Control Your Stress at Work with Coffee

Work can give a lot of stress to people. In the offices, deadlines can be very stressful that you have to work overtime just to finish a certain task. You have to rush on accomplishing something especially when the pressures from your boss and co-employees are present. Shifting schedules which includes night shifts like that of nurses and customer service employees can be very tiring too. You need to adjust your time and cycle of sleep and rest with that of your working schedule. These are just examples of the different stressful situations that an employee can experience at a working area.

However, in order to manage stress, you need to come up with something so that you will still have grace even under pressure. You need to acquire a lot of energy even if you have to work late hours in the office. If you could only grab the most powerful stun gun and temporarily shock yourself so that you will be back to work when you get tired and sleepy then you would really do it. But you don't have to over react and make measures like this anymore because one of the favorite beverages that people would run too especially when under stress is the coffee. It provides a lot of benefits that anywhere we go in offices, we would generally see someone bringing with them their cups of coffee.

First of all, it can provide you with increased alertness. Due to its content of caffeine, it has a certain effect in your system which increases your attention on things. You become alert and effective at work even if you have to work overtime. Attention to details is very important while working because as you become exhausted you tend to leave out very important details which can affect your work.

In addition, coffee can boost your energy. Since you become alert, you also have the tendency to recharge your body and mind. Your whole body is ready for additional tasks that you need to finish. With just a coffee in hand you are good to go even if you have to wake up and work early in the morning.

Moreover, coffee is a good partner as you pause for a while and have a break. The aroma itself is very relaxing and it calms your tensed nerves with pressures on deadlines. It also gives you a time to think while taking sips from your own cup. With an alert mind, new ideas can rush in to your thoughts and you can continue on with what you are doing. After the work is done, you can assure yourself that you can drive safely as you go home as long as you drank enough coffee to keep you from accidental sleeping while driving.

Coffee can be a very beneficial beverage and as proven in some studies is good for the health too especially when taken in moderate amounts. At work, it can be your best all to relieve you from any stress. You don't have to hurt yourself by pinching your skin just to wake up or over imagine by using a shock gun just to be alert. All you need is a cup of coffee and you will be more than ready in doing what you need to finish.

Two Coffee Recipes with Mango

Do you ever think of using Mango to mix with coffee? If your answer is yes and you are up for a try, then you should not stop reading. This article is especially for those who likes coffee as well as mango which will bring you to another level of mixture or coffee. Sincerely, you rarely can found this where coffee mixed with Mango and a lot of us know like this too.

I have tried and I like it so much. This is the reason why I introduce these coffee recipes for you. Hope you like it too.

First Coffee Recipe: Mango Latte

Ingredients

Enough for 1 person (just nice for one tall glass)

1. 4 tablespoons of Mango syrup
2. 1 shot of organic espresso
3. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk
4. 2 to 3 ice cubes (if you put more ice, remember to add your mango syrup as well).
5. 2 small slices of chopped dried mango as garnish

Equipments Needed

Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. Take a new blender cup and pour mango syrup, espresso, steamed milk and ice cube into the cup and start to blend it.
2. Blend it until well mix.
3. Take a new glass and pour your latte into the new glass.
4. Lastly, put some dried mango on top of the latte as garnish.

Second Coffee Recipe: Mango and Almond Latte

Ingredients

Enough for 1 person

1. 1 shot of organic espresso
2. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk
3. 1 tablespoon of Almond syrup
4. 3 tablespoons of Mango syrup
5. 3 to 5 ice cubes
6. 1 tablespoon of powdered almond as garnish

Equipments Needed

Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for preparation

1. Take a clean blender cup and pour all into the blender cup except powdered almond which we will be needed at the last step.
2. Start to blend it with low speed for 60 seconds.
3. Take a clean glass to pour your latte.
4. Lastly, on top of the latte, spread some almond powder as garnish.

Try the Sensation of Drinking Vietnamese Coffee

You do not have to go for the classics all the time. The same applies to drinking coffee. You should definitely try different recipes. You will be surprised how many new and tasty drinks you will discover. Vietnamese coffee is just one of them.

The original beverage created in this Southeast Asian country contains coffee, milk and ice. In fact its original name in Vietnamese is milk coffee with ice. The drink is perfect for the hot summer days when you need refreshment and a steaming liquid is not the best choice.

The Vietnamese coffee is easy to prepare. You can use any type of medium roast. It is best if the coffee does not contain chicory. It should also be coarsely ground. Still, you can base your choice on your own preferences and taste. The next ingredient you need to use is condensed milk. The sweetened varieties are recommended. You need ice of course. It is best for you to use cubes.

You need a portion of coffee and a quarter to half a portion of condensed milk. You should pour the dairy ingredient into a cup. Then you have to add the freshly brewed coffee. Mixing the two ingredients well is essential. After the stirring the substance has to be perfectly homogenous. The next step is to put some ice in a glass. The amount is up to you to decide. Then pour the mixture into the glass with the ice. You can leave the drink for a couple of minutes in order for it to cool. You can choose to make the beverage even tastier by adding some whipped cream.

This is how to make Vietnamese coffee. The recipe is simple and you can prepare the beverage in a couple of minutes. The result is totally amazing. So, enjoy!

The History of Coffee Starts from 15th Century

The history of coffee dates back to the 15th century although the definitive origins of this popular drink remain unclear. One theory is that Ethiopian ancestors of today's Oromo people discovered and recognized the energizing effect of the coffee bean plant. But we don't know where in Africa coffee grew or who among the natives utilized it as a stimulant or knew about it earlier than the 17th century.

There are several legends about the origin of coffee. One involves the Yemenite Sufi mystic Shaikh ash-Shadhili. It is said that while traveling in Ethiopia, he noticed goats that had unusual vitality. He attributed this to the berries that the goats had eaten after trying them himself.

Another "Legend of Dancing Goats" tells us that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He supposedly found his goats dancing joyously near a dark green leafed shrub with bright red cherries in the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Like Shadhili, Kaldi learned this was due to the stimulating effects of the cherries on the shrub. After ingesting the cherries, he experienced their powerful effect. The same berries were later used by monks at a local monastery to stay awake during long hours of prayer. They distributed this to other monasteries all over the world and coffee was born.

From Ethiopia, coffee reportedly spread to Egypt and Yemen. The earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appeared in the middle of the 15th century in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. It was here that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed, similar to how it is prepared today. By the 16th century, coffee reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. It also spread to Italy and to the rest of Europe, Indonesia and the Americas. Looking for the finest coffee in the world?

Decaf Coffee for Coffee Lovers who Want to Drink Coffee without Caffeine

 

Most Americans love their morning coffee. Even when we are rushing out the door, we still have time for that all important cup of joe. Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee and is therefore used as a beverage for its stimulating affect. Did you know that coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world?

Caffeine can cause jitters and nervousness and is not recommended for individuals with certain health problems. Because of this, some individuals have taken the decaffeinated route, but did you know you are still consuming a little bit of caffeine? Have you ever wondered how they get the caffeine out of those delicious aromatic little coffee beans? Well, if you have, you've come to the right place! Let's take a look at some of the processes used to remove caffeine from coffee beans.

The first step to removing caffeine from coffee beans is to soak the beans in water. This softens the beans. After soaking, a solvent such as methylene chloride is used to remove the caffeine. Methylene chloride is used in several products to remove caffeine as the molecules blend together. The beans are processed either directly or indirectly. The direct method is where the beans are soaked directly into the chemical solution. Indirectly is where the water is treated with the methylene chloride solution and then the beans are soaked in the water after the caffeine has been removed.

Coffee labeled naturally decaffeinated is another chemical process of removing caffeine from coffee beans. The beans are again soaked in water and then the coffee water solution is treated with ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate is a chemical found naturally in fruits, therefore the term naturally decaffeinated. After the caffeine has been removed, the coffee beans are again soaked in the coffee water solution so they can reabsorb their natural flavor.

Water processing is where the beans are soaked in water and no chemicals are used. After soaking the beans, the solution is drained through carbon filters that remove the caffeine and then the beans are soaked in the water to absorb oils and flavor.

Another type of water processing is called the Swiss Water Process. This is similar to the water processing method however the coffee water is used instead of plain water. Basically the beans are soaked over and over again to preserve flavor after being passed through carbon filters.

The last process is carbon dioxide processing. That is where the beans are soaked in water and then treated with carbon dioxide in a pressure cooker at high temperatures and very high pressure. The carbon dioxide bonds with the caffeine molecules and is then removed from the beans.

Coffee beans are treated before roasting to preserve flavor. Even though coffees are labeled decaffeinated, they still contain some measure of caffeine. In the United States 97% of the caffeine must be removed to qualify as decaf. What do they do with this left over caffeine? Surprisingly it is used in soft drinks and other products.

Homemade Coffee Recipe

In this article I am going to share with you my secret tips for making the best cup of homemade coffee. Sometimes you need a drink that not only warms you up but gives you a kick and pick me up during those energy slump times. I love getting together with friends to discuss the latest developments and just chill out with a great cup of coffee, nothing gets the conversation started like a nice kick of caffeine fresh from those delicious coffee beans. Coffee tastes great and really does energize you and increase your mental alertness but be warned this surf is so good it's pretty addictive.

Proceed with caution!

What you will need

• A kettle
• Pure filtered water
• A good quality ground instant coffee powder
• Sugar or sweetener
• A mug
• Milk
• A tea spoon

Method

First, start by boiling the water in the kettle. Grab your mug and add a tea spoon of your favorite brand infant coffee. Add the boiling water to the mug and give it a good stir. Add milk and sugar to taste. Voila! Enjoy you coffee with a nice biscuit or chocolate bar and get ready for that pick me up to kick in, you won't be disappointed! Twist tip - if you like a sneaky dink, why not try a Sober Irish coffee and add a dash of your favorite non alcoholic whiskey! Or you could try using steamed milk instead of boiled water to create a creamy and delicious latte, for a low fat calorie version using skimmed zero fat milk works great too. Some of my favorite chocolate bars to have with coffee are Lion, Snickers, Kit Kat, Mars bars, Milky Way, Twirl, Twix, or just some plain digestives! Just make sure to get down the gym after eating that lot! And make sure not to go too crazy! Ummm!

Dark Roasted Coffee is more Stomach Friendly

Recent studies conducted by Veronika Somoza, Ph.D. from the University of Vienna in Austria, and Thomas Hofmann, Ph.D. from the Technische Universität München in Germany indicate dark roasted coffee contain a substance that tells the stomach to reduce production of acid.

It is estimated that upwards of 40 million people in the United States avoid drinking coffee at all, or consume far less coffee to avoid stomach irritation. Doctors believe that chemicals in coffee cause the stomach to overproduce acid. Many people as a result drink only decaffeinated coffee or specialty roasts being marketed as stomach friendly. "The problem is that studies have not verified the stomach irritating potential of coffee or its components, until now," Somoza said. "Manufacturers currently make 'stomach friendly' coffees by processing raw coffee beans with steam or solvents intended to reduce levels of the irritants. But their effectiveness is unclear."

The manufacturing processes used to produce so-called "stomach-friendly coffee" also can reduce the amount of healthful substances in the coffee, including some that scientists have linked to benefits such as protection against diabetes and heart disease.

During the study the scientists exposed cultures of human stomach cells to a variety of different coffee preparations, including regular, dark-roast, mild, decaffeinated, and stomach-friendly varieties. Several substances were identified that were believed to trigger chemical changes associated with increased acid production. Among these substances were caffeine, catechols, and other ingredients.

"Our data show, for the first time, that caffeine, catechols and N-alkanoly-5-hydroxytryptamides are those coffee components that stimulate molecular mechanisms of stomach acid secretion in human stomach cells," Somoza said. Most of them are indeed removed by steam or solvent treatment of the raw coffee bean. We found out there's no single, key irritant. It is a mixture of compounds that seem to cause the irritant effect of coffee."

The research discovered that one of the coffee components, N-methylpyridium (NMP), seems to block the ability of the stomach cells to produce hydrochloric acid and could provide a way to reduce or avoid stomach irritation.

N-methylpyridium (NMP) appears able to block the ability of the stomach cells to produce hydrochloric acid. NMP is produced only upon roasting and is not found in raw coffee beans. Dark roasted coffee can potentially contain up to twice as much of NMP, but the levels vary greatly depending on the variety of coffee bean and the roasting method.

The researchers are testing different varieties of raw coffee beans and different roasting methods in an attempt to increase NMP levels to make a better stomach-friendly coffee.

Two Coffee Latte Recipes

Looking for some free coffee recipes to start your day? If yes, I would like to introduce you my 2 new low sugar coffee recipes for you. These recipes are specially for those who likes coffee and mixed with espresso. I think they are perfect match where it totally bring out the coffee taste that it will definitely kick off your day.

Coffee and Almond Latte Recipe

Coffee and almond syrups mixed with Espresso, how is the taste? Do you ever want to try it?

Ingredients

Enough for 1 person (just nice for one tall glass)

1. 1 shot of organic espresso
2. 3 tablespoons of low sugar Almond Syrup
3. 1 tablespoon of low sugar Coffee syrup
4. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk

Equipment Needed

Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for Preparation

1. Take a clean blender cup, pour your syrups into the blender cup together with espresso and steamed milk.
2. Start the Blender with low speed and blend it until they are well mixed.
3. When done, take a clean glass and pour your latte into it.
4. You can serve to latte now.

Coffee and Chocolate Mint Latte Recipe

To those coffee and chocolate lover, this will be specially for you. Hope you like it.

Ingredients

Enough for 1 person (just nice for one tall glass)

1. 1 shot of organic espresso
2. 2 tablespoons of low sugar chocolate mint and coffee syrup respectively
3. 0.75 cup of low fat steamed milk

Equipment Needed

Espresso maker and electronic blender

Steps for Preparation

1. Take a clean blender container and pour your syrups, espresso and steamed milk into it.
2. If you like cold latte, you can then add some ice cube before you blend it.
3. Blend it with low speed for 20 seconds, make sure they are well mixed.
4. Take a clean glass and pour your latte into it.
5. You can drink your latte now.

Coffee Tasting is about Experience

Not all people are alike, when it comes to coffee and tasting. Some like it with milk and some like it straight.

Why is it, that different people prefer different flavors?

Tasting coffee is about grinding and experience. The tasting experience will always begin, when you make the buy - based upon your expectations.

It means - real tasting begins before brewing, with a buy and a grind. Smelling the hot water to the beans is the second step of the impression. In the moment of drinking coffee, when it reaches your tongue, it stimulates taste.

When you taste, it is divided into three main categories by professionals. The three categories are body, acidity and balance.

How do you get more people to drink coffee?

1. Choose a good gourmet coffee and do not make it too strong.
2. Add a dash of flavored creamer into the coffee, you can use flavors as amaretto, orange or vanilla.
3. You could also add a dash of cinnamon or sugar to the coffee.
4. Serve coffee at the right temperature, water must be between 92 to 96 degree Celsius
5. Serve the coffee in cool glasses.
6. Experiment with flavors and different coffee-beans, until you find a favorite.

To sum it up; Coffee-tasting is built upon expectations, feelings, and experiences. Picking a right coffee flavor for your particularly taste, could take some time. Build it upon experiences and make some coffee-parties. Show your kids, that coffee is not just coffee. Coffee comes in many variations and different flavors, and can be served hot, cold or it could also be an ingredient into a really nice homemade ice-cream.

Make Your Own Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee is one of the most popular and greatly loved beverages around the world. It comes from a coffee bean roasted and then grounded. Many people really love to drink their coffee hot and mixed with different flavors, while some would prefer to have their coffee cold. But aside from hot and cold coffee, there is another perfect way to enjoy your coffee and this is with coffee flavored ice cream. Coffee ice cream can be easily made with just simple steps.

Prepare all necessary equipments and ingredients in making coffee ice cream. Make sure that everything you need is within your reach so would not have to go around to get ingredients you forgot. Check that the coffee you will use has a good quality and is still fresh. You can choose whatever kind of finely ground coffee you want. Get four tablespoons of fresh finely ground coffee and then pour over a cup of hot water on it. Let the mixture stand for about ten minutes.

After a few minutes, strain the mixture to make sure that all the coffee grounds are removed. Mix eight ounces of soft brown sugar and six egg yolks in a bowl that is heatproof. Whisk the mixture until it thickens. Add in 500 ml of milk together with the coffee and whisk until all the ingredients are mixed well.

Once everything is mixed evenly, you may now place the bowl with the mixture over a saucepan with simmering water. Using also a heatproof spatula with flat bottom, stir constantly the mixture while cooking under medium heat for approximately ten minutes. Scrape the bottom of the bowl as you stir until such time it becomes thick.

Turn of the heat and remove the saucepan. Transfer the mixture bowl away from the saucepan and place on one side to cool. You can now transfer the cooled mixture into the ice cream maker following specific instructions in the equipment's manual. After that, you get to enjoy your favorite coffee ice cream. You can do these steps by yourself at home. Making ice cream could be a great bonding moment for you and your kids. You get to enjoy the delicious taste of your coffee ice cream and at the same time have wonderful time with your love ones.

A Cup of Coffee with White Vinegar

You know it's time to do something when your coffee maker takes forever to make the coffee and sounds like it's about to burst while it's doing it. Odds are it simply is crying out for a good cleaning and this article will tell you how to do that and more using the amazing green cleaning power of undiluted distilled white vinegar.

Cleaning the coffee maker is a snap. Simply pour in a cup of vinegar into the pot and fill with cold water. Pour this mixture into the reservoir and turn the coffee maker on. As the vinegar water solution passes through the maker it will cut the oil left by coffee and eliminate lime deposits left by tap water.

Once the water has cycled through, dump the water and let the pot cool. When it has cooled off fill it with fresh cold water and cycle that through the coffee maker to rinse the last of the vinegar. If it has been some time since you last cleaned the coffee maker you may have to repeat the process.

That takes care of the internal parts, now let's get rid of the pesky stains on the outside. Vinegar is just an amazing cleaning tool and the fact that it is non toxic is a huge bonus. What you may want to do is take an old spray bottle and fill it with a half vinegar half water solution. This way you always have it handy and don't have to mix a new batch every time you want to clean something. Spray this solution on the outside of the coffee maker and the lid of the carafe and watch those stains disappear.

Here are some other great tips on using vinegar around the house.

You can polish copper or brass by mixing 2 tablespoons of ketchup and one tablespoon each of vinegar and salt. Stir well and use a soft cloth to wipe the mixture onto anything made of copper or brass. Keep rubbing until you get a bright shiny finish.

If you have an ant problem at home, spray full strength white vinegar around your doors and windows and it will discourage them from entering.

Ok you took care of the ants, now it's time to get rid of pesky fruit flies. Just set out a saucer filled with vinegar and the little pests will drown themselves in it.

There are literally hundreds of uses for white vinegar. It's cheap and best of all it's green. Do yourself and the Earth a favor and make it your favorite household cleaner.

How Many Calories are in Your Cup of Coffee

Because many people are becoming more conscious with their health, they usually count calories how many in the food they are taking, including calories in cup of coffee.

Coffee is actually a health drink even though it may have negative associations due to its high acid content. Several health benefits have been linked to drinking coffee in moderate amounts daily.

Some countries such as Singapore have government programs that promote the consumption of healthy food and drinks. The Singapore Government has launched the 'Healthier Choice Food" Program which promotes healthy grade food. One of the products being endorsed is Nestle Nescafe because of the low calorie count of instant coffee.

The number of calories in cup of coffee varies. Surprisingly,the lowest calories count is actually brewed black coffee. This is because coffee in itself and without any additives has almost zero calories.

An 8 ounce cup of java brewed from grounds was found to contain a mere 2 calories, according to the USDA nutrient database while instant black coffee contains only 4 calories. These calories come from a tiny amount of protein and some of the mono-unsaturated oils in the beans.

The factors that increase the calorie count in coffee are the additives. As your cuppa is naturally bitter so in order to offset the bitter taste, sweeteners such as sugar, milk, cream and other syrups are added to it.

These additives are usually packed with fats thus resulting in the increase in calories.

The more additives added to the coffee, the more calorie content it contains. For instance, coffee with whole milk contains 12 calories. On the other hand, coffee with whole milk and sugar in it will contain at least 60 calories.

Furthermore, the larger the drink volume, the more additives are needed, hence the larger the calorie count in it. For instance a 16 ounce of coffee will require more milk than an 8 ounce of coffee.

So if it is the calories you are watching, it is best to either brew your own or take instant coffee and it would be good to avoid going to cafes.

The Differences between Manual and Automatic Coffee Machines

Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just a casual drinker you will know that all cups of coffee are not created equal. Although the quality of the coffee is greatly dependent on the coffee itself, the taste of coffee will vary with the type of manual or automatic coffee machine. The ingredients are the same - coffee and hot water, but the method and the type of machine greatly affects how much you will enjoy that cup of java. Here are some of the more popular ways and machines to make your cup of coffee.

• Let your fingers do the stirring - The cheapest way of making coffee is where you merely put instant coffee in hot water and your hands do the stirring. The quality of the coffee however is at the bottom end of the scale.
• Manual Drip Coffeemaker- This type of coffee maker has the coffee in a basket on top of the pot. Water just below the boiling temperature passes through the coffee and it takes about four to five minutes to brew. This type is portable and popular with campers.
• French Press - This type is also called a coffee plunger. In this type coffee grounds are added to the French Press receptacle and water just below boiling point is slowly and evenly poured over the grounds. After letting it seep for a few minutes the plunger is firmly and slowly pushed down in a controlled manner. The result is excellent coffee. This type of coffee maker is popular among "coffeeholics" in the workplace.
• Automatic Drip Coffeemaker - This is the most common type on the market today. Cold water is heated slightly below boiling temperature and evenly spread over the coffee grounds and coffee drips to a receptacle below. Most of these are programmable so you can synchronize the brewing time with your alarm clock. The models vary widely and include brew strength control settings, built in coffee grinding, self-cleaning and cup capacity features. Costs vary from the tens to the thousands of dollars.
• Pod coffeemaker - These usually are single-serve machines where the process is similar to the automatic drip coffeemaker but the guess work is taken out of the coffee measurement. One pod is used to make one cup of coffee. This also is easy to clean up as the pod is then discarded in the garbage. These are more expensive though than their automatic drip peers.
• Espresso machines - These machines quickly force hot water through the coffee by using a pump, piston or steam. The result of this pressure brewed coffee is espresso - strong thick black coffee with a small amount of foam, or crema on the top. The costs of espresso machines also vary, depending on the method that is used to produce the pressure and features.

If you are thinking about buying a manual or automatic coffee machine then your taste preference and the amount you are willing to spend will determine the type you buy. They can come as cheap as $35 for a French Press or the Hamilton Beach 43254, or $2,500 for a fancy machine such as Gran Dama Super-Automatic espresso machine by Delonghi. The Nespresso Essenza machine is also a bargain espresso machine for around $260, as it has some of the features that can only be found on more expensive machines.

Three Misconceptions about Coffee

Since the energy offering properties of coffee were discovered in Yemen, Ethiopia and the rest of the Arab world in around the 15th century, the delicious taste of fresh coffee has spread around the world to become one of the most cherished beverages available for humans to drink. But many worry about drinking too much coffee. What ill effects can it have on the body? Is it really safe? In this article, we look at three of the most common misconceptions about drinking coffee and show that, if drunk in safe quantities, coffee may even be good for you.

So, what are the three coffee misconceptions?

(1) Coffee stunts your growth

This is a pretty major concern. Can drinking coffee really stop you growing at the rumor suggests?

Thankfully, there's absolutely no truth to this one. You can drink coffee and still grow.

Where this rumor might have started, is that caffeine can be more dangerous to children than to adults. As their bodies are still developing, health care professionals suggest that children should avoid drinking caffeinated drinks. Of course, this should apply as much to soft drinks that contain caffeine like Coke and Pepsi. A small amount of caffeine will likely do children no harm, but for larger volumes children should be given the decaffeinated variety.

(2) Coffee is fattening

More good news for coffee drinkers. Merely drinking fresh coffee won't lead to you putting on weight. A six ounce mug of fresh coffee only contains five calories or thereabouts. So, you can continue to drink coffee without worrying too much about this.

This misconception probably springs from the fact that some coffee drinkers can be overweight. These people aren't drinking solely black coffee. Adding milk will increase the calorie count. A small dash of milk will likely be okay, but once you start frothing this to make cappuccino this can increase the calories.

Another danger are the syrups and alcoholic beverages often added to coffee to enhance the taste. These can also increase the fattening effect of coffee.

(3) Drinking coffee turns you into an insomniac

Unfortunately, for coffee lovers, there is some truth to this. Caffeine has a wonderful property of raising alertness, attentiveness and awakeness, but this can also have a downside, preventing sleep if taken to extremes.

Luckily, there is a simple solution. Avoid drinking coffee late in the day. Coffee can be a delicious morning drink, perfect to put a new spring into your step when you get up in the morning. You can also follow the English tradition of Elevenses and enjoy a pot in mid-morning. But generally try and avoid too much coffee in the afternoon and certainly in the evening. That way you won't end up having too many sleepless nights.

So, there you have three common misconceptions about coffee drinking, completely, or partially, debuffed. Do continue enjoying drinking coffee. It has a very pleasant taste and should be savoured, not scorned.

Tips to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

There's nothing quite like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee to get your day started off on the right foot. Whether it's the invigorating scent or the caffeine seeping into your veins, nothing energizes and awakens quite like a good cup of coffee. People have been drinking coffee for thousands of years, and it's easy to see why some of our earliest ancestors loved coffee as much as we do today. Although the earliest cups of coffee were nothing like the coffee we enjoy today! Today it's possible to buy a coffee machine that does all the hard work for you, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee without doing much more than flicking a switch.

What to look for in a coffee machine:

The coffee roasting machines of today come in many shapes and sizes, and are capable of producing a strongly brewed cup of coffee. With so many quality name brand coffee machines on the market today, it might be difficult to know where to begin.

If you are in the market for a roasting machine, be sure to look for:

• Stainless steel or a similarly indestructible material: You want to choose a coffee machine that lasts for many years, and stainless steel is a fantastic choice.
• Easy to use: The last thing you want to do is fiddle with a hundred little buttons before you can get your coffee going. Choose a coffee maker that is easy to set up, and easy to use.
• Handy extra features: Many of today's coffee machines come with handy features like a timer, so you can awaken to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning.

Use these tips to ensure you find the perfect coffee machine for your home, and never drink a bad cup of coffee again.

Three New Ways to Make Coffee

If you are anything like most people, then you likely love coffee. Coffee lovers can't go more than a day, sometimes even a few hours, without wanting a cup and badly. Making your favorite in a coffee maker may get the job done, but there are definitely other ways to go about getting your favorite cup.

The Siphon/Vacuum brewer

One of the more interesting methods that you can try is the siphon/vacuum brewer, which is also referred to as the vacuum coffee maker. This novel way of making coffee isn't new in and of itself. The process was developed in the 1830s. Part of the fun and charm of a siphon/vacuum is that the process is very novel. Water vapor pressure forces water into a chamber containing the ground beans. The result is a mechanism and process that may look a little bit like a turn of the century science project, but the vacuum coffee maker definitely produces great coffee and makes for a wonderful conversation piece.

Chermex

A Chemex coffee maker is another novel way to make coffee. The Chemex design is based around the concept of the hourglass and may resemble a work of art more than a means for making coffee. As it is made of glass and often a wood collar, the Chemex has no working parts. This fact adds to its overall uniqueness.

The key part of the Chemex method is that it uses a very robust, chemistry grade filtering system that filters out a higher level of impurities than other filtering systems. Many believe that the end result is coffee that tastes much purer and better.

The method for making coffee with a Chemex coffee maker is actually fairly simple. One simply places the heavy-duty filter over the top of the Chemex in a cone shape. The next step is to pour your desired amount of coffee into the filter and then simply pour your hot water in afterwards. It might sound too simple to work. However, not only does it work, it works extremely well.

Part of the joy of owning a Chemex coffee maker is the novelty and "wow factor" that you can produce in those who are unfamiliar with its design. The Chemex's design has long been recognized as being something of a work of art. Because of its looks as well as its unique functionality, there is no doubt that the Chemex is a rather unique and way to make coffee.

The Toddy

The Toddy is often employed in making iced coffee. The way that a Toddy coffee maker works is rather unique in that one literally soaks the coffee for several hours in the Toddy system. One of the byproducts is that the coffee will keep for several days, for this reason, the Toddy coffee maker is often a favorite of coffee shops and other establishments that serve iced coffee beverages. If you really enjoy iced coffee, this might be yet another method to try.

Ethiopia, the Land where Coffee was Discovered

Coffee legend claims Ethiopia as the land where coffee was first cultivated and discovered. A goatherd named Kaldi is said to have eaten some, or observed his goats acting very frisky after eating some of the red berries. There has been little to prove this as more than legend.

Monks in Ethiopia are said to have brewed the berries after first throwing them into the fire as "devil's work!" As the monastery filled with the heavenly aroma of roasting beans, they were raked from the fire and crushed to extinguish the embers. The remains of the crushed beans were placed in hot water to supposedly preserve their goodness. The Monks drank the brew throughout the night, and a legend was born.

Ethiopia is Africa's major exporter of Arabica coffee beans, and this is still the only variety grown there. Arabica accounts for over 70% of the World's coffee, and is grown in many countries around the World. Over 12 million people depend on Ethiopia's coffee industry.

The Ethiopian Coffee Export Enterprise controls approximately 50% of the coffee in the country. The focus is on quality products such as premium blends, organics varieties, and original unblended coffees from the plantations or farms where they are grown.

There are some special varieties in Ethiopia such as the Longberry, grown at the highest altitude in the region of Harar. This variety is the most popular, and has a winey flavor with a slight acidity. And it has been witnessed by many that an aroma of blueberry can be noted when roasting.

Another comes from the Southern Region from an area known as Sidamo. Washed Yirgacheffes beans are very popular from this region as are the Limmu, which are lighter in body and less earthy than dry processed varieties.

The Ethiopian coffees are unique in their flavor and character, and are some of the most highly quoted, washed Arabica beans on the International market. With close ties to the Yemen Mocha, it must not be subjected to a high temperature roast to preserve its character. A strong flavor yet mild acidity make these beans a great choice for the coffee connoisseur.

Using Bosch Tassimo Coffee Maker to Enjoy Tassimo Drinks

Bosch Tassimo coffee makers are one of the better known brands regarding Tassimo hot beverage systems. People love the versatility of the Tassimo system. It is impressive since it only not brew varieties of coffee; you can also brew other hot beverages such as hot chocolate, hot tea, espresso and lattes, etc.

The system of Bosch Tassimo machines is unique since they use T-Discs, rather than using loose ingredients for making drinks. It means that every time you want to drink coffee or any hot beverages, you just insert the coffee you like or hot beverages on each disposable disk. So easy and you can have freshly coffee within minutes.

Like other Tassimo coffee makers, it has a barcode to give the temperature on how hot is the water needed for this certain coffee or hot beverages. It operates accordingly to what drink you are brewing. Bosch Tassimo coffee maker has different designs, color and features. They also have Bosch Tassimo multipurpose brewer. Here are some Bosch Tassimo models:

• Bosch TAS1000UC Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Brewer

• Bosch TAS6515UC Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Brewer

• Bosch TAS4011GB Tassimo

• Bosch TAS4012GB Tassimo

These are a few of the more popular models of Bosch coffee makers although there are still lots to choose from. They have different prices depending on the models and designs of your choice. Having one in your kitchen, you cannot ask for more. Let everyone in your family enjoy their own perfectly taste drink of their choice with simple and easy touch of a button with this high technology coffee maker. It's no hassle, no sweat and no mess when you have one on hand at all times.

When you wake up in the morning, like other family or people do they go to the kitchen to drink a cup of freshly coffee. You can smell the excellent aroma of the coffee which is perfectly brewed. The taste of your great coffee is consistent every time you make your coffee in Bosch Tassimo coffee maker.

Inspired by the lifestyle of today's discerning consumers need to find a best technology where in they can save time and can have their early morning fresh coffee that don't mess up. Since coffee maker is one of the kitchen appliances that most people need and people mostly drink coffee 3 to 5 times a day or even more especially coffee addicts.

If you want more information regarding Bosch machines, you can go around and shop. Compare the prices, the features and you can see the different makes and models. If ever you have no time to go around shopping for Bosch Tassimo coffee maker, you can shop online through the internet with no sweat. Easy to access and you can explore different sites where in you can find about the amazing brewing system.

What is Galapagos Coffee

El Junco Lagoon is a place you probably have never heard of, yet its existence is the reason for Galapagos Coffee. El Junco is the Galapagos Island's only permanent fresh water lake. It's located on the island of San Cristobal at an elevation just over 2000 feet, in the belly of a collapsed volcanic crater. The lake itself is a tourist attraction. Visitors come to see the lake with its surrounding lush endemic plants and the many species of birds that come here to bathe in its sweet waters.

What does this have to do with coffee? It's part of a combination that makes it possible to grow coffee here. The fresh waters from El Junco, the nutrient rich soils from the extinct volcano, and the surrounding micro climate combine together to create unique agricultural zone located within these pristine islands and an ideal place to grow everything from avocados, to oranges and guavas and even coffee.

The history of Coffee in Galapagos dates back to 1879, when Manuel Cobos (the so-called Emperor of Galapagos) established Hacienda El Progresso in the highlands of San Cristobal Island. His hacienda was little more than a prison camp; he set up so he could take advantage of free inmate labor to harvest sugar cane and process the meat from turtles and feral cattle. His works included building a railroad (using the same labor), a fishing endeavor, extension farming, the creation of his own currency and in a section of the Hacienda called El Cafetel, Cobos planted robost arabica bourbon beans and Galapagos Coffee began. Cobos' Galapagos empire lasted until 1904 when his workers tired of his Machiavellian ways and finally revolted and killed the tyrant. The prisoners left the islands El Cafetel was abandonded and and the hacienda stood in ruins for almost 100 years.

During the 1990's the Gonzales family purchased the land and realized that though the coffee plants had been ignored over all these years they continued to thrive. To the family's delight they found when the beans were collected, dried and processed they produced a medium bodied coffee with a sweet caramel aroma, slight citrus taste with layers of leather and tobacco. As a result the Hacienda was revived and Galapagos Coffee was reborn.

Today with the support of the local community certified organic Galapagos Coffee is available at specialty coffee shops around the world. And for those of you lucky enough to be visiting the Galapagos we suggest a including a day in the San Cristobal Highlands where you can visit the tortoise preserve to see the famed Galapagos Tortoises in the wild, visit El Junco Lagoon, and by special arrangement enjoy delicious lunch at the El Progresso Hacienda and try a cup of their special coffee.

Making Great Coffee Drinks at Home

We have grown into a true coffee loving society. Look around on your next drive through town and make note of the countless coffee houses on just about every street corner and you'll really grasp the extent of our love of coffee. While there is certainly nothing wrong with starting your day with a nice brew, or fetching a warm cup of tea before bed, there is a problem with spending a good portion of your expendable income supporting your local coffee shop!

If you love it and would like to enjoy more coffee drinks at home, there is a way. Here we will look at some wonderful coffees you can enjoy, and an unconventional new way of making it that is really catching on.

The first step in making stellar coffee drinks at home is to start with fresh coffee brewed just how you like it. This is a task that has been difficult for many people using the conventional coffee maker. It's not that using it is so difficult, it just seems like the way cafe actually comes out of a traditional coffee maker is inconsistent when it comes to flavor.

A few years back, Keurig brewers became popular home appliances. This system of making cafe is done using Keurig k cups. These Kcups are pre-measured, pre-filled cups of coffee grounds. When you pop Kcups into the brewer, you are left with the perfect cup of cafe any time you want. Those who have used this type of machine with Keurig K cups love just how fast their coffee is brewed. No more waiting 5 minutes for piping hot cappuccino or tea. This machine brews Kcups in just a few seconds. With that, you are well on your way to wowing your friends and family with coffee-house quality drinks right at home.

One of the most popular drinks at any coffee house is the iced coffee. Why should you give up your café fetish when the weather warms up? With this iced coffee recipe, you won't have to. To make it for you and some friends, start by brewing 4 cups of cafe. Refrigerate the coffee until cool. You can chill glasses for an elegant feel, or just use glasses straight out of the cupboard. Bring ¼ cup of water to boil; stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract and ¼ cup of white sugar until dissolved. Refrigerate this mixture until cool, about 30 minutes. Fill each glass with ice, and pour equal amounts of chilled coffee in each. Stir in cream and sugar mixture, to taste.

For a super easy after dinner coffee treat at your next dinner party, consider adding some cafe flavored liqueur to a full cup of espresso. Just a smidge goes a long way. Top the espresso with a dollop of whipped cream and place a chocolate covered coffee bean on top for a posh garnish.

When you learn how to make just a few of your favorite gourmet cafe drinks at home, you not only open the door to wowing your friends and family; but you can also save yourself a small fortune by eliminating regular visits to the local coffeehouse.

Complete Information about Coffee Grinding

Coffee as we know is the most drinkable beverages for most people around the world. The coffee could be instant, ground or even whole roasted beans. All of those depend on the taste of every person. True coffee lovers prefer to mill coffee beans in order to brew an aromatic beverage, to preserve all its natural fragrances and simply enjoy genuine coffee drink.

There are various types of milling that depend on your personal sense of coffee taste and the kind of grinding device you chose. Here are the types of coffee grinder that possibly you choose:

Coarse

This type is little different with other types of ground coffee grain. It likes coarse coffee grain. Its almost like brewing the whole beans that have been a little smashed into pieces.

Medium

The coffee particles are smaller and look like coarse grained sand or sugar. For this grind should be brewed in Drip Filtration coffee machine.

Fine

It is more delicate by touch, still not the powder that we get in Turkish milling. Fine grind can be used in almost each drip coffee maker and the filter will make the coffee grain softer.

Extra Fine

It is almost ideal coffee grind with a gentle texture like Turkish grind. This milling is used while brewing espresso in an espresso coffee making machine.

Turkish

This antiquated method brings the beans to the stage they turn into powder or dust, with other words. The coffee brewed from this grind is extremely heavy with thick consistence. And the result is almost perfect powder of coffee grinder is produced by this type.

After we discuss about the types of coffee grinder, now we want to know about coffee grinding devices. As matter of fact, there are two types of coffee grinding devices, they are blade and the other is burr grinder.

The blade coffee grinder is cheaper than the blade one. The blade works in such a way that the roasted beans are chopped, thus you will never get an extra fine coffee grind in such an appliance. The taste of the coffee depends on the period of time the beans are grind, the longer they stay in the blade device, the more burned taste you will get in your coffee.

The burr grinder is way much better and is highly appreciated throughout the coffee world. And the burr grinder itself divides into two types, they are wheel burr and the other is conical burr. Wheel burr is the cheapest coffee grinding. This type of burr can be very noisy because of its wheel that is rotating way too fast. So, the result is the coffee still mess up.

Then, conical burr is the best grinding device ever. The high-quality coffee is guaranteed. The wheel in such a mechanism spins slower, thus resulting in less noise and better quality grind. Well, the result is a fine aromatic coffee substance that will please even the most exacting drinker. The only lack of such a device is its expense, thus not everyone can afford it.

The Best French Press Coffee Maker

One of the best ways to make rich, full, and excellent-tasting coffee is to use a French press coffee maker. Many coffee lovers prefer the French press coffee method and swear by its perfection. If you have not tried it before, you need to try it. It is wonderful.

The first step in choosing a good French press coffee maker is to consider the size you'll need. Most French presses come in 2-3 cup sizes, but large ones making up to 8 cups are available as well. Most people find that the 2-3 cup sizes are just about right, because one of the attributes of a French press coffee maker is its inability to heat the coffee. Me personally, I like larger ones. But, then I drink coffee out of a larger mug. If you are like me, you might want the larger one. But, as mentioned above, you might have a hard time keeping the coffee hot if you are drinking alone.

French press makers all work in the same way, so once you've chosen a size, look at workmanship and quality. Stainless steel is definitely the way to go and the thicker the glass, the stronger the press will be. All-stainless steel versions are also available and may be the right answer for you - they are definitley sturdier.

I have broken many glass ones by dropping them on the counter or hitting them against the kitchen sink while washing them. So, while I love the look of the glass carafe, the stainless steel is much more practical. Another problem with the glass carafe is that they sometimes break from having hot water in them and then cold water. I hate when this happens.

To make great coffee using this method, start with good beans in a well-done roast. Pour the measure of beans into the press and ad steaming, near-boiling water. Affix the lid and gently press the grinds filter down about an inch into the water. Let stand for some time (3-5 minutes, depending on your strength preference).

Then press the filter the rest of the way down as far as it will go. Pour and enjoy! The best French press mixture of coffee and water will give you a heavy, rich, flavorful brew. Once you've tried the best French press has to offer, you won't go back.

Three World's Best Cafe Areas

While Australians are great lovers of the cafe experience, there seems to be a huge following all over the world in various forms. All of them usually have a coffee element involved and undoubtedly attract a wide range of people through their doors every day. Here we discover some of the world's most well known cities that have embraced the cafe culture.

Melbourne, Australia

Many people who visit Melbourne and have not been before will often comment on the amount of cafes the city has. If you go down little alley or lane ways in the city, you'll find cafes that have been inspired from many different things - countries, music, art, people and of course, food! Coffee is very popular in Melbourne also. If you happen to walk into a cafe that doesn't have a full espresso coffee machine, one of two things could be happening; First thing is it could be a health food cafe or secondly, they have just opened and they are in the process of fitting one very soon! Alfresco cafes are also popping up in art galleries, shopping centres and even in parks around Melbourne. It just shows how truly committed Melbourne is to the cafe culture.

New York City, New York

Cafes and coffee houses in New York are quite different to that of the ones in Melbourne. Because they experience such diverse weather in the Big Apple they are often only able to have alfresco dining for three to five months of the year. Cafes in New York are rich and varied. Depending on which neighbourhood you are in will ultimately depend on the decor and the style of food they serve. If you are in the Upper East Side you will often find there are a lot of high end cafes serving expensive cakes and beverages. If you head downtown, you will probably find yourself in a more relaxed diner with booth seats and a much more budget friendly menu.

Rome, Italy

The home of the great espresso, Rome and even Italy in general is where you will find a fantastic trattoria (Italian for cafe) experience. Known for their delicious cakes, ice creams and coffee, Italians sure know how to make eating out relaxed and enjoyable. If you do get the chance to eat at a cafe in Rome, you must try an affogatto! This traditional Italian beverage is espresso with a dollop of ice cream... Belissimo!

Everything about Coffee Roasting

Coffee roasting directly determines the taste and flavor of your cup of Joe, and much of your roasting preferences depend on the flavor profile you are looking for in your Java. Coffee was discovered centuries ago, and it wasn't long before the dried coffee beans began being roasted to release even richer flavors that can be ground into a brew. Learning more about coffee roasts is your opportunity to delve even deeper into your cup of Joe to determine which aspects of Java flavor you like the best!

To start with, there are different roast types to take into consideration. Coffee ranges from light to dark roasted, depending upon how long it is roasted for. A light roast is normally after the first crack of the coffee beans in the roasting process, and a standard light roast is called the American roast. From there, a light medium roast is called a City roast, and a medium roast is called a Full City roast. As the coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time, they become darker and develop smokier flavors. This is normally after the second crack of the coffee beans. A medium dark roast is called a Vienna roast, and a Dark roast is called an Italian Espresso roast or a French roast. Determining different roast types is your opportunity to choose either a lighter roast of coffee that exhibits more characteristics of the region that it was grown in, or a darker roast of coffee that has smokier and fuller flavors.

Once you brew your delicious coffee roast, there are a few ways to determine the coffee characteristics. These are often used by professional coffee connoisseurs as a way to measure the body and flavor of a cup of Joe. To start out with, you can begin by considering the acidity of your Java. This is the tart taste that it may leave on your tongue, also measured by the dryness that it brings to your palette. This should not be confused in any way with bitterness or sourness from an improper brewing method, but acidity is similar to the dry characteristics found in wine. High acidity can be found within African coffees.

After that, you can take into consideration the body of your Java. This is the heaviness felt on your tongue, as well as the thickness of the coffee. Many fuller bodied coffees lose their body by adding milk, and Indonesian coffees are often known for having a full body. Another consideration is the aroma of your coffee, which is the scent characteristics that it provides. Some of the most fragrant coffees on the market are Colombian and Kona coffees.

Last of all, the flavor of your coffee is what makes it distinct. Does your Java have an earthy or sharp flavor? Does it have undertones of flowers, nuts, or chocolate? There truly is no wrong answer in determining the flavor profile of your cup of Joe, and it is your opportunity to develop your palate as a true coffee connoisseur!

Countries with The Highest Coffee Consumption

With over 501 billion cups consumed yearly, coffee ranks as one of the world's most popular beverages. Drinking a hot cup of Joe is very popular in the Americas, the Middle East and Europe. Coffee houses and cafes around the world specialize in coffee.

Aside from coffee, many cafes also serve tea, sandwiches, pastries and other light refreshments. Some shops have coffee-to-go for hectic travelers who visit these places on their way to work. Others provide additional services, like wired or wireless Internet access, giving birth to the name "internet cafe, which is also being used by stores with Internet service but without any coffee.

In general, coffee consumption in North America and Europe is equivalent to approximately one third of all tap water consumed in those same countries. Worldwide, approximately 6.7 million metric tons of coffee is produced annually since 1998. This figure is expected to reach seven million metric tons annually starting this year. In 2000 alone, US coffee consumption was 22.1 gallons (83.66 liters) per capita.

Aside from the United States, other big markets for coffee include Germany and Japan. Canada is another large coffee consuming country with the coffee chain Tim Hortons making millions of cups of coffee a day. The Nordic countries consume the most coffee per capita with Finland usually occupying the top spot with per-capita consumption in excess of 10 kilograms (kg) per year. It is closely followed by Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Consumption has also greatly increased in the traditionally tea drinking United Kingdom but still remains below 5 kg per year. Other coffee loving countries are the Netherlands (7.1 kgs), Switzerland (7 kgs), Germany (5.7 kgs), Austria (5.5 kgs), Belgium (5 kgs), and France (3.9 kgs).