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!
“A properly grounded coffee produces strong and fresh flavored drink”. This statement is absolutely true because grinding your beans before brewing is a fine way to ensure a fresh batch of tasty beverages. As a result, a coffee grinder is most recommended for every espresso lover.
It comes in different sizes and produces grounds of various levels: fine, medium, and coarse. With a broad option of products available, we will review the top 3 brands in 2021. We will also discuss factors to consider before purchasing one. Let’s begin.
The Conical Burr is impressive as it operates with an automatic switch-on button and grinds into a stainless steel container. The container comes with a lid that has a hole that is big enough for the grounds to pass through without spilling.
The top container, which is where the beans are poured into, is made of UV-protection tint. It also has an air-tight lid that helps to preserve the flavor. It can hold up to a pound of beans, the highest in our best pick coffee grinders review.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes with a beautiful design and has over 60 grind settings to produce grounds of diverse consistency. It can produce fine or coarse grinds based on what you want.
This equipment comes with a digital screen that helps you select your preferred grind size, brew time, as well as the brew size you want. It also comes with a cover for the lid in case you want to store the grounds. It has a capacity of 13 cups.
The Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill can produce grinds that are up to 18 types. It produces fine, medium, and coarse grinds that produce the finest espresso and brews.
The bottom container comes with a small hole where grounds pass through into the filter. It has a lid to save leftover grounds. The grinder also has a scoop and a brush that can be used to clean it easily.
Burr grinding provides uniform grind and optimum flavor
18-position grind selector - from ultra-fine to extra-coarse
4 to 18-cup slide dial
Removable 8 oz. bean hopper. Heavy-duty motor, Convenient cord storage
Factors to Consider When Buying Coffee Grinders
With so many products available, you might be confused as to which would be best for you. So, we curated some factors to consider before purchasing one.
Capacity
Capacity is an important factor to consider before buying a coffee grinder. Remember, a large-capacity machine doesn’t make it the best brand. Also, a smaller capacity machine is easy to maintain and use.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that having a large-capacity machine is bad. If you want to make coffee for many people, you may consider a large-capacity brand. But if it is just for you or a smaller group of persons, a brand with a small capacity is a better option.
Heat and Speed
Heat plays an important role in the taste of your drink. A higher temperature leads to a stronger taste, but a mild temperature can produce a strong-flavored drink. A professional barista and avid home brewer T. Grant recently shared his thoughts on how temperature can impact your experience of coffee.
This is also true in the case of coffee grinders. Burnt grounds will not produce a fresh-tasting beverage. Also, the speed of the machine can affect the heat it produces. If the grinder works at high-speed, it will cause the beans to burn.
High speed can also reduce the lifespan of the equipment. It is therefore advisable to buy equipment that has low-speed motors and can reduce heat when they produce grounds.
Material
The material used in making the machine is also an important factor to consider. It could be made of stainless steel or ceramics. Stainless steel is easier to replace and less expensive to buy but ceramics are more expensive. Yet, a ceramic grinder is more durable than stainless steel.
If you love coffee, then it is recommended to buy ceramic grinders since they perform better in producing fine grounds. You can read this article to know more about the difference between both materials.
Final Thoughts
If you love coffee and you want to make it yourself, you will want to get a coffee grinder. We discussed the top 3 brands in 2021. Ensure that you keep in mind the factors discussed when you want to buy a coffee grinder.
Many employees can’t start their day without having a strong cup of coffee. Sometimes, it’s the only thing getting them out of bed in the morning. With the number of different coffee beans, strengths, and tastes available in the world, it comes as no surprise that people love it. Curious about the history of coffee? You can go here to find out more about it.
5 Benefits of Using an Office Coffee Service
There is a reason why businesses give their employees coffee breaks. A strong cup of brew can lift the spirit and give a boost of much-needed energy. It is fair to say, that coffee drinkers strongly dislike bad coffee. In many cases, it can put them in a really bad mood.
This is why you should consider investing in an office coffee service for the office. Not convinced? Here are 5 more reasons why you should strongly consider it.
Boost Employee’s Mood
A study done by McKinsey and Company back in 2008, proved that 61% of workers feel much more appreciated and cared for when their employers provide them with food and beverage. An astonishing 82% said that a strong cup of coffee put them in a better mood.
As trivial as it might seem, it has been proven in many studies, that employees look forward to going into work when there’s a fresh cup of brew waiting.
Optimized Productivity
A strong cup of beans is filled with caffeine. Despite popular belief, caffeine isn’t all that bad. Caffeine heightens focus, concentration, and brain activity to the optimum. Resulting in a very productive and fruitful team in the office.
Scientific studies have proven that 1-2.5 cups can improve mental performance and alertness. Investing in a high-quality office coffee service unit will give your employees access to caffeine-power whenever they feel a bit hazy.
Improves Relationships and Social Interaction
Even though there are loads of people who share a workspace, there can be quite little to no social interaction. Especially when everyone is glued to their screens and stuck in their cubicles. To enhance employee relationships and encourage interaction, a coffee service might just do the trick.
It’s important for employees to chat with each other, share ideas, and talk about different work topics. All of this can naturally happen when they run into each other at the coffee break station.
Improves Collaboration
It’s a modern occurrence to see more working environments showcasing a collaborative workspace. In this area, people are encouraged to work together in a communal area instead of working at their desks. Having a hot drink while brainstorming or having a meeting in a communal workspace is highly beneficial.
Just like people will come up with great ideas and stories while socializing over a drink, in the same way, they will over a cup of brew. This has been proven by scientists observing the workspace. Employees feel much more stimulated and energized when they can spend time away from the desk.
Not only does caffeine boost productivity and energy levels, but it also holds many other benefits. High-quality beans hold many benefits, and you can find at least 20 reasons why you should never stop drinking it.
No More Stolen Time
Almost all employees enjoy the benefits of going on breaks. Studies have shown that 80% of American employees go on a break to make themselves a cup of brew. Boiling a kettle and looking for some fresh milk, can take up a lot of time.
If there aren’t any brewing facilities available, employees will ‘quickly’ run to the nearest brewery. This wastes a lot of valuable time they could’ve spent working. This can also be said for companies who offer their employees bad quality beans. Being stingy on the kind of product you leave in the hot beverage room, can drive your employees further away.
Those who need their strong brew fix will run to the nearest brewery to purchase a high-quality cup of brew.
Providing employees with a strong cup of quality brew from a decent coffee maker, will not only boost productivity but morale around the office too. This once-off investment will return in investment when your employees feel more energized and collaborative.
It’s entertaining to watch baristas mix and dance while serving coffees. The steaming and sweet aroma of espresso may also be what you’re looking for every morning, and these artisans deserve respect. They have arcane skills, but you may notice that it’s getting more expensive to drop by inside the café every single day.
Advantages of Getting your Own Coffeemaker
Fortunately, if you want days where you feel like preparing your own brew, you can get a coffee maker that will do the job just fine. The perfect espresso machines may even bring you a more delicious drink than what you always order inside the cafes. Besides, if you make another cup for your significant other, they will also appreciate this gesture, and you may develop a lifetime passion because of the machine.
Have your Morning Fix Faster
When you wake up, you just have to brew the beans, and you’ll smell the smoky and honey-like fragrance in minutes. You’ll appreciate that your lips will feel the crema or foamy consistency on top, and you may instantly become awake.
The machines are quick technologies that will effortlessly fit into your morning ritual. It’s also interesting to know that the Italian word for espresso is “fast.” Not having to go to the café and wait in long lines can be a huge relief for many people.
Explore Other Flavors
With pre-ground bean packets or pod makers, you may be stuck with fewer selections of brews available out there. However, there’s no reason why you should limit yourself to a single flavor every single day. The beans are always evolving and changing, and there’s always something new out there waiting for you to discover them.
It may be best to try the seasonal ones with different roast profiles or those from different countries. The best espresso equipment at home will give you a new world where you’ll be open up to try other flavors. You can craft something new and explore the roasters that are new in town. Of course, you can always go back to your favorites whenever the need arises.
Deepen your Knowledge
One of the best secrets to understanding your espresso is the more cups you’re drinking; the more your palate understands the taste. When you make your own at home, you’ll be exposed to more flavors, different origins, and various roasters. You’re always free to adjust the flavors whenever you want through tweaking factors like the amount of coffee, grind size, and time. There’s still no substitute for exploration and let the new wonders enthrall you.
Have More Control
The best and professional-grade coffee makers are designed to give you full control in making your favorite espresso. You can set the PID controls to the temperature you want, have more milk steaming, and anything else you would love to add.
Add splashes of liveliness to your brews and serve your coffee hotter than what you’re usually used to. Aerate the milk in the cappuccino for a bit longer if you find the foam too stiff. Play and explore with your espresso the way the baristas do and add incremental adjustments whenever you want since these machines will not have any issues in giving you what you want for the morning.
Sustainable Option
You may appreciate the plastic and affordable coffee pods in the shops. However, you are paying more for the pods than the minuscule amount of espresso that you’re having. You may not realize it, but you’re actually paying about $50 a pound, which you can learn more about at this link here.
On the other hand, you can already purchase the best pods and whole coffee beans from the best roasters in the state for just $25 a pound, and that’s half the price. The chances that you’re supporting more of the high-quality beans than the usual industrial packaging is evident when you have your own machine at home.
Another thing is that the capsules that usually come with single-serve are not exactly environment-friendly. Most of them end up in garbage cans and landfills, contributing to the waste problem in many countries. This is different from using the whole beans to create your favorite brew, as you can do away with the pods and even adding the used ones as compost to your plants in the garden.
Own a Masterpiece
There are certain brands of machines that were hand-made and considered masterpieces by their creators. You can expect these companies to produce high-quality and traditional machines with state-of-the-art designs.
Nowadays, the advances toward modern technology are groundbreaking. Some have automatic features, remote controls, and a lot more. The metal designs, high-quality parts, industrial-grade machines, and premium finishes will make you a proud owner of a suitable appliance in your home. There are certain products that you can serve your family for generations, so you may as well consider this as an investment.
Become the Ultimate Host
A secret that many people may not tell you is that baristas aren’t all that cute. The act of giving a favorite brew to someone will make you 10x more amazing and beautiful, especially if this is your friends and families that you’re serving.
Fine, many may disagree, and professional baristas may actually be very nice and dreamy people. But you can’t still ignore the fact that you will look quite the host to your entire neighborhood, and this is something that you can be proud of.
What you can do is to surprise your significant other in bed with their favorite latte or espresso. You can offer delicious cappuccinos to your neighbors who always watch your kid whenever you’re away. You’re on the road to become an amazing person and become more remarkable when you’re always serving fresh espressos for someone else.
Now that you have an idea of how the machine can change your lifestyle, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get one today. You have a wide range of options available for you, and these products are affordable and durable.
There seem to be a never-ending stream of different types of coffee and how to make them. From AeroPress champions to award-winning baristas. Each tweaking different processes in an attempt to squeeze an extra ounce of flavor from the beans or to enhance certain properties.
However, there is only one method of making coffee that is given UNESCO Cultural Heritage status. And that is Turkish coffee. So, if you want to know how to make Turkish coffee at home and see what all the fuss is about, this guide is for you.
Authentic and Delicious
A Turkish proverb perfectly explains their feelings on coffee: “Black as Hell, strong as death, sweet as love”.
Coffee houses are now part of the modern-day culture around the world. But for those of us in the Western world, this is a very new experience.
In Turkey, however, coffee houses have been an integral part of society since the mid-16th century. They started as a place for the wealthiest of society but soon became a meeting place for the masses too. With that much history, they certainly know what they’re doing when it comes to coffee!
History of Turkish Coffee
As with all things in history, there are a couple of stories of how coffee first came into Turkey.
When coffee first appeared in the Ottoman Empire it was deemed a drug and banned, in accordance with the strictest interpretations of the Quran.
However, the drink became so popular it was eventually allowed to be consumed.
The following are the two stories about the drink’s origin in the country. But as nobody alive at the time can corroborate, there is absolutely no way to know which – if either – is actually true.
Yemeni Coffee Brewing
In 1521, the Ottoman in charge of Yemen, Özdemir Pasha, learned the technique of Yemeni coffee brewing. He did so in an attempt to win the favor of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
He personally dedicated the drink to the Sultan – coffee being one of the most expensive drinks at the time, imported from Ethiopia.
Sultan Suleiman expressed his enjoyment of the drink by issuing a royal decree adopting the drink. From there, its popularity grew and grew.
The Black Drink
Two Syrian traders, Hakam from Alleppo and Shams from Damascus, wanted to start trading the coffee beans from Syria into Turkey.
To help facilitate this they set up a shop selling drinks in Turkey. The drink was brought to the palace for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to try, where it was titled “the black drink”. It then spread around the nation from there.
Where Did Turkish Coffee Come From?
Both versions of Turkish coffee’s origins make nice stories. Although they are almost definitely not true, the chronology is sound:
Coffee first spread through the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520 – 1566).
It first becomes popular with the wealthy families who employed special coffee brewers Kahveci Usta. Then, eventually, it became a drink for the masses as the price came down.
Occasionally the coffee houses were closed en masse when a Sultan decided they were the source of anti-Ottoman sentiment. Or that they had become breeding grounds for conspirators.
However, by the end of the 16th century, there were around 600 coffee houses in Istanbul. By the 19th century, there were around 2500.
Cultural Significance of Coffee in Turkey
Coffee in Turkey is much more than a beverage to wake you up. Or even something to enjoy whilst chatting with friends. It is an important part of Middle Eastern culture.
In Turkey, coffee was an integral part of the marriage process:
Young girls would be taught how to make coffee from a young age. The first time they met their potential husband, they would prepare coffee with a little salt added to test his patience.
The second time, she would prepare coffee for his family. His parents would scrutinize her technique. This included the way she carried herself during the process and the cups she chose to serve the coffee in. And, most importantly, the taste.
Around Turkey, coffee was always served with water for washing the residue out of the mouth. Plus Turkish delight, of course.
Reading Turkish Coffee Grounds
Reading the coffee grounds also became a popular activity in the 16th century.
Tasseography (or Tasseomancy) is the art of reading the patterns and symbols left in the cup once the grounds have been swirled and the cup tipped upside down to remove most of them. The most important rules for this were:
Never read your own cup
Never get a “second opinion” from another reader
Always start reading from the cup handle
Turkish Coffee Recipe
To brew Turkish coffee at home you’ll need to use Turkish ground coffee. The coffee needs to be extremely finely ground, even finer than espresso grind.
So, set your grinder to the appropriate setting – if it even grinds that fine. Unfortunately, not all types of coffee grinder are created equally meaning it may not be possible with your grinder.
Whilst using freshly ground coffee is always better, if you are struggling to get a fine enough grind size, you can opt for specially ground coffee. A good Turkish coffee brand to look for is Kurukahveci Mehmet Effendi.
Just know that there will be an impact on the flavor as ground coffee loses freshness much quicker than beans. This is especially important here as Turkish coffee is far more at risk of over extraction than your average coffee maker.
You’ll also need a special Turkish coffee pot called an ibrik or cezve.
It is possible, in theory, to make it without an ibrik. For example, you could use a saucepan. However, making Turkish coffee without an ibrik removes your control over the boiling process and the resultant foam. Plus, the little pots are very pretty, not very expensive, and easy to pick up (even on Amazon), so it’s worth splashing out on one if you want to give it a try.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cold, filtered water per person (use the cup you’ll serve the coffee in not a cup measurement)
1 heaped tablespoon ground coffee per person
1 teaspoon granulated sugar per person
How many cups you are able to make will depend on the size of your Ibrik. So, when you’re buying one make sure you get the size you need.
Always be precise in coffee to water ratio so you get a well-balanced brew – Turkish coffee is much more concentrated than your average coffee.
How to Make Turkish Coffee Step by Step
Combine the cold water, coffee, and sugar in the Ibrik.
Place on a stove over medium heat and bring to the boil. This will take 3-4 minutes but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.
As it heats up a dark foam will appear on top. It’s important that Turkish coffee is served with foam on top so just before it boils, spoon some of the foam into each cup.
Return the coffee pot to the stove.
Once the coffee comes to a boil pour half into the cups.
Return the pot to the stove and boil the remaining half for another 20 seconds or so.
Fill the coffee cups to the brim.
Serving your Turkish Coffee
Whenever you get coffee in Turkey, the experience starts from the moment the cup is put in front of you. Turkish coffee cups are often elaborately designed. However, the most important element is their size and thickness:
The cups should be demitasse sized (what you would usually expect for an espresso). However, they should be thinner than an espresso cup. Often, they will be made of thin porcelain or have a copper cup holder and lid. The design helps to keep the brew warm for as long as possible.
Always serve your coffee with cold or room temperature water to allow people to clear their palette before enjoying the coffee. This will help get maximum flavor enjoyment.
It is also recommended that you leave the coffee for a few moments before serving. This allows the grounds to sink to the bottom. Plus, it helps with reading the coffee grounds if you want to try your hand at this.
A sweet treat such as Turkish delight should also be served on the side.
This type of coffee is much stronger than filter coffee so one cup should be enough. If you are not used to the intense flavor, you may want to add milk or cream in. But this isn’t something that is done in Turkey, so we encourage you to drink it as it is.
Wondering why suddenly, coffee bags that were around a while back have become now so popular? You at not alone. I, too, have marveled at how it wasn’t common to find them in stores and online for sale until now. And I have almost imagined that the introduction of seeds and processed caffeine would reduce the demands for coffee bags. But I guess I thought wrong.
When it comes to enjoying the best caffeine drink, coffee tops the list, and if you are a caffeine head, you want to source the best beans, bags, makers, and all the other things you need to enjoy a perfect drink—but interested in the all sudden popularity of coffee bags? You can find out more info on that below.
What are Coffee Bags?
They’ve become popular, and there is a good chance you’ve seen an advert recently. But what exactly is the coffee bag?
It is a small size sealed bag packed with a serving of freshly ground coffee. And these bags are made from a lightweight material that is entirely from natural sources, so they pose no health risk to the drinker. But whether the bags are made from corn starch, paper, or some sort of woven fabric, one thing you want to be certain of is; it has to pack some of the finest grounds.
If you are familiar with teabags, then these are similar only difference is you have coffee grounds in them instead of tea leaves. And they follow the same preparation technique when you need a hot drink. Pour in hot water over a bag dipped inside a cup. Allow to steep for three to five minutes and then squeeze out the bag and dispose of it properly. And then enjoy the hot drink. No stress is involved.
Content Material of Coffee Bags
Now this one is obvious, coffee grounds. But you can find other additives in certain brands. These could be served as a therapeutic remedy to help cope better with specific treatments while you enjoy your beverage. These are most common with tea, as you can find green tea with ginger, lemon, and other fruit, vegetable, or herbal additive.
While you can find many coffee add-ins to make your drink even more refreshing, you want to ensure that the grounds are from organic sources. Common ingredients people add to their coffee cups include milk, creamer, beer, chicory, butter, egg, and many others that might surprise you.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Bags?
You will not have an issue if you know a thing a two about caffeine levels and determine how ideal it is for you. And you can expect that beginner and regular drinkers will have different tolerance levels when it comes to caffeine.
You might want to ask a quick question. But caffeine doesn’t cause a high effect? And this is true if you don’t add in any alcohol or marijuana. Still, it is common to suffer from a coffee overdose, which can cause side effects. The common ones include jitters, sleeplessness, anxiety, stomach upsets, and in some instances, changes in body weight.
Knowing how much coffee is right for you daily will be the best way to kick start a healthy drinking campaign. This is if you want to introduce caffeine into your daily routine. And there are good reasons why you should. But before I get into the benefits of drinking coffee daily, let’s first discuss things to consider when choosing the right coffee bag.
#1 Check for your Favorite Brand
If you have any specific coffee brands you like, you want to check if they have one cup bags for consumers. This will likely be so with some of the popular brands available. And if you are just getting started with caffeine and have no specific brand, there are other ways to go about making a choice.
You can also research some of the market’s popular options and see if they have any variety that fits your taste. When starting your quest to finding the right coffee bag and drink for you, you want to keep an open mind.
#2 What is your Preference?
It could also help if you have any specific flavor you like to enjoy in your beverage, you want to see if there are any options available in a bag. It’s not enough to have a favorite Starbucks cup; you also want to know the different types of beans in the market. And you can expect that there are not all the same.
The two different types of coffee beans available are the Arabica and the Robusta, and they each have a slightly different taste. For Arabica, it is considered to be of the highest grade compared to Robusta and has a bitter taste that is both strong and acidic. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get the best refreshment from a Robusta brew, and when it comes to the quality of the drink, you want to refer to the quality of the bean, and not which.
#3 Determine Caffeine Levels
You also want to determine how strong you want the caffeine to be when shopping for the right coffee bag. And you don’t want to make the common mistake of using the color to determine the caffeine strength. It is a common misconception that darker beans make a stronger drink than the lighter ones.
But when it comes to the strongest, the lightly roasted beans hold the highest levels of caffeine and are best if you want to enjoy a potent brew. And for a beginner, you want to stick to the low caffeine options, which are of the darker variety. There is always the option of beginning small with your drink and increasing it once you build more tolerance.
#4 Check for the Basic Information
Now, like any other food and drink, you want to confirm the necessary information on the packaging. This includes the manufacture and best before date. You also want to know the ingredients and any other important information that will help you decide if it fits you. In the case of coffee bags, you want to check the roast date of the beans and be sure that it is of the best quality.
Why you Should Enjoy Coffee; Bag or no Bag
So you are not sure whether the coffee bag or ground option will be best for you. And the truth is that you don’t want to stress it because there is no actual difference in the drink’s taste, whether it is in a bag or not. As I mentioned earlier, you want to focus more on the coffee quality packaged in the product. Some of the reasons you enjoy at least a cup at work or the start of a productive day include
Get a quick boost of energy and smartness that is great to start you off to a successful day. Whether you are working or studying or need to stand on your feet, you can trust caffeine to provide you with the mental alertness required.
There is also the belief that you can lose excess weight by drinking coffee regularly. You want to be careful not to drink too much, so you don’t suffer from caffeine toxicity.
You can also find a cup of coffee to be filled with nutrition that will help improve health. Some of them include riboflavin, magnesium, magnesium, and many other vitamins needed by the body daily. Enjoy a few cups may be an excellent way to ensure you get the recommended daily supply.
It reduces the chances of type 2 diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels to the minimum, eliminating the chances of suffering from the disease.
May have the ability to prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other types of neurodegenerative diseases. But when it comes to maintaining optimal mental health, there are many other things you can try.
There is also the claim that it could help prevent a specific type of cancer, especially those of the liver and colorectal organ. Studies suggest that having up to 4 cups daily could do more for cancer prevention and liver health.
There are many other numerous ways you can benefit from a daily coffee diet. But if you are particular about enjoying the perfect brew, you want to shop for the best quality around. You should use online research to find out the popular options available and look through reviews to find out what others say.
Final Note
Coffee bags are popular now than ever and not only because there are the best options, but that many manufacturers and roaster of the beans are more particular about providing variety. So if you find a bag in the store, you should not be hesitant to add it to your shopping cart. You can research any popular product to see if they have options in small bags like those for different tea varieties. Remember not to ignore the beans’ quality or ground if you want to enjoy the best-brewed drink.
