Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Espresso Coffee Maker
Posted by Irene at 2:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
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
Posted by Irene at 4:46 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What You Need to Know About the Coffee Espresso Machine
Posted by Irene at 7:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, July 13, 2009
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
Posted by Irene at 3:56 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Espresso Coffee - Make Great Shots, Cheaply at Home
Posted by Irene at 4:51 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
Friday, December 5, 2008
Types of Seaco Espresso Machines
Posted by Irene at 10:39 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
Sunday, November 9, 2008
How To Make Great Espresso and Latte Drinks
Posted by Irene at 9:32 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How to Make an Espresso? The Art of Making Coffee Cuisine
Posted by Irene at 3:46 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
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
Posted by Irene at 5:48 PM 2 comments
Labels: espresso
Thursday, August 21, 2008
What is Espresso Coffee?
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
Posted by Irene at 7:22 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
Friday, August 15, 2008
What Is An Espresso? The True Definition
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.
Posted by Irene at 5:21 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
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
Posted by Irene at 5:14 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso
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
Posted by Irene at 6:28 PM 0 comments
Labels: espresso










