Roasted Coffee Beans: How to Roast Your Own Coffee Beans

If you are a serious coffee lover you may soon think about roasting your own coffee beans.  Making your own roasted coffee beans gives you the chance to blend the coffee bean varieties of your choice.  It also allows you to experiment with the roasting process to determine the roast level that you like best.

As a rule, the darker you roast the coffee bean, the stronger and richer the flavor.  A dark roast has a harsher flavor and may have a slight burnt taste.  For coffee with a more mellow taste, the coffee beans are medium roasted.  Many people prefer the medium roast as it preserves the coffee’s natural flavors.  In contrast, the darker roasts tend to burn off some of the coffee’s natural oils and caffeine.

Most commercial roasted coffee beans in the United States are roasted to a light roast known as American.  As long as you use good quality coffee beans, you will be able to get a palatable cup of coffee from a light roast.  Coffee lovers, however, prefer the natural and true coffee flavor of medium roast.

Lower quality coffee beans can actually benefit from a darker roast.  The burnt flavor in the roasting process adds to the bean’s own flavors.  The dark roasting process improves the flavor of average grade coffee beans.

Roasting your own coffee beans will allow you to enjoy a good cup of coffee at one-third to one-half the price of roasted coffee beans that you get from the local coffee shop.

To roast your own coffee beans, you need green coffee beans that you can obtain from the local coffee store or online.  Preheat your oven to 500°F and spread the raw beans one layer deep on a cookie sheet.  Place the coffee beans in the middle of the preheated oven.  After 8 to 10 minutes you will hear a crackling sound and there will be some smoke with a coffee aroma.  Continue roasting for 2-3 minutes or until the beans reach the desired shade.

Remove the roasted coffee beans from the oven and pour the roasted coffee beans into a metal colander.  Allow the beans to cool completely.  You can now use the beans or you can store them in an airtight container.

You can find many sources of green coffee beans on the internet.  Find a reliable supplier who can provide different varieties of quality coffee beans.  Raw coffee beans can last for years if stored properly.  Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.  Coffee loses acidity as it ages and its flavor becomes mellow.

Buy only quality coffee beans that have been properly processed and stored.  You can roast your coffee beans at home with your own home coffee roaster and enjoy a rich cup of coffee prepared just the way you like it.

Espresso Coffee Machine: How to Make Espresso at Home

For coffee lovers nothing can be more exciting than making espresso at home with your new espresso coffee machine.  Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage.  It is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at a high pressure.

Espresso has a thicker consistency than other coffee brews, with a characteristic crema or foam on top.

The pressurized brewing process used in espresso machines produces a brew with a very high concentration of dissolved solids and flavors.  This makes espresso the perfect base for other coffee beverages such as lattes, mochas, cappuccino, macchiato, and americanos.

To make the best espresso at home with your new espresso coffee machine, you must start with very finely ground coffee.  Producing a shot of espresso is often called “pulling” a shot.  When you do this on your espresso coffee machine, a steady stream of brewed espresso coffee should come out evenly, with a light and creamy froth floating on top.  A single shot of espresso is 30 milliliters while a double shot is 60mL.

You will need about 2 teaspoons of ground espresso for a single shot, or between 7 and 10 grams.  A double shot requires between 12 and 18 grams or about 4 teaspoons.  Pour the ground coffee into the espresso filter basket.

Use a metal tamper to tamp the espresso into a dense puck.  The ground espresso should lie flat across the filter basket.

Attach the filter basket to your espresso machine and lock it in place.  Position a small espresso cup or demitasse underneath the filter basket.

Press the button for a “short pull” or a “long pull.”  The “short pull” button produces a very thick, syrupy espresso with stronger flavor.  The “long pull” button puts more water and the espresso produced is not as dense.

When the brewing process starts, hot water at 92°-96°C is forced through the ground coffee under a pressure of 9 bars.  If the water is too cool the espresso will taste sour.  If it’s too hot, the coffee will be bitter.  To make a good cup of espresso at home, your new espresso coffee machine should be able to maintain the water temperature within 1 or 2 degrees of the ideal temperature.

During the brewing process the oils and flavors in the ground coffee are extracted and emulsified.  This produces a thick, rich beverage.  It usually takes 25 to 30 seconds for the water to pass through the ground coffee puck and into the receiving cup.  Making the best espresso at home with your new espresso coffee machine requires the right fineness of the ground coffee, tamping, and maintaining the ideal pressure and temperature of the water.

To savor your demitasse of espresso at its best, serve immediately and drink as soon as possible.  As an alternative, you can use the espresso to prepare cappuccino, lattes, macchiato or americanos.

What Is Low Acid Coffee?

Coffee contains natural organic acids that contribute to its antioxidant, cancer-fighting properties.  Based on research, it appears that coffee has more antioxidants than certain beverages such as green tea.  Unfortunately, some coffee lovers suffer from heartburn or stomach problem due to these acids.  People who are acid-sensitive can benefit greatly from low acid coffee.

Millions of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month.  Millions more have stomach acid problems.  Because of this, they have to forgo their morning cup of coffee.  Coffee manufacturers quickly saw the need for low acid coffee.    Nowadays, low acid coffee is readily available so that even acid-sensitive individuals can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee any time of the day.

In general, coffee beans from coffee plantations on higher elevations have higher acidity.  Coffee grown on volcanic soil is also more acidic.  In addition, the acid level is affected by the processing method used, the degree of roasting, and the brewing method.  High levels of acidity can cause gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn.

Coffee is traditionally brewed with heat.  This leads to elevated levels of acids and caffeine in the beverage and potential health issues.  Low acid coffee can solve the problems caused by acidity.  Cold brewing is used to prepare low acid coffee.  It contains 50% to 60% less acid than hot brewed coffee.  The caffeine content is also 25% less but the flavor and aroma are retained.

To prepare cold-brewed low acid coffee, moisten one cup of coffee grounds in a bowl with one-fourth cup water.  Slowly add 1-3/4 cups water without stirring.  Cover the bowl and let it sit undisturbed at room temperature for 12 hours.  Strain the low acid coffee concentrate and use it to prepare a hot or ice-cold cup of coffee.

Regular coffee beans can also be treated to produce low acid coffee.  The coffee beans undergo a steam process that removes the waxy outer layer.  The beans are then roasted for an extended period of time.  This process reduces the chlorogenic acids in the beans without affecting flavor.

Coffee beans planted at low elevations are inherently low-acid coffees.  Coffee from plantations in Brazil, Sumatra (Indonesia) and India belong to this category.  Even when more lightly roasted, the coffee has a sweet, low-acid taste.

Coffee lovers who cannot tolerate acidic coffee now have many choices when it comes to low acid coffee.  From coffee beans that are naturally low in acid to specially treated and roasted beans, there is something that anyone with a sensitive stomach can savor and enjoy.

Home Coffee Roaster: Roast Your Own Coffee Beans

Most coffee drinkers prefer to leave the roasting of coffee beans to the local coffee house. However, you may want to get involved in all aspects of brewing a perfect cup of coffee.  This includes roasting coffee beans at home exactly to your taste.  To do this you can use a home coffee roaster or even a hot air popcorn popper.

The process of roasting coffee beans has become easier now that home coffee roasters are readily available.  Commercial coffee roasters come with a hefty price tag.  In addition, it takes experience to ensure that the coffee beans retain their best flavor and aroma during the roasting process.

Some people, however, are undaunted by these challenges.  Not only do they want to choose the type of coffee bean to brew, but they also want to roast their coffee beans to obtain the exact flavor they desire.  With a coffee roaster for the home, it is possible to control the temperature and the length of roasting time.

Only one aroma can rival that of coffee brewing, and that’s the fragrance of roasting coffee beans.  You can roast coffee beans on pans or cookie sheets in the oven.  Some people have successfully roasted beans in a pan on the stovetop or a hot air popcorn popper.  But if you’re serious about roasting coffee beans, you should invest in a good home coffee roaster.  There are different models suitable for novice as well as experienced users.

Coffee-tech/Brioso FZ-RR 700 Home Roaster

The FZ-RR 700 is available in two versions: motorized and manual.  It is designed for use on a gas stove top.  Constructed of heavy duty material, the spherical copper drum is positioned directly over the open flame.  The roaster is easy to use and provides even distribution of the coffee beans and excellent control over the roasting process.

Gene Café Drum Coffee Roaster

This home coffee roaster allows you to roast up to half a pound of coffee beans.  The controls are very easy to use and provide complete control over both temperature and roasting time.  You can produce roasted beans ranging from light American style roast to dark Espresso roast.  The clear roast chamber lets you view the coffee beans as they roast.  This durable machine is built to last and delivers excellent roast quality.

FreshRoast Plus 8

With an affordable price tag of around $70, this home coffee roaster is a good entry level roaster for the novice.  You can roast 3.5 ounces of green coffee beans, enough for a 10-cup pot of brew.  It has a quick roast time of about 10 minutes so you must watch carefully to get the roast that you want.

A Guide to Wholesale Gourmet Coffee

Coffee lovers know that there are dozens of varieties of the coffee bean.  They all have their own characteristic aroma, body and taste.  Even coffee beans belonging to the same variety may have different nuances depending on where they were grown and how they were roasted.

Coffee beans that have been specially cultivated, harvested and roasted are the basis for gourmet coffee.  This special blend of coffee need not be expensive if you know where to buy wholesale gourmet coffee.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world.  It is an excellent source of antioxidants that help combat a number of life-threatening diseases.  This rich beverage can be enjoyed alone or in the company of close friends or large groups.

Anyone can enjoy the taste of a good cup of coffee, but not everyone can have the privilege of experiencing the luxurious taste of handpicked gourmet coffee coming from select coffee plantations located in different countries around the world.

There are basically two types of coffee: Robusta and Arabica.  Robusta has a neutral to harsh taste but has higher caffeine content than Arabica.  It also has a fuller body.  Arabica, on the other hand, is referred to as a “gourmet” coffee.  It has a richer aroma and taste.  Arabica beans can be blended with Robusta to create a richer, full-bodied cup of coffee.  Robusta is often used in espresso coffee.  In terms of price, Robusta beans are generally cheaper.

Gourmet coffee is a variety or blend of coffee with superior flavor and aroma.  It is meticulously grown and cultivated.  The coffee beans are handpicked and specially selected to get only the best quality.  It is more expensive than regular coffee.  However, you can get wholesale gourmet coffee at a more affordable price from a distributor.  The coffee is sold in large quantities but often at a lower price.

Gourmet coffee may also be defined as such because of difficulty of growing or processing the coffee.  Jamaica Blue Mountain and Kona coffees are highly prized gourmet coffees that only grow in very small regions.

Kopi Luwak or civet coffee is one of the most expensive gourmet coffees. The coffee beans are eaten and excreted by a species of civet cat.  This gives the coffee a unique flavor.  Kopi Luwak may cost hundred of US dollars a pound.

If you want to purchase wholesale gourmet coffee you must contact a reputable coffee supplier.  In general, large food wholesalers sell different types of regular and gourmet coffee but their prices may be relatively high.  Small producers, on the other hand, tend to offer better deals but have only one or two varieties. You must find a coffee supplier who can offer a number of different brands at low prices.

Before ordering wholesale gourmet coffee from a distributor, you must research the company and verify that it is reputable.  Compare the prices offered by different distributors to be able to get the best price for premium coffee.

Brew your next cup of gourmet coffee with the Senseo gourmet coffee machine!

Senseo SL7810/65 Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine

With the Senseo SL7810/65 Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine, brewing a single serving of freshly brewed gourmet has never been easier. Using high quality coffee pods, this coffee machine consistently brews a perfect cup of coffee with a unique frothy layer at the touch of a button.

Coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite blends and flavors including Mild, Medium, Dark, Decaffeinated, Paris Vanilla Bistro, Vienna Hazelnut Waltz, Senseo Cappuccino and many more in less than a minute.

Product Description

The Senseo Single-Serve coffee maker brews up to 8 ounces of coffee using pre-measured sealed coffee pods in a variety of flavors. Simple push-button controls are used for power and size selection. You don’t waste time grinding your coffee and there is no flavor cross-over.

The coffee maker comes with two pod holders: a shallow holder good for one coffee pod for one cup, and a deeper filter for two pods that can make two cups or one 8-ounce mug.

The machine is easy to operate. Just fill the removable reservoir with fresh water, insert the pods and lock the lid into place. Push the “on/off” button and the one- or two-cup button to start brewing.

You can use any 4-ounce cup or 8-ounce mug to catch the coffee when it’s done. All removable parts such as the pod holders, water reservoir, coffee spout, metal cup tray and plastic drip tray are dishwasher-safe.

Why You’ll Like It

If you only need a cup or two of freshly brewed gourmet coffee, then the Senseo Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine is exactly what you need. It’s convenient, hassle free and extremely quick. You can brew a great-tasting cup of coffee just the way you like it. Best of all, you can do all this at the touch of a button.

Because it uses pre-measured coffee pods, there’s practically no cleanup needed. You can choose your favorite blend or flavor and have a perfect cup of coffee in seconds. The coffee maker is available in cobalt blue, black, white, and red to match your kitchen décor.

The Senseo coffee maker is an exceptionally good machine. It offers convenience without sacrificing taste so you get coffee that’s full of flavor every time. Instead of heading for the nearest coffee shop, use your Senseo gourmet coffee machine and save loads of money.

Keep It Working Like a Charm

As with all coffee makers, you have to clean the machine every 2 to 3 months to remove mineral build-up in the machine that could interfere with the taste. Run the machine with one part vinegar and one part water, and then flush out with pure water. A water softener or filter may help keep the coffee maker cleaner longer.

The Senseo Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine is available at Amazon.com. Order it now and enjoy a good cup of gourmet coffee anytime you want it.

Buy Coffee Online: Helpful Tips and Advice

With hundreds of coffee varieties and flavors out there, the adventurous coffee lover may find it difficult to find a coffee store that sells the particular variety that he wants.

Fortunately, the internet now makes it convenient to buy stuff online.  Whether you are looking for wholesale or gourmet coffee, you will discover that it is now easier than ever before to buy coffee online.

Online stores that sell coffee consist of big as well as small companies.  Just like brick-and-mortar stores, you will find differences in quality, prices, and variety of choices.  You will have to shop around to find the best online coffee store to serve your needs.  There are many online sources of coffee beans.  Find one that is located near you to minimize shipping time and charges.

Many online stores offer a wide variety of coffee beans.  There are also some that specialize in a particular type or variety of beans.  These specialty coffee sellers may specialize in gourmet flavored coffee beans, organic beans, or coffee from particular regions.  There are sites that exclusively sell coffee from Kona or Colombia.

Some online vendors do their own roasting.  Others purchase their stocks from wholesale roasters.  There are also companies that buy directly from farmers.  You can buy coffee online from these vendors at different prices.

With online coffee stores, it is now easy to order gourmet coffee that would be otherwise hard to find.  Now you don’t have to go to a coffee shop to enjoy the best coffee.  You can order it online and savor a flavorful cup of gourmet coffee that you brewed in your own home.

When you buy specialty or gourmet coffee online, make sure of the authenticity of the coffee beans that you purchase.  Always buy from a reputable supplier.

In addition to coffee beans, you can also purchase supplies for all types of coffee making.  Online stores offer a wide selection of single-serve coffee pods, espresso coffee, regular coffee, low acid coffee, green coffee beans and many more.  You can get the best prices and the highest quality.  You should always shop around to get the best deals.

When buying coffee online you will miss the aroma of coffee beans in a specialty coffee shop, as well as having them grind your coffee beans.  However, the variety and number of choices will increase dramatically if you buy coffee online.  On top of that, you also have the convenience of home delivery.

Get the Best Out of Your Espresso Coffee Beans

Espresso coffee is the most concentrated form of brewed coffee.  Many people enjoy a shot or two of this beverage everyday.  Others use espresso as the starting point for a variety of coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccino, mochas and americanos.  The perfect espresso starts with the best espresso coffee beans.

Start with quality coffee beans for espresso.  If you shop around you will find different types and blends of espresso beans that you can use.  Coffee beans from the Arabica plant are rich in flavor and aroma.  They are often blended with Robusta coffee beans for a full-bodied espresso.  Robusta beans lack flavor and aroma but have a higher concentration of caffeine than Arabica.

For espresso coffee, dark medium roast to very dark roast is typically used. When purchasing roasted coffee, take a close look at the beans.  The darker roasts should have an oily and shiny look but not charcoal black.  If properly roasted, darker beans should produce coffee that is slightly sweeter.

Darker roasts burn off some of the caffeine and acid and caramelizes the natural sugars in the coffee bean.  Lighter roasts, on the other hand, produce coffee that is acidic, bitter, and less sweet.  Most people prefer darker roasts for espresso coffee beans.  This produces espresso that is relatively sweet and with less bitter aftertaste.

For great tasting espresso at home, it is best to use freshly ground espresso coffee beans.  The beans must be very finely ground, almost like a powder.  If you are looking for a coffee grinder for home use, there are two types to choose from.

One type of coffee grinder uses cutting blades to chop the coffee beans at high speed.  This type of grinder is relatively cheaper in price.  This type of grinder, however, does not produce uniformly ground coffee.  In addition, the heat generated in the grinding process produces a bitter taste in the coffee.

The burr grinder uses two grinding elements to slowly crush the coffee beans without heating up the beans.  This type of grinder is more expensive but produces a uniform grind.  You can get superior ground coffee for espresso, French press, or drip coffee maker.

Finally, a good espresso coffee machine combined with the right technique will produce a richer and fuller beverage for you to enjoy.  The proper technique involves tamping the ground beans just enough.  Your espresso coffee machine must also be able to maintain the ideal temperature and pressure of the water through the coffee grounds.  All of these components are necessary if you want great-tasting espresso coffee everyday.

Bodum Chambord 12-Cup 51-Ounce Coffee Press

Coffee connoisseurs are always on the lookout for the best coffee beans and the best method to make that perfect brew.  There are a number of ways to brew a cup of java including automatic coffee makers, espresso machines, stove top, vacuum and French press.  It is largely due to Bodum that more and more people are becoming aware of the advantages of using a French press coffee maker.  One of their most popular models is the Bodum Chambord 12-Cup/51-Ounce Coffee Press.

Product Description

The classic design of the Chambord coffee press has not changed since it was first introduced by Bodum in 1982.  With this particular model, you can brew 2 to 12 cups or 51 ounces of coffee in four minutes.  The coffee press features a polished stainless steel lid and holder.

The durable glass carafe comes with a stay-cool black handle and knob.  The ultra fine filter is made of stainless steel.  You can also use this coffee press to brew tea.

Why a French Coffee Press Makes a Better Cup of Coffee

The simplicity of a French coffee press is what makes it the best way to brew coffee with a full-bodied taste and aroma.  Because it’s made of glass and stainless steel, the materials are taste free.  In addition, no coffee filter is used.  This allows the coffee beans’ full flavor and essential oils to go directly to your cup.  Use fresh, coarsely ground dark or French roast coffee and water just off the boil.  Brew for 4 minutes to get the very best from your coffee.

Our Review

The Chambord French coffee press has not changed from its original design.  This is a clear indication of the superiority of the design. It is simple, elegant, and uses no electricity.  The coffee press is durable and easy to clean.  Although the carafe and the press are dishwasher safe, you can simply rinse them off with plain water.

Bodum manufactures quality coffee presses that you can count on to make a good cup of coffee quickly and conveniently.  To make the best cup of coffee, the coffee grinds must be uniformly coarse.  The water must be hot but not boiling.  Brew for 4 minutes before plunging the coffee.  This is how you get a rich, full-flavored cup of coffee.

This Chambord coffee press is described as a 12-cup model.  However, you must remember that this is based on a 4-ounce cup of coffee.  Americans are used to coffee mugs and will be able to get only about 3 mugs of coffee with this model.

Having said that, the fact remains that the Bodum Chambord 12-cup coffee press works extremely well and is the perfect choice for all French coffee press users.  You can get the best price for this product at Amazon.com.

What Makes the Best Coffee Beans?

A true coffee connoisseur is always on the lookout for the best coffee beans.  After all, a perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect coffee bean.  Soil quality and climate play an important role in growing the best coffee.  That is why a coffee gourmet is very particular about the source of his roasted beans.  Processing and storage can also affect the quality of coffee beans.

Choosing the best coffee bean is a matter of individual preference.  However, most coffee lovers agree that coffee beans from certain parts of the world are definite standouts in the art of coffee brewing.  This includes coffee beans from Brazil, Indonesia, Sumatra, Colombia and Kenya.

Arabica coffee beans from the highlands of Yemen and Ethiopia are renowned for their heady aroma and flavor.  Coffee beans from Medellin in Colombia are slightly acidic, full bodied and rich in flavor.  They produce a brew that is syrupy and sweet tasting.

A certain type of gourmet coffee is civet coffee beans.  These are produced in Sumatra, Bali, Java, Vietnam, the Philippines and East Timor.  The processing method is unique.  Coffee berries are fed to the Asian Palm civet.  The beans pass through their system undigested.  Civet coffee beans possess a unique flavor that is highly prized by gourmet coffee drinkers around the world.

The island of Kona in Hawaii produces a small quantity of excellent coffee.  Kona coffee beans produce a brew that is full bodied with a rich aroma and flavor.  The coffee has undertones of sweetness and spice.

To choose the best coffee beans you must buy them from gourmet coffee shops.  It is difficult to obtain fresh beans in the supermarket.  The beans they sell are usually pre-ground. Thus, the coffee starts to lose its flavor.  In gourmet shops, whole beans are stored in airtight containers to preserve the freshness.  They can also grind the coffee beans for you on the spot.

Freshly roasted coffee beans are the best ones to buy.  You can ask the shop attendants to point out the freshest roasted coffee beans.  Most gourmet shops roast their beans frequently on a regular basis.

If you have a coffee grinder at home, it’s best to buy whole beans.  Whole beans retain their flavor oils more effectively.  Grind only the quantity that you need.  This helps you get the best flavor from your coffee beans.

Choosing the best coffee beans requires some research and experimentation.  In addition, remember that coffee comes in light, medium and dark roast.  You must decide which one you like best.  Drinking coffee is an individual experience.  In the end, choosing the best coffee beans will be a personal choice.

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