Antigua Guatemala Coffee

University of San Carlos, Antigua, Guatemala

2008-08-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

This beautiful molded plaster detail at the University of San Carlos in Antigua Guatemala evokes the charm of an earlier time, when the oldest university in Guatemala was founded. There are many more photos of the university of San Carlos.

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Antigua Guatemala, at Christmas

2008-02-09T06:38:00.001-08:00

antigua guatemala, at christmas time
Originally uploaded by Flip's Page.

These Maya men are playing the traditional marimba, the national instrument of Guatemala. Guatemala Christmas, and other holidays, are filled withs the sound of the marimba.

More Guatemala photos.

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How Global Warming Can Impact What's In Your Coffee Mug

2008-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

From Africa to South America, something is brewing - and it isn't your morning cup of joe. At least, it might be today, but what about ten years from now? Or fifty? Or even one hundred? The earth's climate is changing, and the resultant crops are changing with it - including coffee.

What's Going On?

Shifting global temperatures have a direct impact on the growth of coffee plants, regardless of whether the shift is up or down. The first area of change comes in the constituency of the soil, whose chemical properties are modified, typically reducing the amount of water which can be held by the soil.

As the temperature of the earth increases, droughts become more frequent and plants struggle to find water from the soil - and if there isn't enough, the plants may begin to wilt and yield poor quality coffee cherries. A higher temperature also tends to encourage the proliferation of destructive insects, especially with the Arabica beans, which destroy the crops in their own struggle to stay alive.

Why Is This Happening?

That's a good question. Experts concerned with global warming are still trying to find a definite answer to the problem of greenhouse gases and other potential things that encourage climate change, but as for the direct reason why it will impact coffee plants and beans? The answer lies in the changing methods used to grow and farm the crops.

Plantations in places like Brazil and Columbia have made the shift from traditional, shade-grown beans to something called 'sun growth'. Sun growth requires clear-cutting of forests - which also has a devastating effect on the animal population - and only tends to give several profitable seasons of growth before the fields become fallow.

Places like Africa, India, and Central America still use the shade-growth method of production, which is best for the environment: the tree leaves decompose in the soil and replenish it with nutrients, the foliage provides a natural habitat for insects and therefore creates a barrier against their damage to the shrubs, and the trees help with maintaining the earth's delicate atmospheric balance.

Can the Impact Be Reduced?

The best answer to reducing global warming's impact on coffee plantations is to stick with buying a shade-grown product from a Fair Trade company. This small gesture salutes those countries that are trying to do what they can to save the world's crops from becoming so sparse that prices skyrocket - though in some countries like Kenya, drought has already pushed the price of beans upward due to the extremely small amount of production.

Flowering species such as the Coffea Arabica plant are at serious risk in today's changing environment, and small steps taken now to encourage those preventative measures will make a large difference in the long run. After all, no one wants to face a future without coffee.

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Guatemala Christmas Scene

2007-12-10T07:18:00.001-08:00

Guatemala Christmas Scene
Originally uploaded by Lake Atitlan.

This is a Christmas scene from Antigua Guatemala, in Central America.

More Guatemala photos.

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Cold Pressed Coffee Has Less Acid And Tastes Better!

2007-11-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Reduce your coffee acid between 60% and 70% with a better, less bitter taste, through Cold Pressing!

We are a nation of people who love our coffee. So much so that many of us drink a lot of coffee and unfortunately, it's about the most acidic beverage we can drink.

There are two things we can do reduce the "acid factor" and still enjoy our coffee, one is cold press and the other is ask for cold pressed! Although I'd like to throw out the disclaimer that if you are sick or sicker, you should only be focused on a "value added" menu, or the best of the best, and coffee would not make the cut, but reducing the acid in a situation where someone really feels they need to drink coffee, but need it to taste great, cold pressing does reduce the acidity quite a bit.

Having said that however, for those of us living in the performance world that would like maintain our balance and still drink our coffee occasionally, cold pressing is one of those changes you will probably like better and never lookback.

Coffee can become more acidic from the hot brew cycle (the heat process in our coffee maker). Cold pressing simply removes that part of the process, making a concentrate coffee syrup instead, that you would place in the bottom of your coffee cup and simply add boiling water, replicating hot brewed results.

Most people have told us cold pressed coffee tastes like the Hawaiian Kona Coffee because it is such smooth coffee - it's smooth because cold pressing the coffee reduces bitterness. Using organic coffee's help as well and I like French Roast because it's been said to be the least acidic, and in my opinion, great tasting coffee.

How this process works is simple, you cold press once a week or once every 10 days and keep the concentrate in the refrigerator where it is available whenever you need it.

You can always make coffee concentrate yourself and/or cold press yourself, without purchasing the Toddy, by following the cold pressing directions found at http://biogro.us/toddy.html , simply use a large bowl, cheesecloth, and have ready a jar with a lid.

Cold pressed coffee can be easily taken on the road, left in the office refrigerator, and a big wow is it can be found at some of the better coffee houses (they use cold press use for making frozen coffee drinks) - all you have to do is ask them to use the concentrate to make your cup of java! I have them make soy latte with the concentrate. And for those wondering, I occasionally make cold and hot at home and will serve it at parties as well!

By the way, the same thing applies to cooking and food oils, look for cold pressed or fisrst pressed for better taste and healthful results.

pHealthful Hint: Best to start with pure water from your water purifier, and second choice, bottled water.

More about coffee making.

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Brewing Delicious Coffee At Home

2007-10-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

If you’re still wondering what the rush is about, around the local coffee house, I can tell you, it ain’t the local news! There’s more to a good cup of coffee than who cleans the coffee pot, and those sharp little cookies at the coffee house have figured it out.

If you’re only going to indulge in one cup of Joe a day, you want it to be the best. Well, I’ve got a quick solution for you at home. It’s easy to make a competitive cup of coffee in your own home drip coffee maker while you brush the tangles out of your hair in the morning.

Start with a quality grade of whole bean coffee. Depending on your taste buds, this can be anything from French Roast to Hazelnut Crème to Dark Mediterranean Roast. Pick a few favorites and pack some variety into your boring little life!

You can blend them all together, or just savor them one at a time, but you’ll want a Coffee Grinder that makes them look something like black cornmeal when you pulverize the beans. How strong do you like it?

Use a good amount of beans and pulverize them to a fine powder or leave them a bit grainy if you prefer your coffee a bit less powerful. While the coffee drips, you might want to steam some milk. Short of those powerful little gadgets at the coffee house, the easiest way to steam your milk is to nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds.

This is personal preference. You can use whatever percent of fat in your milk you want, I prefer the real stuff, give me half and half or table cream. I want substance!

Add the coffee down the side of your cup so your cream stays white. I even like to froth mine a bit with a wire whip. There’s something about having an honest to goodness milk mustache that keeps me going all day! Got milk? I want to see proof.

Get a big cup, you’ll want to savor the moment.

Jan Verhoeff enjoys the indulgence of a few luxuries, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend is always a good one.

More about coffee.

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Latte Can be Just as Good at Home

2007-09-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Where do you go for your best coffee? Perhaps you go to your local coffee house. Latte, espresso, mocha - all is available at reasonable cost. But what is reasonable?

Of course, the question of cost means different things to different people. Nobody can deny the sociable aspects of having a coffee in a coffee house. Latte somehow does not taste the same without the social environment. And, of course, there are other features associated with coffee houses that draw punters in for that leisurely cup.

But consider the alternative - or when you simply can't or don't want to go out. What better thing to be able to do than have that perfect cup of coffee in the home. With modern machines this is eminently possible and practical. Gone are the days when the precision of producing a cup of decent coffee was such that you needed a science degree to even attempt it. Gone is the mess and the wastage. Say hello to sparkling new machines, built for the purpose of producing coffee that an expert would be hard pressed to distinguish from the real thing produced elsewhere at four times the cost.

And, incidentally, it IS the real thing. Coffee beans and coffee flavors are available for your home machine at reasonable cost and from reasonable sources. You just have to look and you will find. No more detective work in finding product sources, no more juggling the budget. No more settling for an inferior product due to cost of complexity considerations.

Perfectly stylish and robust coffee machines are available from hundreds of online and offline stores. They fit the bill for coffee making in the same way that they do the pocket. They are as affordable as you want them to be and, treated well, will last years. Now, there are no more excuses for venturing to the coffee house. Latte is on your doorstep.

More about coffee.

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How Coffee Affects Weight Loss

2007-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Coffee is a very popular beverage both in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. In fact, most people who drink coffee drink numerous cups throughout the day. \Many people believe that coffee will help them lose weight. This article will seek to show the truth about whether or not coffee serves any purpose as far as weight loss is concerned.

Coffee contains caffeine, which is a powerful and addictive stimulant. Caffeine is a drug that makes people nervous and fidgety. Caffeine alters blood sugar levels. Caffeine causes people to be hungry and crave food. Caffeine disrupts sleep. Excess caffeine causes headaches, nausea, accelerated heartbeat, and anxiety.

Because coffee alters a person's mood very randomly, it is not a good beverage to drink while trying to lose weight. Coffee has the ability to cause a person to feel hungry without a moment's notice. When the effects of coffee are tapering off, a person will generally feel depressed and want to binge on junk food. The practice of binging on junk food can be counterproductive to your goal of losing weight, depending on how much junk food you eat when binging.

Another reason that coffee is a terrible beverage to drink when trying to lose weight is that coffee adds toxins to your body. When you are trying to lose weight, your body is trying to flush out all toxins from your body.

Coffee is a toxin that shuts down the cleansing process of the body and locks other toxins such as fat inside the body. Therefore, it is wise to quit drinking coffee if you are serious about losing weight.

More about coffee.

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Coffee or Tea Time is all About "Me Time"

2007-09-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing says “me time” better than a cup of coffee or tea? A hot, piping cup or mug of the favorite hot beverage alone or with a special friend can seem like an oasis of sanity in the midst of a hectic day. Hot or cold, with some favorite fruit or nut flavors added, can make for a very special time. Both coffee & tea come with caffeine as optional. If you find that caffeine disturbs your sleep or raises your blood pressure, you can opt for the caffeine free version. If, caffeine is not a problem then go for it! Since both coffee & tea contain caffeine naturally, they must undergo a process to remove it. The decaffeination process whether for beans or leaves, takes some of the flavor out of it, so plan to purchase a better grade of coffee when you want the caffeine out.

There is some humor when people link caffeine products with relaxation and comfort, while at the same time, look upon alcohol as a party drink. When in reality, alcohol is a depressant. You can always spice up your coffee & tea with some flavouring. Just check out your local supermarkets. There are a huge variety of flavourings for your coffee & tea. A scented pot of coffee is the norm at breakfast time. The aroma is as exhilarating as the coffee itself. Tea makes a nice break in the afternoon, accompanied by a light sandwich.

Coffee & tea are sometimes split up by gender as well as time of day. Coffee is the man’s drink, served with a newspaper while a flowered porcelain pot of tea is the picture of milady’s genteel tastes. In reality, men all over the world prefer strong mugs of tea and there’s no shortage of women who gather for a ladies afternoon with coffee.

Hot or cold, man or woman, flavored or plain, caffeinated or not, coffee & tea are possibly the best part of the day.

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Coffee Info Blog. Click here for more great helpful information about Coffee: http://www.coffeeinfoblog.com/the-lowly-coffee-beans

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Transportation in Antigua Guatemala

2007-09-06T07:21:00.001-07:00

DSC07920
Originally uploaded by Peter Jenkel.

The multi-colored chicken bus is the work horse of transportation in Antigua, as well as the rest of Guatemala, in Central America. The tuk-tuk behind is a relatively new addition, to the taxi fleet.

More pictures of Antigua Guatemala.

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What So Great About Gourmet Coffee?

2007-08-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

There is something so relaxing and lazy about sitting at a table having an aromatic cup of coffee. It is hard to stop at one cup that is for certain. However, coffee isn't what it used to be. Since gourmet coffee has hit the shelves it is not longer just something to you do just to perk you up in the morning, it something you drink to enjoy the taste and irresistible flavor of these incredibly made coffees.

People who do not drink coffee often wonder what is so great about gourmet coffee. They ask whether it is made a certain way or it is the taste that lures you in. In fact, it is both reasons. Gourmet coffee is made from very high quality 'Arabica' coffee beans that are hand picked and thoroughly checked over to makes sure they are superior. Unlike commercial coffees that are machine graded, people that are experienced in gourmet coffee beans will be able to see if there is any dirt, leaves, or anything else in the beans that will spoil the taste.

The gourmet coffee beans are then treated with special oils after the roasting process which is what gives it the special flavor that is so tempting to drink. It is a blend of natural oils that are used for the coffee bean treatment. These oils are able to sustain a healthy shelf life without ever spoiling or losing it's characteristic flavors once mixed with the blend of your favorite type of gourmet coffee. The oils and the flavors neutralize each other so you get a very smooth taste without any overpowering blend.

Gourmet coffee is then roasted in a way that customizes the coffee for your taste. Using a light roast, you will contain the natural aroma without the overcooked taste that you find in many of the traditional coffees. Arabic coffee beans are ground perfect fineness to give you the best taste that you can have in a full bodied cup of coffee. There are gourmet coffees that use a more coarser grind to give a completely different taste. It is up to your personal preference as to which level of fineness gives you the best cup of coffee.

Finer grinds are similar to those found in espresso which has a great rich taste, but most gourmet coffee lovers will lean towards the coarse ground coffee powder. That gives the grinds time to mix with the hot water and really pull out the flavor completely, especially when made with drip type filters. What makes Arabica gourmet coffee so great is that the Arabica coffee beans are never stored in a warehouse so after harvesting, roasting, and grinding they go very quickly to the store in which you buy them.

What makes gourmet coffee so great is the way the taste makes you feel. There is no burnt flavor or heavy after taste. It is just pure delight when you drink in the fragrant, warm, and rich taste of gourmet coffee.

Learn how to make your home gatherings and parties special creating chocolate fondue fountains. Get great tips to prepare gourmet coffee and how to guides about popcorn machines.

More about coffee.

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Antigua Guatemala Central America

2007-08-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

12497_Antigua_Guatemala_04
Originally uploaded by Carlos Olmo/vagamundos.

This is the famous arch in Antigua, Guatemala, Central America, with the church La Merced in the distance.

More Antigua Guatemala photos.

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Antigua Guatemala ruins

2007-08-15T08:18:00.001-07:00

Erdbeben haben in Antigua viele Ruinen von Kirchen und Klöstern hinterlassen. Hier San Francisco.
Originally uploaded by rieckermensch.

This is one of the many ruined buildings in Antigua Guatemala, in Central America. The city has been destroyed (and re-built) several times by natural disasters.

More Antigua Guatemala photographs.

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Antigua Guatemala ruins

2007-08-10T07:25:00.001-07:00

Antigua Guatemala 2007
Originally uploaded by terry culver travels.

Not sure but I think it is Las Capuchinas (happy to be corrected!!) This was a chuirch destroyed in one of Antiguas earlier earthquakes.

More photos of Las Capachinas convent, and Antigua Guatemala.

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Antigua at night

2007-08-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

Antigua at night
Originally uploaded by ccutlip.

This is the fountain in the Central Park, Antigua Guatemala.

More Antigua Guatemala photos.

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Café de Guatemala

2007-07-22T08:01:00.001-07:00

Café de Guatemala
Originally uploaded by jof-man.

Wall in San Pedro de Laguna, with advert for Guatemalan coffee. Behind the wall, you can see coffee growing.

More Antigua Guatemala photos.

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coffee farm

2007-07-13T09:45:00.001-07:00

coffee farm
Originally uploaded by cathron.

This coffee finca (farm) is near Antigua, Guatemala. Notice how the coffee is interplanted with taller trees, to keep the coffee in the shade.

More photos from Antigua Guatemala.

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Guatemala Coffee

2007-07-05T07:19:00.001-07:00

ip1712.JPG
Originally uploaded by painet.

Guatemala indigenous mayan man harvesting organic coffee in San Lucas Toliman, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

More Guatemala. pictures.

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Coffee drying in the street

2007-06-27T11:05:00.001-07:00

Coffee drying in the street underneath political poster
Originally uploaded by eleanormarriott.

Underneath political poster in San Juan, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

More pictures from Antigua Guatemala.

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coffee

2007-06-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

coffee
Originally uploaded by Randall Fullington.

This is a coffee "benefacio" beside Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala. The coffee is dried in the sun after the fruity part is removed, leaving only the "seed" or bean inside. In Guatemala, these first steps in the process are usually performed immediately after picking, to preserve quality.

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coffee

2007-06-09T07:32:00.001-07:00

coffee
Originally uploaded by peevee@ds.

Coffee Bean, Coorg, May 2007

Guatemala produces some of the world's best coffee.

Another Antigua Guatemala site.

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Saeco Espresso Machine

2007-06-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Saeco espresso machine is made in Italy using only the finest quality materials and comes with many very innovative features. Not only do they offer the user exceptional performance when it comes to making the perfect cup of espresso but also they look very stylish as well and would be perfect in any home today.

Besides this particular machine making perfect espresso's it can also produce wonderful cappuccino's and latte coffees as well. There are a number of different types of Saeco espresso machines available today including the Super Automatic Saeco espresso machine which is fully automated and will do every stage in order to produce a great tasting cup of coffee. This machine grinds the beans as well as carrying out all the other stages to help produce a cup of espresso at any time you want.

In fact all Saeco machines are considered to be some of the best in the world today. Yet compared to some of the more well known brands of espresso machines the Saeco models are much more expensive, however they really are worth what you pay for them.

Today Saeco espresso machines have become the preferred choice of many coffee connoisseurs the world over. This is because the internal components within these particular machines are very robust and this is down to the quality of the craftsmanship that is used to build them. But because they have a specialist feature on them known as the rapid steam technology, which can only be found as standard on other brands of super automatic espresso makers, this puts them one step ahead of their rivals for those people who want to make a great cup of coffee at home at any time they want.

This technology also means that not only can you make a great espresso but also provides you with the ability to make a great cappuccino or latte coffee just as good as those that you would buy in Starbucks or other coffee shop outlets whenever you want.

So when it comes time for you to purchase your first or a new espresso machine that is not going to cost you an arm or a leg but will provide you with everything that you need. Then really you should be considering purchasing a Saeco Espresso Machine.

Ricky highly recommend using Saeco espresso machines.

Visit his site today for a more detailed review of saeco espresso machines such as the Saeco Vienna Espresso Machine Review.

Chicken Buses - Antigua, Guatemala

2007-05-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Chicken Buses - Antigua, Guatemala
Originally uploaded by Tattoo Tom.

Two "Chicken Buses" leave the Bus Station next to the Market in Antigua, Guatemala. No doubt, they are bringing your coffee to you!

Another Antigua site.

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Time For A New Coffee Pot?

2007-05-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

The time has come to toss out your old percolator and to go out and invest in a new one. There are many different types to choose from. You are part of the new trend that has been sweeping the nation-you have become accustomed to specialty coffee shops and their literally dozens of different flavors of hot and cold drinks made from coffee.

Now, what type of coffee pot should you purchase? The bottom line is that basically any model can make a good cup of coffee as long as you use decent coffee and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to make it. So, what is available? There are manual-drip systems, presses, percolators, and pod coffeemakers that brew individual cups using ready-to-use packets of coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The most popular of these models is the automatic drip coffeemakers.

Coffee pots come in sizes from single servings to 12 cups, to 60 or more cups. There are many different types and styles ranging in price from $10 to over than $300. The more expensive the coffee pot, the more options included such as programmable start and stop functions, a water filter, frothing capability, automatic shut off and a carafe.

There are a few features you should consider before purchasing a new coffee pot. These include:

* A removable filter basket—this makes it easy to remove paper filters and to clean.
* A water reservoir that can be easily removed and carried to the sink for filling and cleaning.
* Brewing and temperature controls that can be changed, as needed, when using different types of coffee.
* A programmable timer so that you can set up your coffee the night before—this allows you to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
* An automatic shut off feature—just in case you go to work and forget to turn the coffee pot off.

How do you decide which brand to purchase? Start by reading Consumer Reports, they rank all coffee pots and give you an honest opinion on each. Also, when at the coffee shop, see what company makes theirs, or check out the machine in the office or ask your friends. Another reliable source is your parents-they have probably been drinking coffee for decades and have their own preferences.

So, if you only drink one cup of coffee in the morning, you might want to get a single-serve drip or press coffeemaker. If you entertain regularly, you may need to have one that makes 10 or more cups at a time. The decision on which coffee pot to purchase is up to you and it is really not that hard to make an informed decision.

Make your own coffee and wake up to the smell of your freshly brewed coffee in your new coffee pot. Experiment with the different flavored coffees and find out which is your favorite morning, evening and dessert coffee. Add special flavored creamers and you will have a delightful tasting beverage for a fraction of the cost of what you were spending at the local coffee shop. You will be glad you made the decision to get purchase one and to brew your own coffee.

Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on the coffee pot.

Another coffee blog.

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Are You A Gourmet Coffee Drinker?

2007-05-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

Do you love your coffee? Can you go a day without a cup of your favorite drink? Coffee as we know it today is much different than when it was first discovered. These days there are so many varieties of gourmet coffee that it is difficult to choose a favorite one.

What Exactly Is Gourmet Coffee?

A cup of gourmet coffee is a relatively new idea. Gourmet coffee is usually only made from Arabica beans, which are usually the coffee beans with the fullest flavors. The general average jar of coffee which you buy in supermarkets is made using a mixture of beans using low grade Brazilian coffee beans and Robusta beans. They also add a small amount of the Arabica coffee beans to ensure a nicer flavor than using just the low grade beans. Also the lower grade beans contain more caffeine than the others.

Usually, gourmet coffee is roasted at the plant and makes it into the consumer’s hands within a week. You can buy pre-ground gourmet coffee, but the preferred way to buy it is while it is still in its bean form. The beans can usually be ground at the store you buy them from.

Commercial coffee is also usually not as fresh. Commercial coffee is pre-ground before it is packaged. After packaging it can take several weeks to actually make it to a grocery store. Usually, the longer pre-ground commercial coffee sits on a shelf waiting to be purchased, the staler and bitter it will become. Generally, the biggest advantage of commercial coffee is that it is cheap compared to some types of gourmet coffee.

The two most important things to remember when looking for gourmet coffee is that it is fresher and has more flavor than the commercial jars of coffee. Another important point to remember with gourmet coffee, is that you can choose where the coffee beans have come from and also know how it has been roasted. If you have yet to try a cup of gourmet coffee, you will not be disappointed. You will be spoilt for choice in the world of gourmet coffee, give it a try. You can find small bags so that if you decide you don’t like that particular variety, you don’t have a 10 pound can in your kitchen still full of coffee. So give gourmet coffee a try, and if you find it is not to your liking you can always revert back to your old ways!

http://www.mycoffeearoma.com is an informative site relating to coffee, coffee machines, coffee mugs, coffee beans, and all things related to coffee.

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Antigua, Guatemala

2007-05-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

antigua, guatemala
Originally uploaded by egomes.

This is the fmous arch in Antigua, Guatemala.

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Woman with basket

2007-04-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

Woman with basket
Originally uploaded by eleanormarriott.

A Mayan woman walks near La Merced church in Antigua Guatemala.

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For The Perfect Cup Of Coffee Start With Gourmet Beans

2007-04-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

How does one brew the perfect cup of coffee?

There are several different brewing methods used through out the world and every avid coffee drinker has their own preference. But the one thing that they all agree on is freshly grinding the coffee beans daily. This is something that they believe in deeply and take to heart. Even the average coffee drinker will be a convert to this after having just one cup of coffee from freshly ground beans. With this in mind, every home should have a good quality coffee grinder.

The next logical question would be, what is a quality coffee grinder?

Well, there are two basic types of grinders, burr grinders and blade grinders. The burr grinders use plates with gears on them, otherwise known as burrs. One plate turns while the other stays still which causes the moving plate to grind the beans against the stationary plate. Blade grinders, on the other hand, use razor sharp blades that spin, grinding the beans in the process. When choosing between these two, keep in mind that heat and uniformity can have an effect on the finished coffee.

No matter what type of grinder you choose, a certain amount of heat is produced. Faster grinders are time savers but they produce more heat, and this does cause a certain amount of damage to the beans. Also, the length of time needed to make finer grounds also causes more heat, thus more damage.

Another thing to take into consideration when producing a great cup of coffee is the uniformity of the grounds. Coffee should be ground evenly through out. This is important because when the water passes over the coffee grinds it only has a small amount of time to take in the flavor of the coffee. When beans are poorly ground and not as uniform, it is harder for proper brewing to take place.

A low speed burr grinder does not produce as much heat, causing less damage to the coffee. Also, unlike the blade grinder, it provides a more uniformly ground bean which allows for better brewing. It is for these reasons that the burr grinder would be a better choice over the blade grinder. This type of grinder can run as much as several hundred dollars, but there are models available to fit into any budget.

For those who do not enjoy the flavor and aroma of a great cup of coffee, this may seem like an extravagant purchase and colossal waste of money and time. After all, there are many different already ground coffees on the market, easily purchased at local grocery stores. But for the coffee enthusiast who has a heightened sense of taste and smell, these prepackaged products just do not do not measure up. Therefore, this is a wise investment that will bring years of enjoyment. Let's face it; there is no better way to start any morning than with the perfect cup of Joe.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beans at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com

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coffee cherries on the tree

2007-04-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

coffee cherries on the tree
Originally uploaded by coffeedirtdog.

Coffee in Antigua Guatemala.

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There are more good Antigua photos at this blog.

Mayan Ladies in Antigua Guatemala

2007-04-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

-- from Daleduro - (?)

Two Mayan ladies take an ice cream break during the Easter festivitites in Antigua, Guatemala.

The best Gourmet Coffee

2007-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you are looking at the most famous and best gourmet coffees, then Jamaica Blue Mountain, Kona, and Costa Rican are most common trait. They are grown in volcanic mountain regions. Like the finest wine region of Italy and France, the best gourmet coffee have an areas were the coffee bean flavor thrives. The two most significant aspects of the best gourmet coffee are soil and altitude.

At higher elevations different factors come together in process of growing the best gourmet coffee. Late afternoon cloud cover defends the coffee plants from an undue amount of direct sunlight. The clouds comprises of moisture, which lightly waters the coffee plants through its leaves other than through its roots.

The best gourmet coffees are mainly rated with a SHB rating that means Strictly Hard Bean rating. The coffee bean full-grown at elevated altitudes is much stronger than those grown at lower elevations. This difference places the coffee bean in the group of the best gourmet coffee rating on world coffee markets.

The disadvantage of growing this coffee at much higher altitudes is the difficulty in agricultural process. Farms at this level are near the peaks of mountain formations that are very steep. You could even imagine the trouble of driving vehicles to these isolated locations with few paved roads. At times the ground is near about at a 45 degree angle making it very tricky to plant, farm, inspect and then pick the coffee beans from side of a mountain. More manual labor-intensive is necessary not only for farming but also for transporting the baskets important with the best coffee beans.

The distance of these locations also makes it a long and very difficult to transport them to the ports of allocation to world markets. The roads are frequently rough and stony winding up and down mountain sides and frequently beside an unsafe cliff. You could imagine the intrinsic danger concerned just in transporting a heavy truck load of the best gourmet coffee. The farmers would stride along side their ox drive cart dragging their payload. The farmers would paint multi-colored designs on the large wooden ox cart wheels that have become a sign of Costa Rican heritage even to this day.

About the Author
Adam Akelis is a professional copywriter who has a sound knowledge on coffee, his favorite drink. Not only Adam, there is lot of coffee lovers all over the world interested in knowing the benefits on coffee intake. To know more on coffee, its types (roasted coffee, gourmet coffee, Cains Coffee etc...) and its benefits please visit Blue Hill coffee.

Coffee, the World''s Most Popular Drink

2007-03-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

A lot of people enjoy drinking coffee in the morning. I know that I can wake up without having first cup of coffee. Sometimes I get up at 6 a.m. and by seven I already have 2 cups of coffee finished. Coffee is a drink that is roasted from seeds that come from the coffee plant. Generally speaking it served hot but sometimes it served over ice. I like my coffee black and hot, my wife enjoys having an iced coffee with a little cream in the middle of the afternoon. Something that's really interesting is the fact that coffee is the second most commonly traded item in the world, only petroleum leads it.

I first got started drinking coffee whenever I was a land surveyor. One of the other workers and I used to drive up and down the road and he always had a thermos of hot coffee. The funny thing was is that it was the worst coffee that could ever have been made but I got used to it and now I really have an appreciation for a good cup of coffee, but I also can enjoy a lousy cup of coffee too. The coffee maker that we have right now is one of the single coffee cup pod machines. It's really great, and very convenient considering that we have three different coffee drinkers at our house. I'd like to have my cup of coffee first thing in the morning, my wife enjoys having hers chilled in the afternoon, and my father in law enjoys his throughout the day.

Originating in Ethiopia around the ninth century seeking coffee was exported to both Egypt and Europe. Coffee is a strong stimulant, and that is probably why most people enjoy drinking coffee in the mornings in order to wake up. So no matter whether you drink it black, with sugar, or with cream, enjoy your coffee, the world's most popular drink.

For more information about Coffee or where to find a great automatic coffee maker visit http://www.mycoffeeplace.org/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Shank

Coffee - When You Really Need That Caffeine Buzz

2007-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to jumpstart a day, you can go and stand under a cold shower, have someone yell at you as if they were asking someone to send breakfast from the adjoining county, and so on, or you could drink a cup of strong coffee. Some people say that eating one apple is better for this sort of thing but they obviously don't drink coffee.

There are a lot of people who sleep heavily and wake up groggy because even the regularly scheduled eight hours is not enough for them. Then there are people who sleep very badly so their quota of sleep is not met by the time the sun rises. Both types, need a coffee jolt in the morning to shake off that 'still need to sleep some more' feeling.

However, these days coffee is not simply something that clears the mental cobwebs and gives people a bright eye and the courage to face another day. Coffee has become more than an emergency standby. It is now the beverage to be consumed many times in the course of a day.

Coffee when you wake up, coffee when you arrive to work, coffee during the first break, and another cup with lunch. And on and on it goes. Coffee all the time. Sometimes, it is justified too. If you have attended meetings, you know what it means. If you are in the speaker's position you need to be alert and not start yawning halfway through the presentation, coffee helps. If you are the audience and you sit there wishing you were a hundred miles away, fishing perhaps, then coffee can provide that semblance of alertness that makes everyone think you are really paying attention. In short, no matter what the occasion or need is, coffee has become a good old standby.

Then there are the coffeehouses on your way while taking a stroll. Some people probably use the coffeehouse as an excuse to walk. If they didn't have a coffeehouse a couple of blocks away, they had to go a long time without getting out of their home and seeing the rest of humanity, who is also drinking coffee. Sadly, there are too many coffeehouses now days, so people tend to walk less and less, which is not a good thing because nothing gives you energy like coffee to walk around even when tired.

The height of decadent comfort comes along with coffeehouses that have drive through facilities. You can just grab a cuppa java on your way to work or after work (or going anywhere) and your legs never have to feel your weight.

Too much coffee can lead to a chain reaction of sleep related problems. Coffee drives sleep away, so if you have a cup close to bed time, then you wont get a good night's sleep. You will feel groggier in the morning and drink some more coffee. By lunchtime, you will be running on coffee energy only. Come night time, if you don't change your habits, you will drink coffee again and by the end of the week you wont be able to survive without it, no matter what time of the day it is.

Coffee is a good thing, with a nice taste, nice after effects and a good mental cleaner, but like everything, be careful how much you drink and when you drink it.

Magdalena Witkowska is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://www.thecaffeinebuzz.com To find out more about Coffee, please visit her website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Magdalena_Witkowska

technorati tags: Guatemala, coffee

Coffee Bean Roasters

2007-02-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Excellent coffee will come in handy if you consider purchasing a coffee roaster at home. Coffee lovers have a variety of brands of sizes of coffee roasters to choose from for home brewing. Nothing beats freshly brewed coffee, brewed right in the comfort of ones home. You may also create your own coffee concoctions and regale your family and friends.

However, it is important to consume coffee from a roaster at once to experience great flavor. Green coffee beans stay fresh much longer than those that have been through a roaster. Green coffee beans stay fresh as long as six months while those that went through a roaster lasted for only a week. Why is this so? Within a week coffee from the roaster oxidizes. Upon cooling, the roaster continues with its internal chemical process.

Once the coffee is already ground, you cannot be assured of its freshness and quality unless laboratory results show you the facts, whereas, if you have your own roaster, your green coffee is guaranteed one hundred percent fresh, which in turns save you money and frequent trips to the grocery store or to your favorite coffee shop.

You will discover that once you have your own roaster, all the other coffee you have tasted will pale in comparison. Ground coffee from the grocery normally contains fillers, diluting its flavor.

Roasters employ different processes prior to giving you that delectable cup of coffee. An air roaster should not be used for a very long time, as compared to drum roasters, since they transfer heat very quickly in a high-velocity stream of air. A drum roaster, on the other hand, needs to conduct and convert heat coming from the coffee at a slower rate to prevent it from being baked and scorched by heat.

So take your pick from among the roasters advertised on the Internet, and be assured of quality coffee anytime, anywhere.

Coffee Beans provides detailed information on Coffee Beans, Green Coffee Beans, Gourmet Coffee Beans, Coffee Bean Roasters and more. Coffee Beans is affiliated with Espresso Coffee Makers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

Categories: Guatemala, coffee

Choosing a Bunn Coffee Maker Thats Right for You

2007-02-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a Bunn
Coffee Maker. By analyzing these, you are able to narrow down your
choice to the type which is best suited for you. Decisions made
early on will cut down on problems encountered later on.

First, ask yourself where the machine will be permanently placed,
how many people will be utilizing it, as well as how much space is
available for the machine. Is it for large-volume application or
small-volume application? Home models can make 10 cups at one time
while standard commercial models can churn out 12. To take the
middle ground, choose the small, commercial model known as A10 or
A10A which can brew 10 cups.

Second, make your selection from the following types: Regular
which makes coffee by the pot and has warmers to keep the liquid
hot; Pod which relies on coffee pods to make coffee by the cup
(rather than employ coffee grounds); Airpot which allows coffee to
remain hot and fresh for longer periods of time and which can be
moved from location to location because it lacks a warmer; Thermal
which deposits the coffee into thermal carafes or thermal servers;
Satellite that makes .5 to 1 gallon of coffee at a fast clip;
SoftHeat which makes .5, 1 or 1.5 gallons at a time; ThermoFresh
which permits the user to make various types of brew through
different coffee recipes; Liquid that relies on liquid coffee
concentrate to produce huge volumes of coffee at a time; and Urn
that can brew 11.4 to 18.8 gallons per hour (this differs
according to the model.)

Third, consider the waterline hook-up. A pourover feature requires
the operator to funnel water into the top of the machine prior to
operation. This feature can be found in regular, airpot and
thermal models. The automatic feature allows the coffee maker to
be connected to a waterline which lets the hot water reservoir to
be automatically filled. With the automatic feature, users can
still rely on its fallback pourover feature to fill the machine if
a waterline is not available.

Fourth, look at the number of warmers the machine has. This, however,
is only available on regular brewers, with options ranging from 1
to 6 warmers.

Fifth, does it have a hot water faucet? Such a feature can be
found on regular, airpot and thermal brewers. Pourover machines
lack this option. This feature is standard for the bigger brewers
such as Satellite and Urn.

Sixth, look for the Digital Brewer Control feature in those coffee
making models with DBC in their model name. This means it has
touchpad digital technology which offers integrated electronic
diagnostics, automatic shut-off, higher brewing volume, faster
recovery time, additional hot water from the faucet, and improved
temperature control. This type of machine does not have a pourover
feature.

Once youve decided which features you want in your Bunn Coffee
Maker, you are ready to select which model is best suited to your
needs.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Food and Drink. For more information regarding Bunn Coffee Maker please drop by at http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon

Categories: Guatemala, coffee

Antigua Guatemala

2007-02-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

At dawn

Categories: Antigua, Guatemala

Coffee and Heart Disease

2007-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

Although it's more interesting to see both good and bad news about the coffee controversy, the only thing to conclude is that the news keeps getting better for coffee drinkers. In a report published by coffeescience.org. The researchers conclusion was that their was no evidence of an adverse relationship between coffee intake and coronary heart disease.

While you can't make up your mind by just one study the researchers mention that coffee:

protects against type 2 diabetes,

increases stamina,

decreases leg pain associated with exercise, and

keeps you alert and active.

Coffee has also be found to be rich in antioxidants, something that is a no-brainer to consider increasing. You should only take advice from your doctor, just be certain that he/she has all the needed information to make a recommendation.

In the study they took into consideration:

age,

weight,

height,

smoking status,

parents history,

plus a few more things.

I'm not trying to convince anybody of anything, we all have our own minds to wrestle. They also mention that coffee is rich in antioxidants and to give them a quote "...men and women who drank six or more cups of coffee a day had a slightly lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease".
Read the full article about their coffee study at "coffeescience.org/heart/index_html".

James Badeaux, Jr. owns and operators Coffeepinions, contact him at james@coffeepinions.com with interesting news about anything related to coffee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Badeaux,_Jr.

Categories: coffee, heart disease

Fernando's Coffee

2007-01-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

Categories: coffee

Gevalia Coffee Maker for the Perfect Coffee Cup

2007-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Making snack mixes are a great way to bond with your child - especially if they like to bake or cook or help you in the kitchen. And this chocolate peanut snack mix is no exception. Not only will your child have fun making something with you, but the end result will please even the most die-hard chocoholic.

This easy appetizer recipe has many uses with one of them being a great treat at Halloween. But don't stop there, use your imagination. Snack mixes are always popular at parties and can be used as a party favor and wrapped up in gauzy material, tied with a ribbon or packaged in a fun clear glass jar with a nice note attached.

What you'll need for Chocolate Peanut Snack Mix:

- 4 cups shredded or corn chex-type cereal (square)

- 3 cups pretzels (salted)

- 2 cups peanuts (salted)

- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)

- 1/4 cup butter or margarine

- 1 1/2 cups sugar (powdered)

- 2 Tablespoons cocoa (baking type)

You can mix the ingredients in a large stainless steel bowl or use a couple of smaller bowls to evenly distribute the mix.

First, spread out long sheets of waxed paper on a table or countertop. Then, mix together the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts. You'll need to toss the ingredients evenly to distribute.

Next, put into the microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and margarine. Microwave on a normal setting for 30 second intervals. In between the intervals, stir the mixture until everything is melted and smooth.

Then, pour the chocolate mix over the cereal mix and toss it well to coat evenly. You'll want to spread the mixture out on the wax paper that you put down earlier. And then, in a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cocoa. The final step is to sprinkle the cocoa mixture over the chocolate coated mix. Let it all dry thoroughly and then place the snack mix in a tightly sealed container to store until you are ready to use. Deeelish!

Sara Gray is an avid lover of appetizers and has created a great website called Easy Appetizer Recipes where you can find delicious ideas for all kinds of hot and cold appetizers, raclette grilling, tapas small plates, snacks, chips and dip ideas, and appetizer soups.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Gray

technorati tags: coffee

The Corner Office Sells Coffee

2007-01-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

On any week day go to any coffee shop and you will find a relatively new and growing phenomenon. Men age forty and older sitting drinking coffee while working on laptops, talking on cell phones and reading business journals. Who are these men and why are they sitting in coffee shops?

THE SITUATION

The number of men who work for corporations and are over forty who have been either laid-off or forced into early retirement has grown every year over the past decade in spite of a robust economy. These men are mainly white and middle to upper middle class. They have at least a college degree if not an advanced degree. They started their careers in a variety of capacities with large corporations but invariably they found themselves in white collar management positions at some level by the time they were age forty. By the 1990s companies were flattening their hierarchy to be more competitive in a global economy and reduce expenses to improve profitability. The people at the top rarely went. The people at the bottom were either needed or protected by unions or other conditions. The easiest targets were the white collar middle managers. More work could be shifted to those below them. And if they needed to be replaced over time, younger workers could be promoted or hired to do the work at a much cost. At the same time, many companies began outsourcing non-core work functions to contractors who also were selected for their low cost approach. And some functions were just eliminated as unnecessary.

The unspoken contract that these middle age white men believed in and worked for was broken when they needed a job and a paycheck the most. They had kids in college, mortgages and many had large debts from chasing the middle class dream. They were told if they went to college, got a job with a good business and worked hard, they could count on a job until they retired. They also were told if they did a good job they would slowly advance up the many levels of the corporate ladder. All of these implied promises proved to be false. And they proved to be false when, for many, it was too late to start over at a low paying entry-level position. Those making $75,000 to $125,000 per year in salary plus full benefits plus a pension were now left with no paycheck, no benefits and a gutted pension with too little to retire early on.

While much can be said about their options, the more important question is what SHOULD be done to help this great and underutilized resource?

The answers are not always the typical ones: become a consultant, become an entrepreneur or get retrained in a highly technical field. There are already too many consultants going after the same work. And big consulting firms dominate that field anyway. Many of these men went to work for large corporations for the very reason that they were NOT entrepreneurs. Contrary to the current popular myth, not everyone is an entrepreneur. And finally, many of these men studied engineer or programming or accounting while in their youth. Many at age forty plus have no desire to learn the basics of a technical field and compete for those entry level jobs with a twenty-two year old.

So what are the options left for these forty plus white men who have a life-time of business experience and no jobs?

SMALL BUSINESS

There are many existing businesses that make less than one million dollars a year. Most want to grow and be more successful. The functional and organizational skills that these men have developed over the years could be invaluable to helping small businesses succeed and grow. Many small business people have never worked for large businesses. As such they dismiss many of the good along with the bad ideas that make corporations operate.

TEACHING

Teaching is another option. In this case I am not talking about walking in as an elementary or middle school general teacher. Rather, the skills in business and functional areas that these middle age former managers developed over the years would be very valuable in a high school business, community college, junior college or professional trade school environment. The key is to meet the skills and background with the need. And the need is great.

GOVERNMENT

We see in the media on a daily basis who 30-40% of those in government will retire over the next ten years. The professional and functional skills that these unemployed former managers have could be invaluable to the governments of towns and municipalities, counties, states and at the Federal level. Not to displace the people working today. And not in lieu of hiring the new college graduates. But to supplement the work force in roles requiring experience in engineering, accounting, management and administration to name only a few of the many areas of need.

MENTORING

Finally, these is the need for formal mentoring programs that take advantage of the resource that sits in the nations many coffee shops in lieu of a corporate office today. They have, without exception, years of experience in business plus many functional specialties. That experience should be tapped to mentor young people, struggling business people and non-profit organizations. There is a very real need to match the skills and the talent with the need in this area.

While there always have been and will be men sitting in coffee shops rather than offices, the number has grown to shocking levels. Steps should and must be taken to identify and channel their skills, experience and motivation into the areas lacking in resource and ability today. Government, small businesses, education and mentoring programs would all benefit greatly from the infusion of their experience and skills.

George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group - a Bethesda, Maryland management consulting and leadership coaching practice. His web site is:

http://frankscosultinggroup.com

His hot, new E-zine on career and leadership topics is:

http://careerandleadership.com

George can be contacted at:

gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_F_Franks_III

technorati tags: coffee

What is Espresso Coffee?

2007-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Espresso coffee is more popular today than it has ever been at any time in its history, perhaps thanks to the marketing power of coffee giants such as Starbucks. Many of the most popular drinks that we consume everyday are made using espresso, rather than the more traditional filter or drip coffee. Drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and machiatos.

Given this strong popularity for these espresso drinks, it's surprising that many people don't actually know what an espresso is. For anyone who has never had an espresso, the first taste can be quite shocking. An espresso is very concentrated, and comes in a very small cup. However, it packs a large punch and the flavor can take some getting used to. (In other words, your first impression might be that you just swallowed something vile. But don't worry, it gets better with experience.)

Espresso is made by forcing very hot (not boiling) water through finely ground coffee. The coffee is ground more finely than filter coffee, but is not as finely ground as Turkish coffee, which is more like a fine powder.

Originally, espresso machines used steam pressure to force the water through. Today, a spring piston lever machine is used, which used a piston to generate the pressure and force the water through the coffee. It is important that the temperature does not go too high or low, as this will spoil the beverage. The ideal temperature is 85 to 95 degrees Celsius.

If the water is too hot, the espresso will be too bitter. If it is too cold, it will be too sour. As you can see, making espresso drinks is a very exacting job, and care must be taken to do it right. The people trained to do this are called baristas (which is Italian for barman).

As the water blasts through the coffee, it extracts the flavor, oils, sugars and proteins and dissolves them. This results is a very potent mixture that has a very strong, yet rich and subtle flavor. It also has all the caffeine of a large cup of filter coffee, giving it a strong kick.

To enjoy these drink at its best, it is important to drink the coffee as soon after it is made as possible, definitely within 2 minutes. If you intend to blend it to make espresso drinks, you need to do so within 10 seconds of pulling the espresso.

This is because the flavor packed volatile molecules in the drink rapidly degrade, both through contact with oxygen and as the heat leaves the drink.

The espresso is made up of 3 different parts, the heart, body and the crema, which is the delicate, creamy foam that naturally forms on the top of the drink. The crema is a sign of good espresso, and care should be taken to ensure it is preserved. To do this, some people use pre warmed shot glasses, which prevents heat loss.

There is no such thing as an "espresso roast" - you can make good espresso from light or dark roast beans. A very dark roast is a bad idea, as it can lead to a burnt, charcoal taste. The only important thing is that the coffee is ground to the correct grade, and that the beans are freshly roast.

Selecting the blend is important when making espresso drinks, as it is for any kind of coffee drinks. The factors to concentrate on are sweetness, aromatics and smoothness.

Also, the type of grinder used is important. The best choice is a conical burr grinder. This will produce a consistent grind (the particles will all be the right size), and will also make sure that the coffee does not overheat as it is ground (this would spoil the aroma).

How to make the best espresso drinks could fill books, as there are many factors to balance. This is why coffee shops spend so much time training their staff. When you find a place that serves excellent espresso, recognize that this is not just a happy accident, and recognize the skill and care that goes into making this most demanding drink.

Malcolm Blake has written more information about gourmet coffee at http://www.coffeewebinfo.com. Come and find out more about gourmet coffees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Malcolm_Blake

technorati tags: coffee

Guatemala Coffee

2007-01-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

How coffee gets to your cup.

Categories: Guatemala, coffee, video