it yourself approach can take a lot more time and effort) then a proper roasting machine may be your best option.

So, why do people roast their own beans at home? Well, it’s basically all about freshness and the quality of the roast you will ultimately get. If you buy green coffee beans – i.e. beans that are unroasted – you can simply roast them at home when you need to use them in batches so they’ll be ultra fresh. Green coffee beans are cheaper and last longer than ready roasted beans into the bargain. By the way, more information on bean roasting can be found here: http://www.coffee-n-beans.com/roasters.html

The ability to roast your own beans is a desirable must with many coffee aficionados – you can do away with stale coffee, get the level of roast you want when and where you want it and save yourself some money into the bargain!

In very simple terms there are two main types of machine to consider when you’re deciding how to select a coffee roaster which are Fluid Bed/Air Roasters and Drum Roasters.

Fluid Bed/Air Roasters

If you want to roast your own coffee beans at home then the first thing you should look at is getting hold of a standard fluid bed based roaster. These machines are small, can be compact and are primarily designed for small-medium home use. So, they will roast your beans for you fairly quickly and with minimal fuss – you don’t have to stand over them for example, as you would if you were home roasting on the stove top.

These kinds of roasters kind of work like popcorn makers in that they use hot air during the roast process. You can see how the roast is progressing in most cases so you can control it more effectively and you will sometimes also be given pre-set roasts to choose from in any case. If you’re a home roasting ‘newbie’ then this kind of machine may suit you best as you will get a feel for the whole process as you go along – you can always upgrade to a bigger and more complex roaster at a later date when you have more experience. These machines are also cheaper than other options and are relatively easy to use in the kitchen.

There are a couple of downsides with this kind of roaster, however. You will find that some models won’t roast that much coffee at once and will burn out if you use them too often. Some models also don’t have such great controls or pre-sets (some don’t have any) – so it may take a while for you to get used to using the machine if this is the case.

Drum Roaster

If the option of a fluid bed roaster doesn’t seem quite right to you when you’re thinking about how to select a coffee roaster then you could also look at drum roasting as an alternative. Drum roasters were once only seen in coffee shops and stores that roasted their own coffee beans but, nowadays, it’s real easy to buy machines for domestic use.

Drum roasting machines can basically roast more beans at once – in most cases – than fluid bed machines as they are bigger. Most will work on a convection or conduction method. With this kind of machine you place your beans in a drum, close it up, set it running and wait until the roast is done.

This is more of a pro machine – although they are designed for use at home – simply because they can be more complex to operate than fluid bed roasters. But, the majority of true coffee fans will prefer this method over time as it is held to produce better results in coffee taste terms.

The downsides with many drum roasters is that they don’t have a window so you can’t always look inside them as you can with most fluid bed roasters. So, you may have to rely on your sense of smell or hearing (as you listen to the coffee bean cracks!) to work out when your roast is perfectly done. This is one of the reasons why these machines may not suit ‘newbie’ roasters to start off with.

Some of these drum machines can also give off a lot of smoke so you may need to sort out adequate ventilation or even do your roasting outside if this is the case. And, as you might expect you’ll pay more for drum roasters than for fluid bed machines. At the end of the day you’ll need to think long and hard about how confident you are with the home roasting process – if you haven’t roasted at home before then you may be better off starting off with a fluid bed machine but if you feel more confident and need the extra functionality then a drum roaster may suit you better.

Whichever type of machine you choose to buy do remember that it’s absolutely vital to read some user reviews on the Internet before you buy a roaster as these will tell you stuff the manufacturer won’t. These reviews are written by people who have used these machines and they will give you a real good idea of the pros and cons of any machine from people that have used them regularly.

Some example tips to look out with for fluid bed roasters include:

- How well do the programs (if there are any) work?
- How easy is it to use and what kind of functions does it have?
- How well made is the roaster?
- How evenly does it roast?
- How well can you see into the roasting chamber?
- How noisy is the machine?
- How easy is it to clean the machine/parts?
- What happens to the chaff?

Some example tips to look out with for drum roasters include:

- How well do the programs (if there are any) work?
- How easy is it to use and what kind of functions does it have?
- Does it produce a lot of smoke?
- Can you see inside the drum from the outside?
- Does the machine get too hot?
- What happens to the chaff?
- How easy is it to clean the machine/parts?
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Carol Finch

How To Select A Single Serve Coffee Maker

2008-02-08T00:25:00.000+07:00

An increasing number of us nowadays are wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker that will suit us best at home. These kinds of coffeemaker are designed to produce – as you might expect – a single cup of coffee at a time and they are becoming increasingly popular amongst all kinds of coffee drinkers.

In the past we’ve been a bit limited in our choices of coffee maker – we’ve often, for example, had to make a whole pot of fresh coffee just to enjoy a single cup but things are different nowadays.

The Advantages

The advantages of single serve coffee stations are primarily found in the fact that they can make just one serving of coffee at a time and that they work real quick as a consequence in comparison to multi serve machines. So, you won’t need to waste coffee or won’t need to make more coffee than you’ll actually drink in one sitting.

And, if you choose one of the new single serve pod systems as your final choice here, then you can simply slip a small individual coffee pod into the machine, make your cup of coffee and then throw the pod away. So, there’ll minimal cleaning up and maintenance to do as well!

You can even pick and choose the kinds of coffee you want to drink with these kinds of machines as the pods can come in various types, roasts and flavors. Major coffee companies that make coffee for these pods currently include some big names in the sector such as Douwe Egberts, Melitta and Folgers – so you’ll get a guarantee of coffee experience and quality at the same time as well.

Two Types

There are basically two ways to use a single serve coffee maker. In the first instance you can buy a conventional coffee machine that uses standard ground coffee via a normal filter system but which only brews a single cup of coffee at a time rather than making up a whole big pot. It is worth noting here that some of these machines may sometimes be able to brew up two cups instead of just one which could give you a little more flexibility.
In either case the machine here will brew up directly into your cup extremely quickly and efficiently. Some of these kinds of models even come with their own mug when you buy them!

As single serve machines go this kind of option is reliable but kind of uninspiring if you’re looking for something a little different in your coffee drinking. But, if you’re still wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker then this may be a good option for you if you simply want an affordable and compact coffee maker for one/two people. Some of these machines are real tiny nowadays and could easily just sit on the end of a desk for real ease of use without taking up too much space.

But, if you want something a little bit more exciting from a single serve coffee maker then you really should also consider something along the lines of one of these new pod systems we’ve already mentioned. These single serve machines (such as those in the Philips Senseo range, for example) are designed to take a single pod that contains a specific brand, roast or type of coffee at a time.

You unwrap the pod from its packaging, place it in the machine and it brews your coffee up for you into the cup. You can then simply throw the used pod into the trash. Again it’s worth noting that some pod systems can be purchased that will make two cups of coffee at a time.

Variety - The Spice of Life

These machines are so popular now partly because they are so convenient and reliable but also because they allow you to buy different varieties, types and flavors of coffee pods. So, you can pick and choose which kind of coffee you will brew at any given time of day without having to keep a huge stock of different types of coffee in your kitchen cupboards.

This does prevent you from having lots of large unopened bags of coffee going stale in your cupboards because you simply cannot drink them that fast. These pods are also all individually sealed so you won’t lose freshness as you may do once you open a bag of standard ground coffee.

One complaint that some pod machine users have is that the pods themselves are not always as cost effective as they may be. As you might expect you may have to pay a premium for convenience here so this kind of pod system may well work out to be more expensive to both buy the initial machine and the pods than if you were just buying a small single serve maker and regular bags of coffee.

One key thing to think about as you ponder how to select a single serve coffee maker is compatibility. Some pods can be used in other kinds of standard coffee makers so it’s worth while checking on compatibility with your manufacturer. And, some coffee pod systems offer the ability to add a normal filter to the machine so you can use them as a standard single serve machine with your own ground coffee.

Flexibility is vital here as you don’t want to buy a coffee maker or a pod system that limits your choices. Some pod systems, for example, will allow you to use other types of pods in the machine as well as those that are made for the particular model. This option is great as you get much more flexibility in terms of coffee drinking choice. However, some systems will only work with their own pods which could see you limited on choice and which could also cost you more in the long run.

It doesn’t really matter which system you decide suits you best at the end of the day. You may even opt for both choices! One last thing to remember is that you can get great discounts and bargains on standard single serve coffee makers, pod systems and the pods themselves if you shop around. Many pod system users, for example, shop around on the Internet and then bulk buy pods when they find a bargain.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Carol Finch

Negative Side Effects to Caffeine

2008-02-08T00:24:00.000+07:00

Caffeine is big business. There are new coffee shops popping up all over the place. You can’t go far without running into a Starbucks. "Let’s get together for coffee. Time for a coffee break. Coffee pot goes off before my feet hit the floor. Travel mugs for sipping coffee on your way to work. I’ll just have this chocolate bar to pick me up this afternoon." Caffeine - It’s everywhere! It’s everywhere!

Many people have grown so accustomed to having their morning coffee or soda that they don’t even consider the damaging effects caffeine has on the body. On the contrary, most will tell you that they NEED their jolt to get them moving in the morning or to keep them upright throughout the day. Caffeine is present not only in coffee, but also tea, soda, chocolates and in certain pain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. It is also sometimes used in combination with an antihistamine to overcome the drowsiness caused by the antihistamine.

If you don’t think it’s addicting, try going off caffeine, cold turkey. See if you don’t have a headache for two to nine days. That’s caffeine withdrawal! You don’t need to be a coffeeholic to experience negative physical symptoms. Even as little as one to two cups a day can negatively affect you.

You may be experiencing a number of physical ailments that could be caused solely from caffeine. The most common side effects of caffeine include dizziness, headache, irritability, muscle tension, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, unusual tiredness and jitters.

Too much (overdose) of caffeine can give you all sorts of grief such as stomach pain agitation, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, seizures, dehydration, faster breathing rate, fast heartbeat, fever, frequent urination, increased sensitivity to touch or pain, irritability, muscle trembling or twitching, vomiting, sometimes with blood, fibrocystic breast disease, ringing or other sounds in ears, seeing flashes of “zig-zag” lights, and trouble in sleeping. If you are diabetic or insulin resistant, caffeine causes your body to produce more insulin and you don’t want that. Caffeine makes all aspects of a menstrual cycle worse. Isn’t that bad enough some months?

The next time you experience any of the above symptoms, try cutting back on caffeine. That may be all it takes to take care of the problem. Reduce caffeine intake gradually to prevent any symptoms of withdrawal. Cut back on your intake or combine a mixture of caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages until you’re totally weaned off. People can, and do, survive ridding their bodies of all caffeine. And they’re feeling much better for it!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Nicky Pilkington

[25]How To Select A Single Serve Coffee Maker

2008-01-10T12:12:00.000+07:00

[24]Negative Side Effects to Caffeine

2008-01-10T12:11:00.000+07:00

[23]Saturday Night And Sunday Morning Movie Review

2008-01-10T12:10:00.000+07:00

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a 1960 film adaptation
of the novel of the same name by Alan Sillitoe. Sillitoe
adapted the screenplay himself and the film was directed by
Karel Reisz.

It tells the story of Arthur Seaton,played by Albert Finney,
a young Nottingham factory worker, who is having an affair
with Brenda, played by Rachel Robertas,the wife of an older
co-worker. He also has a relationship with Doreen,played by
Shirley Anne Field, a woman closer to his own age.

It is a terrifying glimpse into an age where work, booze,
and death were all that Britain's young men had to look
forward to. "What I want is a good time, the rest is all
propaganda," is Seaton's saying, but in the end, he
realizes he's fighting a losing battle as an affair with
his best friend's wife (Roberts) ends badly. She is
pregnant and her husband finds out about her affair. Arthur
earns a beating from the cuckolded husband's squaddie
brother for his peccadillo. He ends up back with Doreen and
the final scene takes place on the top of a hill where both
of them are talking about their future planes. It seem that
Arthur is finally realizing that marriage is probably
unavoidable. He has fallen in love with Doreen and they end
up talking about what type of house Doreen would like to
eventually live in.

Actually this film takes place about the same time that the
world seems to be going through a cultural revolution that
led us into the sixties. The Beatles,Rolling Stones, and
many other groups will come into their own during this
decade.

This is a black and white film that will end up as a true
classic for its time. Finney was voted the most promising
newcomer at the British Academy's (BAFTA) awards. To me it
kind of symbolized the struggles that most of us go through
during our rebellious younger years and the inevitable
realization about how we are going to spend the rest of our
lives.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: steamtown

[22]What is the Best Alcohol to Drink When on a Diet

2008-01-10T12:09:00.000+07:00

We have all heard to cut alcohol out of your diet when you are attempting to lose weight. Alcohol is empty calories if you look at from the calorie perspective. There are good qualities to alcohol assuming that the consumption is moderate and not associated with any addiction. Different alcohols or spirits can be a part of a good weight loss or healthy diet. The best may be the Bacardi and Diet Coke.

First we have to look at alcohol being consumed in moderation. The liver can remove 2 glasses of beer or wine, and one mixed drink per day. Sorry, you are unable to save them up to have 10 on the weekend. On the LIVE Nutrition Plan one light beer, glass of wine, or distilled spirit is one fat exchange. The average person will have 3-4 fat exchanges throughout the day. Remember what we said about your liver, using all of your fat for alcohol would not be a good idea for the health of your liver.

Alcohol has many stress relieving properties. Alcohol is a depressant which means that it will support your ability to relax. Drinking alcohol in moderation, less than two a day, has been demonstrated to lower stress so that you live longer than people who drink no alcohol. Just remember two or less.

Light Beer on a Diet

Light beer seems to be the obvious choice when on a diet. The average lite beer is less than 100 calories with some of the new ultra beers having even less. If you can keep your consumption of these beers to two or under a day this is a good choice. The problem with lite beer is the quantity that most people can drink. Many people can consume multiple light beers with ease. Though each beer has few calories they start to add up having if you have 4-6 on a night.

Microbrews on a Diet

Wow, I get to drink dark beer on a diet? Aren’t dark beers more calories? The answer is yes dark beers are more calories; the good thing is it is easier to drink just one. The average person who could drinks 5 light beers will probably only be able to drink one dark beer, and the total calories. You total calories from one dark beer will be less than the 5 light beer calorie total.

Diet Wine

Wine in moderation has been known to lower the risk of heart disease. It doesn’t seem to be wine specifically, but the stress relieving properties of alcohol, as long as they are consumed in moderation. Wine works the same as light beer, less than 100 calories per glass and one fat exchange on the LIVE diet plan.

Bacardi and Diet Coke

One Bacardi and Diet Coke has 66 calories. Two of these mixed drinks are only a few more calories than one beer. Two Bacardi and diet Cokes are a lot less caloric than many beers on the market. This isn’t Bacardi specific, most distilled spirits and diet soda are going to be around the same number of calories. Remember that even though they have less calories, your liver doesn’t care when it comes to the amount of alcohol. Moderation of 2 or less is still best. Bacardi and Diet Coke is simply the most popular, which I found out while in Puerto Rico touring the Bacardi Distillery.

Alcohol as a part of a responsible diet can be a part of a person’s weight loss program or healthy diet. Remember the key is moderation and picking drinks lower in calories. Enjoy your next party.

Copyright (c) 2007 Charles Carter
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Charles Carter

[21]Planning the Perfect Bucks Party

2008-01-10T12:08:00.000+07:00

So it’s your best mate’s Buck’s party and it’s your responsibility to throw him a night he’ll never forget… a worthy send off from singledom. Chances are you’ve never organized a Buck’s night before and it can be more than a little stressful.

There are a number of “musts” required depending on the age and maturity levels of those involved, especially if you want to avoid clichés such as having the Buck parade around in a $5 charity shop wedding dress, tying him to a lamp post at 4am, or shaving one eyebrow whilst he’s passed out.

It’s also likely you’ll be juggling the old, the new and the ugly friends, the soon to be father of the bride, the under age brother and the embarrassing ‘got drunk too fast’ uncle, so you’ll need somewhere delightfully tacky to suit all types, yet unrefined enough for a Buck to feel like he let his hair down on his last night of freedom.

Next, there has to be sport. And beer. And food. And girls.

The ideal watering hole for a Buck’s party offers girls, girls and more gorgeous girls, non-stop sports action on big TV screens, ice cold beer, hearty food like burgers, steaks, ribs and chicken wings in large portions served by and need we say again… gorgeous girls.

This place should also have sports memorabilia as well as photos of sport stars spanning back over twenty years scattered around the restaurant to add to the ambience. Throw in the odd real life sports star dining there as well and you’ve got the makings of a very memorable night indeed.

So after sport, beer, food and girls comes the all important ‘Embarrassment for the Buck’.

Chances are you won’t want to ruin your friendship forever, so you’ll need a better way to maximize the embarrassment factor you can reveal during your best man’s speech without permanently raising the ire of his bride to be or family.

Thankfully, having the Buck stand on a chair surrounded by a group of cheerleader girls dressed in tight white singlets, orange running shorts, thick pantyhose and white sketchers singing about their disappointment of his upcoming marriage is surely more than embarrassing enough….

The fact this allows the best man to walk the fine line of fulfilling his duties without losing a best mate in the process is just a bonus.

If you want to arrange a Buck’s party that will be sure to impress but not offend then we know the perfect venue. Conveniently located, with a fun atmosphere, plenty of sports action, ice cold beer and great food… it’s a way of life and it’s the key to planning the perfect Bucks party.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com-By: Julia Bayley

[10/20]Beer boot

2008-01-03T14:23:00.000+07:00

Many of you may be asking what exactly a beer boot is. What's the history behind them?
Beer boots or Bierstiefeln in German have over a century of history and culture behind them. It is commonly believed that a general promised his troops to drink beer from his boot if they were successful in battle. When the troops prevailed, the general had a glassmaker fashion a boot from glass to fulfill his promise without tasting his own feet and to avoid spoiling the beer in his leather boot. Since then, soldiers have enjoyed toasting to their victories with a beer boot. At gatherings in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, beer boots are often passed among the guests for a festive drinking challenge. Since the movie Beer Fest appeared in 2006, Beer Boots have become increasingly popular in the United States. Originally most commonly seen in the German Restaurant and Bier Garten (Beer Garden) scene in the US, they have become a party essential at college campuses across the nation. Beer boots are made of either manufactured pressed glass or mouth blown glasses by skilled artisans in form of a boot. They come in a wide array of sizes, and we carry the largest variety. For drinking groups in particular, the larger beer boots, especially the two liter, are the favored option.

When drinking in a group, the boot is passed around in a circle and a game is played to determine who pays for the next beer. The second to last person to drink is the loser and has to purchase the next beer. Therefore, there are two strategies to the game. One either tries to finish the boot in one drink without it spilling any, or one drinks as little ones as possible and hopes that the next person in line doesnâ€™t try to drink the boot empty.

The shape of the boot makes drinking more difficult. As you drink down the beer and tilt the boot backwards at an angle, an air pocket fills in the toe and has to be cautiously released. The trick to drinking from the boot is to hold the boot so that the toe is pointed either to your left or right, preventing an air bubble from building up in the toe.

As Restaurant you can profit from offering beer in beer boots to your guests:

* Guests drink higher quantity of beer, resulting in higher profits.
* Guests entertain and amuse themselves.
* Because of the larger quantity of beer, they have to be refilled less and result in less work

As a restaurant or bar purchaser, before you buy beer boot glasses, you should try out whether they fit appropriately under your beer tap for filling. If necessary you can fill a beer jug and transfer the beer into the boot; however, the some head is lost in the transfer process.

Beer boot glasses are inherently more expensive than other glasses, because of their labor intensive mouth blown production process, their high demand, and the fact that they are imported from Europe.

Beer Boots are very popular pieces of collecting breweriana and make the perfect gift for college students, your everyday beer fan and are increasingly popular as groomsman gifts for weddings.

By: andrew philip

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/19]Want to Sample a Good Beer? Try German!

2008-01-03T14:22:00.000+07:00

The German people are famous for a lot of things; one of them is brewing. Beer is an essential part of their tradition and civilization, with over 1300 varied breweries spanning the land. The Czechs and the Irish are the only ones who outdo the Germans with beer consumption per person. The monks started to experiment with brewing about 1000 A.D. at the origin of the Germanic history Eventually, brewing started to become really lucrative for the monks and the nation’s monarchy began to legislate the manufacturing of the brew. The most well-known and significant component to effect German brewing came in fifteen-sixteen with the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot, or the purity requirement.

To ensure that Bavarian beers were only the best quality the Duke Wilhelm IV ordered the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot. The standard states that beers must only consist of water, hops, and barley. Unchanged after nearly 500 years, the Reinheitsgebot is the oldest legislation placed on drinks on the earth. Yeast is the only extension to the list of essential ingredients in the act. Brewers before had just used the yeast found naturally in the air. Bavarian breweries were soon known as the best makers of beer because of the strict code of quality following by the purity requirement. More and more breweries started to adhere to the proclamation as the reputation of the Bavarian breweries continued to grow.

As a result of the Reinheitsgebot, Germanic brews have a long-standing reputation of producing quality beers made out of the purest ingredients. A lot of towns became famous brewing locations as time passed and Germany started to ship out beer. By fifteen-hundred, Scandinavia, Holland, England, and as far as India principally got their beer from one of the 600 breweries in the town of Bremen. Two more famous brewing towns were Einbeck and Braunschweig. Because of it’s hardy flavor and perfect amount of head foam the majority of modern-day Germans still choose fabbier, or draft beer, over bottled beer. Used still today, German beer steins became popular around the time the purity requirement came about in an effort to stop further breakouts of the black plague.

During the time of the black plague, Germany began a lot of laws to prevent its citizens from getting ill. Massive amounts of diseased flies would land in people’s food and spread the disease. This led to the stein, a drink vessel with a closed top that is operated with the thumb so somebody could prevent infection and still be able to drink with one hand. Beer consumption rose exponentially as people began to realize the disease spread in dirty conditions with brackish water. Steins were originally made of stoneware with pewter tops. Steins started to be crafted completely of pewter for almost three-hundred years as the pewter guild grew. Eventually, porcelain and silver steins were introduced and continue to be produced in the present.

More than five-thousand types of beer are manufactured today from more than thirteen-hundred and fifty breweries within Germany’s borders. The oldest brewery in the world still in operation in the present is the Benedictine abbey Weihenstephan, that has been making beer since one-thousand and forty. The Franconia region of Bavaria by the city Bamberg is the most concentrated region for beer makers in Germany. German breweries make a wide variety of flavors and types of beer with the majority of them able to be placed under ales or lagers. Most beers have an alcoholic content from 4.7% to 5.4% but some brands can be as high as 12%, making them more potent than most wines.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/18]Want to Try a Great Beer? Drink German!

2008-01-03T14:21:00.000+07:00

One of the various things the German people are famous for is beer. With more than 1300 different breweries spread across the country, beer is an essential part of their legacy and heritage. The Czechs and the Irish are the only ones above the Germans as far as beer drinking per capita. The history of Germanic brew spans back to the origin of the nation when monks started to experiment with brewing about one-thousand A.D. Eventually, brewing became really lucrative for the monks and the nation’s leaders began to legislate the manufacturing of the brew. The most well-known and significant component to effect German brewing happened in 1516 with the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot, or the purity requirement.

The Bavarian Reinheitsgebot was authorized by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria to ensure that Bavarian beers were made of high quality. The standard states that beers should only be made of barley, hops, and water. Unchanged after nearly five-hundred years, the Reinheitsgebot is the oldest regulation placed on drinks on the earth. Yeast is the only extension to the list of crucial ingredients in the proclamation. Yeast that was naturally in the air was what manufacturers in the past used. Because of the stern code of quality followed by the purity requirement, Bavarian manufacturers were soon considered the best manufacturers of beer. As the prominence of the Bavarian breweries spread around the country more and more beer makers began to adhere to the proclamation as well.

German beers have a long-standing notoriety of making quality beers made only from the best ingredients as a result of the Reinheitsgebot. Some towns became famed brewing locations as time passed and Germany started to ship out beer. By fifteen-hundred, Scandinavia, Holland, England, and as far as India principally got their beer from one of the six-hundred breweries in the city of Bremen. Einbeck and Braunschweig were a couple of other famous brewing cities. In modern-day Germany, most of the country’s beer-drinking citizens still prefer fabbier, or draught beer, over bottle beer because of it’s hardy flavor and right amount of head foam. In use still today, German beer steins became popular around the time the purity standard came about in an effort to prevent further breakouts of the bubonic plague.

Germany enacted a lot of laws to prevent its people from becoming sick during the era of the bubonic plague. Massive amounts of infected flies would land in people’s food and spread the infection. This led to the stein, a drink container with a closed top that could be used with the thumb so a person could prevent disease and still be able to drink with one hand. As citizens began to realize the plague spread in dirty conditions with brackish water, beer consumption went up exponentially. German beer steins were originally crafted from stoneware with pewter lids. As the pewter guild grew, German beer steins started to be manufactured completely of pewter and stayed that way for over 300 years. Still manufactured today, silver and porcelain steins were eventually introduced.

Nowadays there are over 1350 breweries within Germany’s lands that make more than five-thousand types of beer. The Benedictine abbey Weihenstephan, which has been making beer since 1040, is considered the oldest brewery in the world. The most concentrated area in Germany for beer makers is the Franconia region of Bavaria by the city Bamberg. German breweries make a wide range of tastes and kinds of beer with the majority of them able to be placed under ales or lagers. Some kinds of beer can have an alcoholic content as high as 12%, making them more potent than a lot of wines even though most beers have an alcoholic content from 4.7% to 5.4%.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/17]Want to Sample a Magnificent Beer? Drink German!

2007-12-31T10:54:00.001+07:00

One of the many things the German people are renowned for is beer. Beer is an important part of their tradition and civilization, with over 1300 various breweries spanning the country. The Czechs and the Irish are the only ones who outdo the Germans as far as beer drinking per capita. The monks began to experiment with brewing about 1000 A.D. back in the beginning of German history The nation’s monarchy eventually began to legislate the manufacturing of beer as brewing started to be more and more profitable. The Bavarian Reinheitsgebot, or purity requirement, came about in fifteen-sixteen and is still the most important and influential component to effect German brewing.

The Bavarian Reinheitsgebot was ordered by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria to ensure that Bavarian beers were only of the highest quality. Hops, barley, and water are the only ingredients allowed in beer according to the law. The Reinheitsgebot is the oldest legislation put on food in the world and has not been changed in almost 500 years. The only addition to the act is the adding of yeast to the cache of crucial ingredients. Yeast that was naturally in the air was what brewers in the past used. Because of the tough standard of quality following the purity standard, Bavarian producers were soon known as the superior producers of beer. As the notoriety of the Bavarian breweries spread across the nation other beer makers began to adhere to the act also.

As a result of the Reinheitsgebot, German beers have a long-standing reputation of producing quality beers made from only the purest ingredients. As time passed and Germany started to ship out beer, some cities became famous brewing spots. The town of Bremen had over 600 breweries in it by fifteen-hundred and was the leading exporter of beer to Holland, Scandinavia, England, and as far as India. Two more famed brewing towns were Einbeck and Braunschweig. Because of it’s full-bodied taste and perfect amount of foam most modern-day Germans still choose fabbier, or draught beer, over bottled beer. Used still today, German beer steins became popular around the time the purity standard came about in an effort to stop more breakouts of the black plague.

During the time of the bubonic plague, Germany started several laws to keep its people from becoming ill. Disease would spread as massive amounts of infected flies flew in citizen’s food and drink. This led to the German beer stein, a beverage vessel with a hinged top that could be operated with the thumb so a person could prevent infection and still be able to drink with their free hand. As people began to learn the plague spread in unclean conditions with stale water, beer consumption went up exponentially. Originally made of stoneware with pewter lids, German beer steins rose in popularity. German beer steins began to be crafted completely of pewter for nearly three-hundred years as the pewter guild grew. Eventually, porcelain and silver German beer steins were introduced and continue to be made in the present.

Today there are over 1350 breweries within Germany’s borders that make over 5000 brands of beer। The Benedictine abbey Weihenstephan, which has been producing beer since one-thousand and forty, is reported as the oldest brewery on the earth. The most concentrated area in Germany for breweries is the Franconia region of Bavaria near the city Bamberg. German breweries make a wide range of flavors and types of beer with most of them able to be categorized under ales or lagers. The majority of beers have an alcoholic content from 4.7% to 5.4% but some brands can be as high as 12%, making them more powerful than most wines.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/16]Want to Try a Fabulous Beer? Try German!

2007-12-31T10:52:00.000+07:00

The German people are famous for many things; one of them is beer. With over thirteen-hundred different breweries spanning the land, beer is an essential piece of their culture and heritage. The Czechs and the Irish are the only ones who outdo the Germans as far as beer consumption per person. The monks began to experiment with brewing around one-thousand A.D. at the beginning of German history The nation’s monarchy eventually began to regulate the production of beer as brewing started to be more and more profitable. The most important and significant factor to effect German brewing came about in fifteen-sixteen with the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot, or the purity standard.

The Bavarian Reinheitsgebot was ordered by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria to ensure Bavarian beers were only of the highest quality. Water, hops, and barley are the only ingredients that should go in in beer according to the standard. Unaltered after nearly five-hundred years, the Reinheitsgebot is the oldest regulation placed on food on the earth. The only addition to the proclamation is the adding of yeast to the cache of crucial ingredients. Yeast found naturally in the air was what brewers before used. Because of the strict standard of quality followed by the purity standard, Bavarian breweries were soon considered the best manufacturers of beer. As the notoriety of the Bavarian breweries spread around the nation other beer makers began to follow the proclamation as well.

German beers have a long-standing position of producing quality brews made only from the best ingredients as a result of the Reinheitsgebot. A lot of towns became famed brewing spots as time went on and Germany started to ship out beer. By fifteen-hundred, Scandinavia, Holland, England, and as far as India mainly got their beer from one of the 600 breweries in the town of Bremen. Einbeck and Braunschweig were two more famed brewing towns. Because of it’s full-bodied flavor and right amount of foam the majority of modern Germans still choose fabbier, or draft beer, over bottled beer. In an effort to curtail more breakouts of the bubonic plague German beer steins came into use about the time the purity standard came about and are still used today.

During the era of the bubonic plague, Germany started several regulations to keep its people from becoming sick. Disease would spread as large amounts of infected flies landed in citizen’s food and beverages. This led to the stein, a beverage holder with a closed lid that is used with the thumb so a person could stop disease and still be able to drink with one hand. As people began to realize the plague spread in dirty conditions with stagnant water, beer drinking rose exponentially. German beer steins were originally crafted from stoneware with pewter tops. As the pewter guild grew, steins started to be made completely of pewter and stayed that way for over three-hundred years. Still produced today, silver and porcelain steins were eventually introduced.

Over five-thousand kinds of beer are produced nowadays from over 1350 breweries within Germany’s borders। The Benedictine abbey Weihenstephan, which has been producing beer since one-thousand and forty, is reported as the oldest brewery in the world. The most concentrated area in Germany for beer makers is the Franconia region of Bavaria by the city Bamberg. German breweries manufacture a large range of flavors and brands of beer with the majority of them able to be placed under ales or lagers. Most beers have an alcoholic content from 4.7% to 5.4% but some types can be as high as 12%, making them stronger than a lot of wines.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/15]How to Brew Beer For The First Time

2007-12-28T11:44:00.000+07:00

The process of brewing beer can be as simple or as complex as one makes it. This article is intended to simplify the process and outline the most basic elements of homebrewing for the first-time brewer. It is recommended that you first purchase an equipment kit from your local supply store or online. These generally cost anywhere from $60-$100 and include everything you need to get started.

Now, let’s prepare our first brewing session. Cleanliness and organization are two key elements. Make sure your brewing area is clean, all of your equipment is sanitized, and your ingredients are organized and readily accessible.

For the sake of simplification, we’ll brew what I like to call an “in-and-out” kit. One of my favorites that falls into this category is EDME’s Red Devil Ale. This particular kit includes a 4 lb. hopped can of malt extract and a pack of dry yeast. The only additional ingredients you will need to purchase are about 2 lbs. of dried malt extract and five ounces of corn sugar or priming sugar. Some would prefer to add hops during the boil, but this is not absolutely necessary because our malt extract is already hopped.

Bring about ½ gallon of water to boil in a stainless boiling pot. Reduce the heat, and add the contents of the can and 2 lbs. of dried malt extract. Stir fully to dissolve. Then bring the mixture back to a boil, and continue to simmer for about five minutes. Also continue stirring to avoid scorching and/or boil-over. After five minutes, turn off the heat.

Pour three gallons of cold water into your fermenting bin. Be sure to pour from a reasonable height so as to add oxygen to the water. Next, add the mixture (wort) from the pot, and top off the fermenting bin with more water until the total volume of the bin is between five and six gallons. Place the lid on top of the fermenting bin to avoid the introduction of contaminants and other airborne particles, and allow the wort to cool down to between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the wort has cooled, add the yeast and stir with a sanitized stainless spoon. Place the lid and airlock on the fermenting bin, and stand the bin in a warm area (65-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Fermentation will take approximately one week. When fermentation appears to have stopped, you are ready for priming and bottling.

Siphon the beer from the fermenting bin into the bottling bucket making sure not to transfer any of the yeast sediment. Dissolve about five ounces of corn sugar or priming sugar into one cup of boiling water. Add this mixture to the bottling bucket, and stir. Now, siphon the beer from the bottling bucket into individual bottles. Cap each bottle, and store at room temperature for a couple of weeks. You may then transfer the bottles to a cooler place for conditioning if you wish. In all, your beer should be ready for consumption in about four weeks from the original date of brewing.

By: Dominick Famiano

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/14]Tips for Designing Your Own Beer Recipe

2007-12-28T11:43:00.000+07:00

Perhaps the greatest thrill in homebrewing is that innate desire of the individual brewer to create a truly unique, signature beer. This process of recipe design comes easy to some, but it can present quite a challenge to others. Sometimes it’s good to get back to basics and remind ourselves that all beer essentially contains just a few key ingredients: malt, hops, yeast, and water.

We know that the malt provides the fermentable sugars, and the yeast converts these sugars to alcohol, while the hops work to balance the sweetness of unfermented sugars. That’s the most basic process. It’s how we bring these and additional ingredients together that determines the characteristics of the finished beer. Take the time to really familiarize yourself with these ingredients. For example, it’s fine to read about the unique flavors imparted by different varieties of hops, but you should also focus on the aroma of the hops as you use them.

Seek out existing recipes calling for ingredients you have not yet used. Recreate these recipes, and keep a specific journal of each brewing session. This journal should include a list of the ingredients, starting and finishing gravities, fermentation temperature, and all important dates and times such as time of boil, pitching, fermentation, secondary racking, and bottling. ProMash is just one of many software programs available to assist you with this task. I only mention it because it is what I use. If you would prefer, a pen and notebook will work just fine.

Once you have found a recipe you enjoy, go back to your journal. Try to find ways to make it even better, and make it your own. Perhaps there are other flavors, enjoyable to you but not traditionally found in beer, that you can bring to this recipe. Begin the process of experimentation. Recently, I discovered a wheat beer recipe that I enjoy very much. My goal now is to recreate it, slightly lighter in body and with a hint of lemon and basil. Take the liberty to do the same with your beer. Just remember to keep the batch sizes small during the experimentation process. That way, if you don’t care for the finished product, not much is lost.

By: Dominick Famiano

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/13]Types of German Beers

2007-12-27T08:58:00.000+07:00

German beer - you have to admit, is one of the finest tasting beers you can drink. German breweries are pretty secretive about their "how tos". They all seem to say it’s in the water. I’m sure there’s some truth to that, but what really gives the beer it’s great flavor is the hops which is traded as seriously as grapes for wine makers.

Most German beers are great tasting because all are vegan (no animal products are used). Bavarian purity laws limit them to four ingredients only: water, grain, hops and yeast. Real German beer is also not pasteurized as many American beers are, which lets you taste the beer’s real flavor.

Listed below are some of the different types of German beers typically found in Bavaria and what you can expect should you order one of these types.

Ein "Helles", bitte ( A lite beer)
The standard light beer, when you order a "Helles" in a pub or restaurant you’ll most likely end up with a pint. Depending on the brewer it can be quite refreshing. Some beer gardens have responded to the public’s demand for smaller quantities and now also offer them outdoors, the "real" beer garden only serves the "Mass" (one quart) - pronounced "maus". By the way, Germany has laws governing the quantity of liquids served to the public, that is why you will find level markers on each glass. If your Mass looks like it is not quite 1 liter after the foam settles, just go back and ask for "bitte nachschenken". The man at the keg will be impressed that you know your way around.

Ein "Pils" (A Pilsener)
If you like a more bitter and less malty taste try the pils which is also called pilsner. You can order them in restaurants and special pils bars. Take a closer look at the time consuming process of serving a foam crowned pils with perfection. You will see dozens of glasses filled with foam only, waiting to settle. It can take a good quarter of an hour for the foam refills to turn into the golden liquid.

Ein "Dunkeles" (A dark beer)
Against popular beliefs it is not the most powerful in alcohol contents. It is basically a lager bottom brewed beer containing "toasted" malt.

Ein "Weissbier" (A white beer)
A very good idea when the sun is shining and you prefer being refreshed by a lighter tasting beer. Weizen means wheat, often called a Weissbier (white), and is served in tall and elegant 1/2 liter glasses. But beware of its "light" character, it is the strongest in alcohol. While some will serve it with a slice of lemon, do not put one in your Hefe (yeast) Weissbier. The Hefeweissbier comes only in bottles, a professional will wet the glass and pour the bottle at a steep angle. With the foam that remains at the bottom of the bottle he will collect the yeast (swirling action) and add it to your beer.

Ein Bock und Doppelbock (A Bock beer)
Bock is term used for a stronger beer (doppel meaning double even more so). Fasting monks found an ingenious way of compensating the lack of food - they started brewing very strong beers. March and October are the two most prominent seasons for brewing these special beers.

By: Evelyn Whitaker

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/12]Home Beer Brewing Success and Why You Should Brew Beer at Home

2007-12-27T08:57:00.000+07:00

Home Beer Brewing is becoming an increasingly popular hobby for men and women of all ages. The ever increasing price of drinks at bars and clubs coupled with a greater interest in entertaining at home have made it increasingly popular.

So yes you can start home beer brewing! However it dos not have to be a solitary occupation locked away in the cellar or shed for hour after hour. As well as being a hobby for the individual it can also be a family project through which you introduce members of the family to alcohol and the need to be responsible with it. Some people do not understand why people make their own beer. They wander why they want the all the mess and clutter associated with creating their own brew. They believe that it is far easier to simply go to the store and get what they want when they want beer. However, it is not simply about the convenience or the cost of the beer stores.

The actual reason why a lot of people have started home beer brewing is because they think it is both enjoyable and exciting. This is a way for them to participate in hobby that they like and that keeps them busy. Some people create their own brew just because they have never tried it before and now the proliferation of Home Beer Brewing Kits and other resources provide them with the opportunity relatively cheaply.

It is also a way for individuals to reconnect with their ancestors and family history. There are so many different recipes for beer, not only held by the breweries, but that have also been handed down through different families. They are using the recipes that their ancestors used and seeing if they can do what they did, In the process they are discovering that they can create great tasting beer. Many of the recipes are easy to follow and have an ingredient list that is easy to find. There are different things that people can buy to make their beer making experience more fun.

With the right kit and the best beer-making recipe, it has come within the reach of many more people and anyone can try making great tasting beer. Even if it is a one shot thing, it will be worth seeing if you can create a beer that is just as good as the beer that is purchased in the store. You can create anything with the home beer brewing supplies that you can now find in the store.

Buying the kits to brew your beer is going to make it easier for a lot of people to do. You can get everything that you need with this kit and it will make your beer brewing easier. Finding these kits will make the beer brewing adventure even more fun for someone that has not had the opportunity to try making their own beer yet.

Finding out about making your own beer is easy. You can go online and get all the facts and the tips that you need to get started on making your own beer. There are many tips and pieces of advice that you can use when you start your new hobby of making your own beer and I hope you will enjoy your own beer!

By: Paul P. Duxbury

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/11]Just Right: Storing and Serving Draft Beer

2007-12-26T17:01:00.000+07:00

If you’ve been drinking beer for any amount of time you are probably aware of draft beer. People around the globe enjoy the cold sudsy beverage that comes from a keg and out of the beer taps. When stored and served right, it is a tasty and refreshing way to enjoy a cold beer. However, some problems can arise that can definitely take away from the quality and taste of your favorite beverage.

The most important factor in proper draft care is the temperature of the beer. The proper temperature for storage and serving draft beer is 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the keg falls above or below 38 F, the appearance, freshness, and most importantly, taste can be affected. Draft beer is kept at this temperature so that it can maintain the carbonation level that it has while it is being made at the brewery. It does not matter whether it is a domestic or imported beer or if it is pasteurized or not; the temperature must remain between 38-40 degrees.

If a keg gets too warm, the beer will foam up while it is still in the container. This happens because the pressure applied by the beer tap handles is not enough to keep the carbonation in the beer. This can lead to wasted beer and wasted profit. Once a keg has lost pressure and the carbonation in the beer is gone, it affects the taste, making it more bitter, and the appearance of the beer, making it appear clouded.

If the keg gets too cold it causes the carbonation found in the beer to remain there until the customer consumes it. The result is overfilled beer glasses and a lower yield of beers per keg. Also, if temperature drops too much without the pressure from the beer tap handles being changed, the beer may become over carbonated. This will result in foamy pours.

Temperature can be maintained with a little care. To properly measure a keg’s temperature you must place a thermometer in liquid with the keg. This is important to do to maintain proper temperature. A keg can go from 38 degrees to 48 degrees in as little as four hours. On the other hand, it can take up to ten hours for a keg that measures 48 degrees to be cooled down to 38 degrees. This is a serious matter in a business or party situation!

One way to prevent improper temperature is make sure that your keg refrigerator is well maintained and sealed properly. A poorly sealed cooler can warm the keg by several degrees over a relatively short period of time. When storing kegs, avoid keeping other items in the same cooler as the beer. Having other items in the same refrigerator can lead to people opening the door and affecting the temperature of the keg.

One must consider temperature when receiving a keg from delivery as well. A keg that has ridden around in a delivery truck for several hours is more than likely going to be several degrees warmer than when it came from the warehouse. The bottom line is that with a little care and attention draft beer can always be good all the way from the bottom of the barrel until it comes bursting forth in a golden frothy spray out of the beer tap handles.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/10]Use Draft Beer to Boost Sales

2007-12-26T16:58:00.000+07:00

Restaurant owners who offer a selection of beer without any draft beer are losing out. Draft beer sales in restaurants are often equal to or greater than bottle sales when a choice of both is available. What makes draft beer so appealing to people? It can be theorized that it not only has to do with taste, but with aesthetics as well. With so many choices of beer available, more and more people are being choosy about not only the kinds of beers they drink, but how they drink it as well. Glassware has come out in hundreds of shapes and sizes to encompass that perfect beer for the thirsty consumer. Large glasses, ornate glasses, promotional offers, and colorful signs and decorum make a big difference when it comes to sales. We have truly become a society of brand name conscious consumers and this is no exception in the beer market. It makes a lot of sense when there are so many different types of beers. Some of them will taste completely different from another and yet they are still called the same thing.

When a customer walks into a bar and orders a beer, a lot of times the first thing they see are the beer tap handles displaying the kinds of beer they offer. These beer tap handles are often ornate and eye catching in addition to displaying the different brands. As someone sees a recognizable brand name they are more likely to give up the search and go with what they know. Because draft beer is much cheaper than bottled beer, profits can also be much higher with proper regulation and care. Knowing what beers sell the best, sales figures, and keg yields are the key components in successful draft beer sales. Draft beer is profitable only when strict attention is paid to the inventory.

In addition to appealing beer tap handles, many companies will offer a variety of beer glasses that go with their particular brand of beer. These beer glasses have the logo of the beer and appeal to the bar-going public. With a little promotion and strategic placement of these products, restaurant beer sales have the potential to increase dramatically. Occasionally some beer companies and distributors will work with restaurants to increase beer sales by offering a product that can be given away to customers in a promotion.

Some potential problems can arise with a draft beer system. Temperature is the most prevalent problem. If kegs are not stored in the correct temperature, the beer foams up and volume per keg goes down. Dirty lines running from the keg to the beer tap handles can also affect the taste and amount of beer attained per keg. A badly tapped keg has the potential to lose pressure and affect the yield of the beer per keg as well. An inexperienced bartender can also affect keg yields by doing bad pours or improper storage. However, all these problems can easily be avoided with a little attention and care. There is a little potential for some problems, but the advantages and increased profit of draft beer make it well worth the effort.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/9]Are You Sick of Bars? Move the Tavern to Your House!

2007-12-19T18:36:00.001+07:00

Are you tired of always having to go out to a bar for a couple of cold beers when you really just want to take it easy and relax a bit? Have you ever thought about how much money you spend when drinking out in public? For anyone who’s had to put off their car payment for another week just because of last Saturday night, the solution is simple; beer taps right in your own home!

Buying draft beer by the keg not only costs much less but the quality and experience goes up as well. A draft beer system is a fairly simple way to enjoy great beer without going anywhere. A draft system uses gas (usually CO2 or a blend of nitrogen and CO2) to push beer from the keg right out of the beer tap handles and into your glass. Beer must remain in between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit for two reasons: for proper pouring and to maintain the freshness of the beer, as it is not pasteurized. It can be a bit more complicated with multiple beer taps, but the basics remain; consistent temperature and a proper pressure level of gas.

At home beer taps are fairly simple in design. A small tank of CO2 attaches to a regulator, which reduces the pressure down to 10-12 psi. A hose goes from the beer tap handles to the keg. There are a variety of beer tap handles that go along with certain kinds of beers. All beer tap handles have a screwing or keyed fitting that hooks up to the keg and another hose that runs to the faucet where the beer is poured out. Tap handles usually run anywhere from $15-$150, depending on what style and brand you choose.

Most of the domestic keg coolers are designed to hold a pony keg, or about ¼ of a regular sized keg. Some larger coolers are made for restaurants that hold ½ of a keg. There are also conversion kits where you can actually turn your old refrigerator into a keg cooler. It is a good idea to test out the size of the keg you’ll be using with the fridge before building it to completion. Local beer distributors will more than likely loan you one for a small deposit down. After that, it’s as simple as measuring a frame around the keg to make sure your cooler is big enough to hold the size keg you want.

A five-pound tank of gas is usually enough for about 5-7 half kegs and is relatively inexpensive (between $7-$12) to refill. Regular cleaning should be done to maintain proper flow through the system and to keep the taste of the beer great. This can be done by regularly running clean and hot water through the lines every couple of weeks or so. Whatever system you go with, there’s a lot to be said about being able to stay in your own home and still being able to enjoy your favorite draft beer just like at the bar.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/8]Proper Care for Your Beer Glasses and Steins

2007-12-19T18:33:00.000+07:00

For many beer drinkers, there’s nothing better than hearing that pop that comes with cracking open a fresh beer can. But is there an even better way to enjoy our favorite beers? Of course there is, the use of beer glasses and beer steins. Drinking from beer glasses and steins has a number of advantages over drinking your favorite beer right from the bottle or can, and it seems that people the world over are realizing this more and more. A glass or stein not only improves the taste and aroma of the beer, it improves the entire beer drinking experience. When a brew flows from the beer taps, the right choice of beer glass is essential in bringing out the maximum tastiness of the beer, but how do you continue to have a great drinking experience every time once you’ve selected your ideal container?

There are a few simple things that a caring connoisseur can do to ensure that they get the most out of their beer each and every time:

1. Whatever glass you choose, use them only for beer. Residue from other drinks may stay on or in the glass, affecting the appearance and taste of the next beer.

2. When washing beer glasses or beer steins, use hot water and a soft cloth and rinse by hand. Avoid using soap; the residue left on the glass can affect the head of the beer and therefore the taste. If you have to use soap, rub the glass with table salt to remove any soap residue and let the beer glasses or beer steins air dry before putting them up for storage.

3. When storing your glasses or steins, avoid putting them in the refrigerator or freezer. Overly chilled beer takes away from the taste by numbing the taste buds and inhibiting the full aroma to be released. A frozen glass adds to this problem by numbing the lips and mouth as the consumer drinks. It can also weaken the strength of your glasses, leading to chipped edges and lips. Then you’ll just have to throw the mugs away and get some more.

4.Avoid beer glasses that are opaque in color. The breweries carefully formulate the color of the beer and it is essential in the overall experience of drinking it. The Samuel Adams recently released a special glass that brings out the full color of their variety of flavors of beer. This is an example of how more and more people and breweries are catching on to the beer drinking experience

5. Use your own judgment and go with what you find to be your own preference. If you’ve got a sweet disposition for German beer steins, who’s to say that you won’t enjoy an American lager from it? Don’t get too caught up in the pomp of beer drinking, it doesn’t require the snobbery of being a wine connoisseur; It’s just good old beer drinking. So tip it up and enjoy a cold one every time.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/7]The History of the Beer Glass

2007-12-17T10:30:00.000+07:00

It is well known that beer has been with mankind for a long time. As beer itself changed, expanded, and improved, so did the way in which we actually got the beer to our mouths. The earlier vessels man used for drinking included earthenware, pottery, carved out wood, and even sewn-together pieces of leather. As time went on, man saw small improvements in the quality of their beer glasses. Early Europeans living during the time of the Bubonic plague saw the creation of beer steins, which had an enclosed top on the steins to keep flies from landing in the brew and getting the person sick.

The development of glass may have been the most important aspect of the way beer glasses are made today. As beer glasses became more and more popular, consumers could actually see what they were drinking and demanded a lighter and more appealing look as well as taste. This led to the filtration of beers; people no longer wanted the coarse chunks that were often found in the earlier beers of the breweries. With this new, more aesthetically pleasing wave of beer glasses, it seemed like beer steins were on the way out.

The development of glassware continued and produced a variety of beer glasses for all kinds of different beers. The most popular in the United States is the 16-ounce pint glass. It was originally used to fit the top of a Martini shaker, but bartenders soon found that as the brew flowed out of the beer taps the pint glass was the perfect vessel because it allowed for some of the carbonation to be released and allowed the aroma of the beer to be more pronounced. It is also favored for its storage capabilities; pint glasses can be stacked on top of each other and stored easily upright on shelves, quickly making them a favorite with the bartenders who ended up having to wash out each glass.

A drive to get people to buy their brand of beer by earlier breweries led to some unique and groundbreaking moves on the marketing and promotional front. Early breweries were often prohibited to give away beer or other rewards to their customers, but found that giving away beer glasses was a great way to reward customers and also to advertise for themselves. This led to the breweries producing beer glasses that were works of art unto themselves. The first were ornate and expensive; they would often have gold or silver embossed on the sides. Eventually, artists for the breweries began doing detailed etchings on the sides of the glasses or steins and even developed a method of firing enamel paint onto the beer glasses. These enameled glasses remain some of the most rare beer collectibles, even though they were made more recently than the others. Today, some of the beer collectables and signs are worth thousands of dollars and sought out worldwide by eager collectors. Have you looked up in the top of Grandpa’s old drawer lately?

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/6]Which of These Beer Glasses is the Right One?

2007-12-17T10:29:00.001+07:00

How do beer glasses affect the whole beer-drinking experience? Some beginner beer enthusiasts say that glassware is just a marketing ploy, but the adept beer drinker knows better. Whether from a bottle or straight out of the beer taps, glassware is an important aspect of the beer drinking experience. For example, beer steins differ from a flute glass in forming a head as the beer is poured in, which makes a big difference in appearance and taste. A darker beer should have a wider brim in order to allow for more release of the volatiles found in the brew, thus enhancing the strong flavor and smell. A bottled beer is pasteurized and needs a taller, thinner pilsner glass for color and pourability. There are a lot of little different things like that that can make a big difference in your drinking experience.

Now of course there’s a big marketing presence in all these different varieties of beer glasses, but a true beer drinker knows that as the beer is poured in, something else is going on besides the nice looking logo on the side of the glass. The hue of the beer changes, the head forms at the top, and the anticipation of that first cool drink is more profound and complete. Just like any other pleasurable aspect of life, there’s a psychology involved here. Flavor, texture, aroma; these are the things that make up the drinking experience. If you’re drinking to relax and enjoy yourself, why not do all the things you can to enhance the experience.

One of the most important aspects of beer glasses is how the shape affects the formation of the head. This is important because the head acts as a sort of trap for the volatiles in the beer. What’s volatile in a beer? Compounds such as hop oils, a variety of yeast byproducts such as spices or alcohol are what make up a beer’s aroma and taste. Earlier beer that man drank was darker, stouter, and a lot grainier too, mainly because of the lack of filtration. As glass became more and more popular, so did lighter colored beers and better filtration processes. With so many different kinds of beers, a variety of beer glasses are needed to produce the maximum desired effect of the beer drinking experience. Many people have said that the 16-ounce pint glass is overall the most versatile glass for the widest range of beers. Many people place the importance of a glass because of the shape as they drink. A tall pilsner glass can be tipped up for quick drinking, while the tall narrow glass keeps the entire drink cold the whole time.

So which is the correct glass to use with which beer? The answers are vast and varied. Europeans may do it completely different than anyone else in the world, but what it really comes down to is your own personal preference. Go with some recommendations and then branch out and try some on your own. You may be surprised at the experience and find your own preferences to be totally unique to yourself.

By: Michael Usry

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/5]What Makes a Great Pint of Real Ale?

2007-12-16T12:38:00.000+07:00

Finding a good pint of real ale is not always easy. Here are a few pointers to make life a little bit easier in finding a satisfying pint.

1) Having too many beers on draught can be a bad sign. This leads to beers that are not fresh due to some of the less popular beers being on tap for too long. Unless the pub is known for good ale. It would be advisable to stick to the well-known beers that would presumably sell quicker. Thus guarantying a fresher pint.

2) Always watch how the beer is poured. Serving real ale takes time. The swan neck hand pump works on gravity and has a piston inside. It takes a few moments for the piston to fill up after each pull. If you don’t wait, air gets into the system. It leads to a poor head and adds oxygen into the beer which spoils the flavour of the beer. Brewers go to great lengths not to add oxygen to their beer as it leads to infection and beer spoilage.

3) The appearance of real ale should be clear unless stated to be a cloudy wheat beer. Also make sure there are no foreign bodies in the beer (if there are it could mean they don’t clean their lines). In most cases the beer should also have a good head. A good tip is if you stick your finger in the head. There should be a nice amount of the head stuck to your finger. There are some regions where they do not like much head on the beer. A great beer will almost have a shine to it due to the crystal clarity.

4) As with wine, the aroma of the beer is also key. It can tell you a lot about the beer before tasting it. It can tell you quite simply if a beer is bad. If you detect vinegar or T.C.P. take the beer back as it’s "off". You are looking for floral, fruity and resinous notes from hops. From the malt you should detect nutty, malty and caramel notes.

5) When you finally taste the beer you are looking for beery qualities. A good beer will have what we call a start, middle and end. A good brewer picks his/her ingredients so that there is story to the beer. Generally you get the malt flavours coming through first. You may get a smoky flavour and some sweetness. As the beer passes over the tongue the bitterness of the hops will come through. Finally you will get a warming feeling and sometimes a little sharpness from the carbonation. Flavours you are not looking for are metallic and sulphury.

6) As you are savouring your ale. It will warm up as it is in your hands and from the ambient temperature of the surroundings. The flavour of the beer may change accordingly. It will make a bad beer more obvious to spot as the warmer the beer the more flavour can be detected. A good beer will often get better as it gets warmer as the flavours of the malt and hops become even stronger.

7) Finally if you start with a good head on your pint and it continues always the down the glass. It is a very good sign. It means the beer has been brewed without too much agitation in the process. The more processes a beer goes through the more it is moved generally leads to less head in the finished beer.

A good beer does need to be treated well. A good pub/bar will go through set procedures to serve a good pint. In the UK there is now a volunteer mark system. It is called The Cask Marque System. Bars/Pubs volunteer to have their pubs assessed by independent auditors with good public houses receiving a pass and accreditation.

By: Matt OConnor

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/4]How To Store And Care For Wine

2007-12-16T12:36:00.000+07:00

Over the years, wine consumption has become more and more popular. With more and more money going into wine both as an investment and for later consumption, the history of the wine will always be important. With the increased interest, many people often wonder how they can properly store and take good care of their wine collection.

How you store your wine is extremely important. If you store it correctly then you will certainly reap the benefits. When you open a bottle of wine that has been stored properly, you will be able to tell the difference immediately from a bottle that has been poorly stored. Drinking a poorly stored bottle of wine is much like drinking vinegar.

To store wine properly, you need to consider several factors, including humidity, temperature, lighting, the cleanliness of your storage area, the angle the bottle is stored at and the vibration of the bottle on the rack. The temperature is the most important, as you should aim to keep it around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. This way, the lower temperature can help to age the wine. If there are any fluctuations in the temperature, you should make sure that it happens slowly. As long as the temperature does not go too high and the fluctuations are slow, then your wine should be okay.

The proper level of humidity for storing wine should be around 70%, although it is perfectly acceptable to keep it 10% above or below the 70% level. If you have too high humidity the labels can easily rot or mold, which can affect the wine's value. On the other hand, if the humidity goes too low, around 50%, the cork could shrink and bring air into the wine, which would ruin it in little to no time at all.

The angle that wine is stored is important as well. If the wine stays in contact with the cork during storage, the cork will not dry out. If the wine does not stay in contact with the cork, the cork could dry out and allow air into the wine. You should also strive to keep the wine out of the light, as light can ruin any type of wine. Light causes the wine to age prematurely, making it in your best interest to store wine in a dark location.

To prevent damage to the wine from sediment, you should also store wine in a location that is free of vibration. If you store wine in places that are free from vibration, it will give the sediment in the bottle ample time to settle. Vibrations are never a good thing for wine, as the sediment becomes unsettled and can ruin the wine or shake it to the point where it tastes horrible.

To protect the quality and investment of your wine, storage and care is very important. Storing it in a proper location will also bring the best taste. In the world of wine, nothing is more disappointing than waiting several years to open a bottle of fine wine, only to find that it is nothing but vinegar. You can prevent this from happening though, by taking care of your wine. Wine isn't hard to care for or store, it just takes the right conditions and location.

By: Paul P. Duxbury

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/3]Cabo San Lucas Real Estate - Your Questions Answered - Part 1

2007-12-16T12:35:00.000+07:00

Want your Tequila Straight Up Or...’Mas Suave’
- A No BS article by David Mandich - Baja California Real Estate and Consulting Advisor

Cabo San Lucas, being only two beers away by plane from Southern California, is fast replacing Hawaii as the preferred quick-trip exotic vacation and 2nd home buying destination for many Americans. Almost three million tourists travel to Baja California Sur each year visiting its towns, bays, beaches, islands and golf courses for an average stay of 3.5 days.

Some, like me, come for a visit and never go back. Some stay for a week and return to the States with a stuffed marlin, condo, dental make-over or breast implants. Makeovers are big here - from cosmetic dental and plastic surgery to lifestyles. It’s all about feeling, and being young again. With the Nikki-Beach Club in Cabo to any of the surf, golf, fishing or gentlemen’s clubs that abound,Los Cabos is sure to put some life back in your life style.

International Bi-lingual schools for children through high school are available in Cabo and San Jose. And the tuition is ridiculously inexpensive. Maybe $300 a year. More folks should consider bringing the little ones to live here. Its safer than the big cities back in the States, the school kids respect their teachers, and there’s a lot of desert and water oriented fun things to do close at hand.

So how do you make it happen? How do you find the right building lot, condo or that dream house overlooking the sea? Where does one find the perfect casa for one’s lifestyle, and - per many peoples criteria - a casa that makes for a sound investment? Do you look in Cabo? San Jose del Cabo? The mysterious East Cape? The artists’ colony of Todos Santos? Or perhaps someplace in between?

Let’s Start With Cabo San Lucas Proper
Cabo San Lucas is the main tourist destination for people visiting the Los Cabos area for the first time. It sits on Cabo San Lucas Bay which is flanked on the west by a series of monumental rock formations known as Land’s End. This outcropping of land is the end of the nearly one thousand mile Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

The water and air temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler a few hundred feet on either side of the tip. On the inside one can snorkel in crystal clear warm waters swarming with colorful tropical fish around underwater pinnacles off the cove known as Lover’s Beach. The fish there will literally eat out of your hand as they’ve all heard the place is a game sanctuary. This is what all the tourist brochures say. But the reality is that all the friggin’ fish in the Sea of Cortez will eat out of your hand any day of the week if you’ve got bread, tortillas or fish entrails in your hand!

You can find crystal clear water for snorkeling for the next 900 miles beginning in Cabo and going on up the inside of the Sea of Cortez. If your fantasy place in the sun involves water sports - start in Cabo, head East and then North until you find your slice of paradise. And you can surf and windsurf all the way around the East Cape.

The Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula is generally rougher, cooler in the summer (nice), and compared to the Sea of Cortez - underwater visibility for divers is much less. But compared to anywhere back home in the States - it’s ALL GOOD. Some say its paradise. If you want cooler Southern California coastal temperatures in the summer as you plan on living here year around - start looking North of Cabo. The land rush in this area right now is Cerritos, Pescadero and Todos Santos.

Next: Luxury Homes & Condos As Investments in Cabo San Lucas

By: David Mandich

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/2]German Beer

2007-12-16T12:34:00.000+07:00

Most German beers are popular, because they are vegan (no animal products are used). Bavarian purity laws require them to use four ingredients only: water, grain, hops and yeast. Real German beer is also not pasteurized as many American beers are, which allows the beers real flavor to flourish.

Listed below are some of the different types of German beers typically found in Bavaria and what you can expect if you order one of these types.

"Helles" ( A lite beer)
The standard light beer, when you order a "Helles" in a pub or restaurant you will usually get a pint. Depending on the brewer it can be quite refreshing. Some beer gardens have responded to the public's outcry for smaller quantities and now also offer them outdoors, the "real" beer garden only serves the "Maß" (one quart). By the way, this precise nation has laws governing the quantity of liquids served to the public, that is why you will find level markers on each glass. If your Maß looks like it is not quite 1 liter after the foam settles, just go back and say "bitte nachschenken". The man at the keg will be impressed that you know your way around.

"Pils" (Pilsener)
If you like a more bitter and less malty taste try the pils which is also called pilsener. You can order them in restaurants and special pils bars. Take a closer look at the time consuming process of serving a foam crowned pils with perfection. You will see dozens of glasses filled with foam only, waiting to settle. It can take a good quarter of an hour for the foam refills to turn into the golden liquid. This particular beer is arguably the closest to American beer you will find in Germany.

"Dunkles" (A dark beer)
Against popular beliefs it is not the most powerful in alcohol contents. It is basically a lager bottom brewed beer containing "toasted" malt. Many enjoy mixing this with cola.

"Weissbier" (A white beer)
A very good idea on a hot day when you prefer a lighter tasting beer. Weizen means wheat, often called a Weissbier (white), and is served in tall and elegant 1/2 liter glasses. But beware of its "light" character it is the strongest in alcohol content. While some will serve it with a slice of lemon, do not put one in your Hefe (yeast) Weissbier. The Hefeweissbier comes only in bottles. A professional will wet the glass and pour the bottle at a steep angle. With the foam that remains at the bottom of the bottle he will collect the yeast (swirling action) and add it to your beer.

“Bock and Doppelbock” (A Bock beer)
Bock is a term used for a stronger beer (doppel meaning double). Fasting monks found an ingenious way of compensating the lack of food - they started brewing very strong beers. March and October are the two most prominent seasons for brewing these special beers but you can find them year round.

By: Joshua Spaulding

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

[10/1]Only With Beer Can Chicken Taste Good

2007-12-16T12:32:00.000+07:00

Only with beer can chicken taste good – a sentiment shared by passionate beer drinkers. Gourmet meals are enjoyed by many; when one thinks of the beverages served in a high class restaurant, wine comes to mind most frequently. A diner may choose a tasty liquer such as Drambuie or whiskey to enjoy with coffee after a fine meal. It brings to mind silk dresses, tuxedos, a night at the opera. Many traditionalists would be surprised to learn that beer is now on the fine dining menu.

Despite its sporty, pub-crawl, keg party reputation, beer has been transformed into a chilled, foamy beverage served among the elite. It is becoming commonplace for hosts and hostesses to wonder what beer to serve with the meal they will serve their guests. On recent observation at a restaurant, I saw the people at the next table peruse a list of beers, not wine.

What type of beer goes with the dishes served at dinner parties and in restaurants? There are many different types of beer: lager, ale, pilsner, brown, bock, porter and stout. How do these beers pair up with food? There are so many types of food to choose from: Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, British, German etc. The easy answer is to choose what you, the diner, believe to be a great taste match. Everyone’s tastes differ and there are enough choices to go around. For those of you who are stuck and don’t know where to begin, the following is a good place to start.

One possibility is to choose a beer that matches the country of origin of the food being served. I recently went out for sushi and decided to have a Japanese beer with my tempura and maki. I have never tasted the beers from Japan before and I enjoy new experiences. I chose Kirin beer, which was a light, delicate beer ideally suited to the delicate tastes of sushi. The Kirin website (www.kirin.com) claims their beer has complimented sushi for almost a century.

In Mexico and south western United States, some people like to drink chilli beer – a lager style beer that is rich, malty and roasty. This rather hot beer is the perfect match for spicy Mexican offerings such as burritos. I like to drink Corona beer with lime as it is the perfect match for natchos and tacos.

British beef and Yorkshire pudding go best with a stout beer like Guinness. Guinness itself is like a meal in a glass. A hearty meal tastes better with a hearty beer. A stout beer can also be paired with other heavier meals such as lasagne, pasta, pizza and game dishes.

Fish dishes demand a delicate beer mate – unless the fish is heavily battered and deep-fried. Fresh fish tastes best with a pilsner or a light lager. Fish and chips, British-style, can accompany a brown ale or a heavier lager.

Chicken tastes good with almost anything and the choice of beer depends on individual tastes. Dramatic-tasting chicken dishes, such as curried or Thai heavily-spiced chicken can be paired with stronger beers like a malty amber or a dry porter. A roasted chicken might go well with a light lager or pilsner.

To end a dinner, diners may want to try dark ale, cream stout, Oatmeal Stout, Double Bock or Scotch Ale. All of these beers are heavy and sweet and would taste great with cheesecake or tortes. Imperial Stout needs a dessert made with chocolate as it is quite bitter and heavy.

If the dessert is light and fruity, perhaps a fruit-flavoured lambic would go well. Lambics are wheat beers produced in Belgium and some of them are flavoured with raspberry, cherry and peach. It is common sense that a fruity beer would pair well with a fruity dessert.

What an amazing, unique experience it would be to invite friends over for a six-course meal using various beers for each course, pairing each dish with an appropriate beer. It would be the dinner party talked about for years to come.

By: Andrea Nichol

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com