The enjoyment of coffee knows no borders or bounds, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s one of the highest sought-after products in the entire world.

Millions of people start their day off with a hot cup of coffee. One of the finest brands that one could purchase would be Cafe Sello Rojo, a Colombian favorite that’s sure to delight your senses, and put some extra pep in your step every morning.  Today, on Jiale Coffee, we are proud to bring you a featurette on Cafe Sello Rojo:

Cafe Sello Rojo’s History

Cafe Sello Rojo has been a top leader in best Colombian coffees since the 1960’s, but before that, it was a small operation, starting in 1959. Cafe Sello Rojo has worked its way up from a small operation, relying on the help of workers within the women’s prison and the San Jose Orphanage.

From there, the company branched out, creating new products and developing their vacuum seal technology, which allowed the coffee to stay fresh for much longer.

Eventually, even better packaging was created, allowing the coffee to stay fresh for over a year or two at a time. Though it’s sprouted from modest beginnings, Cafe Sello Rojo is very popular in Colombia, and around the world, respectfully.

The Cafe Sello Rojo Brand Today

With their classic roast being a best seller, the Cafe Sello Rojo brand is a staple in many kitchens across Colombia, and Europe. The brand has grown from small-time operations to large, state of the art factories that allow them to send out more delicious coffee than ever before.

Offering a smooth, delectable aroma and flavor, many people to continue to buy up the coffee with little sign of anything slowing. The brand has also branched out into philanthropy, supporting causes like education and the arts.

Conclusion

Cafe Sello Rojo is a favorite for a variety of reasons, though the most popular one is that they simply make very good coffee. Using only the best beans, it’s guaranteed that every cup is just as good as the last.

This is because Cafe Sello Rojo only uses the best beans, the best equipment, and the best packaging, because you deserve the best cup of coffee, every time, all the time.

Different types of coffees usually have different tastes and effects, made using different modes of preparation. Some are strong, while others are mild. Knowing the differences can help in choosing the best coffee, depending on one’s desires.

Cuban coffee, also known as Cuban espresso, is one of the strongest coffee on the market. It is also very sweet, since it’s made using sugar and espresso. If you want to learn more about the best Colombian coffee, we have another guide set up that could be extremely helpful. Onto Cuban coffee!

History of Cuban Coffee

Although coffee production in Cuba started in the 1700’s, this specific Cuban coffee was first discovered when Italians went to Cuba.

It quickly became part of Cuban culture, which involves drinking coffee in social settings. After the coffee is brewed, it is placed in a large container and shared, using smaller cups.

Since then, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world, where people still follow the traditional mode of preparation when brewing it.

How To Make the Best Cuban Coffee

The first step in making the best Cuban coffee is collecting all the tools. These include ground coffee (which can be espresso, although others use slightly coarse grounds), a Moka Pot, and sugar.

Remove the Moka Pot’s parts, and pour water into the lower chamber. Measure the ground coffee and place in the filter.

Remember to maintain the exact measurements required for the pot. Don’t pour water that passes the safety valve, and use the correct ratio of coffee to water.

Put the top chamber back on, and turn on the heat. You’ll have to stick around to monitor the progress closely. This is because Moka Pots are a little delicate, and the coffee can easily get burnt. To avoid being idle, prepare the sugar while you wait for the coffee to be ready.

The next step is adding the sugar into the coffee. This part is a bit challenging, especially for first-time brewers, since it requires the perfect quantity. You can use regular cane sugar, but brown sugar is the best.

Add the sugar into the container, which will hold the coffee drips from the Moka Pot. This mixture is created during brewing, and if done correctly, it will create the perfect “espuma”, which is the froth that forms on this coffee.

Use the first few drips of the espresso, which are the strongest, with a little bit of sugar to get the best results.

Variations of Cuban Coffee

1. Cafe Cubano

This coffee is usually served in small cups that follow the Cuban tradition. It is very strong, and is made using regular coffee beans with a touch of sugar.

2. Cortadito

This is like a regular coffee, with the only difference being that steamed milk is added to the coffee. The ratio of milk to coffee differs with every person, and can range between equal quantities, to espresso being more than milk.

3. Colada

Like Cafe Cubano, this variation is served in a larger container, and served with smaller cups, meant for sharing in social settings. It is much like Turkish coffee, but is sweeter and not as bitter.

4. Cafe Con Leche

Unlike the others, this coffee is brewed without sugar, and is served with milk. The coffee and the milk are served separately, and the person drinking mixes them however he/she likes.

Conclusion

Cuban coffee is one of the best tasting coffees you can drink. The preparation may be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll master perfection.

Even when you fail at first, keep trying, and you’ll be able to treat your family and friends to the best Cuban coffee.

There are times when you wish to take with you some fragrant coffee, but you are worried that it might cool down. However, you need not skip that cup of hot coffee, since you can just get a thermos.

The trick is to choose a super-quality thermos that will keep your coffee hot, as well as maintain its fragrance. This will, however, require that you know a few tips so you can choose the best one.

Ideally, convenience, reliability, versatility, and affordability should be taken into consideration when choosing a thermos.

The purpose of this article is to give you insight into the steps you should follow to pick the best coffee thermos, as well as highlight the primary features of a good coffee thermos. You can use your thermos to brew and enjoy the best Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans later on in the day or on a fun trip!

Best Thermos For Coffee

If you want the best options, below is our list of the best thermos for coffee. If you want to learn more about what makes a thermos a best thermos for coffee, read the rest of our guide below.

Pay Attention To The Coffee Thermos Material

The first factor to consider is the material of the coffee thermos. The ability of a coffee thermos to keep heat is highly dependent on the material it is made of.

Make it a point to look for a product that has a metal bottle, rather than a product made of glass. If you purchase a coffee thermos with a metal bottle, you will be sure to have your coffee hot for more than six hours.

On the other hand, avoid any thermos made from materials which emit chemicals and other substances, since such chemicals may be harmful to your health in the long run.

Consider The Coffee Thermos Strength

The next factor is the strength of the coffee thermos. Breaking a thermos bottle is one of the most painful things you will ever experience. This is why you should never pick a fragile thermos.

However, avoiding a fragile coffee thermos is quite easy, since many of them are not made of glass. If you buy a fragile thermos, you will always have to handle it with caution.

This is even more dangerous, especially if you are living with other family members who will handle the coffee thermos.

A Larger Diameter Is better

Third, purchase a coffee thermos that has a large diameter. This is because such a thermos has a larger space between the outer wall and the inside, which helps keep the temperature better. This means that your coffee will keep hot for a longer period.

Choose A Good Lid

In addition, check the lid of the coffee thermos that you are choosing. Conventional lids that have latches will definitely allow liquids to spill over.

The trick here is to buy a lid which has a lid pump, since the liquid will pour out once the thermos is inclined. It will add an additional advantage if your coffee thermos has a cover-cap.

Decide The Size

Finally, check the size of the coffee thermos you are picking. The size will depend on several factors, such as the number of family members who will be using the thermos, and the primary reason for buying it.

If, for example, you intend to be carrying coffee to work, you will go for a smaller size, compared to those who are buying a thermos to serve coffee for the family.

The size of the thermos determines its convenience, since carrying a large-sized thermos in your bag will be hectic. On the other hand, you do not want a size that is too small to serve the whole family.

Test The Coffee Thermos For Any Abnormality

Once you have picked the best thermos, it is advisable that you check if it is perfect for your needs. To check for abnormalities, pour some hot water into it and see if its walls heat up.

You should wait for up to thirty minutes. If the walls don’t heat up, but the coffee is hot, then you have made a perfect choice.

If the walls get hot, then your thermos has no vacuum, which means that it let heat out and cannot keep coffee hot for a long period.

A good cup of coffee is one of life’s great pleasures. The comforting feeling that comes from smelling coffee, and the burbling sound of brewing it is almost universal. It is a shared human experience that even non-coffee drinkers can relate to.

There is hardly a city or town to be found without a coffee shop, and home coffee brewing systems are a kitchen staple that transcends borders. Coffee culture can be found everywhere in the world.

What makes the perfect cup of coffee? Some people believe you need a dark roast, while others insist a sprinkle of salt makes a world of difference. Every aficionado has their preference and opinions on the subject.

However, no subject is more fervently debated among coffee lovers than the merits of fresh instant coffee vs ground coffee. Before you can truly pick a side, it helps to know what the differences are. For more information on best Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee retailers, check out our page by clicking on the link.

Differences Between Instant Coffee Versus Ground Coffee:

Instant Coffee

What is instant coffee, and how is it made? Well, to begin with, instant coffee is made entirely from coffee beans. In that respect, it is exactly the same as any other coffee. There are a couple of methods for creating the dark crystalline powder that makes such a handy pantry staple.

The first way to make instant coffee is to freeze dry it. Coffee is heated, and concentrated into extract form. The extract then goes through a two part cooling and freezing process.

This frozen coffee extract is then refined by a drying vacuum, which removes all the water. What remains is the familiar coffee granules that can be rehydrated.

The second method, called spray drying, is the less complicated of the two. It is also the polar opposite of freeze drying.

Like the first method, coffee needs to be concentrated before it can be processed. The concentrate is sprayed through scorching hot, exceptionally dry air by nozzles that create a fine mist. What falls into the trays below is instant coffee.

While fresh coffee is typically preferred for drinking, the instant form has additional uses. Instant coffee makes a much better (less crunchy and grainy) addition to baked goods. It dissolves well in semi-solids, like icing and ice cream, and makes excellent iced coffee drinks.

Ground Coffee

The search for the perfect brew is a common topic among baristas and fans. Differences in roasting and where the beans are grown certainly change the flavor.

In its native form, most coffee drinkers wouldn’t recognize coffee. What we call a coffee “bean” is actually the seed found inside the fruit of a tree.

The coffee fruit, known as a “cherry”, is harvested by machines or hand. The fruit itself is removed, and the core seed is kept. These seeds range in color from green, to reddish or tan. The raw “beans” are then roasted.

The amount of time that the beans cook determines how dark the roast will be. Darker roasts have slightly less intact caffeine, but generally have a more robust flavor.

After roasting, the coffee is ground up, hence the name “ground coffee”. There are a few ways to accomplish this. Some people prefer to DIY, and have an electric, or even hand crank grinder at home.

Pre-ground coffee goes through an industrial grinder in a factory, or the smaller version in the coffee aisle of most grocery stores.

Fresh ground coffee has a distinct flavor. As previously mentioned, most people prefer their hot coffee to come from this method. Ground coffee isn’t as easy to cook with, but it makes a marvelous, aromatic hot drink.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the facts is one thing, but choosing your ideal cup of Joe is highly personal. What tastes amazing to one person may not taste right at all to another.

Is the convenience of a quick pick-me-up what you need first thing in the morning? Or are you the sort of person who wants their beans hand roasted in small batches by locals who obsess over the exact color of each individual piece?

Most of us naturally fall somewhere in between. It is well worth the time to do a few taste tests, and see for yourself.

When you drink coffee, you are drinking one of the many different kinds of species found all over the world. What you might not know is that there are over 60 coffee varieties.

A variety is a taxonomic hierarchy rank below species. Usually, coffees of different varieties have appearances that are different from each other.

However, they are able to easily hybridize with each other. Species, on the other hand, have individuals that can cross-breed to produce viable offsprings. The most common species and cultivars are below.

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Varities of Coffee Plants:

Arabica

This is the most produced species, and it accounts for approximately 60% of the world’s total coffee production. It thrives under fair rainfall and a minimal amount of sunlight.

Arabica is indigenous to Egypt and its environs. It is very delicate and prone to diseases, if not properly taken care of. When grown under unfavorable conditions, it takes a lot of effort to keep them healthy.

You can tell if they are of high quality just from their appearances. High quality ones tend to have strong aromas and a bright body. When served cold, the quality of Arabica diminishes.

Cultivars Of Arabica Coffee

Cultivars are variant species that are as a result of human influence. There are two major cultivars of Arabica coffee. These are Typica and Bourbon.

Typica

This cultivar originated from Yemen, through India. It is tall, with bronze-tipped leaves. Its fruit and seeds are large. They are known to require intense care during cultivation, since they are prone to pets and diseases.

Also, they have low productivity, a factor that makes it less cultivated all over the globe. It has a striking similarity with the Java coffee we have today. In fact, it was spread in the 1700’s from Java Island.

Bourbon

This is more popular than Typica. It is said to have naturally grown on Ile De Bourbon Island, located in the Indian Ocean, to the east of Madagascar, to be specific.

They come in either red or yellow colors, and have broader leaves and bigger fruits than those of Typica.

Hybrids

There are uncountable hybrids of Arabica coffee in the world. The most popular ones are: S795 (planted in Southeast Asia), Sl34 and Ruiru 11 (planted in Kenya), and Pacamera and Cauti (both grown in Latin America).

Robusta

Robusta comes in second, after Arabica, in terms of popularity. Unlike its counterpart, it is extremely tolerant to harsh climatic conditions. It does well under hot environments, and does not require much rain.

This species contains double the amount of caffeine in Arabica beans, and is less aromatic. When grown, Robusta only takes six to eight months to mature. It is grown in West Africa, Brazil, South East Asia, and other places.

Hybrids

Most of these hybrids were bred from Arabica. These include: Arabusta (which is grown in Africa), Java, Castimor, Hybrido de Timor, and Sarchimor (bred from the Timor hybrid).

Conclusion

Arabica and Robusta are the two main species of coffee grown all over the world. Both of them are grown commercially, and possess three striking differences: taste, climatic conditions (under which they thrive in), and economic differences.

Many people usually don’t have a clue when it comes to spotting the differences between a tree and a plant. Come to think of it, it almost sounds like the same thing. In fact, most people use the term plant to refer to a tree, and vice versa.

Typically, plants are short and closer to the ground, while trees are way taller. There have been numerous debates as to whether coffee plantations are filled with trees or plants.

Different people have different views on this. To get a clear insight, it is important to, first of all, understand what a coffee tree looks like.

What Does A Coffee Plant Or Tree Look Like?

Coffee is indigenous to the southern part of Africa and tropical Asia. However, it is now cultivated in close to 70 countries all over the world.

There are many species, with all of them possessing a woody, evergreen characteristic. They, however, vary in leaf size and shape. Most of them are oval or eliptical.

They also range in size from small shrubs to tall ones, up to about 30 feet. They produce beautiful white flowers, and red berries that contain coffee seeds.

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Are They Plants Or Trees?

This question has no direct answer to it. There are two determining factors as to whether to classify coffee as a tree or a plant. The most important of them is height.

In order to qualify as a tree, a plant should grow more than 20 feet tall. Most wild coffee plants usually grow to this height. Others could grow even taller.

The second determining factor is the size of their trunks. Plants can only qualify as trees if they have a trunk more than 3 inches wide. Wild coffee plants usually have trunks with a diameter close to that. For this reason, they pass as trees.

On the contrary, domestic coffee plants usually don’t grow to 20 feet in height. They are noticeably shorter than the wild coffee trees. They grow to a height of less than 20 feet, but not below 6 feet.

This is because they are usually pruned to facilitate easier harvesting. These do not qualify as trees. For the most part, domestic coffee plants qualify as plants, or shrubs to be specific. This is backed up by the fact that they usually grow as multi-stem plants.

What Are They Considered Around The World?

Different people have different views about coffee plants. Their views typically depend on the size of the coffee plants in their country. Most people or countries consider them as shrubs, more than trees.

Bottom Line

To classify coffee as a plant or tree, we majorly look at their height and trunk diameter, as well as the number of stems. Those that grow to a height of over 20 feet are classified as trees.

The majority of trees are wild coffee that grows in the forest. They also have trunks with a diameter of more than 3 inches wide.

Coffee plants, or shrubs usually have a height of more than 6 feet, but less than 20 feet. They also have multiple tiny stems. Most grown coffee usually qualifies as a shrub.

Making great coffee is not only determined by the brewing process, but also by the type of ground beans that are used. Different types of coffee use different ground sizes.

To get the perfect grind, you have to use the perfect grinding tool. Failure to get it right will result in an awful tasting coffee, even if you do everything manually to brew it perfectly.

This is because too much flavor will be lost, or not enough flavor will be extracted. If the ground coffee is under-extracted, the coffee will turn out weak and lack flavor.

If too much is extracted, the coffee will either be too bitter, or not have a distinctively smooth coffee taste. Some of the common grind sizes for different types of coffee are included below.

Coffee Grinds and Grounds Sizes:

1. Coarse Grinds

Coarse ground coffee is best for French press and percolator coffee types. They have large particles that are similar to sea salt, which is why the two have often been compared.

This category also consists of extra coarse grinds and medium coarse grind. The very coarse grind is ideal for cowboy coffee or cold brewed coffee, while the medium coarse is great for a drip machine. The former has larger particles than sea salt, while the latter can be compared to rough sand.

2. Medium Grind

With particles the size of dry sand, this ground coffee is the easiest to use. It doesn’t create a mess when being scooped, making it easier to place in a filter.

This makes it the perfect choice for those learning to brew coffee for the first time. It is most ideal for drip and vacuum coffees.

This type of grind is subdivided into the medium fine grind that has smaller coffee sizes. This size is still bigger than the finely ground, and can be used to make Aeropress coffee.

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3. Fine Grind

Mainly used to make espresso and Moka pot coffees, this grind has particles that are finer than table salt. It is the most common grind that requires attention when grinding.

Due to the size, grinding this coffee should be done in small amounts to ensure consistency. It should be closely monitored, so that the grinding isn’t overdone.

Very fine grinds fall under this category, and is used to make Turkish coffee. The size of this grind is comparable to the size of wheat flour. It produces some of the strongest coffee one can drink.

Coffee Grinding Tools

While some grinding machines use blades, others use burrs. The latter group is the most recommended, since it is easier to control, and it brings out the best grinds.

Burr grinders ensure uniformity in the grind, bringing forth consistent coffee. Even though they are more expensive than blade grinders, they are worth investing in.

Conclusion

Always use the correct grind for the desired type of coffee. For instance, never use medium coarse grounds or extremely coarse grounds to make French Press coffee. Stick to coarsely ground coffee to get the best taste.

For espresso coffee, use fine grounds to avoid awful tasting coffee. Using extra fine grounds will prevent water from seeping through, while coarse/medium grounds will allow too much water to pass through without picking up any flavors.

Like tea and hot chocolate, coffee has an extremely long history with influences in many cultures around the world. They each have their own ideas of what makes the best coffee.

It is said that a farmer thousands of years ago discovered the hyperactive nature of his animals after they had consumed coffee cherries, and from there, the drinking of coffee started to take place.

Since then, humans have devised many means and devices to brew coffee. One of those often overlooked devices is the topic below. If you want to brew Ethiopian Harrar coffee, we have a whole guide dedicated to it!

Coffee Urns – What Are They?!

Coffee urns are usually large vessel that are used to brew large quantities of coffee, while keeping it warm for long periods of time.

The earliest coffee urns appeared in the seventh century, and they were made from a wide variety of materials ranging from silver, porcelain, and pewter.

They were basic mechanisms that consisted of taps on large vessels. The infusion brewing process was developed in France, and coffee urns became more common.

Today, the basic principles of the coffee urn have changed little, though the materials they are made from are usually aluminium or stainless steel now.

Typically, most urns are powered by electricity, though some models are more like huge thermoses that keep the coffee hot without any power source.

Modern Use And Popularity of Coffee Urns

The coffee urn is extremely popular at large dinners and business meetings, because they make life easier for people who don’t have the time to constantly re-brew coffee over and over again. The urn holds just enough coffee for others, while keeping the rest warm for later use.

Coffee urns are popular in the entertainment and hostessing industries, who have more people around who need warm coffee.

The urn’s main benefit is consistency and efficiency, and they are usually set up in hotel lobbies for guests early in the morning. They are also present during large parties, when the crowd wants a large supply of coffee.

How Many People Can Be Served With A Coffee Urn?

The coffee urn comes in various shapes and sizes. The smaller urns can brew up to thirty cups of coffee at a time. The larger ones, normally found at parties or business meetings, can brew up to 100 cups at a time.

If large events or meetings are being planned, it would be a good idea to choose an urn large enough to brew 1 and a quarter cups of coffee per person. However, many people will probably prefer to have more than one cup of coffee during the occasion.

Most people hosting large events, like parties or business meetings, usually invest in more than one coffee urn to meet the requirements of the event. Some coffee urn models require people to make a minimum number of cups to function properly.

How Coffee Is Made In A Coffee Urn

Coffee urns consist of a lid, a brew basket, a spigot for the coffee to flow, a wall plug for the heating cycle, and an internal metal stem.

The first step in making coffee in an urn is to open the lid and lift out the filter basket. Measure the coffee granules into the basket, after inserting a filter paper to the basket.

The best results come from using freshly ground granules, and spring or freshwater for a better tasting brew. For more than 25 cups of coffee, which is the typical amount in a smaller urn, use quite a bit of the ground coffee.

Fill it with water, and turn the urn on to heat the coffee. If the urn comes with a filter basket cover, then put it back over the urn, since it will spread the water evenly over the ground coffee.

The standard brewing time is around forty seconds, though this varies from coffee urn to coffee urn. Some coffee urns do not need a coffee filter, as they come equipped with a brewing chamber for ease of use.

Is The Taste Good Or Bad?

The main difference is the quality of the coffee granules. There are shops that provide freshly ground coffee, and the people who sell it know that the more water that passes over the ground coffee, the more flavor it will expel.

The water is also important, as stated above, in the taste. The fresher the water, the better the taste. You should use spring or distilled water, and at the very least, purified water.

Conclusion

Coffee urns come in many shapes and sizes. If you wish to invest in one, do some research. How many people are you expecting at your event? Will you need more than two urns for different people’s tastes? Will you have spring or fresh water to make the taste more appealing?

The good news is you can rent the urns from a variety of sources, though you might want to inquire how much coffee to use for your event first.

Many people are aware that ground, frozen coffee makes instant coffee, but not many know about coffee flour. As its name suggests, coffee flour is used to bake pastries, among other things. It also has other uses, including making teas.

What Is Coffee Flour?

A coffee plant grows a fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee cherry is densely packed with nutrition. The seeds that are inside of this cherry are harvested and dried to produce the coffee bean that we all are very familiar with.

This means that the pulp of the cherry plays no role in the coffee making process. Instead,the coffee fruits are milled into one of the most flavor-rich and unique ingredients called coffee flour. However, this wasn’t always the case.

There are actually 2 types of coffee flour. One is made from dried coffee cherries, and the other is made from partially baked green coffee beans, called Brandeis coffee flour.

Brandeis flour is not used as a substitute for real flour, but as a healthy addition to be mixed into other flours. It has a lower caffeine content than coffee cherry flour.

How Did Coffee Flour Come To Be?

Dan Belliveau, a coffee engineer, is credited with the invention of coffee flour. In 2013, coffee pulp alone made 27.5 billion pounds of waste.

Many coffee farms tried different options of handling this, including fermentation and composting, but the effects were minimal.

The problem continued to occur. Not only did the decomposing pulp create air pollution, but it also contaminated water bodies.

After much thought and trials, Dan came up with the idea of turning the pulp into a useful product. He, therefore, made a design for how the coffee would be dried and ground.

The flour is not a permanent solution; neither has it gained vast reception. However, it does work effectively, as the amount of coffee cherry pulp waste has reduced since 2013.

The pulp is used as a fertilizer for coffee plants, so that also adds to the elimination of waste build up.

Coffee Flour Recipes

Coffee flour is used to make pastries, like bread, cookies, muffins, etc. Since the cherry does not contain the bitterness that the coffee bean holds, the flour is not bitter at all. Instead, the flour holds a sweet and floral flavor.

Although the cherry is the fruit from which the coffee bean is extracted from, the coffee flour contains less than 15% of the caffeine found in the coffee bean.

A chemical test also revealed that coffee flour contains a higher protein content than kale, more iron than spinach, and a higher level of potassium than bananas.

Aside from baking, coffee flour can be used to make tea. The third known use of coffee flour is fertilizer. The flour is cheaper than most commercial and chemical fertilizers, with less environmental effects. No adverse effects have been recorded from the use of coffee flour.

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Health Benefits Of Coffee Flour

Coffee flour is nutritious and contributes significantly to our health. It serves as a great source of fiber, and contains high amounts of antioxidants, which assist in fighting free radicals. It also possesses an adequate mineral content.

Conclusion

Coffee flour is an excellent addition to the baking world. Not only does it offer its own set of nutritional benefits, but it’s also lower in price, when compared to other standard products. It is also environmentally friendly, and gluten-free.

What Is A Siphon Coffee Maker?

A siphon coffee maker (aka syphon coffee maker) is also known as a vacuum coffee maker, and it originated in Germany. These machines are mostly referred to as siphons, or vac pots, and have been around since the 1830’s.

They are available in different designs, but they all use the same technique of brewing. These coffee makers usually have two chambers; one is for creating a vacuum during brewing, and the other is for holding the brewed coffee.

The chambers of these coffee makers differ, depending on the design. Some have chambers made of glass, while others are made of metal or plastic.

The filters of these machines also differ. Some of them are made with glass rods, while others are made with paper, cloth, or nylon.

How Syphon Coffee Makers Are Used

While siphon coffee makers do make the best coffee, they can be tougher to handle, due to their delicate nature. You need to ensure you have the right material before you start brewing.

The equipment needed includes a siphon, filter, water, and ground coffee. You also need a source of heat, which should be a burner, preferably.

Once you have all the equipment, you can start by rinsing the siphons with hot water. You can also preheat it before rinsing, if you wish.

Follow this by putting together the filter and the top jar. Pour the water into the lower chamber, making sure to measure them correctly. For best results, use coarsely ground coffee.

Heat the mixture with the burner. Alternatively, you can boil some water first, before adding in the ground coffee in the lower chamber of the machine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Some of these machines come with inbuilt burners, so they are easier to use.

Once it starts to release large bubbles, set the upper chamber in place and wait for water to fill it. Add your ground coffee when you have enough water, and then stir.

Features Of Siphon Coffee Makers

Most designs of these machines makes them easy to use. The simplicity is amplified in electric machines, since they don’t require setting up or monitoring heat.

Their design also makes them nice to look at, making them a great decorative addition to any home. The vacuum in these machines ensures that you get the most caffeine out of your coffee. For the best coffee, check out our Colombian coffee brands guide.

The extraction method they use also ensures that any solubles are extracted, which will result in coffee that is rich in caffeine.

The heating process of these coffee makers allows uniformity in the way that the heat is spread. This ensures that your coffee is evenly heated, resulting in better quality.

Conclusion

All of these features set this coffee maker apart from the rest. They are some of the reasons why you should choose siphon coffee makers.

When choosing a siphon coffee maker, some of the factors to consider include the size, price, and functionality. You need to consider the number of cups you want it to brew, the amount of money you’re willing to spend, and the mode of preparation it uses.

The most common types you’ll have to choose from are the standalone coffee makers, or the stove top ones. They both make high quality coffee.

The only difference is that with standalones, the burner is in built in, while the stove top is designed to be placed on top of a stove.

Do you love that smell of freshly brewed coffee with some savory Brazilian coffee candy?! Well, your morning cup of Joe might be in danger. Constant global climate change has threatened the future of coffee farming, including the Colombian highlands, the Jamaican Blue Mountains, and even the Ethiopian highlands (coffee’s birthplace).

Essentially, about 25 million individuals in the world depend solely on coffee production. Farmers have gained coffee production knowledge over generations, which have made them resilient and adaptable to the agriculture uncertainties that are attributed to climate change.

Nevertheless, climate change is occurring at an escalating rate, posing a big threat to the future of coffee production. Here, we will discuss the ways in which climate change is affecting coffee plants, from the degradation of quality to drought conditions.

The Quality Of Coffee Beans Is Dwindling

Coffee is highly sensitive to the increasing temperatures caused by global warming. Fundamentally, increasing nighttime temperatures is the key variable responsible for the diminishing quality of arabica beans.

As the temperatures increase in the coffee producing regions, so does the demand for coffee. However, these increasing temperatures reduce the coffee bean’s quality.

Cool temperatures cause the coffee cherry to ripen more slowly, which gives it ample time to develop more intricate flavor elements, like sweetness and acidity.

However, with increasing temperatures, the cherry ripens too fast and the beans inside become less flavorful.

Decreased Yield Of Coffee

Climate change, occurring in the form of global warming, destructive storms, and blistering heat affects the growth of coffee adversely. Rising temperatures will lead to drought.

The favorable conditions for growing coffee are in regions with high altitudes. However, due to the threatening drought levels, it becomes difficult for the adequate growth of coffee, due to the hot, dry conditions.

Major Regions Are In Danger

In Africa, the long drought spells and high temperatures, followed by heavy rainfall are affecting coffee production. Coffee production in Africa is projected to plummet by a million bags, a trend mainly attributed to climate change.

In the near future, coffee production in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia will immensely reduce, since these regions have been showing strikingly similar temperature patterns.

Even the leading coffee producing regions like Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have not been spared. Precipitation changes and increased temperatures have exposed coffee plants to pests and diseases.

In Brazil, the climate has undergone several changes in recent years. The 2005 mega-drought caused huge damage to the Amazon rainforest, Brazil’s water catchment area, to the extent that it has not fully recovered yet.

The fear of drought, and the intensely volatile weather patterns have hit Brazil coffee farmers, hence affecting coffee production in Brazil. By 2030, Brazil could possibly lose 11,000,000 hectares of land, due to climate change alone.

Conclusion

Coffee producers across the world should collaborate to establish efficient, innovative ways to combat the effects of climate change. For instance, they can begin cultivating resistant coffee varieties

This resistant variety of coffee may eradicate the decreased coffee production levels, since they can survive the detrimental effects of global warming.

Nothing tastes better than coffee that is freshly ground. This is because it has all its nutrients intact, the aroma is still fresh, and all the oils are reserved.

Therefore, if you are looking forward to grinding your coffee at home or the office, then you will require the right grinding machine.

There are different coffee grinder machines on the market, but how do you select the most appropriate for your needs?

The Type Of Grinder

When choosing the kind of grinder to work with, there are two main categories to choose from. They are the blade, and the burr.

1. Blade Grinder

This is the right coffee grinder to purchase if you want to get fine and bolder coffee results. The grinder is equipped with a blade that hits the coffee hard to provide the required ground bean results.

The blade grinder is known for producing different fine textures of coffee, which are controlled with timing. Therefore, the more time that you grind the coffee using the blade, the finer results you will achieve and vice versa.

2. Burr Grinder

Unlike the blade grinder, the burr grinder is known for giving the best consistent coffee. It is equipped with two abrasive burrs that stay a certain space apart, according to the user’s preference.

The further the space is, the larger the grounds will be. This grinder works by crushing the coffee beans to provide the required results. It gives greater consistency, thanks to the two attached burrs that operate simultaneously.

The Material of the Coffee Grinder

Although a majority of us are familiar with coffee grinders that are made of steel, there are others which are crafted with ceramic materials.

The choice between the two elements is seen in the conductivity and durability. The steel grinders tend to heat up fast when connected to power, and they also cool down pretty quickly.

On the other hand, ceramic grinders take a longer time to heat up and cool down, but when it comes to durability, they have a longer lifespan.

The Size of the Coffee Grinder

The size of the hopper is another crucial factor you need to consider when choosing the coffee grinder of your choice.

If you plan to serve a large number of people, either in the office or at home, you will need to buy a grinder with a large sized hopper.

Check out the ounces that the different hoppers provide with each grind, to be able to select the one that suits you best.

The Price of the Coffee Grinder

The price of the grinder will determine the type, material, and also the size of the grinder hopper that you will be able to buy.

For example, a grinder that is made of ceramic parts is more expensive, as opposed to the one crafted with steel. Also, burr coffee grinders are a bit more expensive than the blade grinders.

Other features that may affect the pricing are the voltage and coffee grinder brands. If you want the guarantee of a quality product, it may be worth it to pay more, depending on reviews and how popular they are.

The Grind Settings

We all have different choices when it comes to ground coffee, where some prefer fine ground and others prefer course grounds.

To achieve all the different textures, you need a grinder that has different settings. So, check out the different grind settings available on the machine.

Conclusion

Although you may not find the perfect coffee grinder on the market, different brands and types can help you grind tasty coffee for consumption at home or the office. Now, you can research Sumatran coffee brands and make yourself the best cuppa Joe.

Follow the above buying guide to aid you in selecting the most appropriate coffee grinder for your use. Keep in mind that the quality of the coffee grinder you choose will determine the kind of coffee grounds you get.

What Is A Coffee Cherry?

A coffee cherry is a fruit that grows on the coffee plant/tree. This is the part that farmers harvest, once they are ripe and ready.

The coffee cherry is comprised of several parts, despite its small size. While many simply enjoy a cup of coffee, they may not understand what is behind it.

To better understand this, understanding the different parts of the cherry is vital. The following explains the different parts of the coffee cherry, from the outside/skin towards the inside/center.

Generally, the cherry is divided into two main parts: the pericarp and the seed.

Pericarp

The pericarp is further subdivided into the skin, mucilage, and parchment. This is the outer three layers of the cherry.

Outer Skin

The outer skin of the coffee cherry, scientifically referred to as the exocarp or epicarp, is the outermost layer. This is what you see once the fruits develop, or are harvested.

Commonly, many will refer to it as the peel. The color of the skin will vary, depending on the coffee variety. In its early stages, the color will be green; as it matures and ripens, the color will vary, with the common colors varying between red and yellow.

Mucilage

Mucilage, also known as the mesocarp, refers to a thin layer of pulp or flesh. Before the cherry is ripe, this part remains firm, but as it starts to ripen, it resembles a gel.

This gel-like substance is rich in sugars, which acts as a source of energy. That explains the alertness that people experience after drinking coffee.

Parchment

Parchment, also referred to as the endocarp, is the most inner part of the pericarp. It plays the role of enfolding the bean.

As the parchment matures, this part will harden, gradually. Over time, this part will determine the size of the bean; it cannot grow further, due to the hardness of the bean.

Read about best Brazilian coffee here.

The Seed

The seed is comprised of 3 parts, including the silver skin, endosperm, and the center cut/embryo. The size will vary amongst cherries.

Mainly, each cherry comes with two beans, but in some rare cases, you will find just one bean. A single bean is referred to as a pea berry, or caracol.

Silver Skin

The silver skin (perisperm or spermoderm) is what wraps the seed. After maturity, once the seed is obtained and prepared for roasting, it will come off as chaff.

In the event that you see plenty of silver skin on the seed, this will mean that the cherry was harvested before it was fully ripe.

Endosperm

The endosperm is also known as the bean, and it has only one tissue. However, there is a variance in the oil content, as well as cell wall thickness in the cells, located in the exterior and interior sections of this part.

It’s when you smell the sweet aroma and taste the flavor of the coffee, after preparing it, that you can thank this section for. It is a crucial part of the seed.

Center Cut/Embryo

The center cut holds the embryo section, and it is comprised of two cotyledons and a hypocotyl. This section is responsible for germination of the plant.

The hypocotyl will penetrate and move upwards, to raise up the cotyledons. It is located at the innermost center of the cherry.

Conclusion

The above are the main parts of a coffee cherry, and their role. With a basic understanding of which part plays which role, you will know which part is essential for growth, to build taste and flavor, as well as which parts remain after harvest for roasting.

Do you have an undying love for coffee? There are many apps for people such as yourself. From guides to help make the perfect cup of any blend and style, to even apps that help pinpoint the best coffee joints in your area.

Sit back and grab a cup as we let you in on the three best coffee lover apps.

#1. The Great Coffee App

Rated at 4.5 stars in the app store, The Great Coffee App walks you through many blends of coffee at your fingertip. It offers a helpful guide for brewing, and even measurements to ensure you only get the perfect cup.

With videos of every step in the process, you will never go wrong making your coffee shop favorites at home. There are also short reviews for each style that you may read into, to see if it’s the right taste for you.

Also, with stunning cross-section images of every drink, you are able to truly see what goes into each cup. From beginners to experts, this app brings the coffee enthusiasts ahead in brewing their own drinks in the comfort of their homes.

#2. Cupper

Tired of the same old manufactured coffee shops, and want to try something local and unique? Cupper helps you discover all the local craft coffee shops in your area with ease, and with proper reviews.

Their mission is to have coffee drinkers connect with these amazing quality shops all over, for an amazing experience. There is also a part of the app that lets you buy specialty roasted coffee, shipped directly to you. Who wouldn’t want that?

Though they do currently only have listings in major cities, there are options to be their liason for your city, to go around and list the quality cafes. A job drinking coffee is definitely a dream come true. If you’re curious about Brazilian coffee brands, check out the link.

#3. Secret Menu From Starbucks

This app is for the many Starbucks coffee lovers that always like trying new drinks. It features the entire secret menu from the chain coffee-house, and how to order them.

There are hundreds of options of new drinks you can try, without having to remember a complicated name that may not even be true. There are such options as Snickerdoodle Frappuccino and Peach Cobbler!

#4. Art Of Coffee

Have you ever wondered how your barista made that perfect cream design in your latte? Well, with this app, you are able to make your own with simple tutorials.

It not only has the free pour you often see, but also etching techniques to make your coffee picture perfect. Art of Coffee will have you making complex designs on every home brew you do, in no time.

Conclusion

These are only a few of the many coffee apps that are available, and there are only more to come in the future. Coffee lovers everywhere can rejoice, as these apps bring new experiences to your taste buds.

While apps like Cupper still need time to get every city on their maps, they are still worth checking out.