How to Serve the Perfect Cup of Coffee
The initial aim in producing any cup of coffee is to release the coffee oils and soluble organic compunds from the coffee grounds into solution in the final cup.Not all the soluble compounds are desirable particularly tannin so it is important to brew the coffee is just the right manner to produce the perfect cup.Although it is possible to extract as much as a third of the mass of coffee from the grounds the optimum amount is about 20%There are six important factors to consider when making fresh coffee.1/ The coffee grind - By this we mean the particle size of the coffee grounds. This varies typically from largest to smallest thus: coarse, medium, fine and espresso (or very fine)Over-extraction can occur if the grind size is too small for the method and equipment used resulting in a coffee being bitter and too strong. If the size is too large then under-extraction will occur resulting in a weak wishy-washy coffee.Typically one would use a coarse grind for a coffee pot, medium grind for a cafetiere (French Press), medium to fine for a typical filter drip machine and espresso grind for an espresso machine.2/ Freshness and quantity of coffee - Coffee beans should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and ideally kept in an airtight container. The coffee should be ground to order as ground coffee will lose some of its subtle flavours and aromas if is left exposed to the atmosphere for very long.It is very important to use the suggested amount of coffee to match the brewing equipment. Using less coffee but increasing the brewing time will not result in a standard brew but create an over-extracted drink. Using more coffee than recommended but a quicker infusion time will result in an under-extracted coffee.3/ Temperature and water quality of the water - Always use fresh cold water to start off the brewing process. Ideally the water should be filtered to remove unwanted taints and odours and be very slightly hard.Ideally water that is between 94 and 98 degrees Celcius should be used - not boiling water. If the water is too hot the coffee grounds can be scolded imparing the flavour.4/ The infusion time - The length of time that the hot water is in direct contact with the coffee grounds is crucial in producing the perfect cup. In reality this is determined by the equipment being used to brew it, so always follow the manufacturers guidelines.As a rough guide however consider the following.10-30 seconds for espresso grind 3-6 minutes for fine grind 6-8 minutes for medium grind 8-10 minutes for coarse grind5/ Brewing method employed - Basically there are three different methods employed to make coffee. These are steep & strain, filter infusion and pressure infusion.Steep and strain simply involves putting hot water in contact with coffee grounds in a pot or container until under extraction has occurred. The resulting brew is strained to isolate the coffee liquor.Filter infusion is common in many applications and uses a filter basket filled with coffee grounds that has hot water added from above. The infusion time is relatively short as the water infuses briefly with the coffee until the liquor passes thought the basket into a flask or container below.Pressure infusion - Hot water is forced under high pressure though a small tablet of compacted grounds to produce an individual serving of coffee. This is the standard method of producing espresso.Again it is imperative to use the right method with the correct type and grind of coffee.6/ Cleanliness - Coffee contains oils that will leave a tarry residue on equipment that can contaminate and spoil the taste of subsequent brews. Daily washing and cleaning of equipment is an absolutely vital part in producing the perfect cup.Have fun - producing a great tasting cup of your favourite coffee should be an easy and enjoyable task.—For more information about coffee and coffee making equipment visit www.cafebar.co.uk
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
Coffee Making Using A Coffee Machine
If you don’t mind instant coffee granules or powder, it isn0t that difficult to make a cup of coffee. You just put a teaspoonful of coffee in a cup or mug, boil some water, pour it on, stir and then serve. However, if you want “proper” coffee, not instant, the process isn’t quite so easy unless you have a coffee machine. There are many different types of coffee machine available and which one you choose will depend on the features and the price of the appliance. In a domestic environment, you don’t necessarily need all the “bells and whistles” that a commercial enterprise would require, but if you want to make different types of coffee, you’ll want something a little fancy. First of all, you can choose the look and size of the coffee machine. If you only have a small space available, there’s no point buying a huge machine and this may restrict the facilities that it has. For example, it will affect the number of cups of coffee which can be produced before the water reservoir must be refilled. In terms of appearance, there is either plastic or stainless steel to choose from and plastic may come in a variety of colours depending of the make of the machine. Another early decision will be whether you want a filter machine with a jug or whether you want an espresso machine. The latter is usually more versatile but may well cost more to buy and you’ll also need to buy more coffee as by it’s nature espresso is usually stronger than filter coffee. Filter coffee machines usually have a jug which sits on a hotplate to keep the coffee warm. This is useful if you have a lot of people drinking coffee, for example in an office, but although you can vary the number of cups you make, it isn’t really practical for a lone coffee drinker (unless you drink far too much) because the hotplate doesn’t really keep the coffee that warm over time and the flavour becomes a bit “stewed” if not drunk within an hour or so. Espresso coffee machines, particularly really do come in all different shapes and sizes, from the tiny little one cup machines to the large (and expensive) types which have a large reservoir, grind the coffee, dispense and tamp it down then discards the spent coffee when the water has run through. All you have to do with one of these is make sure that there is enough water and beans then froth the milk if you want it. Medium priced espresso machines will usually have a reasonably large water reservoir and a milk frothing system. Cheaper ones will probably only hold enough water for a couple of cups and won’t have a frother. It’s really horses for courses depending on how much and what sort of coffee you like to drink. Many brands have similar models of coffee machine, so you may want to visit a few different electrical shops and compare prices, brand facilities and warranty conditions, before you make your decision. Whichever type you buy, don’t forget that there is different ready ground coffee for filter machines than for espresso machines so make sure that you pick up the right sort in the supermarket. Either way, once water has run through the coffee, don’t even think about trying to use the coffee again or it will look and taste like dishwater! If you choose the right coffee machine for the job, then you should have good tasty coffee whenever you want it. About the author For more information and articles on all things coffee, please visit www.coffee-all-day.lizebiz.com/blog/ - Coffee All Day.
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Commercial Espresso Machines
This article is aimed at commercial caterers to help them decide which type of espresso machine to go for.A properly commissioned and maintained traditional commercial espresso machine will be an asset to any catering establishment and keep customers contented and coming back for more.One of the most convenient ways of supplying this insatiable demand is with a traditional espresso machine.Unlike bean to cup machines, the use of a commercial espresso machine in the making of espresso-based drinks is a more elaborate, time consuming and skilled process. This however adds to the charm and uniqueness of the drink as the customer can usually see each stage of the process and the care taken to produce it.Watching a skilful and experienced barista operate an espresso machine can be entertaining as they go through the process of making the final delicious beverage.There are basically two main things to consider when buying an espresso machine; how many group heads and whether to go for semi-automatic or automatic.Machines come in two, three or four group head varieties (sometimes just one) with associated increase in cost. As each group head is capable of producing two drinks at a time (by using a double spout filter basket) machines are capable of producing 4,6 & 8 drinks correspondingly at the same time. This enables different operators (baristas) to use the machine at the same time and with training several operators could keep an almost continual supply of coffee flowing at busy periods although this is a very labour intensive process.Generally the busier you expect to be at peak periods then the more group heads you should consider on the model of machine. Bear in mind though that if you only have one operator then they are unlikely to be able to operate more than two groups at a time.Semi-automatic machines require more operator attention as they will need to press the button to start the brew cycle, monitor its progress and press the same button again to stop. Obviously a longer drink (more water) takes longer than a standard espresso and the operator will need to monitor and react according.Automatic espresso machines have buttons calibrated to pre-set drink brewing times enabling the operator to simply press the button once and the brew cycle is taken care of. Buttons are easily programmed in advance for different cup sizes and drink lengths for extra convenience and flexibility. Obviously the barista still has to pre-load and tamp the basket in the usual manner before executing the brew cycle.Depending on the number of group heads most machines come with a suitable number of steam wands for frothing milk and perhaps a hot water arms for dispensing hot water for making tea.Since a high percentage of drinks served will likely contain frothed milk it will be a good investment of your time to master the technique of frothing milk. It takes practice and some skill, but once learned it will enable you to produce fantastic looking and tasting drinks and allows you to train others.It is possible to buy third party semi-automatic milk frothers that attach to the steam arm of the espresso machine to facilitate easier frothing but we feel that these should be avoided (though many might disagree). Add-on milk frothers can be clumsy and not function to a consistent basis as well taking some of the charm and sophistication out of the coffee producing process.Whilst a traditional espresso machine looks fabulous and attracts attention, the sight of a plastic milk frother attached to the machine can have be detrimental!Traditional espresso machines are big business. There are now a large number of manufacturers of such machines and the number is growing all the time.It is best to choose a manufacture that they have been producing espresso machines for a number of years and are familiar with the industry.Only consider plumbed models as some single group machines are available with an integral water tank but these can cause problems with ’stale’ water.Make sure the machine is made of high quality metal and not hardened plastic. Smaller, cheaper machines are available but should really be restricted to the domestic kitchen and never used in a commercial environment. You may make great savings initially but unless you are only serving a few cups a day you will very likely wish you had bought a more durable model in quick time.Operating a commercial espresso machine does require expert trainning. Most reputable supply companies will provide onsite training to all relevant staff when the machine is installed and commissioned.Staff should practice many times producing different speciality coffees before ‘going live’ with real customers. Particular attention should be paid to the tamper and milk frothing techniques.Even the best and most reliable espresso machine will break down from time to time. Despite careful maintenance an espresso machine could still malfunction at least once a year to the extent that that an engineer is required.It appears that the majority of engineer call outs to mend espresso machines are due to inadequate cleaning routines or user error. Problems can arise from bean contamination resulting in grinding errors, failing to empty the used grounds tray regularly and inadequate cleaning of the apparatus.Most new espresso machines are sold with a 12 months parts and labour service included in the price. However this type of agreement only covers genuine machine faults, and NOT faults caused by user error or improper cleaning practices. Such engineer call outs are chargeable even if they fall within the 12 months guarantee period!Boiler inspections ‘ All commercial espresso machines are required to have annual boiler inspections. This is due to the high pressures involved and is a health and safety issue. This is required under UK law.It is recommended that a calcium treatment unit is installed close to the machine to eliminate limescale build-up. For the average use medium volume machine a 18-23 litre calcium treatment unit is recommended that will last for approximately 6000 cups.A quality traditional espresso machine can be a real asset to any catering establishment. It offers a personal, time-honoured and successful way of producing high profit speciality coffee drinks.Don’t forget to pay particular attention to the servicing costs and water treatment systems.However a reliable and well-maintained espresso machine should give many years of profitable service and provide excellent quality delicious drinks for your customers.—Visit www.cafebar.co.uk for more information about commercial espresso machines and other coffee making equipment
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The Impressive Features Of Coffee Systems And Machines
Every household in the country perhaps have a home appliance related to coffee. If not the traditional brewer, then the household must have an espresso machine built in for some huge houses or a free standing coffee machine that looks perfectly addicting on your bar top. Everyone loves coffee. Smell the aroma and you’ll melt with the coffee grounds or sip your coffee drink and feel that soothing taste and relief. Besides being studied as a healthy drink, coffee has many effects that makes one more productive and alert while it increases ones ability on concentration. Coffee systems have evolved these days; versatility is the term. Built in coffee systems have been developed to keep its pace with the ever evolving needs of coffee lovers and advocates. It has not only made it convenient but it has made your coffee experience stylish. Who will ever expect something like coffee comes with style? You would not have thought so, right? Check some of the qualities of coffee machines and coffee systems that you can see in the market nowadays. Revel the coffee experience in the shop and bring it home. One push of its button and get the cup size you want for the time of the day. Select coarse or fine for your coffee grind and a double espresso can be on its way. These coffee machines have sleek designs captivating the heart of the coffee lover in you. If you are a frequent host for small events, your coffee-lover guests must have something good to say with a coffee machine that’s customized to give them the richest taste. A digital software have allowed these machines to give ease and convenience when used so that starters can still create the best coffee cup and make a good impression on their guests. Plus, you can forget the clutter that can be created when mugs and cups are placed somewhere else because machines can store them securely. What do you say on bringing the Italian taste to your home? You probably won’t leave the house anymore for another cup and you can savor your coffee time with your family with impressive coffee machines. Some brewers have a system that grinds coffee beans within seconds, immersing them in water with the ideal temperature and finally giving you a flavorful coffee taste. But wait, there’s more, sit back and relax while the machine cleans automatically as needed. If your search is innovative yet efficient and sophisticated, then get something that’s more flexible to your needs. Some coffee machines can adjust to your glass height and can simultaneously prepare 2 cups. Modern kitchens will fit with stylish machines that are efficient and convenient. Everyone has a favorite, a steamy cup of brewed coffee so there is more strength in its body, others prefer latte, mocha or cappuccino while some add their favorite syrups to it like hazelnut, orange or vanilla. What most folks do not realize though is that coffee machines have made your coffee the perfect cup and this time, your favorite cup is just at your fingertips! About the author James Brown writes about www.homeappliancesonsale.com
Source: KnowHow-Now.com