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Flavored Coffee Syrup Adds A New Dimension To Beans

Breakfast Blend — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:45:54 +0000

Flavored coffee syrup is a popular addition to any coffee beverage and a welcome change for any regular coffee drinker. Whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or just want something different, flavored coffee syrups put a great kick into any drink. If you own a coffee business, these syrups are another great way to attract customers, allowing them to customize their own drinks so they can enjoy exactly the flavors that their taste buds desire.

Coffee, of course, has a wonderful taste itself, but it also acts as a catalyst for many other flavors. The growth in popularity of flavored coffee is testament to coffee’s versatility and strength. People today have come to expect variety and certainly flavored coffee offers them a choice. Flavored syrups means that coffee drinkers can enjoy their beverage all day in a host of different ways.

The best flavored coffee syrups are made from all natural ingredients. The chemical additives and preservatives found in some syrups can distort or hide the flavor of the coffee, while all natural flavors will simply enhance a beverage. Although all natural syrups are more expensive, they are worth the investment as your customers will surely taste the difference and come back time after time for more.

There are four different groups of syrups. The most popular syrups are the vanilla based, which include nut and creme flavors like Irish creme and hazelnut. These flavors go well with just about any type of coffee, and can even be used to sweeten a cappuccino or latte. Chocolate is the next most popular flavoring group, followed by the fruit and spice flavors. It is always a good idea to have an offering from each group so your customers can experience different flavors (and spend more!)

Today, more than 100 different and delicious flavorings lace the coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, and frappes. To say the least, flavored coffee has become an interesting and fast growing area of the coffee market. Blends such as Irish Creme, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and even Macadamia Nut grace the shelves of both coffee specialty shops and home kitchens alike.

The concept of adding flavors to enhance the taste of coffee is, by no means, a new craze. Arabs began flavoring their coffee with cardamom hundreds of years ago, Africans experimented with citrus flavors, and South Americans enjoyed a hint of cinnamon in their cups.

Flavored coffee syrups are highly concentrated, so a little goes quite a long way

Coffee Press Vs Drip Coffeemaker

Breakfast Blend — Sat, 29 May 2010 06:27:37 +0000

Coffee Presses

French presses or more recently coffee presses are the ultimate green coffee maker. Other than heating water in a separate kettle no energy is required, and now the Toddy Maker Cold Brew Coffee Maker eliminates even that requirement. The toddy maker coffee cold brew method drastically reduces many of the oils and acids found in hot brewed coffee that are not soluble at low temperatures. Cold brew coffee is easier on the stomach for acid sensitive coffee drinkers. Opinions vary on if cold brew leaves too much of the oil and acid in the bean.

Perhaps the most valuable feature of coffee presses is that they give you absolute control over the temperature of the water used for the coffee maker brew, which, along with the quality of the bean, is probably the most important factor in the quest for the perfect cup. Bodum is still the biggest seller worldwide but AeroPress and other coffee press manufacturers are making a name. The number of reviews for coffee machines of all kinds indicate how passionate people are about their coffee and the different styles of coffeemakers.

Drip Coffeemakers

Cold water from a reservoir on the coffee maker is first heated and then dripped onto coffee grounds contained within a filter assembly. That is the essence of a drip coffeemaker. You can still find manual drip coffeemakers but the overwhelming majority of drip coffee makers are electric. The final result is brewed coffee deposited into a glass pot, a thermal carafe, or an insulated travel mug.

There are variations in the water temperature of the brew, the filter assembly design, and speed of the drip, so some drip coffeemakers do make better coffee than others, and it’s not necessarily a function of price. Black & Decker is the value leader. With a little experience, however, you can tweak any drip coffeemaker to get it just right for you. Some models are programmable and have built-in water filters. Some drip coffeemakers like the Cuisinart DGB900 grind and brew in one operation. A drip coffeemaker sits on your kitchen counter in plain sight so maybe the deciding factor should be whether the darn thing is attractive enough to be there.

By: Peter Boston

About the Author:

Get more information on drip coffeemakers and the toddy maker coffee cold brew method at kitchenamerican.com.

Gourmet Coffee Beans

Coffee Makers – Which One is the Best?

Breakfast Blend — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:50:22 +0000

With the variety of coffee and espresso shops in the market today, an increasing number of households are trying to replicate that same great flavor at home. The primary two components that are needed to make delicious coffee are a high quality coffee bean and dependable machine. There are currently a variety of well built coffee makers available today. Depending on your individual needs, you may find a single cup, 4 cup, under cabinet or espresso machine suits you well. There are also a variety of coffee grinders, both contemporary and antique, which will properly grind the coffee beans to the perfect consistency for your individual machine. Before you make your purchase, it may be helpful to ask yourself a few questions first.

Whether you will be using your coffee makers for entertaining or daily household use, you will be able to find a quality machine. If you simply want a coffee or espresso machine for serving one or two people, perhaps the smaller single cup or 4 cup variety is best. If you know that you will be using the machine every day and you want it easily accessible but not taking up counter space, then perhaps an under cabinet style would suit your needs. If you will be using your coffee or espresso maker for entertaining guests, you will definitely want to go with a larger model. There are also models which can brew coffee or espresso using a timer. These are helpful if you prefer your machine to be automated.

Once you have determined the cup capacity for your ideal coffee makers, it can be helpful to read product ratings and reviews. This can help to narrow your choices and aid you in making an informed decision. They also serve as helpful tips when selecting a grinder and roaster. If you know how to roast coffee beans for your own machine, it can help you to make the best cup of coffee possible. Whether you choose an antique coffee grinder, a contemporary coffee machine or a simple roaster, you will be able to find the perfect ensemble for your coffee and espresso needs.

By: Jason Whitney

About the Author:

Jason Whitney writes about the best coffee makers at coffemakerexpert

Gourmet Coffee Beans

A Coffee Roaster For All Occasions

Breakfast Blend — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:41:20 +0000

Coffee roasters and those who roast, brew and serve the ultimate cup of coffee are now esteemed professionals within the social fabric of our community at large. A good coffee roaster is a little like a celebrity chef these days, complete with loyal followings, highly descriptive reviews and the ability to command premium prices for their products and services. As coffee continues to grow in elevation from merely a mundane beverage to something of art form, a good coffee roaster has begun to take on a glamorous aura.

But there is a café on almost every street corner or every suburb now and every barista thinks of him or herself as the best roaster on the block. The professional barista is a now fiercely competitive industry and cafes and restaurants across the globe fight to retain the barista that can produce a coffee that will have customers returning time and time again. So, because roasting is everywhere, how do you choose the coffee roaster for you?

Your first question is whether you’re looking for wholesale coffee roasters to supply your business, or retail roasters to keep you happily supplied with beans at home. But for our purposes, let’s say you’re looking for a retail roaster to feed your coffee habit because you are a die hard coffee lover.

One approach is to decide exactly which coffee beans you prefer. Once you have found the coffee beans that you like you can then search for that specific bean. It might take you some time to research this and you might want to join a coffee club so that you can do some extensive taste testing. They will send you a number of coffee varieties each month for a small fee and this gives you the opportunity to try out blends and pure coffees to see what you prefer.

But once you know what coffee you are after, the online suppliers can tell you which of the coffee roasters that carry the beans you are looking for, who has the freshest beans and who has most skill in roasting them to perfection. You might also want to look for coffee bean suppliers that are geographically close to you. By doing so you can be confident that the beans can be delivered faster and will therefore be fresher when they reach your door.

But before you make your final decisions, consider organic coffee as an option. Organic coffee is another choice you might want to make. This coffee is certified to have been grown and processed without chemical intervention and is becoming more and more popular with wholesale outlets. It generally has a mild nutty flavor. It is also becoming popular with celebrities who are eager to adopt the coffee cause. Organic coffee, understandably sells very well in Hollywood.

Now all that is left to do is try several brands of coffee to find out which one you like the best. Enjoy your next coffee!

Looking for information about Coffee? Go to: [http://www.dkcoffee.com] DK Coffee is published by Julie Carter The Complete A to Z Of Coffee Resources Check out more Coffee related articles at: [http://www.dkcoffee.com/archive]

Coffee Origins – Indonesia

Breakfast Blend — Sun, 09 May 2010 05:03:12 +0000

Coffee is grown in many parts of the world. Each of these origin coffees will have the unique characteristics based on climate, soil, agriculture and processing. The Indonesian countries that produce coffee are: Sumatra, Sulawesi, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Java. Indonesia is the third largest coffee producing region in the world. However, these regions only cultivate a small portion of arabica beans and are highly sought after.

Sumatra is probably the best known of the Indonesian coffees. Coffee has been produced in Sumatra since the 1700s. There is little regional distinction between coffees produced in different areas of Sumatra, so coffees sold as Estate coffees (from a particular farm) are rare. These are mostly wet processed coffees, which means the fresh fruit pulp is washed from the outside of the coffee bean, rather than allowed to dry and then be removed. Sumatran coffees can be roasted medium-dark to dark. Medium-dark will reveal the best flavors from the beans, although dark roast is more commonly seen. This coffee has a rich flavor, full body and wonderful aroma with spicy undertones. In medium-dark roasts, a nutty aroma and flavor comes through.

Sulawesi beans, which are sometimes referred to by the Colonial name “Celebes”, are very similar to Sumatra beans. They have very earthy notes and low acidity. Sulawesi coffees are also prized for their syrupy notes. There are some Sulawesi beans which are held as green beans for a very long time and marketed as “aged Sulawesi”. These unusual coffees have a stronger earth note to them, with an underlying muskiness.

East Timor is a small island located between Sulawesi and Australia. Coffee production is the most important economy of East Timor, especially since the country gained independence in 1999. Many of the coffees from this island are organic coffees and most are processed by the wet method. This coffee has the familiar Indonesian earthy, rich flavor. Spicy notes of sweet cinnamon and mild acidity make this a fine coffee.

Papua New Guinea is on the eastern half of Indonesia. Coffees from Papua New Guinea are different than others in Indonesia. They are often called a ‘wild coffee’. They have fewer of the distinctive earthy tones found in many Indonesian coffees. Papua New Guinea coffees are processed by the wet method. There are also many estate coffees from Papua New Guinea and each have their own special characteristics. Common threads in these coffees are: fruity tones, lower acidity and well-rounded body. Many coffees from Papua New Guinea are also organically grown.

Java is located east of Jakarta. The government of Java actually controls about 80% of the coffee grown in East Java and is its own Estate coffee. It is a wet processed coffee. Java is usually blended with another coffee to make Mocha Java, which isn’t chocolate like the name implies, but the region (Mokka) where the other bean comes from. Java beans have a cleaner flavor than either the Sumatra or Sulawesi. They have a lighter body and slightly more acidity than other Indonesians.

If you haven’t tried an Indonesian coffee, find a local roaster who offers any of these origins mentioned here and you won’t be disappointed!

By: Michael Russell

About the Author:

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Coffee [http://coffee-guides.com]

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Coffee Flavors

Breakfast Blend — Tue, 04 May 2010 04:41:42 +0000

A Twist to Coffee Drinking

Nowadays, coffee beverages already have a number of variants dedicated to differences in taste, aroma and texture that most coffee drinkers are already used to seeing new names on menus in coffee houses. A lot of flavors indicate more traditional tastes while others are experimental and more intense to the senses. But what if one wants a change of coffee flavor while brewing a pot at home? Would it take another brewing period to change the flavor according to one’s specifications? This is where flavored coffee syrups come into the picture. They give a new whole character into every cup that would certainly entice those who are looking for another way of preparing their choice of drink.
These flavored coffee syrups come from a variety of sources may they be from nuts, berries, and other fruits that can add that extra “something” to every cup.

Flavored Choices

Some prefer their flavored coffee syrups added in generous amounts, while others want them just a teensy bit for a little twist of flavor in their palates. These are the usual types preferred:

1. Chocolate – gives the coffee drink a much sweeter and rich flavor. It blends well with the aroma of the coffee, making it an enticing drink for those who appreciate a fragrant beverage.

2. Cinnamon – this produces a sweet and tangy flavor that leaves a bit of its spiciness on the tongue. It has this smooth kick that really heightens one’s sense of smell. It is a perfect combination for those wanting an extra jolt to their caffeine fix.

3. Nutmeg – as the name suggests, it has a nutty flavor that is crisp and delectable. It adds texture to the coffee and leaves the drinker to slowly appreciate the newness of its blend on the taste buds. It is indeed a pleasant surprise.

4. Vanilla – a popular choice since it is a powerhouse of a rich and delectable flavor by itself. When added to a cup of coffee, it doubles the richness and the body of the drink, leaving one to really appreciate the different notes that roll off his tongue upon imbibing it.

5. Fruit juices – these were not even considered to be fit for pairing up with a coffee beverage before. But this is now gaining popularity as there are already a bevy of quality-made fruit syrups that are really a delight to be taken in. Cherries, grapes and even mangoes are the choices among others.

This is good news indeed for the curious and adventurous types who don’t dwell on just one traditional approach to their coffee-drinking experience. To truly appreciate flavored coffee syrups, it takes one to give it a try again and again.

By: Dr. Mark Clayson

About the Author:

Find out more about coffee and coffee makers

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How To Make Organic Free Trade Coffee

Breakfast Blend — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:38:48 +0000

How to make organic free trade coffee? It is amazing to me how many people do not know how to make coffee. And seeing how this is the most drank morning beverage in the world, one would think it would fairly obvious to make. It is really based on ones tastes. Whether you like the coffee strong, per se, or light, will depend on either the number of scoops or amount of water.

Here is a quick ratio:

1. 1 cup of coffee is only 6 oz. (not the 8-12 oz like many people think).

2. Coffee grounds, per scoop, is measured in Tablespoons.

3. To get the full flavor of coffee (or strong as some call it), use 2 Tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water. So, for example, if you are making a full pot of coffee, which is about 10 cups of coffee, you would need 20 Tablespoons of coffee.

4. For the lighter side of coffee, either use 1 Tablespoon of coffee per 6 oz of water.

5. For stronger coffee, use 2 Tablespoons per cup, then make the pot of coffee, then add water to adjust the taste if it is too strong.

Also, if you use cream and sugar, this will greatly affect the strength of the coffee. I personally do not drink coffee with any cream of sugar. Straight black for me. I love the aroma, and then the taste of coffee, piping hot. I like mine at about 180 degrees.

For the best cup of coffee, you should buy organic free trade coffee as whole beans, and grind the beans right before you need them. When they are in the bean form, they preserve all of the freshness inside. Many coffee beans also have an oily exterior, which will also protect the flavor and freshness. Grinders can be bought for less than $10.00.

It is a trial method. The coffee will vary in taste according to the number of scoops, the type of coffee maker you have, if your water is filtered, and especially the type of coffee you buy. Just try out a few methods and you will soon learn how to make organic free trade coffee.

By: Michael Baker

About the Author:
And of course, if you don’t really want to make it yourself, just find a local Starbucks or Barnes and Noble and get a fresh cup of their Free Trade and Organic Coffee.

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Make the Switch! Coffee to Tea

Breakfast Blend — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:18:17 +0000

Having a hard time giving up your 4 cups of coffee each day? Evidence shows by switching to tea you can add some significant health benefits. The health benefit of drinking tea is chalked up to one explanation, antioxidants. Research shows that green and black teas have up to 8-10 times the antioxidants as fruits and vegetables which can add significantly to your health.

The research has found that regular tea drinkers – people who drink two or more cups per day – have less heart disease and stroke, lower cholesterol levels, and they may recover from heart attacks faster. You can find these benefits in black, green, oolong and even iced teas! Beware of doctoring up your tea with too much milk because this has been found to decrease the antioxidants.

Don’t despair coffee lovers! There are some teas out there that you may find match up to your love of coffee. For instance, Chai tea uses ginger and cardamom which overpowers the taste of the black tea but offers a rich, full bodied taste which is perfect for coffee consumers! Vanilla nut teas also tend to override the black tea taste for a richer flavor. Try some tea today to better your health!

About the Author

Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. Learn about her online weight loss programs and sign up for her free monthly newsletter to receive nutrition tips, healthy recipes, and more at http://www.reallivingnutrition.com