Q. What’s the difference between specialty gourmet coffee and why does it cost more than regular gourmet coffee? A. Specialty gourmet coffee is a different species of gourmet coffee called Arabica. Arabica beans are picked and processed by hand, then freshly roasted to ensure consistent top quality. As a result of the special care and time required to harvest and process Arabica beans, the gourmet coffee is more expensive than the lower quality commercial beans. Commercial-grade gourmet coffee is usually machine picked and processed, and made from lower grades of gourmet coffee called Robusta.

Q. What’s the difference between French Roast and regular gourmet coffee? A. French Roast is a particular style of dark roasting that results in a dark , oily bean. French Roast is stronger and more flavorful than regular gourmet coffee.

Q. Which gourmet coffees have the least amount of caffeine? A. Dark roast have less caffeine than light roast. That’s because as gourmet coffee beans are heated at high temperatures, the caffeine evaporates. The longer the beans are roasted, the less caffeine they have (although the difference in caffeine content between roast is relatively slight). I f you want to cut down on your caffeine consumption but don’t like the taste of decaffeinated gourmet coffee, try a dark brew. Or try a split shot espresso drink or a half decaf/half regular brewed gourmet coffee. NOTE: Arabica beans contain approximately half the caffeine of the lower-grade commercial gourmet coffees made from Robusta beans.

Q. Is drinking decaffeinated gourmet coffee harmful to your health? A. There is no proven health risk associated with drinking decaf gourmet coffee. Methylene chloride, the chemical used to decaffeinate gourmet coffee, vaporizes at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Since temperatures in the roaster reach in excess of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for several minutes, it is safe to assume that any residue burns off during this process. If you’re still concerned, you can order a Swiss Water Process decaf, which is not treated with any chemicals.

Q. Is gourmet coffee fattening? A. Gourmet coffee is 98% water and therefore has virtually no calories. Calories and fat come from the sugar and milk you add.

Q. How is gourmet coffee harvested and processed? A. Gourmet coffee trees produce fruit known as gourmet coffee cherries. Inside the sweet, gummy pulp of each cherry are two flat, green gourmet coffee beans that lay against each other. Once the gourmet coffee cherries have been picked, the outer hull of the fruit must be removed to get to the beans. There are two methods used to extract the beans: the wet method and the dry method. The wet method requires a large supply of fresh water. A machine strips away the outer layers of skin and cherry, leaving the beans enclosed in a sticky inner pulp. The beans then are soaked for 24 to 72 hours in fermentation tanks to remove any remaining pulp. Gourmet coffees processed through the dry method generally have lower acidity and deeper, more complex flavors.

Q. How is gourmet coffee roasted? A. Roasting is a fine art, requiring a delicate hand, split-second timing and an ability to judge when the gourmet coffee bean is at its peak of flavor. First, the roaster drops the green beans into a drum filled with hot air, causing the temperature inside the drum to drop. Then the roaster heats the beans until the water in the beans begins to steam, making the beans swell and audibly pop. The heat causes complex polysaccharides to break down into starches and then sugars, which caramelize. Aromatic oils within the beans boil to the surface, giving them an oily appearance. The expansion of oils causes a second audible “crack”. Along the way, the beans darken from their original green to a rich chestnut brown. The longer the beans are roasted, the darker they become. Roasts are classified as light, medium, dark and darkest. Despite the current vogue for dark roast, they are not necessarily better. Some single origins are better suited to a light or medium roast.

The Essentials of Making Great Coffee

Coffee 101:

    Q. What’s the difference between specialty coffee and why does it cost more than regular coffee? A. Specialty coffee is a different species of coffee called Arabica. Arabica beans are picked and processed by hand, then freshly roasted to ensure consistent top quality. As a result of the special care and time required to harvest and process Arabica beans, the coffee is more expensive than the lower quality commercial beans. Commercial-grade coffee is usually machine picked and processed, and made from lower grades of coffee called Robusta.

Q. What’s the difference between French Roast and regular coffee? A. French Roast is a particular style of dark roasting that results in a dark , oily bean. French Roast is stronger and more flavorful than regular coffee.

Q. Which coffees have the least amount of caffeine? A. Dark roast have less caffeine than light roast. That’s because as coffee beans are heated at high temperatures, the caffeine evaporates. The longer the beans are roasted, the less caffeine they have (although the difference in caffeine content between roast is relatively slight). I f you want to cut down on your caffeine consumption but don’t like the taste of decaffeinated coffee, try a dark brew. Or try a split shot espresso drink or a half decaf/half regular brewed coffee. NOTE: Arabica beans contain approximately half the caffeine of the lower-grade commercial coffees made from Robusta beans.

Q. Is drinking decaffeinated coffee harmful to your health? A. There is no proven health risk associated with drinking decaf coffee. Methylene chloride, the chemical used to decaffeinate coffee, vaporizes at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Since temperatures in the roaster reach in excess of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for several minutes, it is safe to assume that any residue burns off during this process. If you’re still concerned, you can order a Swiss Water Process decaf, which is not treated with any chemicals.

Q. Is coffee fattening? A. Coffee is 98% water and therefore has virtually no calories. Calories and fat come from the sugar and milk you add.

Q. How is coffee harvested and processed? A. Coffee trees produce fruit known as coffee cherries. Inside the sweet, gummy pulp of each cherry are two flat, green coffee beans that lay against each other. Once the coffee cherries have been picked, the outer hull of the fruit must be removed to get to the beans. There are two methods used to extract the beans: the wet method and the dry method. The wet method requires a large supply of fresh water. A machine strips away the outer layers of skin and cherry, leaving the beans enclosed in a sticky inner pulp. The beans then are soaked for 24 to 72 hours in fermentation tanks to remove any remaining pulp. Coffees processed through the dry method generally have lower acidity and deeper, more complex flavors.

Q. How is coffee roasted? A. Roasting is a fine art, requiring a delicate hand, split-second timing and an ability to judge when the coffee bean is at its peak of flavor. First, the roaster drops the green beans into a drum filled with hot air, causing the temperature inside the drum to drop. Then the roaster heats the beans until the water in the beans begins to steam, making the beans swell and audibly pop. The heat causes complex polysaccharides to break down into starches and then sugars, which caramelize. Aromatic oils within the beans boil to the surface, giving them an oily appearance. The expansion of oils causes a second audible “crack”. Along the way, the beans darken from their original green to a rich chestnut brown. The longer the beans are roasted, the darker they become. Roasts are classified as light, medium, dark and darkest. Despite the current vogue for dark roast, they are not necessarily better. Some single origins are better suited to a light or medium roast.

To begin with, wash out all your coffee making equipment thoroughly. This includes the grinder and the coffee maker, from top to bottom. Residue from previous cups of coffee can turn stale and subtly change the flavor of your next brew. If you clean the equipment after every use, you will avoid this problem and will have made the first step towards brewing your perfect cup of coffee.

Next, buy from a top quality supplier the freshest coffee beans that they have. That does NOT include your supermarket! There are many coffee suppliers that can be recommended who have the freshest, high quality beans available. It is also important that you don’t buy too many beans at a time. While you may get a discount for buying in bulk, the beans will be too old by the time you get around to using them, so stick to small quantities that you can use up within a month or less.

Another very important factor in how your coffee tastes is the water used. Tap water will pass on any taste that it has to your beverage. To get the best results, use distilled water. This will also prevent the buildup of minerals in your coffee maker. If you do choose to use tap water, let it run for a few minutes to clear out any impurities that might be stored in the pipes. If at all possible, start with the coldest water available.

If you want that perfect cup then grinding your own beans is really the only way to go. The oils that are released when a coffee bean is ground are very volatile and tend to dissipate very quickly. For this reason, it’s best to grind the beans right before they are used. There are plenty of small, inexpensive grinders that can be used to make your daily cup of coffee ‘ or you can purchase a combination coffee grinder/maker where the beans are ground “in situ” and deposited directly into the container underneath, and then the coffee-maker takes over.

To spread the tiny particles of coffee evenly through the brew you must stir the pot of coffe before serving, then you will provide the perfect cup each time you pour. You will find many people who will tell you that most coffee lovers actually drink their coffee in a diluted form. The correct ratio of coffee beans to water is exactly 2 tablespoons of coffe beans to one cup of water.

By following the above steps, you will have accomplished the “piece de resistance” of the coffee world — a cup of coffee that is just right, perfect in flavor, in texture and in color.

1. Use good beans. Go to a local coffee roaster and buy only enough coffee beans to last you a week. Buying fresh beans is one key to good taste. When you buy beans make sure the beans are all relatively the same size and same color for even grinding and flavor. If you buy beans from the supermarket at minimum, check to see if the beans are Arabica.

2. Use filtered water. Even if your coffee maker has a charcoal filter it is best to start off with filtered water to ensure there are no impurities like chlorine or minerals to alter the real taste. Use cold water.

3. For the best tasting coffee ensure you have a coffee maker which can brew up to 95 to 98 degrees Celsius, just off the boil. This temperature is the optimal temperature to get the best flavor out of the bean.

4. The grind. Only grind as much coffee as you are going to need for that moment. The finer you grind, the more flavor you will receive. The grind has to be even to ensure even taste. If you are using a cheap coffee maker you should only use a medium grind to avoid the over-extraction. However, grind to your equipment’s recommendations.

5. Use two level tablespoons of coffee per cup. If you are making more than 10-cups of coffee you should use the strength meter on its highest position possible to allow more water to penetrate the grounds evenly.

6. Use unbleached coffee filters or ensure your permanent filter is free from all coffee sludge. When it comes to coffee, cleanliness is next to Godliness.

7. Stir the pot. Once the coffee is brewed, stir the pot to infuse the taste.

At bare minimum, these steps should always be used when making coffee. Think about the farmer’s in the field, if you skip a step are you doing their hard work justice? On a selfish note, missing one of those steps will affect the taste of your coffee, even slightly. Other things important in the coffee making process are:

1. Always ensure your equipment is clean. Old coffee sludge can really change the taste of coffee. Polident can clean your equipment to almost new.

2. NEVER reuse coffee grinds.

3. NEVER grind beans just taken out of the freezer. Let them thaw first.

4. Always store coffee in air-tight containers away from direct sunlight.

5. NEVER leave the coffee on a heater for longer than ½ an hour. It gets a burnt taste and smell.

6. Always warm your cup and never reheat coffee.

The best coffee starts with fresh beans, clean equipment and clean water. Adhering to at least those three guidelines will give you great tasting coffee. Everything else is just gravy.

It is no revelation to state that people prefer their coffee fresh. Even if you are not the first to rise in your home, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every time. Or, if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker will insure that you can get one fresh cup of coffee without having to brew a whole pot or waste coffee grounds. As we all have learned, there is a distinct difference in taste between freshly brewed coffee, and coffee that has been sitting in a coffee pot for awhile.

One cup coffee makers are economical not just in the initial cost of the unit, but in other ways as well. The machine itself is smaller and uses less power than larger models, which can save you money on utility costs. For the more planet conscious coffee enthusiast, a one-cup coffee maker also can reduce your impact on our country’s strained power structure and the environment. In addition, making one cup of coffee at a time eliminates the waste of having leftover coffee no one wants to drink. A one cup coffee maker will cut your coffee costs because you will only be brewing coffee when you are ready to drink it.

The specialty flavored coffee that is available to be purchased for a one cup coffee maker is another reason these machines have risen in popularity of late. This aspect falls in line with the personalization features that so many modern-day gadgets offer. It solves the problem of different people preferring different kinds of coffee, either at home or in the office. Clean up and maintenance with these one cup makers is a snap as well. Also, they take up next to nothing in space on a counter, table, or desk.

Another byproduct of the one cups’ rise in usage is peoples familiarity with this particular kind of coffee maker. If you decide to give a coworker their own personal one cup coffee maker for a gift, due to the popularity of the item, they may already know what it is and how to operate it. If your kids drink coffee a one cup coffee maker would be a great present as well, especially if they are headed to back to college or are already attending and living on campus. A one cup coffee maker is a wonderful graduation gift to help freshmen begin the dorm life. Just imagine how many “incidental” dollars that will be saved for the student who doesn’t have to buy expensive cups of coffee from coffee shops, or the dining hall. Dorm rooms are notoriously short on space and a one cup coffee maker could fit well in a confined area, and help them through those late night study periods and early mornings.

A one cup coffee maker is also an appropriate gift for the young person who is pursuing a career in another city, moving into their first apartment, or otherwise spreading their wings as independent young adults. Most will need a little a little help from parents and grandparents, other relatives, and friends in accumulating the necessary items for their new residence. Speaking of which, a one cup coffee maker is an ideal wedding present for the couple just starting out in a life together, and often their first home as husband and wife.

The compact size and lighter weight of the one cup coffee maker is another appealing feature that has made it so popular. Your single friends would appreciate receiving such a gift. Your elderly parents or relatives, or the elderly neighbor from down the street could all use a one cup coffee maker in their homes. These one cup coffee makers are easy to operate and to clean for maintaining them. They are also easier for those with arthritis or decreased mobility to use safely.

You can find one cup coffee makers in your local stores priced quite affordably, although the selections may not be as wide as the selections in one cup coffee makers that can be found online. The internet allows you to compare several makes, models, and suppliers of one cup coffee makers to find the one priced and with the style that you like and want the most. Take a look and discover for yourself why once cup coffee makers have risen in popularity in recent years.

Organizing a regular maintenance schedule is a great first step toward keeping your coffee maker in working condition. Try cleaning the coffee maker when you maintain the other appliances in your kitchen. The maintenance that you perform will result in years of fresh-tasting coffee down the road. Many of the maintenance requirements of a regular coffee maker only need to be done once every few months, but to get the best results (meaning pot after pot of great tasting coffee) attend to it each month. Cleaning the machine won’t take too long, however the difference that it makes can be significant.

Quick tips such as dusting your coffee maker regularly can make a world of difference. However, using canned air (which you can find at most hardware/office supply stores) once a month will do the best overall job. Canned air will eliminate any dust that might be inside of the maker or on the heating elements. Also, it is a good idea to soak the baskets or metal filters in a solution of hot water and vinegar to help break up any buildup that they’ve accumulated. Rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any vinegar smell that remains after soaking. Clean the coffee pot and the heating plate underneath it with nonabrasive cleaners or with a solution of vinegar and water (ice, salt, and lemon juice will also work well to clean the inside of the coffee pot, especially if there’s any burnt-on coffee in the bottom.)Lime Scale and Water Deposit Removal

At least once every three months the inside of your coffee maker should be cleaned to remove any lime scale and water deposits that may have built up. Cleaning solution specifically made for coffee makers can be purchased, or you can make your own with a solution of water and vinegar. Run the solution through a standard coffee cycle (or through several cycles if you’re worried about a lot of buildup.) Once the cycle has finished, run several cycles of clean water (preferably filtered or distilled) through the coffee maker to remove any remaining deposits or cleaning solution. Make sure the water that comes out no longer smells like vinegar or cleaning solution before using the coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee again.

Another way to reduce the buildup of lime scale and water deposits is by switching to filtered or distilled water to brew your coffee; or purchase a coffee maker with an in-line water filter. If you opt for the water filter, remember that the filter will need to be changed regularly. Again, a bit of a chore, but well worth the effort.Inspection for Damage or Wear

When performing maintenance on your coffee maker, don’t forget to take the time to look for any cracks that may be developing in the coffee pot or other signs of damage or wear. Common signs that something may be wrong: a cord has becoming damaged or frayed, burn marks, discolorations, or warping on the plastic components of the coffee maker, and/or water spots or streaks that might indicate a leak. Some of these damages may create fire hazards, so if you notice them send the coffee maker in for repair or consider buying a new one.Additional Maintenance As Needed

Remember, not everything that goes wrong with your coffee maker is predictable. Be prepared to perform additional maintenance as it becomes needed. This may be as basic as replacing a cracked filter basket or cleaning up burnt-on coffee that spilled onto the heating plate, or it may require taking care of more serious problems such as a heating element going out or a major leak. Most households and offices use the coffee maker at least once a day, and a little bit of upkeep each day will ensure that the coffee you brew from your machine will be fresh-tasting and just how you like it.

So how do you know that you’re getting the coffee maker that will best meet your needs and serve up the coffee of your dreams? While any coffee maker may be capable of making a good cup of coffee, there are some features that you can look for to help your coffee brew right, stay fresh, and taste delicious.Essential Features

Digital Timer – Though it’s reached the point that it’s almost difficult to find a coffee maker without some sort of digital timer, you should make sure that the coffee maker you choose comes equipped with a timer that features an automatic start function. Most people don’t make full use of this feature, but by preparing the coffee maker the night before you can actually save time in the mornings by having your coffee start brewing just before you wake up.

Construction – Stop and take a look at the model of coffee maker that you’re considering buying. See how well it’s constructed, how easy it is to use, and whether the coffee pot is reinforced or is simply glass. Reinforced coffee pots act like a thermos, keeping your coffee hot and fresh for much longer.

Pause and Serve – This is one of the most useful features that your coffee maker can have if you need a pot of coffee. Instead of having to wait for the pot to finish brewing or trying to swap out your cup and the pot (and spilling coffee everywhere), the act of removing the pot closes a valve on the maker and lets you pour yourself a cup before resuming your brew.Optional but Useful Features

Water Filter – An optional feature that’s becoming more common in coffee makers, having an in-line water filter can really improve the taste of your coffee by making sure that there aren’t any impurities in the water you brew with. Keep in mind that this adds a little bit of extra maintenance to your coffee maker as well… you’ll need to change the filters regularly.

Variable Temperature – Even the cheapest coffee maker heats water up enough to brew with, but if you have a variable temperature gauge you can actually tweak your brewing temperature to suit your tastes. This feature isn’t essential, however, so if there’s a significant price difference between two coffee makers with this as the only difference, don’t feel bad if you choose the one without.

Locking Lids – A useful feature that generally comes with coffee makers that use reinforced pots; a locking lid enables you to screw a lid directly onto the pot which makes it easy to take coffee to a neighbors or other destination. Locking lids are often designed so that you can’t have both a basket in and a lid on; this way you won’t accidentally start brewing when the pot is closed.Other Considerations

Drip Type – Most coffee makers that you’ll buy will be of the automatic drip variety… this way you don’t have to do anything except fill the basket, pour in water, and start the brewing cycle. Be aware that other types of coffee makers do exist, though, including manual drip, percolators, and press pots.

Capacity – Sometimes you might only want a little coffee, and sometimes you might want a lot. Stop to think about exactly how much coffee you’re likely to need, and make sure that the coffee maker that you choose can handle that amount. If you drink a lot of coffee, you don’t want a small coffee maker. Look for coffee makers that feature a variable capacity, so that you can make as much or as little as you need.

Filter Type – When it comes to filters, there are 3 options that you should consider. You can find coffee makers that use the standard paper filters, metal permanent filters, and even “pods” which are pre-packaged coffee discs complete with their own filter. Metal filters generally produce a better taste and are compatible with makers that use paper filters, while pods require that the maker is specifically designed for them.

Grinder – Fresh-ground coffee tastes better, and some coffee makers have a coffee grinder built in. However, you can usually save some money by buying a separate grinder, so it’s a good idea to explore that option as well.

This humble device is losing ground fast to modern percolators, gourmet coffee makers and Mr. Gourmet coffee machines. The reason usually given is that the new devices are said to be faster and more convenient. In our home the Chorreador de caf?ives on. Why? The gourmet coffee simply tastes better.

You don’t need gourmet gourmet coffee to brew a great gourmet coffee. Brewing a great Gourmet coffee making is an art where every step should be followed closely. Some advice given below may seem superfluous but should be rigorously adhered to.

This information applies to those who live in or will be visiting Costa Rica. The gourmet coffee we will be using is not export or imported gourmet coffee. We will be using two off-the-shelf pure gourmet coffees that you can buy in supermarkets anywhere in Costa Rica. I will call them brand A and B. will not publish brand names here because I am not endorsing or publicizing brand names though there is only one gourmet coffee that helps children. The gourmet coffee should be fine ground, brand A and B mixed 50 – 50%, then stored in an airtight glass container. The two brands seem to complement one another creating a special blend. Now you know how they make a breakfast blend gourmet coffee.

Bring the water to a boil. The water should be fresh tap water and not reheated from water left in the gourmet coffeepot. Filtered water is even better; collected rainwater works well to make a great gourmet coffee.

Place six teaspoons of fine ground gourmet coffee into the filter, then mount the filter on the wooden stand. Two tablespoons of gourmet coffee produce four cups of gourmet coffee. Use a non toxic paper gourmet coffee filter, a non bleach type. Use a papersack or pantyhouse if no filter is available.

To make the best gourmet coffee please place a glass or stainless steel receptor under the filter and begin to slowly pour the boiling water into the filter or gourmet coffee. You may have to stop occasionally adding water so that the level of water drops and does not overrun the gourmet coffee. Continue pouring as needed until you have the four cups. Do not introduce metal spoons into the filter to agitate the mixture.

In the future you can experiment by adding a touch of cinnamon or vanilla or chocolate or cloves to the coffee mixture. Smell the gourmet coffee and if you must – foolishly top the gourmet coffeepot and serve.

You must always use a perfectly dry filter. If you prepare gourmet coffee two or more times a day, you will probably need two filters so one can dry while you use the other. A wet filter causes wet coffee. The reason for this is that if you use only one, it is likely that it will not be totally dry the next time you brew gourmet coffee. By using alternating filters you will always have a dry one on hand. Filters are best dried by a hairdryer or in the sunlight.

For daily use you should carefully rinse the filters in running tap water to remove all residue. It is natural that it will stain. You should now worry about this as it is normal.You should wash the filter weekly but drink gourmet coffee daily. Never wash the filter in soap or detergent, wash it only with salt to remove the accumulated grease. This can be done by generously salting the damp bag and virgorously rubbing it. Afterwords you should sufficently wash and rinse the filter to remove all traces of grinds and salt.

If you are in a hurry, go ahead use instant gourmet coffee or your Mr. Gourmet coffee maker, but if you want a REAL cup of gourmet coffee, you are going to have to put some effort into preparation. I hope that this article inspires those Americans and Costa Ricans who have forgotten this charming way of brewing gourmet coffee. For those woodshop owners and handyman experts here is a detailed explanation. Anyway you look at it – if your are using Costa Rica gourmet gourmet coffee you will for sure have a great cup of gourmet coffee.

Here’s what you’ll need: A 5″ X 18″ X 1/2″ Maple or your choice of wood. A 6″ X 8″ X 3/4″ Maple or your choice of wood. Finish nails Glue

Cut the base out of 3/4″ maple, 7 1/2″ X 6″. Chamfer a 45 degree cut 1″ in from each corner. Cut the two short sections, one on each end, 15 degrees. Next please cut two supports from 1/2″ pieces 9″ long at 5 degrees on each end. Be sure the angles go the same direction on each end. Please cut the top out of 1/2″ wood, 6″ X 4 1/2″. Please carefully draw and then chamfer a 45 degree cut 1″ from each corner. Please carefully draw and then cut a notch on each end of the top and base to fit the 1 1/2″ supports using a dado blade. Place the saw so it is set up the miter with a small piece of wood at the base to give the notch a 5 degree angle. Use duct tape to hold it together.

Mark the center of the top and draw a 4″ circle. Cut out the circle with a scroll saw or saber saw.

Glue and nail the pieces together and you are almost ready to start making gourmet coffee. The Basket Maker: find a cone or use the basket from a stiff wire like a clothes hanger and a piece of cotton. Carefully mark and thenBend the wire to make a handle and a 4 1/4″ circle of coffee beans.

So then use your coffee maker; next add a filter and add the finest Costa Rica coffee beans and add hot water and your sum is the finest gourmet coffee available. Want to be a cowboy use some old pantyhose as your coffee filter. Want to be a homeless person – use an brown sack as your coffee filter. Want to be really rugged – use some leaves. As long as its the Tarrazu or the Costa Rica coffee bean the flavor will still shine through. Its the anticipation that counts.