Even if you’re not a coffee addict, don’t deny that you can function for the day without that morning cup of caffeine heaven. A real coffee enthusiast knows how hard it is to find the right coffee shop that makes coffee exactly as they prefer, and once you do, it becomes a haven where you spend all your money.
Well, why not have this haven at home or work where you can whip up that perfect cup of coffee at any time? If you’re looking to buy your own coffee machine, you must’ve stumbled upon Keurig machines and regular drip coffee makers, but what’s the difference? We’re here to enlighten you!
Overview of Keurig Machines
Keurig Machines are considered relatively new on the scene of coffee machines, and yet they have managed to steal the show.
It wasn’t in vain either, these beasts are known for their convenience and simplicity in use, not to mention their versatility, being able to brew both coffee and tea for those who can’t make up their minds!
It’s mostly famous for its K-cups, the single-use coffee pods that come with a certain amount of coffee sealed inside. All you need to do is pop it inside the Keurig machine, press a button, and you’ll have your delicious coffee in seconds. Once done, you don’t have to worry about washing your cup, just simply throw it away.
Overview of Regular Drip Coffee Makers
When we talk about drip coffee makers, it’s a pretty broad category, but we’re mainly referring to the ones making regular good old-fashioned coffee. These machines are the go-to for any household or office since they make relatively decent coffee and are reliable and not too hard to use.
They usually have one-use-only paper filters which can be a nuisance to use if we’re honest and while there are also ones with permanent filter baskets, they still have the downside of the effort and time they take to be properly cleaned.
The two features that make these machines a bit more convenient are the brew timer, you wake up to fresh coffee, and the automatic shut-off to avoid forgetting it running when rushing out of the house.
The Difference Between Keurig Machines and Regular Drip Coffee Makers
1) Brewing Method
Many people don’t know, but drinking coffee is all about that Cafestol which supplies us with the kick of caffeine that gets us running around the rest of the day. However, Cafestol is also responsible for the cholesterol intake we get from coffee and the brewing method is the main factor behind cafestol concentration.
When it comes to Keurig, they recently switched to BPA-free pods and their brewing method depends on the type of coffee you choose to go with. As for speed,
Keurig takes the lead, being able to get your coffee ready in less than a minute while the drip coffee machine will take a bit longer. Remember the time it also takes to grind the whole beans every once in a while to get fresher coffee.
2) Taste
Now we come to the most important aspect of coffee: how it actually tastes. Keurig coffee can promise you a cup of coffee that is straight out of a cafe, which is its biggest selling point. A press of a button can get you a Starbucks or Dunkin donuts quality coffee right in your home or office.
You’ll just need to do your research and find out more about the best Keurig machines here to buy the one that suits your favorite coffee shop taste and style.
As for regular drip coffee makers, they are perfect for those who care more about having a strong-flavored coffee than to have the cafe-style one without much coffee in it.
3) Time & Money Spent
When it comes to the cost, how much money do you spend on getting coffee from your favorite cafe? If you add it up, you’ll find that it costs a fortune to keep your caffeine addiction! The cost of both a Keurig or a drip machine can be a bit high, but you will be saving so much money in the long run.
You should know that Keurig machines will definitely be more expensive than drip coffee makers, but that’s because they give you that cafe-quality coffee you spend so much time and money on.
It’s not just money, a Keurig preps your coffee quickly, so you’ll stop running late to work because you were standing in a long line of coffee-drinkers also trying to get their fix before their shift! Meanwhile, a drip coffee will take more time to grind and prepare in the morning.
4) Function & Features
When you’re thinking of getting a coffee machine, you need to consider what kind of features you are looking for. Keurig machines can brew coffee as well as tea and other iced beverages. As for drip coffee makers, you only get a strong black cup of coffee we all know and love.
That’s why you need to put in mind the function you’re trying to get out of your coffee machine and make your decision accordingly.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between Keurig machines and regular drip coffee makers, let’s get to the bottom line and look at the pros and cons of each one. With a Keurig, you’ll never have the risk of making a bad cup of coffee, each time will feel like a trip to Starbucks.
The variety of flavors and brands also make it seem like you have your own coffee menu. However, Keurig has the downside of not being eco-friendly with its single-use cups. On the other hand, a regular drip coffee maker is a lot cheaper and it’s perfect for producing large amounts of coffee.
It also gives you control over how you make your coffee whether you want it strong, light, or sweet. Its downside, however, is that it doesn’t have much variety and it takes time and effort to prepare. There you have it, you have all the intel, the decision is yours!
Coffee is one of the nicest drinks you can consume for relaxation at home or a coffee bar with a friend while you sit to discuss how business went after a busy week.
Coffee offers an excellent flavor and freshness that you must ensure to keep that way; otherwise, you can’t enjoy every sip you take from the cup of coffee. A compromised coffee taste can ruin your coffee business and keep your customers away.
Understanding how to keep coffee beans fresh for months, especially if you buy a large quantity that you do not consume within a short period, is quite simple, and that is what this article is about.
Tips on How to Keep Coffee Beans Fresh
Keeping your coffee beans fresh is very vital, as coffee can easily go bad when exposed to air for a long time without being used. That is why My Virtual Coffee House cares about how and where you preserve your coffee beans.
Preserving coffee beans is quite different from preserving other seeds like grain. It is not enough to find a space and dump them, believing that they are well preserved.
Preserving coffee beans requires so much care in order to protect the beans from going bad, even after using a preservation approach. Hence, the following are proven tips that will help you keep your coffee beans as fresh as you want them for weeks and months, as the case may be.
Should I Freeze My Coffee Beans?
One of the main methods of preserving food items is by freezing them, and most people recommend the same approach for preserving coffee beans.
First of all, you must avoid freezing your beans. If you must freeze it, ensure that it is carefully protected from moisture, which is likely to happen to anything kept to freeze.
Your coffee beans can also suffer freezer burn if they are not properly enclosed in the container where they are kept before being put in the freezer. Also, some containers are not tight enough to protect the air from gaining access, thereby affecting the coffee beans.
Therefore, keeping coffee beans in a freezer as a way of preserving them for a long time may not be the best. Instead, you can subscribe to the following tips to enable you to keep your coffee beans preserved for months.
Buy sufficient quantity
One of the basic ways to ensure that you always keep your coffee beans fresh is to buy the quantity that will be sufficient for your use within a short period so that you don’t have the extreme leftover to worry about.
Coffee starts losing its freshness almost after roasting; it’s the reason why it is best to keep your purchase of freshly roasted coffee within a small quantity. It would be best to determine how much quantity is sufficient for your use per time and buy it.
If you buy pre-ground coffee, endeavor to ensure it is not exposed to air; otherwise, it will go bad. Instead, grind the quantity you need before brewing, and use the subsequent method to keep the excess fresh for weeks and even months.
Store in a cool, airtight container
Heat, moisture, light, and air are some of the greatest enemies of coffee beans. So, it would help if you took caution in protecting your beans against these enemies so that you don’t have some wasted coffee beans.
Proper preservation also helps to retain the flavor of your freshly roasted coffee beans. To do this, store your beans in an airtight, opaque container and keep it at room temperature so that it is protected from direct contact with light, moisture, heat, and air.
While choosing a container to store your coffee beans, please do not use a canister because light can as well affect the taste even when it’s in the container. Rather, keep in cool and dark places after storing the beans in airtight containers.
It would be best if you did not keep the beans inside your kitchen cabinet close to your oven because of the heat that emanates from the oven. Remember that heat is an enemy. It would be best you stick to the use of an airtight sealed storage canister.
There are specialized coffee storage containers that can guarantee the complete absence of air from the coffee beans.
We recommend a vacuum canister at My Virtual Coffee House for coffee outlets that buy coffee beans in large quantities. The canister is completely free of air and guarantees that you don’t have anything to worry about. Investing in this kind of container is worth it.
Buy raw coffee beans
Don’t you think you should be roasting your coffee beans? Of course, you can. This is one of the ways to ensure the excellent preservation of your coffee beans. You should learn to buy green beans that have not been roasted and do the roasting yourself.
Raw beans can retain the coffee flavor for a year or thereabout, so you can take out a quantity and roast for your use. You could even experiment with various roasting methods to find out what’s easiest and fastest for you.
When you roast the beans by yourself, you can determine what to expect as you roast the coffee beans consistently.
However, you will have to learn the nitty-gritty about roasting coffee beans because your inability to roast them well can alter the coffee taste. Kindly dedicate some time to learn how to roast coffee beans correctly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to keep coffee beans fresh for months is not a difficult task to do. You do not need sophisticated machines to help you preserve your coffee beans for as long as you want them. You only need the right information which you have received from this article.
No matter what you do, never be careless about how and where you keep your coffee beans for preservation. If you keep them randomly, anywhere, you should as well keep some money aside to buy a new batch of coffee beans because they may go bad at any slight exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the many options of coffee beans on the internet? We’ve been there! If you’re a coffee drinker with a taste for good quality coffee beans, then you must know how hard it is to find good coffee.
If you’re tired of not being able to find exceptional coffee beans, then don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. We understand that the struggle is real. This is why we have created this simple guide to help you buy good-quality coffee beans on your own!
Robusta vs Arabica
It is important to know the type of coffee beans that you’re getting. The type of coffee beans you use determines the sort of flavor and richness that you’re going to unlock in your cup of coffee. There are two main species of coffee beans namely Robusta and Arabica.
These coffee beans are quite different in terms of how they’re harvested, used, and also in terms of flavor. Arabica coffee beans are harvested on high altitudes with special care. Arabica beans are also bigger and dark green, whereas Robusta beans are pale green and smaller than Arabica beans.
When it comes to flavor, Arabica beans are less bitter and more aromatic than Robusta beans. However, Robusta beans are more economical and hardier crops. They offer a stronger flavor than Arabica beans. Some people may prefer to have a blend of arabica and robusta beans to produce lighter roasts.
Moreover, you should know that the place where your beans are harvested will affect the way they taste. For example, if your beans are harvested in Latin America, they will be sweeter but high in acidity. Whereas, the beans harvested in Indonesia will have a heart flavor with low acidity.
Quality
The world of coffee is diverse, flavorsome, and beautiful! Coffee is all about quality. The quality of coffee completely depends on how and where the coffee beans are harvested. Arabica coffee beans are said to be superior in quality to the Robusta coffee beans.
However, they’re also pricier as it is more difficult to cultivate. It is said that a French press can enhance the quality of your coffee. However, it is important to do your research on good coffee beans for French press, as the quality of the coffee beans matters as well.
If you want to have a bitter coffee experience, then Robusta coffee beans can work for you as well (they’re also cheaper!).
However, if you’re looking for a quality, flavorsome experience then you should stick to the Arabica coffee beans.
Roast Type
When you think of coffee beans, don’t you see dark roasted coffee beans instead of the raw, green coffee beans that we just discussed? This is because coffee beans are roasted before they can be brewed. But, what is a roast? Roasts refer to the process of heating the coffee beans until they acquire their dark, aromatic form that we’re familiar with.
There are three types of roasts: light, medium, and dark. How your coffee beans are roasted plays a great role in how your coffee will taste. Let’s discuss how each type of roast affects the flavor of your coffee.
Light Roast
Light roasted coffee is quite new. Until recently, the coffee beans have been dark roasted. Light roasted beans are lighter in color with a slightly higher concentration of caffeine. Light roasted coffee beans are roasted for short periods of time, which prevents the oil from breaking out on their surface.
This type of roast is used to retain the authentic characteristics of the coffee beans by using a gentler roasting process.
However, light roasted coffee beans can be a bit complicated to brew as the brewing method depends on natural gravity to extract its flavor. If you are looking to drink black coffee by using brewing methods that don’t use pressure, then lightly roasted coffee beans are for you.
Medium Roast
Medium roast refers to a darker roast with a stronger flavor and a non-oily surface. Medium roasted coffee beans are quite popular in the US. This is why this type of roast is also called American roast. Some people also call it the espresso roast.
Medium roasted coffee beans are perfect for espresso-based coffees but also other brewing methods including the cold drip, plunger, and filters, etc. What makes medium roasted coffee so great is that it offers you a variety of flavors that you cannot enjoy with dark roasted beans.
So, if you’re looking for a safe option to enjoy, then a medium roast might appeal to your taste buds.
Dark Roast
Dark coffee beans are the ones that are the most bitter in flavor and have an oily surface. The dark roasts have the least acidity out of the types of roasts. Dark roasted coffee has been widely used as it mostly comes from robusta beans.
As robusta is fairly easy to harvest, dark roasted coffee is cheaper than the other types. Moreover, it is also more bitter and lacks flavor as it is roasted for such a long period that it loses its original flavor.
Roast Date
Whether you like light, medium, or dark roasted coffee beans, it’s important to know the date when your coffee beans were roasted. It is said that the fresher the beans, the better the coffee. This is because the coffee starts oxidizing as it sits in the jar at your home.
This may affect the flavor of your coffee and impact your coffee experience. Most commercial coffees have an expiry date of a year. So, if the expiry date of your jar of coffee is in the next few months, it’s better to avoid it.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Now you’re ready to hunt for the best quality coffee beans! Go and get your coffee beans to become the best barista in town! You don’t have to wait for anyone else to make the sort of coffee that would soothe your taste buds.
Make coffee so good that no barista in town can match the elite taste of your coffee. So, go on and get yourself those amazing quality coffee beans.
Every appliance in your home consumes electricity. The amount it uses is measured in watts. The more watts, the more electricity it is using. Once you know this figure, you can estimate the environmental and financial impact that running that appliance has. Here is your guide to the amount of electricity it takes to run a coffee maker.
Average Watt Usage For a Coffee Maker
As we’ll mention a little later, each coffee maker is slightly different. However, most coffee makers on the market will use between 750 to 1,500 watts. We can put this into perspective by comparing it with some other common kitchen appliances. The electric skillet uses between 1,000 to 1,500 watts. A microwave will use between 1,000 and 2,000 watts. Your blender will use between 400 to 1,000 watts.
According to the Department of Energy, the average coffee maker will consume 1,000 watts. Most of this electricity is used to create heat. Much of this is used to boil the water. As we’ve seen, this type of energy consumption is on par with most other standard kitchen appliances.
If you are planning on purchasing a machine, you can look at the product specifications. This might tell you how many watts it will use when in operation.
How Much Does a Coffee Machine Cost to Run?
Once you know how many watts the coffee machine is using, it’s fairly easy to figure out how much it will cost to run. Let’s look at an example to see how you can do this.
Let’s assume that you have an average coffee machine. It takes around 1,000 watts to run. This converts to 1 kilowatt. You can then look at the electricity rate in your state to find out how much you will be paying. In the United States, the national average is 10.53 cents per KW/hr. Because of this, it will cost you 10.53 cents to make your coffee.
Even if your coffee machine is closer to the upper range of watt usage, you still won’t need to pay a lot for your coffee. At most, you should only expect to pay around 30 cents. This is significantly cheaper than purchasing a cup of coffee from a café.
What Affects the Amount of Electricity Needed?
The type of coffee maker you get will strongly influence the number of watts that it uses. There are several elements that you might need to consider.
The most obvious consideration is the size of the machine. The bigger machines will use more electricity. Usually, they will have a larger quantity of water to boil. Sometimes, these machines will use a hot plate to keep the coffee pot warm.
The next element to think about is the type of coffee maker it is. For example, an espresso machine can require a lot of electricity. They will need to heat the water to steam. On the other hand, a coffee maker that uses pods will require less power. Sometimes, it will have additional features, like a clock. This will require a constant input of electricity, even when you aren’t running the machine.
You might find a machine that comes with a grinder. While this can use a little more electricity, it is the more convenient option. Everything you need to make the coffee is in one place. Plus, it can be cheaper than purchasing the two separately. This guide will help you find the best coffee machines with a grinder.
Finally, it’s important to consider how many cups of coffee it is making. A five-cup coffee machine will use more electricity than a single-cup device.
How to Reduce the Amount of Electricity Required
Your coffee maker is far from being the most electricity-hungry device in your home. But there are some ways that you can lower the amount of electricity you are consuming.
This starts with the way that you are selecting the device. Some coffee makers will come with an energy star. The more stars it gets, the more energy-efficient it is. You can also try looking in the product description. It might tell you the number of watts it will use.
If you are really concerned about this aspect, you can use a manual device like the French Press. In this case, all you need to do is boil the water. However, you will need to put in a little more work to get it.
Next, it’s important to think about the way that you are using the device. It’s best to only brew when you are ready to drink the coffee. You don’t want the pot to be sitting on the hotplate for hours on end. Plus, fresh coffee will have the best flavor.
Reduce Your Environmental Impact
After you have finished making the coffee, you should turn off the machine at the wall. If you leave it in standby mode, it will continue to draw power, especially if it is keeping the water warm.
Sometimes, your coffee machine could be using more power because it is dealing with mineral build-up. This makes it harder to boil the water and get the hot water through the system. This can occur on all coffee machines. Thankfully, there is a simple solution. You just need to clean out the machine every few months.
If you want to reduce your environmental impact even further, you can install solar panels on your roof. This will convert the sun’s rays into electricity. As a result, you’ll be able to power your home without needing to rely on fossil fuels. Plus, once you install the system, you should be able to significantly reduce your power bill. If you install enough panels, you might not need to pay any utilities at all.
Conclusion
The average coffee machine will use around 1,000 watts. This is around 10 cents per cup of coffee. This is similar to most other kitchen appliances. But, with a few simple tips, you will be able to reduce the amount of electricity that you are using. Hopefully, this will help you reduce electricity consumption while enjoying a delicious coffee.
If your day starts with the first sip of your cup of joe, investing in a coffee machine is a brilliant idea. Buying an espresso or a latte every day can cost a fortune. Additionally, waiting in long lines every single day for the cashier to call your name and give you your long-waited-for cup is far from ideal.
Don’t waste your money or time on restaurants. Instead, invest in a coffee maker and make your coffee at home. There are several models and types of coffee machines, so choosing one can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we prepared this guide to provide you with some excellent tips on buying a coffee machine, so keep reading.
How You Take Your Coffee
Since the machine is going to be in your home year-round, you can choose one that makes iced or cold brew, especially for the summer months, or a regular hot coffee machine. You can find many models that have brew-over-ice and cold-brew modes.
Moreover, if you like your cup of joe to be more concentrated, you can buy a cold-brew machine. You will be able to create as many flavors as you want with your machine that many restaurants fail to serve. Plus, you will not waste time or gas going to your preferred coffee shop, especially when it’s hot outside.
How Many Cups Do You Need?
According to the number of cups you consume every day, choose a suitable machine. If a single cup is enough to make you beat the morning grogginess, choose a single-serve or a one-cup drip machine. You can also have a look at the Spinn coffee maker since it is small in size, which makes it a perfect addition to your kitchenette.
Checking out a thorough review of the Spinn Coffee maker is a great idea that will help you understand more about its specifications. However, if you need more than one cup throughout the day or you’re buying the machine for an office, you need a larger machine with an automatic drip.
Ideally, the coffee maker should have a self-serve container or a carafe. Usually, large models can brew up to 12 cups, 5 ounces each.
Efficiency and Convenience
If you find turning on your coffee machine and filling it a daunting task, you need an automatic machine that makes brewing your cup of joe a breeze. You can set it up before going to bed to start in the morning automatically.
This model will also be excellent for you if you’re the forgetful or always-late type since you will wake up every day to find your ready-to-go java. This model can be on the pricey side, yet it is easily a successful investment.
Your Kitchen Space
When choosing a coffee machine, you should also consider its size and height and compare it with your counter space. Generally, all machines should fit under the upper cabinets, but it is wise to double-check before buying, especially when you’re purchasing a large one.
It is important to assess your kitchen space and decide where to put your new coffee machine. Bear in mind that coffee makers are bulky and need water, beans, and filters to be added from the top. Additionally, your machine should be easily accessible for use.
Don’t place it inside your cabinets because, in the end, you will revert to using your kettle. Buy a machine that suits your lifestyle and habits to make drinking coffee enjoyable, not hectic.
Appearance and Style
Adding a gadget to a tidy kitchen is tricky. Ideally, the gadget has to match the appliances to add a beautiful touch and also blend in with the rest of your kitchen. Some machines have a compartment inside that can hold the cord to keep the counter clean.
Buying a coffee maker or espresso machine with a stainless-steel or chrome finish will add a contemporary style to your kitchen, regardless of its current design. Alternatively, go for red or orange to lighten the kitchen counter. Most brands have several color options that you can choose from, regardless of your taste.
Display and Features
Some models can easily tell you when cleaning your coffee machine is due. Other models even offer self-cleaning modes. Keeping your coffee machine clean extends its lifespan, so if you’re not very keen on cleaning your appliances regularly, you may want to stick to these models.
Moreover, some coffee makers have indicators that provide necessary maintenance information. For example, the machine can tell you when you need to fill the water tank, when to empty the bin, and when the machine needs cleaning.
Choosing a model with a display will make it simple for you to know exactly what your coffee maker needs.
Length of the Warranty
Many people don’t pay attention to the length of the warranty when they buy a new appliance. However, if the warranty is a mandatory factor for you, note that not all coffee makers offer the same warranty options. Every coffee machine brand offers a variety of warranty options.
However, all of them include at least a one-year warranty. Moreover, you may find high-end models that offer a two- or three-year warranty that covers glitches and defects as well.
Additional Functions
A special cup holder, an anti-drip system, preparation of two cups at the same time, and more are features that increase the cost of the unit but make it easier to use. Choose the functions you want to have in your machine according to your needs.
If you’ve never used a coffee maker before or drinking coffee is a new thing for you, choose a machine that is straightforward to use. A coffee maker with an indicator display and self-cleaning system will make an excellent choice.
There are a variety of coffee machine models and types available on the market, from cappuccino makers to espresso machines that can provide you with great taste and quality coffee.
According to your taste in beans, your favorite grind, how often you make coffee, the number of people who will use the machine, and your kitchen space. Make sure to keep the listed tips saved as they will come in handy when you’re buying a coffee machine.
Coffee comprises an assortment of chemicals naturally. This includes diterpenes, caffeine, and antioxidants. These chemicals not only add to the distinctive aroma and taste, but also to the overall characteristics of coffee.
The interesting part is that chemists have still not been able to identify a lot of these chemicals in coffee beans. You might have heard a lot about caffeine but guess what – caffeine only contributes about 15% of the bitter taste in coffee.
In this article, we will discuss the various chemicals that are there in your cup of Joe.
Organic Coffee VS Regular Coffee
Non-Organic Coffee
Coffee is a crop, and just like most crops, certain chemicals are used while harvesting the coffee. However, most of the chemicals used for coffee growing do not make their way to your cup.
Coffee is not consumed raw like vegetables and fruits, instead, coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit. The seed is drenched, inflamed, and then goes through a parching process. Later, it is roasted at or around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you bring this coffee home, you soak it in boiling water, brew it at high temperatures, and then consume the water only, not the beans. So non-organic coffee is not loaded with chemicals by the time it reaches your cup.
Organic Coffee
One of the major differences between the harvesting of organic and non-organic coffee is the soil. Farmers make sure the soil where the organic coffee is grown is high in minerals.
Chemicals often kill the important nutrients in the soil; therefore if coffee is grown in a soil where pesticides are used, the crop grown will lack essential nutrients. This is something you should know if you’re out in the market looking for the best organic coffee that is chemical-free.
Chemicals Found In Coffee
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most highlighted chemicals in coffee and is known to be a brain stimulant. Caffeine is present in almost 60 types of plants – coffee beans, cocoa beans, tea leaves, and kola nuts are the most famous ones.
A regular-sized cup of coffee has around 75–100mg of caffeine.
Adults and Pregnant Women
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) determined in its study of ‘Scientific Opinion on the Safety of Caffeine’ that ‘habitual intake of caffeine up to 400mg per day do not give rise to safety concerns for non-pregnant adults.’
The study also mentioned that pregnant or breastfeeding women can safely take up to 200mg per day.
Common Effects of Caffeine
A wide-ranging study has shown that there are quite a lot of useful effects of caffeine in the diet, such as better responsiveness, attentiveness, and better physical performance. On the other hand, there can be adverse effects, such as troubled sleep patterns.
Antioxidants
Coffee, in general, comprises different types of chemicals that exhibit antioxidant properties. These comprise chromogenic acids and melanoidins, which may aid in neutralizing oxidants.
Research has revealed intensification in blood antioxidant levels after drinking coffee.
Various Caffeine Aspects and How They Affect The Body
Numerous elements like the level of roast, condiments including milk or sugar, and the percentage of coffee-to-water, make it hard to relate these escalations in blood antioxidant levels to chemicals in coffee.
Different antioxidant chemicals present in coffee seem to display different effects in the body, but there is further investigation needed on the bioactive and possible roles of these chemicals before deductions can be drawn.
Diterpenes
The diterpenes, cafestol, and kahweol, are both present in the coffee oil naturally. A higher intake of these chemicals can increase serum levels of LDL or saturated fat.
The effect is mainly linked to the process of brewing as these chemicals are mainly retained in the filter paper but pass into the infusion in Scandinavian boiled coffee, Cafètiere (plunger pot), Greek, and Turkish coffee.
Soluble Coffee and Consumption Levels
Soluble coffee does not contain these cholesterol-raising chemicals. Reasonable intake of espresso, like 2-3 cups a day, also has insignificant effects, as levels are lesser than unfiltered coffee and portion sizes are reduced.
Some researchers propose that diterpenes may also have a shielding role against some cancers, although more research is required here.
Ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin formed due to fungus that can grow on badly stored coffee beans. OTA is present in foods like cereals and dried vine fruits when they are stockpiled under moist environments.
In 2020, The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in its research on ‘Risk assessment of ochratoxin A in food’, established that ‘possible associations between OTA exposure and kidney disease, bladder or hepatocellular cancer have been investigated in epidemiological studies, but it is not possible to establish a causal link between exposure to OTA and adverse effects in humans.’
Furan
Furan is formed naturally during heating or brewing the coffee. It is found in a wide range of foods and drinks, including baby cereals, baby food in cans, breakfast mueslis, cornflakes, and coffee. Furan is believed to have been part of the human diet for hundreds of years, as it is produced through customary cooking techniques.
Many studies specify that furan levels considerably fall during coffee brewing, as this chemical is extremely volatile and disperses readily.
The Nutritional Information of Coffee
Here, we will walk you through the nutritional profile of black coffee. The nutritional profile varies as 100ml of black, caffeinated coffee is different from the coffee that has sugar (or other sweeteners) and milk.
Nutrition information Of Black Coffee
Black coffee does not contain macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. It only contains 1-2 kcal per 100ml. However, when milk and other condiments are added, the calorie count changes. The size of the cup also affects the nutritional value.
The sodium level is considerably low. You should keep one thing in mind, that the source, growing environments, blend structure, and dispensation of the coffee also affect the overall dietary profile of coffee.
The table below provides the micronutrient dietary profile of 100 ml of medium-strength black coffee.
Coffee and Hydration
There is a common myth that black coffee causes dehydration. Black coffee contains 95% water and, research says, when you consume black coffee reasonably it intensifies your energy levels. Hence, a cup of coffee can aid in contributing to everyday fluid steadiness.
Caffeine intake of up to 5 cups per day is all right and does not lead to dehydration. Black coffee is considered to be an amazing pre-workout drink as well because it escalates your energy levels.
Coffee and Fluid Distribution in the Body
Sometimes a mild diuretic effect is experienced but that occurs for a very short time and it is not sufficient to overshadow the benefits of coffee.
Moderate caffeine intake does not modify total body water and fluid dissemination, and drinking different types of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, can help in meeting the body’s requirement for liquids.
Our Final Word on Chemicals in Coffee
Your cup of Joe has a lot of different chemicals that you might not have been aware of. And also, there are a lot of negative things that you might have heard or read somewhere.
However, if you are drinking this amazing drink in moderation (up to 5 cups a day), there is no reason to worry about any chemicals or the effects of these substances on your body.
If you’re wondering how mushroom coffee tastes, you would be glad to know that its flavor profile is almost similar to that of regular coffee.
Nevertheless, the caffeine content in this brew is lower than that of regular coffee. Typically, mushroom coffee is a popular brew made from ground medicinal mushroom and coffee beans.
Most people prefer this blend to normal coffee due to its health benefits such as improved immunity, reduces risks of getting cancer, antiulcer, antioxidant among others.
Almost 5 out of 10 people worldwide suffer from stress-related disorders. Luckily, stress can be easily managed with the help of various pharmaceutical and herbal remedies.
When stressed, the brain receptors stimulate the adrenaline glands to produces high adrenaline levels. Coffee alone cannot reduce stress. Nevertheless, the functional mushroom in the blend may have some mental health benefits.
The Adaptogen properties of mushrooms help to control adrenaline production and mitigate stress. It also reduces nervousness caused by caffeine intake.
Improved digestion
Experts recommend regular intake of polysaccharides and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut. These two elements also help in the growth of flora and good-gut bacteria.
Mushroom is believed to be rich in healthy gut bacteria which helps promotes smooth digestion. It can also help mitigate stress caused to your stomach by too much coffee intake.
Similarly, the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of this fungus can help eliminate stomach pains and ulcers.
Sleep management
The best thing about this brew is that it contains low levels of caffeine. This means you can take it without worrying about the nasty side effects of caffeine.
One cup of these drinks may not affect your general sleep pattern as compared to taking the black coffee. People who suffer from insomnia due to stress can also benefit from this fungus.
Plus, you can also make it a part of your breakfast diet to improve your alertness throughout the day.
Antioxidant properties
While fruits and vegetables are known to be among the best antioxidants, coffee takes the lead. Actually, most people take in more Polyphenols and Hydrocinnamic Acids from coffee than any other source.
Likewise, a blend between coffee beans and Chaga Mushrooms can make an even greater antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to have a protective effect on various body cells.
The caffeine in this brew is believed to activate the brain cells in multiple ways. Once caffeine reaches the brain, it slows down the production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
When adenosine is temporarily blocked, the brain triggers the production of glutamate and dopamine neurotransmitters, responsible for the high effect in the brain.
Typically, it temporarily tricks the brain from producing the chemicals that promote sleep. We feel more alive, more energetic, and more alert.
Improves immunity
Frequent intake of vitamin D strengthens the immunity system and prevents the risk of major diseases.
This fungus is the main source of vitamin D, and including it in your diet can help improve your overall immune system. On the other hand, coffee by itself contains several nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B3.
Taking a cup of coffee daily increases the amount of these nutrients in the body, therefore leading to a healthy immune system.
Slows aging
The fact that these mushrooms are rich in antioxidants compounds, can help prevent damages to cells as you grow older. It may also prevent hair loss, fatigue and improve skin texture.
Switching from regular coffee to mushroom coffee is one of the wisest things you can do for your skin and your overall well-being. Click here to read more.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling foggy or sleepy in the morning, the mushroom coffee can help you stay energetic all day. The good part is, it is less caffeinated ad has a whole bunch of essential nutrients.
Some people claim that taking regular coffee may have an effect on your body including acidity, disrupted sleep patterns, and more as it turns out, blending various functional mushrooms with coffee beans can help offset these nasty side effects. Try blending your favorite fungus into your morning coffee and see how it goes.
In today’s fast-paced world, coffee to go has become an almost unavoidable thing. Since most people do not start their day without this aromatic drink and often cannot drink it in the morning, they need a hug in a mug on the go. Here is the list of reasons why most people can go without this hot drink.
You can always have a cup of coffee at the corner store or gas station. But coffee trailers are becoming a thing these days, too. Having a cup of joe there is more than a great source of refreshment. It also brings a wonderful sense of community and enjoyment in your favorite beverage outside, in great company.
Having a trailer serving hug in a mug is a great way to enter the mobile coffee business industry. It can save you tons of cash in start-up expenses and make as much profit as a large sit-down cafeteria.
Develop Business Plan
As with any start-up, the first step is to have a plan. It is a written example of how you will develop a profitable business. It will be a guideline on marketing your new business, obtaining quality supplies, training employees, promoting a brand, etc.
You need to work out technical things, like the size of the trailer you need, the goods you will offer, the supplier, and the like. Then, you need to consider the legal aspects of your business, that is, the necessary permits and how feasible it is to obtain them.
Do not forget promotion and advertising. As a start-up, you can do that on the go. Use all the advantages of social networks and create an ad appealing to your audience. Rely on ‘old-fashioned’ promotion ways, too, such as handing out flyers or advertising on the radio.
Target Market
Market research is something to work on alongside a business plan. Think about how to enter the market initially and find customers. Also, you must do something to make your brand recognizable among so many others.
Coffee trailers are generally found in public places and neighborhoods with a high population of young and entrepreneurs running businesses. These can be an example of your target markets, but keep in mind that your competition probably thinks the same way. Targeting the market will help you determine what kind of coffee you will serve and how you will stand out from competitors.
Budgeting
After making an initial business plan, you should recalculate your expenses and see if your budget can support that. Do not cut corners on the equipment and quality supplies if you really do not have to. Also, do not miss getting all required permits, as missing any of these can cost you. That is why you might need more money than you think.
See if there is a chance for an incentive or a loan to start a business. If not, you can borrow money from a bank or private lenders. It is only important to find acceptable ways of financing that you will be able to meet until your business gets on its feet.
Get Trailer and Equipment
First, you need a trailer. It will be pulled by another vehicle, so the assumption is that you have one. The manufacturers of these vehicles offer them in different designs and sizes, depending on your needs. You can buy coffee trailers from V Street Food and get outstanding and affordable vehicles for your new business.
As for the equipment, trailers mostly come with one some of it, while the rest you have to buy yourself. You will need a good coffee maker, grinder, shelves, a counter, a freezer, and even a dishwasher. You can get a small table and a few chairs or a counter just big enough for two or three customers.
The equipment does not have to be the most expensive one, but it does not have to be of poor quality either. The appliances should be new. New espresso machines make great coffee, and that should be the product to remember you by.
Quality Supplies
Make sure to educate about getting good beans and brewing quality beverages. As selling coffee is a high-profit margin business, you will surely have your investment back sooner or later. People appreciate a good cup of quality coffee. So, if you pay for quality beans, you will brew and sell them well, too. Earnings can be tenfold per cup.
Have both products and services to remember. Make sure you always have fresh grounds of different roasts. Think of custom cups and mugs printed with your company logo and message. Serve a candy or praline with hot beverages. A good cup of joe is important, so is the quality service.
Think of Location
The good thing about coffee trailers is that you can move your business as needed. For example, an important match is being played at a local stadium – you are there. The premiere of the film is in the cinema – you are there. You want a central area that is easy to access.
If you do not plan your trip, this can be the hard part of the job. So always determine which distance is cost-effective. For example, these can be all places within half an hour of driving. Anything farther than that will require more gasoline and effort to reach.
Create Brand Recognition
Suppose you want to be receptive to young, successful people. In that case, your menu should include decaffeinated coffee and those with added milk and flavors. You would point out that the coffee beans you use are of organic origin and sustainably grown. Also, you offer reusable cups rather than paper and plastic ones. That is something that the young population appreciates.
Your branding also includes different ideas for your name and logo. If you are opening a unique franchise of mobile coffee shops, you should go with something unique. That is still a small niche within the coffee industry, so you can be creative and develop an unusual and easy-to-remember name and logo.
Having a coffee shop is a great thing, especially if you are a true fan of this hot beverage. But being a mobile food entrepreneur can bring the success of your coffee business to a higher level. It is a more convenient and cheaper venture than starting a brick-and-mortar store but can be equally (or even more) profitable.
If you drink coffee every day, you probably want it to be perfect. While it seems like a simple task, it is easier said than done. In many cases, even the most experienced baristas are not able to make a perfect coffee.
Even though the quality of coffee you drink outside of your home is something that you cannot change and have to accept, you can always improve your own coffee-making skills. That way, you will be able to make coffee that is tailored to your individual preferences with ease.
To make that easier for you, we prepared a list of tips and tricks that will allow you to make great coffee. Once you familiarize yourself with them, you should become a coffee guru in no time. Let’s get started!
Give Coffee Beans a Try
According to the coffee experts at https://hotshotsleeves.com, you should try to make your coffee from scratch by getting your hands on high-quality coffee beans. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. After all, there are hundreds of different kinds of coffee beans that you can possibly choose from.
Obviously, if you want your coffee to be perfect, you must choose a blend and roast that you like. If you are unsure about what to choose, do not be afraid to ask an expert at your local coffee shop. They should be able to help you out in no time.
If there is no coffee shop nearby, do not worry! You can always order coffee beans online. There are many online stores that specialize in selling coffee and tea. If you find yourself in need of help, you can always send them an email or call their customer service.
Choose the Right Coffee Grinder
Once you buy the coffee beans, you should purchase a coffee grinder. It is a device that grinds coffee beans into small pieces. While it does not alter the taste of the coffee, it can affect how strong or weak it will be. But before you purchase a grinder, there are some things that you should take into consideration.
Material
The two main materials that are used by the manufacturers of coffee grinders are plastic and metal. While grinders made from metal are more durable, they are much more expensive than plastic ones. Metal grinders may also require more maintenance than plastic ones.
Price
The price of your coffee grinder can affect its quality. While you might feel tempted to go for the cheapest one that you will be able to find, try to go for something more expensive. It should be much more durable and as a result, it will serve you for many years to come.
Grinding Accuracy
When choosing a grinder, you should also consider how accurate it is. While most grinders are accurate enough, there are some exceptions to this rule. The best way of going about it is by reading the reviews of a particular grinder.
Make Sure Your Water Is Good
Coffee is mostly water. Therefore, it is important that you use water that tastes good. Otherwise, it might alter the flavor of the beverage. Ideally, you should avoid distilled water and water with high mineral content. If you are using tap water, you can use a special filter to improve its taste. You can use a simple carbon filter or an activated charcoal one for this purpose.
Pay Attention To the Ratio of Water and Coffee
As a rule of thumb, you should use two tablespoons for every six ounces of water in order to make the best cup of coffee possible. However, the manufacturer of the beans that you used might advise you to use a different ratio. If that is the case, you should be able to find the recommended ratio on the packaging.
Adhere To Our Instructions
After you have everything you need to brew the perfect cup of coffee, it is time to put what you have learned into practice. Firstly, you have to choose the type of beans you want to brew, grind them with the grinder, and brew them in your coffee machine. After you are done, you can enjoy your cup of perfect coffee!
Enjoy Your Perfect Coffee!
As you can see, making a perfect cup of coffee is not a complicated process. While it might seem time-consuming and difficult, it will definitely be worth it. Not everyone can make their coffee from scratch. Once you learn how to do it, you will definitely feel proud of yourself and confident when it comes to your coffee-making skills.
However, keep in mind that you might not succeed on your first try. That is perfectly fine! If you have never made coffee from scratch before, you will need to get used to doing it. It might take a few days or weeks, but in the end, it will allow you to enjoy delicious coffee in the comfort of your house.
Coffee is the first word that comes to mind of most people in the wee hours of the morning. For many, it aids in having a kick start to their daily routine. Wikipedia reflects that about 2.25 billion servings of coffee are consumed each day globally. However, everyone has their own favourite coffee. And, I am certain many of you must have the arabica coffee topping the list of your favourites.
Arabica coffee, also known as mountain coffee, has its roots in Yemen. It was amongst one of the first coffees which were wildly cultivated. Even today, arabica coffee grabs 60% of the total coffee production worldwide.
We bring you a handy guide with all the information about arabica coffee.
History of Arabica Coffee
Originally around 1,000 B.C., the beans of Coffea arabica were consumed by the local tribe Oromo who were the residents of Kefa. In today’s time, Kefa is known as Ethiopia.
Then in the 7th century, these beans moved through the Red Sea and reached Yemen and lower Arabia and that’s where it got a name. Easy to say, the first brewing of these beans took place in Arabia and hence the name arabica coffee was coined.
The written historical scripts describe that even in those days it was useful as a stimulant that helped the workers in having extended working hours.
The journey of arabica coffee commenced in Yemen and reached the households of Turks and Egyptians before it made it to the rest of the world.
Taste of Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee is the most commonly consumed coffee worldwide. Majorly, all the coffee shops, marketplaces and grocery stores around you must be selling arabica.
Unlike other coffee beans, arabica coffee has a bit of sweet flavour naturally added to it.
It also has hints of caramel, nuts, berries and chocolate to it. Cold brews of this coffee further bring out the sweet flavour possessed by this coffee.
Countries Growing Arabica Coffee
This type of coffee grows best in the equatorial tropical climate. Hence, South America and Africa are known to be best suited for growing this coffee.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of arabica coffee. Other countries which also produce this coffee are Colombia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, India, Mexico, Costa Rica among others.
Key Ingredients
3 tablespoons of Arabica Coffee Beans – You can buy readily available ground coffee or you can get the roasted beans and do the labour work yourself.
1 tablespoon of Cardamom – It’s a traditional ingredient added to arabica coffee that enhances its flavour.
5-6 Cloves (optional) – Just for adding more flavour
Pinch of saffron – Just for adding more flavour
1 tablespoon of rose water
3 cups of water
Recipe For Preparing Arabica Coffee
Grind your simmered coffee beans very finely with the help of a coffee grinder. Remember that the volume of water to coffee is 1:1 – for every one cup of coffee you need one cup of water and one tablespoon of coffee.
You can grind the cardamom along with the coffee beans or separately.
Making the Coffee
Pour the water in a Dallah. Heat the water on a low flame and wait until it comes to a boiling point. You can also use a saucepan instead of a dallah.
Remove the dallah from the stove after the water boils for about 30 seconds and turn down the flame of the stove.
Add coarsely crushed coffee and cardamom to the water. Do not stir the coffee and water with a spoon. Let it settle down naturally.
Place the dallah on the stove. Now at a low flame, heat the coffee and water mix for about ten to twelve minutes. Ensure that you do not boil the coffee. Boiling the coffee burns all its flavours.
After four to five minutes, add cardamom if you haven’t already and cloves.
Take out your thermos flask where you want to pour your coffee. Pre-heat the flask with the help of boiling water. Remember to remove the water before you pour your coffee into the flask.
Ten to twelve minutes later you’ll be able to see foam coming on the top of the coffee giving an indication that its time to take it off the stove.
Take the dallah off the stove and let the coffee grounds settle in the mixture. Let it rest for a minute or two and do not try to mix it.
At this time, add a tablespoon of rose water and a pinch of saffron to the flask and let it settle at the bottom.
With the help of a strainer, pour your boiled heavenly aromatic coffee into the thermos. You will observe that the thicker part of coffee beans and other carcasses will be caught up in the strainer.
Leave the thermos as is and let all the ingredients blend into each other for about eight to ten minutes.
Serve your arabica coffee with something sweet on the side.
The Key Takeaway
If you are a coffee person then arabica we definitely recommend you try our recipe. And even otherwise, once you taste this coffee you will not be able to resist it!
Arabica coffee is sure to set your mood for the day. Its aroma, flavours and the caffeine rush that it gives is worth all the effort.
Plus, if you look at the making process, it’s not rocket science. You can easily squeeze out around 30 minutes and carry this coffee to your work every single day.
Have it with a Belgium cookie and you will be set to kill it through your day!
