The Joys of Fresh Coffee at Home
By Andrew Emerson

Not all coffee machines are designed to make a whole range of different coffees. If you only ever drink tall black coffees at the coffee shop then you could probably buy a lower-end machine and this would work for you just fine. If on the other hand you prefer to get an espresso boost every now and then, or you enjoy relaxing with a cappuccino then you probably would be better investing a little more in a better quality coffee machine.

One of the features which all buyers should look for in a coffee machine is one which has an integrated bean grinder, also called a ‘bean to cup coffee machine’. Although at first this may be something which you discount due to the extra cost, there are a couple of really good reasons to think twice: [Read more…]

What Gives Coffee Its Flavor?
By Jerry M Stein

When you become a real fan of coffee and enjoy sampling many different roasts and blends, you may begin to wonder why one will often taste so very different from another.

As you begin to explore the world of coffee you will find some beans or blends that are perfect for that morning cup. Then there will be others, that might taste sharp or bitter, and certainly not pleasing. Why does coffee often taste so differently?

Some differences are due to the unique characteristics of the beans. The way the coffee was grown and how it was processed, also, has a great effect upon its flavor. First, only four species of coffee beans are used to make the beverage we call ‘coffee’. You will most likely encounter two: [Read more…]

Top Tips For Great Tasting Coffee
By Fenton Wayne

When you taste a really fabulous cup of coffee you can be sure that a lot of care and effort has gone into its preparation. Great tasting coffee does not happen by accident, but represents the culmination of preparation, cleanliness and meticulous brewing methods.

The starting point for great tasting coffee does not come from choosing the right blend of coffee or even the type of brewing equipment to be used, but in the quality of the water used and the cleanliness of the equipment!

As coffee is more than 98% water is should come as no surprise that the quality of the water has a dramatic impact of the quality of the finished beverage.

Freshly filtered water should be used when making coffee. Many domestic and commercial water filters and calcium treatment units are available and most do an excellent job in removing heavy elements, impurities and odours from water.

Be sure to draw a little water from the system first, and pour it away. Use fresh clean cold water for starting off the process of brewing your favourite beverage. [Read more…]