Showing posts with label espresso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label espresso. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Coffee - Why People Love Espresso Coffee So Much

If you are a coffee drinker then chances are that you have some sort of an opinion about espresso. Many caffeine drinkers love espresso, but then there are some other folks who can not stand the taste of it. All in all, though, there are probably more espresso drinkers in the world today than there are regular coffee drinkers. In fact, however, espresso is actually the main coffee drink in many parts throughout Europe today! There are plenty of reasons why there are so many espresso drinkers throughout the world. Here are just some of the many favorite reasons that a lot of people cite when discussing why they love espresso.

One reason is because it is very tasteful. Many people simply love espresso because it has been known to have more of a flavor than regular coffee or cappuccino. There are many reasons for this, too, but one of the main reasons that espresso is more tasteful than regular coffee is because it is thicker and it usually contains a lot more flavor as well as well as a high content of other ingredients like caffeine! In addition, many people like to sip the foam, or cream, that sits right on top of the coffee drink, oftentimes sprinkled with a little bit of cinnamon or other sweet herb on top of the espresso drink!

There are many variations to espresso coffee. Perhaps another reason why many people love espresso throughout the world is that it has so many variations, thus is more appealing to a wide variety of people. For example, did you know that some of the variations of espresso include Alexandrino, Affogato, Americano, Cafe Bonbon, and Breve? In fact, there are actually well over 20 different kinds and variations of espresso to choose from depending on what part of the world you live in, but these are some of the more popular ones. Affogato is an espresso drink that is typically served over a type of gelato, like vanilla, and Alexandrino is one of the variations of espresso that includes a layer of condensed milk, and this type of drink is actually served with a fresh cinnamon stick to add more flavor to the drink!

One serving of espresso is called an espresso shot. This shot, though, packs a wallop, especially if you are the one drinking it! The Shot of espresso is actually about a 1-ounce size drink. Many people say once they have had 2 or 3 espresso shots then they are all ready for the day to start! Unlike regular coffee, espresso actually has a lot more caffeine per ounce, which makes the shots a perfect start for your morning or a perfect end to your evening!

These are only just some of the reasons why, of course, people love to drink espresso all over the world. The reasons vary from person to person about why they love espresso, but you can definitely be sure that espresso has been popular and loved for many centuries and will continue its popularity throughout the years.

By Samantha G

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Espresso Coffee Maker

There are about five Coffee espresso makers that can brew espresso for you, but out of it only one is the real espresso. Generally that various brewers appeal various individuals, but if you wish for good espresso then go for ECMP 50.

The five various kinds of Mr. Coffee espresso maker are steam driven safely, the ECMP 50. ECMP 50 is the only one that gives pressure more than twelve bars. Due to the cost factor the stem driven espresso machines are the most obvious ones as they are at times available below $100 going to as low as $ 30. For this I have a question that whether espresso machine is cheaper than a drip filter machine?

Steam driven machine does not have any other value leaving the cost factor. First is that it takes much time to brew a beverage and this is because the beverage speed depends on the heat of the boiler, which is quite slow as the feedback given by the table of Mr. Coffee of steam driven machine.

The slow brewing of machine means for small gatherings or for individuals. People will get frustrated waiting for the drink, if used for parties. As for the frothing it requires to share the steam, only limited beverages can be made and you require to again heating the boiler. For example, you make three espressos; you can just make one cappuccino.

The temperature factor is another essential factor about the steam driven machines. Since it is steam driven, the water used for extracting the ground of coffee is mostly nearer to boiling point resulting in burning of coffee and giving a bitter taste.

You can check free course of coffee in case you want to know about coffee temperature. So do not make an assumption that every bitter coffee is an intense coffee as there is a huge dissimilarity between smooth and burnt extraction.

The best thing is that Mr. Coffee espresso maker is available with ECMP 50 that extracts coffee with a pressure of fifteen bar and use thermal block heater strong frother nozzle for fast heating. With the introduction of Mr. Coffee espresso maker ECMP 50, it looks like my inspection is the same as to others as they are saying the wrong similar to their old espresso machines.

As thought by me automatic espresso coffee machine is not the ideal machine, but is best if you want an espresso with wonderful cream.

By Sean Jr Miller

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Espresso Machines - The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Although coffee and bread may not have much to do with one another, the invention of the espresso machine has revolutionized the ability to home brew espresso for coffee lovers the world over. The very first espresso machines were being used in homes at the beginning of the 20th century. Patented by Luigi Bezzera of Milan, Italy, in 1901, the first espresso machines were of the piston lever variety, which was powered solely by steam pressure.

These simple espresso machines do not have any moving parts. They sit on your stovetop and the water is heated in the bottom of the machine where the steam forces the water up into the middle section of the machine where the espresso is actually brewed. Although there have been advances in technology since the invention of Luigi Bezzera's espresso machine, these stovetop varieties are still very popular today and can be found in kitchens in the likes of Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain.

More modern espresso machines have since been developed and are being used all over North America, from the home to the coffee house. There are two types of espresso machines, automatic and semi-automatic, the main difference being that with the semi-automatic espresso machine the operator can control the amount of water being used. Where as the automatic espresso machines are a one-touch button system.

If you are new to the world of espresso you may have recognized the classic shot at your local coffee house. The typical espresso is served in a tiny cup and although the amount may seem smaller than the average cup of coffee, espresso contains about two to three times the amount of caffeine. For this reason alone, espresso is the base for other beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Note that espresso is not a specific bean or level of roast but rather it is the simply the method of how you brew the coffee. So in other words any type of coffee, whether it be light roast or dark roast, can be used to make an espresso.

If you would like to make an espresso of your own you must be aware that you cannot use your regular coffee maker. The only way to properly brew an espresso is with espresso machines, whether it is with the stovetop variety or the more elaborate automatic or semi-automatic espresso machines. The reason being is an espresso requires a pressurized brewing process, which allows for a very concentrated cup of coffee.

Other than the concentrated amount of coffee that is produced by this brewing method, one of the other main characteristics of a properly made espresso is the crema that is produced. Crema is the reddish-brown foam that floats on top of the surface of the beverage and is the signature of all espressos.

Since the espresso makers of Luigi Bezzera's time, home espresso machines have increased in popularity. Today, a wide range of home espresso machines, from the stovetop version to the automatic and semi-automatic versions, can be found everywhere, from specialist kitchen and appliance stores, to online vendors, and even department stores.

If you would like to enjoy your own espresso at home, start looking around and compare espresso makers that are available for you to choose. It is important to pick the right version for your coffee drinking requirements.

By Paul Scobie

Thursday, July 16, 2009

What You Need to Know About the Coffee Espresso Machine

It should come as no surprise that untold numbers of people are coffee lovers or (dare I say it?) fanatics. And is there a greater way to indulge in a coffee obsession than through the use of a coffee espresso machine? Really, the only problem is that there are so many good ones, so it can be hard to choose.

For our purposes, there are usually three categories in which these machines fall. For starters, you have what's called the "fully automatic" maker. Like the words say, machines of these types do pretty much everything for the coffee fanatic. All he or she has to do is fill it with water, coffee and the like and just put the setup button.

A second category is a part manual - part automatic machine. In these machines, part of the process involved in getting the coffee down and into your cup is automated, but the best feature is that a maker such as this gives you the ability to control the coffee extraction process more fully than in a completely automated coffee espresso machine.

Most "true believers" (i.e. coffee lovers of every stripe) prefer instead to go for the totally manually-operated espresso machine. These are stripped down to a handle press and not much more, but there's something sublime about controlling every aspect of taking the coffee from base product to finished nectar, I think.

Now, as far as which manufacturers make a good coffee espresso machine, well...there are a number of them. In some instances, the machines they offer can run thousands of dollars in price. However, for our purposes, you'll find that even the commercial mainstream makers put out great product. Companies like Krups, Bosch, Capresso and several others can deliver the goods in any way a coffee lover would appreciate.

So what to look for in a coffee espresso machine, then? Well, if you want something that's fully automatic look for a machine that has an integrated burr grinder and a bean hopper that can hold a lot of product. It should also come equipped with a heater of high wattage, a good high-pressure pump and the ability to schedule regular cleaning cycles. And never forget the frother to make a good latte.

Good partially-automatic coffee espresso machines all come with quality components of stainless steel, larger boilers and also quality portafilters, to start. The most favored machine by enthusiasts in the know - the manual - tends to deliver both simplicity and quality in an attractive package.

Go with one in stainless steel or chrome for durability and the fact that there's no interaction in any meaningful way with the coffee and the water. To me, plastic and very hot water or coffee should never mix together, for obvious reason. I mean, who wants a heaping helping of polyvinyl chloride with their caffeine fix?

While there are plenty of people out there -- in a pinch -- who are willing to settle for a cup of java straight from the fast food restaurant tap, most real coffee lovers want only the very best coffee espresso machine in their own homes or apartments. Get the best machine you can afford, and you'll find that the initial investment will pay big dividends down the road as you continue to enjoy top-quality coffee for many, many years.

By T. W. Guerra

Monday, July 13, 2009

An Espresso A Day...?

An Espresso A Day … ?


While many of us enjoy—indeed, rely on—our morning coffee, we haven’t been able to shake the popular theory that the caffeine content makes coffee bad for the body. Espresso, a concentrated beverage, has been especially maligned. But there are numerous health benefits to drinking coffee, some of which may surprise you, and might help you enjoy that freshly brewed cup just a little bit more.

Even the harshest skeptic is aware of the short-term benefits of coffee: the pick-me-up it provides when we’re feeling drowsy, the enhanced sense of mental alertness, and the increased motor activity. The long-term advantages, however, are more far-reaching.

Studies have shown that brewed coffee contains numerous antioxidants, a critical element in disease prevention and control. Specifically, tests have linked moderate coffee consumption with reducing the risk of a diverse range of illnesses, including:
* Alzheimer’s disease
* Asthma
* Cirrhosis of the liver
* Colon cancer
* Diabetes
* Gallstones
* Parkinson’s disease
At the same time, recent research has disproved the prevailing wisdom that excessive coffee drinking can cause birth defects and cardiovascular disease.

This is welcome news to the millions of us who need our morning coffee, whether it’s our preferred freshly ground brew, that scalding paper cup of Joe from the local diner, or an espresso-based nonfat macchiato from Starbucks. However, the negative effects of excessive caffeine intake cannot be ignored. The key is to know what constitutes a “moderate” amount of consumption.

An average cup of coffee has between 100 and 150 milligrams of caffeine, with the average espresso containing 80-120 milligrams. Most experts agree that we can drink up to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day without experiencing any long-term negative effects. As such, two to three cups of coffee daily gives us the most benefit with the least risk. However, the 300 milligrams is a measure of total caffeine consumption. If you drink sodas, which can contain anywhere from 0-60 milligrams of caffeine, you must balance your caffeine intake accordingly.

Those of us who love our coffee can enjoy it with the knowledge that, far from being detrimental to our health, a few cups a day can provide a needed burst of energy and help reduce the risk of common diseases. To find out more about coffee and the best products for your household, visit www.espressozone.com, www.cooking.com, and www.kitchen-universe.com. These comprehensive sites will help you select the best types of coffee, coffee-makers, and accessories to indulge your coffee needs—in moderation, naturally.

By Charlie Voss

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Espresso Coffee - Make Great Shots, Cheaply at Home

Everybody loves a great shot of espresso, but these frothy drinks served at your local coffee houses are one of the extra indulgences we are all trying to cut back on these days because of the expense. You don't have to go without your coffee fix, you simply have to find a more convenient and economical way to get it. One way to solve the dilemna is to buy your own espresso machine.

At about $4 a shot you will spend almost $1500 a year for one shot a day at a coffee house. Purchasing your own espresso machine allows you to have as many shots a day as you like and your espresso maker would pay for itself in a couple of months. The best espresso maker for the money you can buy is the Gaggia Classic Espresso Maker. It has classic design and very rugged build which puts you in mind of a much higher priced commercial machine that would be found in one of the big coffee houses.

Because of its advanced technology, strong construction and great looks this is a machine which will serve you great coffee and last you for many, many years. There is no end to the versatility of a Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine and it is manufactured by 'Gaggia', probably the most respected name in the espresso world. Achille's Gaggia invented the espresso coffee maker that bears his name in 1945 and the company has been known for top of the line quality in their machines ever since.

By Gary Mcquaid

Friday, December 5, 2008

Types of Seaco Espresso Machines

If the idea of being your own barista in the comfort of your kitchen appeals to you, you will be impressed with Saeco espresso machines. The Saeco company was founded by Arthur Schmed and Sergio Zappella in 1981 in Bologna, Italy. Four years later, in 1985, Saeco developed a completely automatic household coffee machine, so that users could relax while the machine ground and measured beans and created single-serving cups of java. This revolutionary machine was followed in 1990 by the TWIN, a two-cup espresso machine. In 1998, Saeco's machines started featuring a digital display, and in 1999, Saeco acquired a new brand and Gaggia espresso machines became a part of the Saeco family.

Saeco automatic espresso machines, as previously noted, were introduced by the company in 1985. These machines essentially take all the steps involved in making a coffee beverage and complete them for you. You don't have to grind your coffee beans, or even measure out the grounds ... an automatic machine will do all these steps for you! Your used coffee grounds will even be deposited into a trash compartment inside the machine. The Saeco Incanto is one of Saeco's popular automatic machines. The Incanto is available in two different styles. The Incanto Classic has two beverage settings; if you are looking for a more luxurious machine, the Incanto Deluxe has three beverage settings. Both styles have a burr grinder that is built right into the machine. Burr grinders feature metal burrs that rub against each other to crush coffee beans into small grounds that are all exactly the same size. Burr grinders are typically considered to be superior to blade grinders because they grind more slowly, allowing for the better preservation of the flavor of the grounds. Another popular model was the Saeco Italia espresso machine. This model was sold at Starbucks and is no longer being produced; however, replacement parts and refurbished machines can be located online.

Perhaps you enjoy performing the steps involved with making a perfect cup of joe. If so, one of Saeco's traditional espresso machines will certainly be appealing. The Saeco Classico espresso machine was one of the company's traditional machine products. It has now been discontinued but has been replaced by the Saeco Aroma. This model includes a steam wand for frothing, and is available in stainless steel or black. If you enjoy the convenience of ESE, or easy serving espresso, cartridges, take note: The Saeco Aroma is ESE compatible! If you have never used ESE cartridges before, illy espresso pods are a great product to try.

It doesn't matter if you like to labor for your coffee or if you prefer to sit back and let your machine do all the work for you, Saeco espresso machines offer something for everybody.

By Steve

Sunday, November 9, 2008

How To Make Great Espresso and Latte Drinks

Coffee drinks are quite the rage these days and the espresso and latte are among the favorites. Sure, you can get them at the local coffee house, but why not save some money and make them yourself?

Here’s some tips on foolproof methods to the best espresso drinks around.

First off, you want to start with a good quality machine. If you are serious about your espresso, you need to spring for the best machine you can get. One thing to look for in a quality machine is to make sure it has a built in grinder as the grind of the beans is key to good coffee.

When you grind your beans for espresso or latte drinks, make sure you give it a good medium to fine grind. If they are too course the drink will be very weak, on the other hand if you grind the beans to fine the drink will taste bitter. A little bit of practice makes perfect!

To brew your espresso should only take 15 to 20 seconds. While your drink is dripping out into the cup, a foam should form on the top. When you see that the water coming out is a whitish brown color it’s time to stop and reap the rewards.

The output should yield 1 ½ fluid ounces. If you have made more than that then your drink may be bitter.

Now that you have your perfect espresso drink, you can use it to make a latte. Lattes are great and can be flavored to taste like the ever popular mocha latte.

A latte is really espresso and frothed milk along with the flavoring. So to make a mocha latte, you will mix in chocolate syrup.

Start with a coffee cup and our about 1 3/4 ounces of choclate syrup into the cup. Next add 2 ounces of espresso and then top that with the steamed milk. Now stir the drink from the bottom so that the syrup mixes in. You can get fancy and put a smidge of whipped cream on top and even some choclate shavings if you have them. Enjoy!

By Lee Dobbins

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

How to Make an Espresso? The Art of Making Coffee Cuisine


Espresso coffee is a precise art form of coffee making. There are several factors that must take place to make a quality cup of Espresso. First the fresh roasting of the coffee bean to bring out the truly gourmet coffee flavor that you expect. The grinding is the next procedure that must be done right in order to give you 20-25 seconds of extraction time. Espresso brewing requires the ground beans to be very fine in order to reach that perfect state for brewing. The next important step is the proper temperature of the filtered water that must be passed through the coffee at the specific pressure and timing that is critical to your espresso coffee.

The perfect espresso is created when:

Recipe directions: 1 ½ oz (45 ml) filtered water at the temperature of 195 oF (90oC) passes through ¼ - 1/3 oz (7-9 g) finely ground quality Espresso coffee. This water is forced through the fine coffee grounds by the espresso machine at 900 kilopascals atmospheric pressure (around 132 pounds/60kg per sq in/2.5cm2), with the water being in direct contact with the coffee for approximately 25 seconds.

What should your espresso taste like?

When you are ready to take a drink from your espresso cup, it should leave a pleasant not bitter aftertaste. The flavor should linger for about 10 minutes rolling into an almost nutty flavor.

The crown on your cup of Espresso

The topping on the espresso is know as "Crema", which is the floating dark golden cream free of any white or light brown patches. That is the crown of the perfect espresso coffee. The Crema is formed when the emulsified oils from the coffee are released (because of the high pressure that is put on the ground coffee beans) and mixed with the oxygen in the air. The resulting finish is perfect crema that floats on top of the espresso coffee.

By Daryl Plaza

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Espresso Or Cappucino - How To Add Some "Oomph" Into Your Cuppa!


"Oomph is the intricate inner feeling of that touch of power, unexplained yet real, that comes with the drinking of coffee"

I had been a long term tea drinker, preferring tea to any other beverage for years, until one day, I had a new assistant. I was working as a dealer representative for stocks and shares at that time, and that means in a really stressful environment, being in the trading room all the time. So taking some time off to catch a cuppa and to be back to trading and watching the trading screens for the best prices was the perfect break anyone could hope for.

My new assistant was a young lady in her mid twenties, and it was interesting to see her prepare her drink.

No, she wasn't a tea drinker like me. Instead, she was a coffee fan, perhaps even an addict to coffee, you may say. On her first day at work, she took out of her handbag three packs of instant coffee 3 in 1 - namely instant coffee, sugar and non-dairy creamer, and then proceeded to empty the three packs into one cup,adding hot water, making a strong coffee. She wasn't through yet, because she also opened another pack of chocolate powder and sprinkled the chocolate powder on to her hot coffee, creating a tremendous aromatic smell that pervaded the trading room.

That was some "oomph" in her coffee.

After a period of three months, I found I was suddenly drinking coffee myself and wasn't a pure tea drinker anymore. It was a subtle conversion process, and soon I found I really need that coffee in the afternoon trading session.

Now, looking back, I have learnt a lot of techniques to add more "oomph" to my cup of coffee.

One way is to enhance the taste with some special add-on ingredients.

My most popular add-on ingredient is powdered ginseng. Ginseng is the traditional chinese herb which is a root, and american ginseng is preferred to korean or chinese ginseng. This herb makes one alert when taken, and is normally taken to strengthen one's immune system or body. You can get the ginseng powder from the Natural Herb Store or in the form of capsules that you can empty into a cuppa when you need the "oomph".

Be reminded that the ginseng root powder carries a somewhat bitter taste. So don't equate quantity with more "oomph". You just add sufficient to give you the enhanced aroma and the "oomph" you need.

Another way is to add the "tongkat ali" root powder, which may be slightly harder to obtain. This root is from an original plant in Malaysia and is a well researched herbal root with aphrodiasic features. The aborigines of the tropical jungles of Malaysia use this to enhance their "maniless" and this they prove by having big families. Commercially, you can get a bottle of this Tongkat Ali powder under the brand name "Power Root" throughout the world. Just add a small pinch and you will find the difference in your taste and feel the subsequent well-being.

Now you can have that extra edge and "oomph" when you next take your coffee, irregardless whether it is an espresso or a latte.

By Peter Lim

Thursday, August 21, 2008

What is Espresso Coffee?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Malcolm Blake

Friday, August 15, 2008

What Is An Espresso? The True Definition


What is an Espresso? This article will get both technical and philosophical. Get inside the sensual side of espresso as well as understanding the science behind a true espresso.

What is an Espresso? Technically speaking:

A single shot of Espresso requires 1/4 ounce (7grams) of finely ground coffee to be tightly packed (tamped) into a filter holder so that hot water (not-quite-boiling water) between 195F and 205F or 88C and 92C). This water is forced through the tamped coffee grounds under at least 9bar of pressure (at least 130PSI). It will take 20 to 30 seconds to extract exactly one fluid ounce (30ml) of the richly aromatic and flavorful espresso coffee.

What is an Espresso? Philosophically speaking:

As we all know Espresso is Italian in origin. Loosely translated, Espresso means a cup of coffee brewed expressly for you.

Francesco Illy calls Espresso "a romantic, remarkably aromatic, and complex liquid. It is at once a solution of sugars, caffeine, acids, and proteins; a suspension of tiny particles of coffee beans and minute bubbles of gas; an emulsion of oils and colloids....all concentrated into a small volume and covered with a light, brown-colored foam known as crema".

What is an Espresso? What does it look like:

Espresso should dribble from your group (handle with basket) in a thick brown-honey colored stream displaying with the viscousity of warm honey. In the trade it is described as the tail of the mouse for the way it curves from the group an falls into the wait demitasse cup. This is true Espresso. Not the watery coffee that many of us get served.

What is an Espresso? What does it smell like:

The Espresso should have a rich aromatic smell that fills the room. This is helped by using the freshest beans. The particular smell will depend on the beans and the roast. But once you have experienced that fresh coffee smell, there is no mistaking it when someone is brewing a fresh Espresso.

What is an Espresso? It's a sensory invasion.

One more thing, the word is pronounced Es-press-o. Not X-press-o. Xpresso is more likely to be our poor attempt at asking an Italian for details about the xpresso train that runs straight into the heart of Rome without many stops....

What's Crema I hear you ask? Well, crema is that wonderful creamy almond colored foam that is produced when making a great Espresso. The crema sits on the surface of the Espresso. It is actually the rich flavorsome oils that where trapped within the coffee beans. These oils rise to the surface of the Espresso creating a rich foamy texture. But be aware that this crema will not remain for long. So, if you are serving straight Espresso to people, a quick delivery to your guests, once the Espresso has brewed is recommended.

So there you have it. Espresso by the numbers and Espresso by the senses.

By Craig.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Purchasing Espresso Beans


A short guide to purchasing chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale

So you know you want to purchase chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale and going online will give you the best selection and the best prices. The only thing is you aren’t sure how to do this and keep your credit card safe. Well, no problem this will show you how to get your product and keep your identity safe from thieves. We’ve all heard bad stores about people who’ve had their bank accounts plundered and their identity stolen. If you follow a few simple tips you can keep safe when shopping for espresso beans, coffee, or even an espresso maker!

Buying espresso beans or any other coffee product on the internet doesn’t have to be as hard as you think, you just need to make sure you know what you are doing when you want to use your credit card to shop on the internet.

You need to always be sure of what you are purchasing. Even though a web site says it has the best product on the market, make sure you read the description of the product carefully and study the photographs as well. You want to pour over the fine print and see if there are any clues that might indicate that what you are about to order is not the same as what you are seeing online. You need to keep in mind that if you think you are getting a great deal that seems to be too good to be true, than it probably is too good to be true!

You also need to take care with how you buy your products online. Before you punch in a single number online you should carefully read the website and see all the options they accept for payment and how they will ship your brand new espresso maker or yummy espresso beans to you! If your site asks you for private information like your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or your bank account number then you should stay away. No one should be asking you for this kind of information to buy espresso beans or an espresso maker.

Keeping excellent records of your online purchases can keep you safe too. You will want to keep hard copies of all email correspondence, shipping information, and payment transactions. Make sure you have all the details of your business dealings with the company to make sure you get what you paid for.

If you still don’t feel safe ordering things online, then you can always use a trusted 1-800 number to order over the phone. You could also request a wholesale catalog, the old fashioned way — through the mail!

By Jack Blacksmith

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Purchasing Espresso Beans


A short guide to purchasing chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale

So you know you want to purchase chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale and going online will give you the best selection and the best prices. The only thing is you aren’t sure how to do this and keep your credit card safe. Well, no problem this will show you how to get your product and keep your identity safe from thieves. We’ve all heard bad stores about people who’ve had their bank accounts plundered and their identity stolen. If you follow a few simple tips you can keep safe when shopping for espresso beans, coffee, or even an espresso maker!

Buying espresso beans or any other coffee product on the internet doesn’t have to be as hard as you think, you just need to make sure you know what you are doing when you want to use your credit card to shop on the internet.

You need to always be sure of what you are purchasing. Even though a web site says it has the best product on the market, make sure you read the description of the product carefully and study the photographs as well. You want to pour over the fine print and see if there are any clues that might indicate that what you are about to order is not the same as what you are seeing online. You need to keep in mind that if you think you are getting a great deal that seems to be too good to be true, than it probably is too good to be true!

You also need to take care with how you buy your products online. Before you punch in a single number online you should carefully read the website and see all the options they accept for payment and how they will ship your brand new espresso maker or yummy espresso beans to you! If your site asks you for private information like your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or your bank account number then you should stay away. No one should be asking you for this kind of information to buy espresso beans or an espresso maker.

Keeping excellent records of your online purchases can keep you safe too. You will want to keep hard copies of all email correspondence, shipping information, and payment transactions. Make sure you have all the details of your business dealings with the company to make sure you get what you paid for.

If you still don’t feel safe ordering things online, then you can always use a trusted 1-800 number to order over the phone. You could also request a wholesale catalog, the old fashioned way — through the mail!

By Jack Blacksmith