With so many coffee options available to us now, our heads are probably swirling like the designs on a coffee art latte. How do we know what to order when we approach the barista at the counter of our favorite coffee shop?
Whether you want to be prepared for the next time you go to the café, or perhaps you just bought the best super automatic espresso machine, we are going to explore one of the more popular choices today... the espresso.
We do know that pronouncing it “expresso” is a coffee debate that may never get resolved, but that's for another day. So, how is espresso different than a drip coffee or other brewed coffees? Beyond the pronunciation, we dug in and did some research on the difference between espresso and coffee, here is what we found!
Best Espresso Beans→Coffee and espresso are similar in that they are made from coffee beans. The difference between espresso and drip coffee is the grind of the bean and the brewing methods. To put it simply, espresso is just a small concentrated volume of coffee, extracted using a lot of pressure.
Espresso originates in Italy where the first coffee drink machines that used steam were created and produced. Since those early days in the 1800s, espresso has become a favorite luxury caffeine indulgence for people worldwide. Espresso can be ordered at many coffee shops, but homebrewers can have their very own espresso coffee drinks with an espresso machine and some quality coffee beans.
The espresso brewing method is just one of many, and it is just one of the differences between coffee and espresso. Espresso is created using a specific, complex brewing method. High pressure and hot water, combined with finely ground coffee beans make a small shot of coffee as opposed to an average cup of regular drip coffee.
If you want to become a home espresso master, you will have to set your regular coffee pot aside and invest in an espresso machine or even an Aeropress. Why a special machine? An espresso machine uses high water pressure to force near-boiling water through a finely ground puck of coffee beans.
Historically, this process started out using steam power alone. The addition of hand pumping was used which lessened the bitter results of steam only machines. You may have heard your favorite barista refer to “pulling a shot” when making your espresso. This is a homage to the old process of hand pumping.
Coffee technology evolved, and the current day espresso machines use mechanical pumping to force the water through the beans which is now how we get our shot of espresso. Combine that high-pressure water with closely packed or tamped down grinds, and the result is a highly concentrated, steaming cup of espresso.
Espresso is just one of many brewing methods that creates a specific coffee drink, and it is the most commonly used method in southern European countries like Italy and Spain.
To know the difference between espresso and coffee, it will be helpful to first know a little bit more about coffee. Coffee is a brewed drink that comes from a species of plant called Coffea. This species of plant needs a warm climate with shaded sun, plenty of rain, and rich soil. Most coffee in the world is grown in an area known as The Coffee Belt.
The Coffea plant, which can grow as trees or bushes, produces a berry called a cherry. When this cherry is red and ripe, it is picked and dried. Hidden inside the cherry is the coffee bean. The beans are processed roasted and ground in variety of ways. The key to different flavor dimensions and fullness is in the processing and type of plant species. The two most widely used coffee plant species used for the coffee we enjoy are the arabica beans and the robusta beans.
There is an Ethiopian legend associated with how coffee was discovered. A goat herder noticed that his goats became more energetic after eating the berries. An abbot at a nearby monastery was made aware of these findings and he made a drink with the berries. This drink helped him stay awake for the long hours of evening prayer.
Word of the delicious caffeine beverage spread through the continent and to the Arabian peninsula. The popularity of coffee increased and it was soon a highly sought after trade. Over time, people in Europe and the Americas were soon having a cup of coffee to replace other traditional morning drinks.
In Europe, some were suspicious of the possible evils of the new black liquid. After papal sampling and approval, it was considered safe and delicious. It wasn't long before coffee became know and consumed worldwide. It's popularity sparked new businesses in trade, coffeeshops, specialty roasters, and of course created a world of coffee debate.
Coffee aficionados can be found in every corner of the world. Coffee is currently the second most sought after commodity, just behind crude oil!
Simply put, espresso can be made with any type of coffee bean. Don’t stop reading there though. The secret to making espresso beans so unique is the roasting process. One difference is that true, traditional espresso is typically made with a darker roasted coffee bean.
Another difference between espresso and coffee grounds is the way they are roasted. Espresso beans are roasted longer and darker than light or medium roasts which causes caramelization and an overall sweeter taste. These beans are typically roasted past the second crack (which means they crack open a second time in the roasting process).
The long, dark roasting removes a lot of the acidity, but more importantly, this extraction process pulls oils from the bean that translates into a heavier, fuller concentrate. In addition to using dark roast coffee beans, there is a specific espresso grind.
In order to pull a true, crema-rich shot of espresso, the coffee is very finely ground so that it can be tamped down in the portafilter. If the beans are not tightly compacted, the water finds a shortcut through the grinds and produces a watered-down version that is more like a regular cup of coffee.
Now we know that there are not specific espresso beans. If you do see a bag of espresso coffee at the grocery store, most likely it is a bag of darkly roasted, finely ground beans. You can undoubtedly grind your own espresso beans at home with a coffee grinder, they just need to be super fine and consistent!
Most people assume that espresso has a higher caffeine content than a cup of black coffee. It is not the caffeine content that is the difference, it is the caffeine concentration. The serving size of a shot of espresso is one ounce. Espresso contains a higher concentration of caffeine per serving size.
A cup of regular drip coffee is about 8 ounces. There is less caffeine per ounce in a cup of drip coffee, but the caffeine content could actually be higher, depending on the amount of coffee in the mug. There is always the option to take a double shot of espresso if you needed a quick caffeine boost, but generally, a cup of coffee will have more caffeine.
If you aren’t ready to invest fully in the tools and know-how to make espresso, you may want to experiment with making strong coffee. Strong coffee will not have more caffeine content per serving size than a regular brew, but it will have a heavy flavor that will delight the taste buds.
The way to make a strong brewed coffee is to simply adjust the ratio of water to the amount of regular ground coffee. An average cup of drip coffee has a ratio of about 1 part coffee grounds to 18 parts hot water. Start by decreasing the hot water ratio a little at a time.
Strong coffee does not have to be bitter, either. If the flavor is sour or bitter, there may be too high of a concentration of ground coffee. In this case, the coffee was under-extracted. Experiment with the ratio until you have a rich, flavorful, strong cup of drip coffee.
If you love coffee as much as we do, you can't go wrong with any choice of coffee drinks. A rich bodied espresso shot is just as satisfying to enjoy as a steaming cup of drip coffee. If you want to stick with regular ground coffee and try something new, a French press maker will provide a lot of flavor without a lot of investment.
After the espresso making process is perfected, try something new and make a full flavor espresso drink. Some popular choices are cappuccinos, lattes, the red-eye, or try your hand at making authentic south Indian filter coffee using espresso grinds.
No matter how you say it, espresso is a good choice for a quick caffeine shot full of heavy flavor. Coffee is a lighter liquid to be consumed by the mug. Coffee drinkers know that whatever the choice, a good cup of coffee with its exotic history and world wide fame is always around the corner or at the kitchen brew station.
Best Espresso Beans→Whether you're sitting at the counter of your favorite local coffee shop or looking for new ways to improve your morning caffeine routine, knowing what differentiates coffee beverages can be helpful. After all, with long menus listing things like cappuccino lattes, caffe macchiatos, flat white mochas, caramel lattes, and more, things can get confusing quickly.
So, macchiato vs latte, what's the difference? In this in-depth guide, we'll break it all down. That way, the next time you brew up an Italian coffee beverage or order at your local Starbucks, you'll be a pro! If you already know the the differences between these two, go ahead and pick yourself up the best latte maker so that you can wow your guests with your barista skills!
A latte, otherwise known as a caffe latte, is an Italian espresso drink that's creamy, indulgent, and rich. Caffe latte actually means "milk coffee" in Italian. Lattes are made using steamed milk and fresh shots of espresso. Then, lattes are topped with either frothed cream, milk foam, or whipped cream.
Every country seems to have a slightly different take on the classic latte. In France, the latte will almost always contain at least one double shot of espresso and is called a "Café au lait". In Germany, the latte is called "Milchkaffee", which also means milk coffee.
Traditional Italian lattes are pretty straightforward in flavor. In most authentic Italian latte recipes, you'll detect the rich notes of espresso with creamy milk and other subtle undertones. However, in the United States, lattes are often flavored with a range of ingredients.
The latte is 1/3 espresso and 2/3 creamy steamed milk
For instance, when you visit a coffee kiosk, you'll often see an extensive list of latte flavors and styles on the menu. Generally, these are all lattes that have been enhanced with sweet flavored syrups, chocolate, caramel, or made using different types of milk. When ordering lattes at coffee shops, you'll be able to decide between varying
Moreover, many coffee chains will also make breve-styled beverages in the same way that they make lattes. In American coffee shops, Breves are generally made with heavy whipping cream or half & half.
The answer to this question will depend on what's in your latte. An unsweetened authentic Italian caffe latte will get most of its caloric content from the steamed milk. So, most lattes aren't any worse for you than a couple of cups of hot milk.
With that being said, lattes flavored with sugary syrup contain significantly more calories. For a sweet and indulgent latte that's still fairly healthy, consider using sugar-free syrups and low-fat milk. You can also make lattes with skim milk, coconut milk, and almond milk.
A latte is an espresso drink served with an extra layer of foamed milk on top. Usually, this milk foam is around 5mm thick. In contrast, a flat white is a latte with a thinner layer of milk foam on top, usually less than 2mm thick. That's what makes it 'flat.'
Depending on the espresso or coffee beans used, each shot of espresso in a latte contains around 75 milligrams of caffeine. Since a double shot of espresso contains twice as much caffeine as a single espresso shot, ordering a double shot latte will give you an extra caffeine boost in the morning.
Although opinions vary greatly on where to get the best latte, most quality coffee shops can craft a delightful latte. With that in mind, you can also make an impressive latte at home. Provided you have the equipment necessary for pulling quality shots of espresso and a milk steamer, homemade lattes are a great go-to.
In fact, when you master the art of making your own home-made lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks, you can save tons of money every year. When made properly, the difference between a latte made at home and one from a coffee shop is virtually indistinguishable!
If you want to indulge in a delightfully creamy latte without having to visit a coffee shop, these coffee drinks aren't terribly difficult to prepare at home. With that being said, to make an authentic coffee-shop-style latte at home, you'll need an espresso machine and a milk steaming apparatus.
Stop wasting money at Starbucks and go buy yourself the best latte machine you can afford along with the best espresso beans!
First, you'll need to steam the appropriate amount of milk in a heat-safe jug. Usually, these jugs are made of stainless steel or aluminum. You can steam milk with a steaming wand or an espresso machine steamer.
For a coffee-shop-style caffe latte, a 16oz beverage will require you to steam 12 ounces of milk for every two 1-ounce shots of espresso used.
When you pour your milk into the jug, be sure to leave some room at the top. The milk level shouldn't exceed the bottom of the jug's interior spout. Milk expands as it heats up, so keeping things level will prevent overflow. With an espresso maker's steaming spout or with a high-quality steaming wand, your milk will heat up to 140° in around 40 seconds.
Once your milk is steamed, you can let it settle as you craft your shots of espresso. This will help the frothed part of the milk rise to the top. Resting also allows your steamed milk to reach its optimal consistency.
Remember, as you pull each shot of espresso, the better quality your coffee beans are, the creamier and more flavorful your shots of espresso will be. Freshly ground Arabica coffee beans or dark espresso beans make wonderful additions to any cafe latte.
Once you've pulled your espresso shots, you can then add them to the cup you'll use. If you plan to use syrups or flavors, add them in with the hot espresso in your cup. This allows any flavored coffee syrups, chocolate, or caramel to dissolve consistently before you add in your milk.
Now, you can gently start to pour the steamed milk into your cup. As you pour, your steamed milk will naturally separate from the milk foam. Don't rush this process, the foamiest part of the steamed milk will be the last bit left in the jug.
When your cup is almost full, you can pour the frothy milk foam on top. For added sweetness, you can use whipped cream instead of the frothed milk foam. You may also want to add a topping to your latte. The standard go-to is a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light drizzle of Hershey's Chocolate Syrup.
Now that you know all about lattes, let's talk about the macchiato. Macchiato can be a confusing term in the world of coffee. The word ‘Macchiato’ is Italian. It loosely translates to ‘marked’ and describes an espresso beverage made with milk.
The espresso caffe macchiato, or cafe macchiato in Italy, is a cup of espresso 'marked' with milk. Therefore, most macchiatos contain more espresso than milk. However, this isn't always the case!
The macchiato is 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk
Macchiatos differ greatly depending on where you get them. For instance, if you order a caramel macchiato from Starbucks, you'll get a drink with steamed milk, espresso, and caramel syrup lining the cup and on top. Alternatively, if you order a macchiato pretty much anywhere in Australia, you'll get two shots of espresso and just a dash of milk.
The point of the macchiato is to have mostly espresso that has been subdued by a splash of warm milk or heavy cream. With a macchiato, it's important to use the highest quality espresso beans available. This is because with a macchiato the coffee portion of the beverage is the true star of the show.
Macchiatos are special espresso drinks because they usually implement high-quality shots of premium espresso. This makes them creamy, rich, and exceptionally smooth.
Many people searching for macchiato recipes are looking for a way to replicate the caramel latte macchiato coffee drink from Starbucks. So, if you want a macchiato that's identical to, if not better than, a caramel latte macchiato from Starbucks, you're in luck!
All you have to do to make your own home-made caramel latte macchiato is follow the recipe for a latte listed above, but add thick caramel syrup. For the best latte macchiatos, use thick premium caramel syrup and whole milk. You'll also probably want to use a disposable paper coffee cup. These items can be purchased at just about any grocery store.
While some people love that the macchiato is a bit stronger than a latte, they still prefer to have a little flavor added in which is why we recommend a caramel latte macchiato.
To make this caramel latte macchiato coffee drink, just drizzle caramel syrup all around the inside of your coffee cup. Add about half-inch of caramel syrup to the bottom of the cup as well. Then, follow the recipe for a latte we listed above. When you're finished, top your caramel latte macchiato with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel!
For an authentic Italian espresso macchiato, make three shots of espresso, and steam about half of a cup of milk. Without letting the milk settle, pour it into the espresso. An authentic Italian espresso macchiato will often contain more espresso than milk, or at the most, a 50/50 ratio of both.
To make the best macchiato, the best espresso beans are important. However, you can also use the best coffee beans to achieve nearly identical results.
Coffee aficionados will argue that premium espresso beans are needed for a good latte, macchiato, or any other type of similar beverage. However, most coffee beans will make a flavorful espresso shot. Also, the quality of your steamed or frothed milk will impact the overall quality of your drink.
Yes, there's a difference between these two coffee drinks. The cloud macchiato is a type of macchiato that implements cinnamon or caramel syrup at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and an extra sturdy layer of frothed milk on top.
This top layer is more like a meringue than foam and may incorporate egg whites or other similar cumulonimbus-like material to make it sturdier. Sometimes, hot espresso is added on top of the finished coffee drink for flair.
So what's the biggest difference between a macchiato vs latte coffee drink? A macchiato is mostly espresso with just a little bit of steamed or foamed milk. A latte on the other hand contains espresso, but is made up of mostly steamed milk giving it a creamy mouthfeel.
Like most espresso based beverages, the main differences come down the the ratios within. A latte contains more steamed milk than espresso (2 to 1), whereas a macchiato contains more espresso than steamed milk (2 to 1).
When comparing a cappuccino vs latte, macchiato, or other coffee drinks, it all comes down to the ratio of ingredients used. A cappuccino is made using equal parts steamed milk, espresso, and foam. Alternatively, lattes add significantly more steamed milk to an espresso drink with foam on top.
Meanwhile, macchiatos are made with just a splash of steamed milk and shots of espresso with thick foam on top. To reiterate, when comparing a cappuccino vs latte, macchiato, or any other similar drink, ingredients are often similar but used in different volumes and ratios.
A long black is a coffee drink from Italy made by pouring hot water into a cup before adding in espresso. When comparing a latte vs a long black, just imagine using hot water instead of steamed milk.
A similar coffee drink is the Americano. This type of coffee drink from Italy implements first pouring espresso in a cup and then adding hot water. The Americano is great for coffee drinkers who want to avoid consuming excess calories and still get a large coffee beverage.
The long black comes from America but was perfected in Italy. Historically, Italy produced two main types of coffee drinks, the espresso, and the cappuccino. To please American visitors, coffee makers in Italy created their own version of this drink and named it the Americano!
When it comes down to it, if you're wondering what the biggest differences between a latte vs macchiato vs cappuccino coffee beverages are, it all comes down to the ratio of milk to espresso. The same goes for cappuccino coffee drinks and everything in-between.
Some say that a latte is a perfect beverage for fast-paced mornings, while a premium cappuccino or macchiato is better for relaxed afternoons shared among friends. In our opinion, all of these drinks are amazing when brewed properly. It'll all depend on how creamy and frothy you prefer your drinks to be.
Coffee drinkers looking to learn more should definitely take a look at the other in-depth guides listed below!
]]>For that reason, it comes as no surprise that the latte vs cappuccino debate is still alive and well today, especially with a push for craft coffee. Whether you are unsure if you should buy a fancy latte machine or the best cappuccino maker, we hope that this guide helps you decide. So, let's get into what makes these two drinks so different!
Latte vs Cappuccino; what is the difference? It is not the ingredient list; they are espresso drinks made with coffee, steamed milk, and milk foam. The difference lies in the ratios of said ingredients. And we will get to that, but all in due time.
First, we need to establish what an espresso is and the fact that it is different from regular coffee. It consists of a brewing Italian-origin method that requires high-pressure water to percolate through tightly packed and finely ground coffee. This process gives us a shot of espresso or a small amount, usually and ounce of very concentrated coffee.
On the other hand, regular coffee uses gravity to pull water from the grounds and thus obtain a brewed drink. One can brew entire pots of coffee instead of an ounce or two with each shot of espresso. They are, however, made from the same roasted coffee beans.
We are moving on to our Latte and Cappuccino discussion. Espresso drinks are made with one or two shots as a base and then have other ingredients added. But not in this particular order. We will first talk about the savory Cappuccino.
The origins of the Cappuccino and its name date back to the 18th century in Vienna, where the Roman Catholic order of Capuchin monks wore robes that resembled the beverage's light brown color; thus, it became known as a Cappuccino by association. Yet we give credit to Italy for inventing the modern-style Cappuccino.
There is a little known fact that when coffee began making its way into Europe, the local clergy condemned it and called it "the bitter invention of Satan." Until Pope Clement VIII decided to taste the beverage and rule in favor or against the diabolical drink. After falling in love with it, he gave it papal approval, and we do not blame him. Moreover, we think he would be happy to know that one of the most popular drink variation would receive its name after a Monastic order.
The cappuccino is simply 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foamed milk. It is the latte's foamier sibling.
Coming back to the actual drink, a Cappuccino has the ingredients divided evenly into thirds: One-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third frothed milk. The way it is made has evolved with time, especially nowadays when baristas are busy with lines of orders that prevent them from dedicating enough time to frothing the milk to its desired airy consistency.
What remains constant is the distribution of ingredients, and it can have sugar added and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa on top. Originally considered a breakfast drink, it has matured into a sweet and quick coffee pick-me-up for fans globally. After making several Cappuccino cups, the measurements come automatically, and the art of frothing milk becomes easier each time. Don't get discouraged if it takes you a few attempts to make it perfect.
An expensive, commercial grade espresso machine is not needed to make a great Cappuccino cup, although it is preferred. Espresso can be brewed with an AeroPress, a Moka Pot, or a French Press, but it will lack the sweet crema that take your espresso shot to the next level. The milk can be steamed on a stovetop, and it can also be frothed by hand.
This beverage contains espresso in the same order as a cappuccino but different amounts. Espresso to steamed milk ratios can vary from one to three or even one to nine. It is a diluted coffee drink, and it is milkier than a cappuccino, making it sweeter. To top it off, it has a skinny layer of frothed milk, and some baristas let their creativity go wild with beautiful designs and pictures on the surface, within the foam.
This beverage also dates back to Italy around the 1800s when they started making them for tourists that thought Cappuccinos were too strong. The correct term is caffe latte; a latte will only get you milk in Italy. And lattes are not limited to coffee; there are Chai lattes and Matcha lattes, to name a few. As long as it contains milk, it can be called a latte.
The latte is simply 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. It is the cappuccino's creamier sibling.
This is the less intimidating of espresso-based drinks out there as the milk hides the strong bitterness and acidic flavor of the Cappuccino and promotes the drink to be viewed more as a breakfast option to be made at home. It can also be considered dessert, especially when several other flavors and syrups are added, like hazelnut and caramel.
Making an Italian latte does not necessarily require an espresso machine either. One of the options mentioned above can be used to brew a strong shot of espresso, but even for under 200 dollars, you'll find some quality espresso machines. Then, heated milk is added -about one part coffee to six parts milk- and optional sugar or flavored syrup to taste. Don’t forget the art piece on top of the thin layer of foam.
Coffee is one of the most sought-out commodities globally, and coffee shops have become more popular than ever. There are many legends about its origin, and one of our favorites dates back centuries ago to the Ethiopian forests where these beloved beans grow.
It is said that a herder took notice of some of the goats munching on these beans and how they appeared more energetic and alert than their counterparts. Some of them would not even sleep at night. Goat party, anyone?
In case you didn't read our Ethiopian coffee guide, goats are the original founders of coffee, as well as their master (Kaldi).
These reports came to the ears of one of the abbots at the local monastery. He then decided to try a concoction made from the beans and reported the same effects. He was finally able to stay awake during long evenings of prayer, and we can imagine his delight when he was no longer dozing off.
The drink began catching on and expanded globally while new and exciting drink variations started popping up everywhere. We could not imagine our lives without that cup of java in the morning, so we are forever indebted to those goats, herder, and abbot.
Nowadays, coffee and coffee shops seem to be everywhere, and there is a wide variety of coffee drinks to choose from. To the extent where going into a coffee shop and ordering a specialty drink has become intimidating for some.
From flat whites to cappuccinos to macchiatos, the variations seem endless, as do the add-ons. Yet two drinks stand out in popularity; Lattes and Cappuccinos. These sweet, milky delights satisfy a sweet tooth as well as the need to stay awake and alert. Still, few people know the difference between the two.
We are here to clear all of that confusion and help you become a more knowledgeable coffee connoisseur. You already know about its origins and those smarty-pants goats and herder; let's now get into which option is best.
Now that we have learned the difference between the two, there are a few points worth mentioning before concluding as to which one is better. For starters, coffee prices can range from $1.34 to $4.24 for a cup of joe, depending on where you are buying it and the beans' origin.
For example, the most expensive origins are Kopi Luwak, from Indonesia, which are coffee beans that have been partially digested and defecated by civet cats, a small mammal. It is said to be a delicacy. Bucket list material? Maybe. The fact remains that coffee is and will be one of the most acclaimed brewed drinks out there, and we are all for this sweet and energizing drink.
The first official espresso machine was created in 1884, and they eventually made their way into the United States in the 1920s. It is now possible to enjoy these drinks in the warmth of your own home, even if you do not own an espresso machine. We love our baristas, and our love affair with coffee has no end in sight.
In fact, it grows stronger with each new coffee shop and each new variation of coffee drinks now available. The preference between one of the two drinks will vary depending on how much time you have to enjoy your beverage, how strong you like it, and your size of preference.
We recommend that you experiment and try them all. We hope that you will now feel confident when you walk into a coffee shop; you are on your way to becoming a true coffee connoisseur!
]]>There has always been an argument among coffee lovers worldwide on how to make the best cup of coffee. To answer the question, it is more important to understand what it is that you like about coffee and what your ideal coffee should taste like. For the sake of this article, we are going to stick with the French press vs drip coffee debate.
A 2018 report indicated over 125 million people in the US whose livelihood depends mostly on coffee, consumed an average of three cups per day. These figures point to one thing; the decade-long debate is indeed not ending anytime soon, so you may as well go pick up the best French press and compare for yourself. For the hesitant and undecided, this article should help you choose which product best suits you.
Also known as the coffee press, or plunger, the French press coffee maker is an exemplary device that features regularly in most kitchen cupboards and lodgings. Since being patented by an Italian designer in 1929, the sleek innovation has gone through several modifications over the years.
The present French press coffee machine comprises a narrow cylindrical container, typically made of glass or transparent plastic, fitted with a metal or plastic cover and plunger that firmly fits in the container. It also has a stainless-steel wire and nylon-made mesh filter.
For many coffee enthusiasts, the French press is ideal for making a profoundly flavored and luxuriously textured mug of coffee. What more? Most coffee lovers consider the press pot for its enhanced mouth-filling experience compared to drip machines. But how do you use the French press? Below is a simple walk-through guide.
The key to better French press coffee is to find the perfect ratio between grind size and steeping time.
The French press has become more and more popular among coffee enthusiasts as it allows for easy preparation, transportability and stronger brews. With the ability to customize and tweak your extractions by simply changing the time variable or grind size, it allows for a fun and involving process.
For many coffee drinkers out there, taste is everything, as it should be. While one may argue that the French press over extracts the coffee grounds, there is no doubt about it that French press coffee does exceptionally well at providing a heavy cup of coffee. With more amounts of coffee sediment with a French press, your spoon can practically stand on it's own within the cup of coffee.
While the French press is great for producing consistently strong brews of coffee, some may argue that the coffee is over extracted, taking away from the subtle flavor nuances of the beans that the coffee roasters worked so hard to achieve. If you want to experience the true flavors of a coffee, then we recommend brewing with a Chemex coffee maker.
Another problem with the French press is the brew size and the life cycle of the brewed coffee. As you know by now, oxidation is what kills coffee. Since the French press doesn't have the ability to keep your coffee warm, you'll be subject to brewing a fresh pot if you need more coffee, or using a microwave. If you want to brew more coffee and keep it warmer for longer, you probably want a drip coffee machine.
If you suffer from acid reflux, the French press method is not for you as it contains high levels of sediment.
The last item we wanted to touch upon is the acid reflux dilemma. At Black Ink, we get a lot of customers asking about low acid coffee. While we do source coffee beans that are lower in acidity, our first question we ask our customers is how they are preparing their coffee.
Since the French press doesn't typically use a filter, and more often than not will over extract the coffee grounds, it is easily the worst way to prepare coffee if acid reflux is an issue for you. The coffee sediment that some people prefer is the reason why so many people also struggle with acid reflux.
Drip coffee machines are noticeable in every part of the world. From homes, workplaces, and cafés, you are bound to find a drip coffee machine. A drip coffee maker is the best fit if you always need your cup of hot coffee on-the-go and without having to spend much time and effort in brewing every time.
The use of drip coffee dates back to centuries and remains one of the French colonists' innovations from Europe. The drip coffee pot is usually made from enamel steel or ceramic, although modern variants are glass-made with a conical shape essential for a perfect extraction.
The notion behind the name "drip coffee" largely sterns from how the coffee is prepared. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drip your coffee.
The drip coffee maker is a stable horse, an iconic staple in just about every household and coffee shop across the country. If you need a consistent and simple cup of coffee, capable of producing multiple cups of coffee, we highly recommend a drip machine over a French press coffee maker. It may not be the best brewing method if you like to take control, but it is easy!
While the drip machine is the more popular choice, that does not mean that it produces better tasting coffee. In fact, the French press coffee maker makes a better cup of coffee compared to most drip machines. While a drip brewer may be capable of staying warm, and producing more volume, the extraction process isn't perfect.
The main concern with these devices are the water holes or tunneling that occurs due to poor extraction engineering. Since the water head stays fixed, water doesn't spray over the ground coffee equally. On the other hand, a French press equally the coffee grounds as they are entirely submerged in hot water.
If you have the time and patience to manually control your brews, you may want to go with a French press.
One of the significant advantages of a drip coffee maker remains in its ability. A normal drip-maker can prepare up to 12 cups of coffee in just a single cycle, unlike the average French press, which may permit between two and four cups of coffee. Yet other variants can produce up to eight or even twelve cups.
Additionally, drip coffee makers permit advance preparation. Since the process is closed, you can set the device in advance without having to stress over coffee grounds or water contamination in the meantime. All you do is flip the switch when ready, and you're all set.
With the drip machine, your coffee will remain nice and hot for an extended period, which means you can have more than one if you need to. This is likewise a factor to consider if you have a company to share your brew with. Leftover coffee is likely to get cold in a French press quickly. Although you can warm the brew, the flavor won't be the same.
Presently, the majority of homes appreciates the option to receive ground coffee and are pleased with the ever growing number of options to choose from. Still, many coffee drinkers prefer to buy the coffee beans whole and grind based on their personal preferences. Not only is this the preferred option for quality and freshness, but it'll also allow for you to prepare the coffee and make adjustments based on the extraction method.
Furthermore, picking your preferred beans is essential to producing your grind to suit your desired strength, body and flavor, whether using either French press or drip coffee. While the French pressure involves a coarse grind, drip coffee requires a medium grind. If you find your coffee tasting sour or burnt, you may need to adjust the grind size.
Your coffee brewing may turn out disappointing if your grounds are too fine or too coarse in either method. This is dependent on the machine you use to brew the coffee, which requires consistency and equivalent extraction from each coffee ground.
If you are concerned with reliability, either the French press or drip present great options. For the French press, your only risk is dropping the device on your floor, most likely causing terminal damage. Although, it shouldn't cost so much in repairs. For drip machines, damaged heating components or interrupted power supply remains its only potential trouble.
We have found that the French press is more reliable, simply due to the life span of the device. With no moving or electrical parts, it is tough to say that the machine is not reliable. For a manual device like the French press, you, the user, is responsible for the reliability of the coffee.
The average time spent to brew coffee using a French press is five to eight minutes depending on your preferred strength. For a drip coffee machine, which requires heating the device, brewing the coffee, and allowing time to drip into the pot, you are looking at an average of ten minutes. Meanwhile, the time needed to clean is almost the same.
While both units allow for a set it and forget it process, the French press is just a tad quicker. Of course, you will produce less coffee, but if you just need a cup of two, the French press is the better option in regards to brewing times.
When it comes to ease of use, drip coffee is the clear winner. There is a reason why your grandparents are using a drip coffee maker over a fancy espresso machine, hipster pour over mechanism, and even the French press. All you need to do is put the coffee grounds into the machine and hit start. Some grind and brew coffee machines have a grinder built within, completely automating the process for you.
Compared to drip coffee, the French press allows for one to exhibit your barista within, since several manual factors come into play when preparing the coffee. These include; plunge rate, water temperatures, grind sizes, etc. For first-timers, you may need a few tries to perfect your skill of measuring the right water quantity, grinding and measuring coffee, and filling or extracting the reservoir.
Clearly, there are no winners in this coffee battle between the French press and drip coffee maker. The choice at the end of the day depends on you and your preferences. Considering this, you can now visit our coffee selection to find the best coffee beans to add to your French press or drip coffee makers.
]]>The Nespresso vs Keurig debate has plagued many coffee forums for years. These are two of the biggest names in the world of coffee, creating a divide between loyal customers. Both brands manufacture coffee machines of the highest quality, making it very tough when choosing between the two. In this article, we shall pit the top models of each brand against each other and see which one comes out on top.
The two models we shall focus on in this review will be the Nespresso Vertuo and the Keurig K-Café. There are other models, but these two are top of the line and are very much alike, so it makes for a fair comparison. While there are some amazing Nespreso machines we recommend that you take a look at, we'll stick with the Vertuo for just today. This should make it easier for you to make a purchasing decision for when you want to buy that new single serve coffee machine for your home or office.
As a brand, Keurig targets the average coffee drinker. Think of this as your grandparents, or the average family that lives on your street. Boring, yet stable. This is evident in the build of their models, simple and easy.
With Keurig, you still have an array of options, but these aren't anything too over the top. The coffee is good and the efficiency of the machinery is top notch as well. Overall, Keurig has built itself up as a trusted coffee machine manufacturer, the top tier within the single serve coffee realm.
For Keurig, the K-Café is their leading model, and it is obvious why. It is reasonably priced, and it is easy to use, giving you great tasting coffee thanks to the well known k cup. While these single serve coffee makers aren't meant to replace your full sized coffee pot, they are a great secondary option to have if you find yourself constantly on the go.
It also comes with a portable frother that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos, something most drip coffee makers lack. With a huge 60-ounce water reservoir, you can easily brew up to six cups of coffee without refilling. For a single-serve, you can brew several 2-ounce shots of cappuccinos and lattes to a full 12-ounce coffee.
Nespresso, owned and founded by Nestle, is more suited for aficionados of coffee and espresso. With Nespresso you get the rich, strong, and crema filled cup of coffee that many yearn for. While drinking coffee or espresso from a Nespresso, you may find yourself day dreaming as you visualize yourself walking down the streets of Italy with your latte.
While Nespresso machines aren't cheap, they are a great budget friendly option if you desire a cheaper alternative to that of our recommended home espresso machines. With the best machines, you get the quality and consistency of something like a Breville, and the simplicity of a single serve coffee maker.
The Vertuo is the top model from Nespresso, and it comes with the full package. This model offers an authentic taste that very few can match it. It is easy to operate, and comes with proprietary pods that will provide consistent, crema-packed flavor shots, guaranteed to caffeinate your day.
All it takes to operate is the push of a single button to get the water heated, and in 15 seconds, or less, you'll see that marvelous and rich brew trickle into your cup. It is a simple and straightforward process, much easier than filling a portafilter on an espresso machine.
If you add the Aeroccino, you will undoubtedly love the Vertuo that much more. The Aeroccino is a gadget that heats milk which can be added to your brew if you desire something a bit more special, like a latte. The Aeroccino can even be used to give you that coffeehouse design froth, otherwise known as latte art. The Nespresso Vertuo is truly the full package.
The Nespresso Vertuo works with the touch of a single button. With minimal noise and vibration, the Vertuo creates its own foam. Using its unique capsules that are air-tight, you are guaranteed an authentic and strong brew without any added work.
The Keurig K-Café is also pretty easy to use even though it comes with several features. With clear labels on the buttons, all you need to do is hit a button, and your coffee will be ready in no time. The main issue is the varied options that are available with the K-Cups. It can be a real head-scratcher to pick which one to go with and how much water to use.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
Both the Nespresso Vertuo and the Keurig K-cafe are well designed, compact and efficient. We tested both machines and they are practical and sturdy. While they are both made with plastic, they have a quality feel to them. We felt that the Keurig actually felt more sturdy, but it was also larger and took up more room. Needless to say, the decision was tough.
Winner: Tie
Both the Vertuo and the K-cafe are amazing, don't get us wrong. However, if control is what you seek, there is only one option for you. While the Vertuo gives you the option to produce a shot of coffee that resembles fine espresso, there isn't much control over the process. For that reason, Keurig has the upper hand.
With the Keurig, you can dictate the strength of the brew and the amount of water to be used. For those that want a strong and authentic coffee taste, there is a special setting on the K-Café that can give you just that. A bonus with the K-Café is that you can even brew your own personal ground coffee with the help of a permanent filter. This gives you great flexibility on the strength of the brew you want.
Winner: Keurig K-Cafe
This is perhaps the biggest difference in both models and it can often be the major deciding factor when it comes to making a decision. The Nespresso Vertuo is, without a doubt, the better of the two. Owned by Nescafe, a stalwart in the coffee game, the Nespresso Vertuo outdoes itself and delivers top, rich, and authentic brews of the highest quality.
The premium capsules are the secret that makes such quality brews. Hermetically sealed, the capsules have a unique flavor stuck in them, and the rich taste is unleashed when they are brewed. While Keurig coffee is good, Nespresso coffee is great!
Aside from that, the superior technology that the Nespresso Vertuo uses in brewing lends credence to its rich and authentic taste. The capsules are spun above 7,000RPM, using an exceptional centrifusion extraction technology. This ensures that the hot water and the contents of the capsule blend immaculately to give you that true coffee taste.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
With the Nespresso Vertuo, cleaning is not needed. Why? Because it cleans itself. How? The Nespresso Vertuo has a self-cleaning cycle, using a lot of hot water to clean itself. If you are concerned about the water reservoir, you may clean it even though it may not be necessary.
The Nespresso Vertuo is also easy to maintain due to the unique nature of its espresso and coffee capsules. The Nespresso pods are of high quality and do not leak. All you need to do is just pick the capsule and put them in, leaving no stains around the capsule area.
The Keurig K-café is also quite easy to clean, as it's parts can be easily detached from the main unit. All you need to do is to remove the components, place them in the dishwasher, use a cloth to clean the main unit, and you are all done.
Maintaining the K-Café is minimal as the K-Cup pods are handy; just pop it in and then out. There is no need to worry about spillage as there is a drip tray on the bottom to catch any accidental spills that can be easily cleaned.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
One of the most important factors when buying a new coffee making unit is the cost. No, not the cost of the machine, but the cost per cup. The cost involved includes the average lifespan of the machine and the cost of the coffee pods or coffee. Since both of these machines have roughly the same reported lifespan, we will focus on the cost of the pods.
To put in simply, the coffee pods cost considerably less with the Keurig K Cups than the Nespresso capsules, which makes it an easy decision. Of course, you get a weaker taste of coffee with the coffee pods, but they are still the cheaper option if that is all that matters to you.
Winner: Keurig K-Cafe
For purposes of comparison, we will use a regular cup of coffee as a benchmark here. One cup of Joe, purchased from a coffee shop, contains roughly 120 milligrams of caffeine (per 8 ounces). Now for a single K Cup, you will typically have between 100 and 120 milligrams of caffeine.
On the other hand, the Vertuo coffee maker has about 165 milligrams of caffeine in a single capsule. The caffeine content in the K Cups remains mostly the same across all flavors, but with the Nespresso capsules, you will have varying contents of caffeine, ranging from 70 milligrams to 180 milligrams. For that reason, it is difficult to say whether or not Nespresso has the upper hand.
Winner: Tie
With coffee equipment getting more and more innovative these days, it is not only difficult to stay on top of the latest trends, but it is also difficult to innovate further. With so many amazing products, how does one compete?
While Keurig K Cups were once a revolutionary creation, allowing coffee drinkers to quickly brew a single cup of coffee on the go, it's innovation has ended just as quickly as it began. On the other hand, the Vertuo continues to innovate. For starters, the fact that this little machine has made expensive espresso machines nearly obsolete, is mind boggling.
An amazing fact about the Nespresso capsules is that each capsule comes with a unique barcode that enables the machine to brew that particular capsule to its maximum flavor, automatically. All you need to do is to pick a capsule, and within seconds you have an authentic brew in your hands. Now, add the Aeroccino froth tool, and there is absolutely no beating the Nespresso Vertuo.
Another thing to note is that Nespresso capsules are recyclable, while the K Cups need to be detached and separate the plastic from the organic and the aluminum. If you are considering going green, this could be another thing to consider.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
This one took some digging to find which was the better option. Naturally, we were going to mention Keurig as the better option since they have been around for longer and most likely have better workflows in place for handling customers. However, since Keurig is the more dominant brand, keeping track of all of the customer queries can be difficult.
While Keurig does offer exceptional support, we have seen that some customers fall through the cracks, and unfortunate occurrence of conglomerate brands. Since Nespresso has a smaller demand, with the capabilities and manpower of Nestle to back it up, their customer service is the clear winner.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
Finally, a verdict for the age old Nespresso vs Keurig coffee maker debate. Both the Nespresso Vertuo and the Keurig K-Café have proven to be great at what they do; brewing coffee. But there is a clear winner. The Nespresso Vertuo comes out on top and is the obvious choice; no debate there. For our boxing fans, the Nespresso is equivalent to Muhammed Ali.
The Nespresso Vertuo coffee maker is a great product that delivers high quality coffee beverages with real coffeehouse style, real barista style froth, and uncompromising taste. If you love coffee in its pure richness and taste, the Nespresso Vertuo is the coffee making machine for you.
The capsules for Nespresso may be more expensive, but you should consider the quality of the brew and the fact that they are recyclable and settle for nothing less. If you are a single serve coffee drinker, looking to ditch the Keurig, we highly recommend looking into one of these Nespresso machines.
]]>Our goal here is to help you feel more confident the next time you are faced with a massive list of all different coffee drinks. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, we want you to have confidence when you tell that barista you would like an iced Americano coffee!
These are just some of the coffee drinks you will be confronted with, so feeling confused at the offerings available is quite natural. The choice you make should depend on your personal preference, so it is worth taking a risk and tasting a variety of coffee drinks.
If you're a fan of black coffee, one of the first you should try is an Americano coffee. You might also decide to make one with an espresso machine at home if you own one. But what is an Americano coffee and how is it different from your usual cup of coffee? Let's take a closer look!
Simply put, an Americano, or Cafe Americano as some call it, is a shot of espresso (a concentrated form of strong coffee using finely ground coffee beans) that has been diluted with an extra dosage of hot water. This gives it a similar strength to regular brewed coffee, although the flavor will be different.
According to legend, the Americano was born during World War 2. Raised on drip coffee, American soldiers stationed in Italy balked at the popular espresso drinks that were being served to them in the country, so they added more hot water.
If you want to save money, start by learning how to make these delicious types of coffee at home, starting with an Americano coffee.
This watered-down version of espresso was similar to the coffee they drank back home, and their creation quickly became known as the Americano or Cafe Americano.
If you want something different from a regular coffee or an espresso yourself, it might be that an Americano could be your next drink of choice.
At first glance, an Americano looks a little different from a cup of freshly brewed coffee. But they are in fact, very different. That is because of the ingredients and the extraction technique. We use Caffe Americano and Cafe Americano interchangeably as they are the same thing.
As we have established, the Americano contains a mix of espresso and hot water. Espressos have a higher concentration of caffeine in them than regular coffee, which gives the Americano, or Caffe Americano, a fuller-bodied texture and a richer taste.
On the other hand, brewed coffee uses medium ground coffee and hot water to extract the delicious nectar from the grounds. Unlike the quick method of extracting a shot of espresso for an Americano, regular coffee drinks are often made using the traditional pour-over or drip methods.
An Americano is one of the easiest alternative coffee drinks to make at home, especially if you have an espresso machine. While it contains only two main ingredients - hot water and espresso - you can also add bonus ingredients if you want to customize your drink.
For example, you can add milk and sugar if you wish, and there are a range of flavored shots available that can give your Americano a fresh new taste.
You might also want to experiment with other items from your pantry. Some people also enjoy an iced Americano, so if you like your coffee chilled, you have another variant to try. You will find many Americano recipes online, so have a look!
Here's how to prepare and create your Americano at home;
For the best experience, we recommend using our beans at Black Ink. Each bag is carefully roasted, fresh and never bitter!
Ingredients
With everything at the ready, here are the steps you need to take to make your Americano.
Turn on your espresso machine to give it time to heat up. As bad as you want that Americano drink, you'll need to wait for the espresso machine to wake up itself. If you can't do that, you could always use a manual espresso machine.
Use your kitchen scale to measure out the number of coffee beans needed to make a single, double, or triple shot of espresso (depending on your personal preference and the size of your espresso machine's portafilter).
Grind your coffee beans using the built-in grinder of the espresso machine and use the lowest setting available. Wait until the beans have been ground to a fine powder, and double-check the weight on the scale to ensure you have the right amount for your Americano.
When your espresso machine has warmed up, remove the portafilter (ensure it is clean and dry), and pour the freshly ground coffee into it. Then use the tamper to pack the coffee grounds tightly.
Create your espresso according to the settings on your machine, and use your now warmed coffee cup to catch the espresso. If you find your espresso shot taking too long, use less coffee, a coarser grind or apply less pressure on the tamp. If the shot is extracted too quickly, do the opposite!
Decide how much hot water you want to add to your espresso. This will depend on how strong you want the espresso to be and the size of your coffee mug. Traditionally, the amount of hot water used is double the amount of espresso used, so you might want to heat up 2 ounces of water for every ounce of espresso.
Add your espresso to the hot water (and not the other way around), as this will give you the creamy foam many people like to have on top of their espresso. This will also allow the water to improve the texture of the espresso, giving you a much smoother mixture.
You now have your Americano to enjoy, but if you want to add flavorings, now is your opportunity to jazz up your beverage. You could squeeze some honey into it, for example, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Use your imagination and experiment with a range of toppings and flavors until you find something you really enjoy.
Drink up! While creating an Americano can be a rewarding process, the true pleasure comes from drinking the final result!
There are many types of coffee drinks, so don't be afraid to move away from traditional beverages. The Cafe Americano is a firm favorite for many, so use your espresso machine to whip one up and try it for yourself. Like the American soldiers back in World War 2, you might discover that this delicious drink is something that is perfectly attuned to your taste preferences. So, go find what you like!
]]>While over 150 million Americans consume coffee daily, a large percentage of the drinking population continues to miss out on the true beauty of coffee. There is a world of delicious tastes to be discovered, many cherished espresso drinks, and the macchiato is one that you should get to know.
Even the most casual coffee fan can instantly identify an espresso or a cappuccino, but the macchiato is one that confuses a lot of people. This confusion is in spite of the fact you've almost certainly heard of it at some stage.
The Italian macchiato is an espresso-based coffee that was first introduced by baristas back in the 1980s as a way to help coffee enthusiasts distinguish the difference between a plain espresso and an espresso that is made with milk.
Its growing popularity across North America is largely attributed to the fact it provides a nice middle ground between an espresso and a cappuccino while it simultaneously offers great versatility. In fact, many coffee shops using commercial espresso machines have preprogrammed settings for the macchiato.
There are no set rules on how much milk should be added to the espresso. Likewise, the milk can be standard or steamed, which adds further personalization opportunities. Whether made with a home coffee machine or via a manual method, the drink is traditionally prepared as a short beverage.
It tastes similar to a cappuccino, but is noticeably stronger. Over the years, the macchiato has been further enhanced with customized variations, including the caramel macchiato and iced macchiato. Meanwhile, long macchiatos can be created by adding a second espresso shot.
The standard macchiato is also considered a healthier coffee because it weighs in at around 10 calories with a fat-carbs-protein ratio of around 50-30-20. Of course, the figures may change slightly depending on the choice of coffee beans or the addition of extra milk.
Etymologically speaking, the macchiato takes its name from the Italian word for "marked". That's because it "marks" the primary ingredient with the secondary ingredient. If you practice latte art, one could argue that you are performing a 'Macchiato'.
In most cases, this means adding a dash of milk to the espresso shot, which creates the espresso macchiato. However, adding a shot of espresso to a cup of milk is a popular variation that produces a latte macchiato.
In terms of its basic formulation, the macchiato is probably most closely linked to the latte. After all, milk (or steamed milk) is added to the espresso shot to create either of the two beverages. However, there are clear differences between the two. The most obvious is that a macchiato is generally a short beverage while the latte is much taller.
Conversely, the espresso macchiato is much darker in appearance. This is because the milk is only used to mark the coffee. When made in a traditional method, the coffee is only 1.25-1.5oz, making it a drink that can be consumed in a very similar fashion to a straight espresso.
It is smoother, is not topped with froth, and is less powerful than an espresso. However, you will still gain the delicious tastes commonly attributed to an espresso. Many people opt for this drink to prevent bloating due to the small portion size.
This is underlined by their contrasting origins. While the macchiato is a "marked" coffee, the term caffe latte translates directly to "coffee milk". The milk is, therefore, a far more prominent feature in the latte. Consequently, it is taller, lighter, and sweeter than the macchiato.
The latte is often topped with a layer of foam, which makes it a milder coffee despite the fact it uses the same amount of espresso (one shot) as a standard macchiato and other espresso-based drinks.
In essence, the macchiato and latte are in the same family of beverages as they use the same ingredients. However, their contrasting characteristics highlight that the addition of milk can completely alter the appearance, flavor, and overall drinking experience.
When you want a quick coffee hit that brings the full flavor of an espresso with a hint of the taste experience delivered by a latte, the macchiato is your perfect solution. If you have an automatic espresso machine at home, or perhaps a manual lever espresso maker, you can make these yourself with ease.
The Italian macchiato is available in most good coffee houses. It can be prepared as a standard or long version. Alternatively, the addition of syrups, a double espresso shot, more milk, and other custom options make it a great 'on the go' option during your daily commute to work.
However, when looking for a quick hit or pick-me-up at home, you can enjoy a similarly simple brewing method. There are multiple options at your disposal, but the most common solutions are listed below:
Whichever method is selected, a high-quality espresso is essential. Using espresso beans or a very dark roast bean, you should grind the beans to a fine powder. Following this, you can prepare the macchiato using your French press by completing these steps;
The easiest way to create steamed milk is with a frother, but a dash of standard milk is fine.
The French press method is pretty simple but will require about 10-15 minutes. When equipped with a high-quality coffee machine, such as a grind and brew coffee machine, the whole process can be automated to provide guaranteed consistency in taste and temperature. To make your macchiato in this way, simply;
Yes, it really is as easy as 1-2-3. With the right choice of coffee beans, it'll feel like you've been transported straight to the coffee house.
When wanting to create a macchiato that brings an extra je ne sais quoi to the table, the addition of a store-bought syrup is the most likely solution. In this case, you will follow whichever method you usually opt for, but place the syrup in the bottom of your cup before pouring the coffee from your machine or French press into the cup.
There you have it, the Macchiato. Now, go mark (Macchiato) your day with a delicious hot or iced Macchiato. Next time you make your way to the front of the counter at that café or coffee shop, you'll impress everyone with your newly acquired knowledge of the Macchiato!
]]>Cold brew coffee has become an increasingly popular choice among coffee house visitors and home coffee consumers alike. Interestingly, it has also firmly established itself as the best coffee for French press users. With French press cold brew, you get the best of both worlds.
While you are probably familiar with a French press coffee maker, as well as the concept of cold-brewed coffee, it's far less likely that you have previously combined the two. Now is the time to change that forever, and this French press cold brew coffee guide will show you how to do it in style!
The French press is one of the most commonly used home brewing systems, allowing you to unlock the full flavor of your favorite roasted beans in a convenient and highly controlled manner. While it has been used in traditional home brewing for many generations, its ability to make cold brew coffee has become a recent revelation. Furthermore, it is a trend that has grown at an exponential pace, simply because cold brew coffee is the preferred choice over iced coffee.
Due to clever marketing campaigns, a level of ambiguity surrounds the concept of making cold brew with a French press. Contrary to what many brands suggest, defining it as pouring coffee over ice to create an iced or cold coffee, it's quite more than that. Instead, cold brew French press coffee is all about the temperature of the water used to prepare your beverage and time.
Unlike traditional brewing techniques that use boiling water, French press cold brew drinks are made using water that is kept at room temperature. This is deemed by many people to be the best coffee for French press brewing due to a whole host of reasons, such as;
Using the French press to make a cold brew isn't vastly different from making a brew with boiling water. Once again, all you'll need is the brewing device and the ingredients required for your chosen drink (coffee beans or ground coffee, milk, syrups, etc.). If you are using beans, you will also need to grind the beans to a medium to coarse grind. In fact, this method even allows you to avoid the need for a kettle. Following this cold brew recipe will help you achieve a cold brew coffee concentrate ready for consumption!
Depending on how large your French press is, you'll want a 1 to 3 ratio of ground coffee to water. If your French press holds 4 cups, you'll want to use a cup of ground coffee. This will be a bit on the stronger side, but you can always add water if needed later on. If you make it too weak, there isn't much you can do.
Next, fill the remainder of the French press up with room temperature water. Using our example from above, this should equate to 3 cups of water. Be sure to leave enough room to place the plunger in so that you can extract the coffee when it is ready.
Stir gently until all of the ground coffee is wet. You'll want to do this a couple of times over the next 24 hours to ensure that the cold brew mixture is equally saturated. This will help ensure all of the flavor and caffeine is extracted from the coffee grounds, preventing you from wasting any of your coffee.
Allow the cold brew mixture to sit for 24 hours at room temperature. If you used cold water and placed it in the fridge, you'll want to wait roughly 36 hours. To be honest, there is no correct amount of time to wait. Some people have reported that they enjoy drinking cold brew after only a few hours while others have reported that they prefer to wait a few days to a week.
Now that the cold brew mixture has sat for the allotted amount of time, it is time to press the plunger down to extract the cold brew coffee from the ground coffee. Once the plunger has been pressed, pour the cold brew into another container and add water until it reaches your ideal cold brew ratio.
This part is simple, taste your cold brew. Then, test different coffee beans, additives and ratios. Finally, and most importantly, enjoy your cold brew coffee!
Once you are able to perfect the cold brew process using a French Press, you'll wonder why you never thought of it before!
French press cold brew coffee will deliver a wide range of positive features that enhances your coffee consumption experiences. However, there is one potential downfall: the cleanup! The fact that you will allow the beans to percolate and release their flavors for 24 hours can cause stubborn stains on the glass, not to mention all of the tiny nooks and crannies.
Firstly, once your cold brew is ready to drink, we'd suggest transferring the beverage to a flask, jug or mason jar. While the marks on the glass aren't worsening at this stage, leaving them untreated can cause issues. To clean the French press, you can simply:
Cleaning a French Press is critical to ensure a clean and delicious cup of coffee. The build-up of coffee oils is inevitable, but if you stay on top of a routine cleaning cycle, they will never remain permanent.
If you make cold brew coffee, one of the most important steps is to choose the right coffee beans. The key is to choose a blend that is full of flavor. Due to the brewing method, medium-strength blends are more than adequate. The naturally sweet hints of chocolate and nut make the Maineiac blend a particularly good option for a tasty cold brew.
Similarly, users looking to prepare a cold brew in the French press (which we believe is the best option by far) will want to consider blends that are suited to the brewing device. The dark body of the Inkwell blend is highly popular if you prefer something with a bit more body. The cold brew process allows the notes of dark chocolate and caramel to stand out.
French press cold brewing methods can be used to prepare a wide range of coffees. However, the Italian macchiato is the most popular choice because its main focus is to deliver the strong tastes of an espresso with a less aggressive hit. Cold brewing produces a flavorsome result without the overpowering taste of an espresso.
Since an iced macchiato only needs the equivalent of one espresso shot, your French press can satisfy the family for a whole week. Macchiatos are referred to as "marked" or "stained" coffees because they add a dash of milk or steamed milk to the coffee after the coffee has been poured into the cup. Therefore, to make a cold brew macchiato at home, you can simply follow these steps:
While a traditional macchiato is usually a short beverage at just 1.25-1.5 oz, the cold brew option is open to interpretation and allows for you to add more milk or ice if required. The process of trial and error should soon allow you to find the perfect solution for your taste preferences.
For a cold brew coffee in a French Press, you'll want a 1 to 3 ratio of coffee to water. Since the average French Press can hold 4 cups of water, you'll want to use 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee and 3 cups of water. Once the coffee has been extracted into a container, you can add more water depending on your personal preferences.
If you are wondering if you can make cold brew in a French Press, the simple answer is yes! Making cold brew in the French Press allows for an easier cleanup if you don't have a cold brew machine, and it is a great way to repurpose coffee equipment which will save you money.
Cold brew and French Press coffee are two separate forms of coffee extraction methods. Cold brew involves a slow immersion technique using room temperature or cold water, allowing for a smoother and less acidic cup of coffee. As you have learned by now, equipment can be repurposed. You could use a cold brew machine to make French Press coffee and a French Press to make cold brew.
On the other hand, French Press coffee uses a proprietary piece of equipment to extract the coffee grounds from the coffee. With a French Press, you are using boiling hot water to extract the coffee which leads to stronger tasting and more acidic brews. Both the French Press and cold brew extracted coffees have a lot of sediment in the final cup, which creates a heavier, full bodied experience.
If you are going to make cold brew coffee, you may as well try it using the tools you have. If you already have a cold brew coffee maker, great. If you don't but have a French press, even better! Not only is coffee in a French press quite delish, but cold brew coffee made in one is amazing!
As long as you have some coarsely ground coffee, a French press, water and time, you can make cold brew coffee in the comfort of your own home. Trust us, iced coffee is great, but cold brew coffee is in a whole other league of it's own. Although the total time it takes may be a bit longer, it's worth the wait.
]]>Two of the most common options for brewing coffee include the AeroPress and French Press. You’ve undoubtedly already heard of the French Press, which has been a popular method for over 100 years. But, the AeroPress is a modern invention that has taken the coffee world by storm, so much so that we wrote this Aeropress coffee maker review. This naturally leads many coffee aficionados to debate the two.
Both options boast a variety of advantages, but they also come with several drawbacks, so it can be tricky to decide which is better. Because of this, we’ve compiled this guide to cover the differences between AeroPress and French Press coffee so you can find the perfect brewing setup to wake you up in the morning. So, let's get to it!
Our Preferred Choice - Aeropress Go (Easy, Portable & Delicious)
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If you’ve never heard of the AeroPress before, your first question is probably, What exactly is the AeroPress? While it might be unfamiliar to many, it’s still an effective and straightforward method of brewing coffee quickly without sacrificing quality. An AeroPress comprises of several components. These include:
When combined, these components allow you to brew one cup of coffee at a time. The strength of the coffee depends on how much water you pour into the chamber, the amount of coffee used, and the coarseness of the grinds. You can even consider it a portable espresso-making machine which is suitable for situations where everyone has their unique coffee preference.
One benefit of an AeroPress is that you won’t get any coffee grit in your mug as long as you use it properly. They are also easier to clean compared to French Press models. However, it can take some time to determine how to use it correctly without wasting any coffee or filters.
Once you get the hang of it, using an AeroPress is one of the easiest things you will do every morning, and it is actually quite fun. The result is a mellow but delicious cup that can be as strong or as weak as you need it to be.
The process relies on pressure, which is where the AeroPress gets its name. You need to force air through the chamber using the plunger. If you do this correctly, the air will push the water through the coffee and filter, making you a perfect cup of coffee.
To use an AeroPress, simply follow these steps:
Probably the biggest advantage that the AeroPress has over the French Press is how easy it is to clean. If you have never experienced the luxury of cleaning an AeroPress after using one, you should probably stop what you are doing right now and go buy one just to clean it. Seriously, watching the coffee puck fly out of the AeroPress is probably more enjoyable than the actual brew.
After you have finished brewing your coffee, simply wait a few minutes for the AeroPress to cool down. Next, flip it upside down so that the coffee grounds are on top, and unscrew the cap over a trash can. Once unscrewed, continue pressing the AeroPress as if you were brewing coffee into the trash can. With a simple press, you'll see a perfect coffee puck shoot out the end of the device, into the trash can.
Since the AeroPress is so tight and compact, the plunger helps to maintain a tight seal throughout the coffee brewing process. Therefore, there isn't much residual coffee left to clean. Simply run the AeroPress through some water to get any particles off of the device, and you are ready to brew again. You can use soap and water to clean out any coffee oils as well.
Starting with the pros, the AeroPress is extremely compact, easy to use and easy to clean. Additionally, the AeroPress is cheap and affordable, as well as consistent. With the AeroPress, you can produce a great cup of Joe on the go, basically from anywhere. It makes the perfect travel companion, whether that be for hiking and backpacking, flying or just bringing to work.
On the downside, the AeroPress does have a few drawbacks. The first major drawback of the AeroPress is that it only produces a single cup of coffee. If you are someone that needs to make a few cups to put into a thermos, and then head out the door, you may want a French Press. Also, the coffee that comes out of an AeroPress is usually very warm, not hot, which can be a problem if you put milk or cream into your coffee.
The French Press is one of the most popular coffee brewing methods globally, and you will find Cafetieres wherever you go. You can usually tell if someone is a coffee snob, which is a good thing because they enjoy making good coffee, if they have a French Press. Like an AeroPress, it includes several components. These are:
One of the most appealing aspects of the French Press is how the coffee tastes. If you prefer your coffee rich and bold, the French Press is the best choice to get you started each morning.
However, it can take slightly longer than other methods, such as the AeroPress. Still, the result is enormously satisfying for anyone who cares one bean about quality coffee.
The French Press also gives you absolute control over every element of your coffee-making experience. Like the AeroPress, you can choose how strong or weak it is, which makes it ideal for households, offices, or anywhere with people who have differing coffee needs.
Making French Press coffee is straightforward, anyone can do it, even if they have never used a French Press before. Despite this, it can take some time to perfect your brew and pour the right cup of coffee to start your day every day.
Your approach to using your French Press will depend on the type of coffee you prefer. If you like it smooth, you don’t need to steep the grounds for very long. If you like your coffee strong enough to give you a kick at the start of your day, don’t be afraid to brew it for a little longer. Waiting longer than eight minutes can make the coffee too bitter for even the most daring coffee lovers.
Okay, this may be the biggest drawback to the French Press and why many have chosen the AeroPress over it. Once you are done brewing with your French Press, we recommend cleaning the coffee grounds out immediately with warm water while they are still fresh. If you wait too long, the coffee may become hardened to your precious French Press.
Luckily, most French Press coffee makers are becoming dish washer safe, which helps ensure you are getting all of the coffee residue and oils out of your brewer. However, not all of these are safe to clean in the dish washer, so it is important to check out the manuals and reviews before buying one.
Starting with the positives of a French Press, it is easy to brew a few cups of strong and delicious coffee. Additionally, the French Press doesn't take much involvement. Simply add your coffee grounds and hot water, and you are good to go after a few minutes. The French Press is also quite portable and fun to use. Lastly, these devices are affordable and simple to replace if any parts break.
Although we love the French Press, there are a few drawbacks as well. By default, the French Press doesn't utilize a paper filter which will lead to coffee with higher amounts of sediment and acid, as well as actual coffee grounds. A paper filter can be purchased though, so don't let that fool you. Lastly, these coffee makers are a pain in the butt to clean compared to the AeroPress!
You may not see many differences in the AeroPress vs French Press debate. They share plenty of similarities, especially as you use a plunger to brew the perfect cup of coffee for both, and you can control your coffee’s strength simply by altering the time in which the grounds sit inside the water.
If you came here hoping to find the stronger option between the AeroPress and French Press, well, there isn't one. For the French Press you use coarse ground coffee and brew it twice as long as the AeroPress. For the AeroPress, you use more finely ground coffee but only brew it for half the amount of time as the French Press. Therefor, both have relatively similar strength.
If you want the cleaner option, go with the AeroPress. If you want the option that has more coffee sediment, and the one that will appear darker or "stronger" as some mistakenly think of it, go with the French Press.
Since both of these brewing techniques have a similar extraction method, use the same ratio of water to coffee, and have a similar level of coffee strength, their caffeine content is naturally similar as well.
If you are using the same coffee for both options then the caffeine levels will be the same. Yes, there is a difference in the grind size, but this is negated by the steeping times. So, it comes down to the coffee bean selection. Also, in case you were wondering, light roast coffee has more caffeine.
To sum up our review of the AeroPress vs French Press, both approaches are affordable, simple and produce a great cup of coffee. Despite this, there are subtle differences, and these subtleties will appeal to different coffee enthusiasts when considering which method works best for them.
As with most things in life, it all comes down to what you prefer. If you are a fan of the classic espresso and want a compact and durable option that you can take on your travels, the AeroPress is perfect for you. The AeroPress is also capable of producing crema rich shots of espresso which makes it quite a diversified machine.
Alternatively, French Press coffee is ideal if you want to take it easy on the weekends or have a late start to your day. Not that the French Press will make you late for work, it just takes a few more minutes. Furthermore, a French Press enables you to make multiple, perfect cups of coffee, packed with all the rich and bold flavors that coffee lovers look for in every cup. For this reason, the French Press could edge it.
Of course, many coffee lovers will opt for the AeroPress and the French Press to give them options depending on the situation. If you’re in a rush or on the move, the AeroPress serves you well. On the other hand, the French Press is perfect for an easy-going morning. Let us know which you prefer and thanks for reading!
]]>You are standing in line, quickly trying to figure out the menu, most of the drinks you have never heard of before. The Barista hands the guy in front of you his drink and then looks up at you. Before you can figure out what you want, the barista asks you for your order. Panicked, you shout out the first item on the menu that you see, a flat white.
We have all been there, totally overwhelmed with a coffee menu, not knowing the differences between some of the most popular coffee drinks. Well, in this article we have decided to focus on the flat white coffee and what makes it stand out from its near rivals, the Latte, and the Cappuccino. We also show you how to make the perfect flat white at home and why you should consider making the switch over to a flat white coffee. So, let's get to it!
A flat white consists of either a single or double measure of espresso, topped up with a generous portion of steamed milk. Although this seems very similar to a latte, it is actually quite different. The notable features that define a flat white include the size, typically coming in at around 5.4 fluid ounces.
The flat white is topped by a thin and flat layer of steamed milk, which gives it its name, flat white. If you’re after a coffee that allows you to experience the delightful taste of espresso, with a creamy kick of steamed milk, this is certainly the choice for you.
A flat white is a specialty coffee beverage consisting of espresso and a small layer of micro foam. It is similar to a latte but it contains less micro foam, which gives it a stronger and more concentrated coffee taste.
Flat Whites have been on coffee shop menus for some time now and are a favorite of coffee enthusiasts who love a strong flavored coffee with a touch of special whole milk. They are also perfect for people who enjoy a quick no-fuss coffee on the go.
People who enjoy a flat white include those who tend to drink milky coffees, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Unlike those alternatives, a flat white is more pragmatic, perfect for a business lunch, a chat with a friend, or a take-to-work tumbler.
The flat white seems to have emerged in New Zealand and Australia in the 1980s. There is some debate over its exact origin, but it seems to have developed in these regions almost simultaneously. Someone here had the bright idea to innovate the cappuccino and make it 'flat.'
Since its emergence, the flat white spread quickly to the UK and the US. The coffee bridges the gap between instant coffee and cappuccinos and effectively serves an audience who are making that transition. At the time, cappuccinos had mountains of foam on top, but consumers wanted one that was flatter. Since then, cappuccino foam has also been scaled back.
The major difference between the flat white and the latte is the amount of milk used. Traditionally, a latte will also have more foam than a flat white. A latte will generally taste weaker and milkier. These days it is general practice to serve a latte in a 180 or 200 ml glass. A flat white is usually served in a smaller ceramic cup containing steamed milk with fine bubbles that has a velvety consistency. This makes it less diluted than a latte and therefore stronger.
Start saving money and make the the perfect flat white, latte or cappuccino at home!
Although flat whites have become less popular in recent times, there are still plenty of people that prefer them. Walk into any coffee house and you will be greeted with a large and extensive menu to choose from. Both the flat white and the latte are a staple of pretty much every menu these days. Making the choice over which one you want to try means you need to know what you are ordering, and this means understanding the difference between a latte and a flat white.
Indeed, both drinks have come a long way in recent years, and they are now a staple of coffee lovers everywhere. If you aren't sure which one to try, consider giving both a shot!
A flat white can be described as a shot of espresso topped up with warm steamed milk, but that's also how you might describe a cappuccino or a latte. So what's the difference? As a general rule, a cappuccino is a stronger drink in a smaller mug, a cappuccino is also made with one shot of espresso and lots of foam on top.
A latte is slightly different. The term has been widely used since the 1980s to describe a coffee containing warm milk, but it probably originated in Italy, where a caffe latte is a milky morning coffee. A cafe latte is milkier than a cappuccino and also flatter. Needless to say, both of these beverages, cappuccino and latte, have a significantly larger portion of milk.
A flat white is a delicious functional coffee, ideal any time of the day. The good news is it's especially easy to make. You will require some espresso coffee from your favorite bean, a machine that can produce espresso and an appliance for foaming the milk. Making the perfect flat white requires a careful balance between espresso and milk foam.
Traditionally the flat white is made using a double espresso with micro foam poured over the top; however, this practice has changed in recent years, and now many coffee shops serve it with a single shot of espresso. So, we leave the choice up to you in regards to how many shots of espresso you want to have.
To make a flat white, prepare a double espresso. Ensure your coffee grind has an even tamp for a smooth and pure coffee extraction.
Prior to pulling your espresso shots, it is time to heat and foam your milk. Pay close attention to the process and be sure to create a smooth micro foam. Try to avoid a stiff dry foam if possible. Lastly, do not let the milk heat up past 150 degrees Fahrenheit or else the milk will curdle.
Now it's time to pull your single or double shots of espresso into your cup. Pay close attention to the amount of crema on the beans to ensure you are pulling espresso shots with consistency. If you want the most crema possible, you'll need to use our coffee beans for a rich, creamy, crema-filled shot of espresso!
When the espresso shot has finished extracting, tap the milk the jug gently to remove any large unwanted air bubbles from the whole milk before adding it to your flat white. This will help ensure it is creamy rather than foamy. Once you have added the milk foam layer, it's time to enjoy!
Although some people contest that there is little difference between a flat white, a latte, and a cappuccino, you will notice that the flat white has a slightly different character from its close friends. A flat white has far less foam on top than a cappuccino; this makes it easier to drink on the go, but perhaps less of a special event compared to sipping on coffee all day long.
If you are struggling to decide between a latte and a flat white, you may feel at ease knowing a flat white is the healthier option. Since there is less milk involved with a flat white, you can rest assured knowing that you chose the healthier, lower calorie choice option. While the latte is generally toted by coffee purists as being a "dessert", the flat white is shown more respect since you are able to enjoy the subtle flavor nuances of the espresso still through a light layer of milk.
In relation to a latte, the flat white contains less milk and offers a stronger coffee flavor. This suits people who want the convenience of a latte but also want to enjoy the strength of an espresso or americano. The flat white offers a nice middle ground between the two traditional favorites. Whether you use a single shot or a double shot, the difference between a flat white and a latte in terms of their strength is quite drastic.
A flat white is not only a flavorsome coffee with a high convenience factor; it's also very flexible and can be ordered after lunch or dinner, on the go, or even as a special drink. People love the flat white for its balance, flavor, and flexibility.
Although a flat white has the same amount of caffeine as that of a latte, cappuccino, mocha, americano and regular coffee, it has a unique advantage. Since the flat white is so concentrated with just a little bit of milk, it allows for a quick and efficient way to consume your coffee, proving an immediate caffeine kick. Personally, we love sipping on coffee all day long, but for those in a hurry, the flat white is your best option aside from straight up espresso.
If you find yourself struggling or panicking at the cafe when confronted with a giant list of options, you aren't alone. For that reason, most customers default to their safety option, the latte. However, for most of you that enjoy a strong cup of coffee with less milk, the flat white is probably a better option.
As you can see, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind when comparing the difference between a latte and a flat white. It’s important to understand that they are two different, albeit similar, drinks. So now you know the difference, you can now order each with confidence next time you’re in a Starbucks or a coffee house.
]]>If you are a coffee lover, you know your ideal coffee and what to expect when ordering it at a café. However, you may be unfamiliar with the other types of coffee drinks, such as the alternative to a classic latte, or cappuccino, known as a breve. A perfect option when you need a more satisfying pick-me-up, in our opinion.
Whether you are looking for a heart-warming drink for your winter afternoons, or a morning coffee that can give you a great energy boost, a breve coffee, or breve latte as some call it, is the right option for you. Find out more down below!
If you are looking for an alternative to your morning coffee, that can give you the energy you need, you might want to give this delicious specialty drink a try. Although it is not the same as a drip coffee, we actually find that many American's prefer the breve over a latte when venturing into the specialty beverage market.
Luckily for you, a breve can be enjoyed either at home or at a coffee bar. This type of coffee might not be part of the classic coffee specialties on the streets of Italy, but it is just as delicious and heart-warming. So, should you include a breve in your repertoire?
A breve is an espresso-based type of coffee that can be compared to a latte. It represents the American version of an Italian caffe latte and can be an excellent substitute for your cappuccino or latte.
It is perfect for whenever you need a thicker cup of coffee. Not thickness in regards to the actual coffee or espresso, but thick in terms of the whole milk or cream micro foam on top.
A breve is just like a latte but it is made with cream instead of milk
While it can look similar to a latte, a breve coffee boasts some differences that make it unique. These include the fact that it is made with half and half instead of milk.Half-and-half, a mix of milk and cream, makes for the ideal topping when you are looking for a coffee that is even creamier and more delicious than usual.
When preparing this coffee, you will notice that the method followed is not too different from the one followed to make a delicious latte. Once you have the steamed half and half, the trick is to pour the foam into your cup last. This barista tip will ensure that your coffee has an extra creaminess to it.
Tracing the breve coffee back to its origins is not easy, especially because it cannot be linked to any particular location or event. However, this coffee is considered an American descendant of the classic Italian café latte, a specialty largely served in Italian coffee bars and cafes.
The main difference between the two coffee specialties is that the Italian café latte is a milk-based type, while the breve includes a portion of cream. While this Americanized version differs in many ways from the Italian tradition, it sticks to the coffee's Italian name.
The meaning of the term "Breve" means "short" or "brief" in Italian. Although this delicious beverage may only last a short amount of time, it'll give you a Lungo (long) amount of energy to last throughout the day.
The first thing you will notice when ordering a breve is that fluffier and thicker than your standard latte. This is often because it is made with half and half. Because of this, you can expect a much fuller coffee with a thicker, sweeter, and creamier foam on top.
If you have never experienced a latte, or any type of espresso based beverage, then describing the taste may be somewhat of a challenge. For starters, any espresso based drink, especially the ones coated in steamed half and half, are incredibly thick.
The flavor of espresso has a distinct coffee flavor that many associate with "strong" coffee, most likely because the average espresso shot is made with dark espresso beans.
A breve is a specialty that most coffee lovers can enjoy. However, if you struggle to digest dairy or follow a plant-based diet, you will have to check with your favorite barista if there is a more suitable option. Coffee drinkers should also note that this coffee can include more cholesterol and fat than standard coffees because of the cream content. Because of this, it might not be suitable for all diets and lifestyles.
At the same time, many breve drinkers believe that it does not need added sugars or sweeteners because the cream makes the coffee already rich. So, it may be an even trade off if you are someone that is on a diet but that cannot resist a delicious espresso based treat.
The best way to enjoy a breve is at a coffee bar with your friends. However, making a breve by yourself is simple and easy to achieve at home. You can even do so at home with your Nespresso machine if you can't afford a high-end espresso machine.
The only thing is that you will need to make sure that your machine boasts a steam wand to froth and heat the half and half. Check out how to make this delicious treat below! If you don't want to use half and half instead of milk, you can simply switch it out for steamed milk. That would make it a latte!
To make the best breve, you'll need the best espresso beans possible. Naturally, we suggest our Black Ink Espresso Blend.
What You Need to Make a Breve
Start by filling the coffee jug with half-and-half. The breve milk and cream mix is the most important ingredient for a successful coffee. This is a blend of whole milk and cream that you can easily find at the grocery store, also called half and half. You can certainly substitute the steamed milk for oat or even chocolate milk if desired.
However, if you prefer, you can mix it by yourself by buying cream and milk and pouring them into equal parts in a jug. Once they are mixed, you can use your wand steamer to steam the milk and bring it to a temperature of 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Any hotter than that and the cream will begin to curdle.
Use your espresso machine, or Nespresso maker, to make an espresso shot. For this step, your preferences counts the most, so make sure to stick with what you like. Depending on the espresso you make, you might end up having a stronger or weaker Breve.
If you are using your own Nespresso machine, you might also try to use different capsules or flavored coffee. Once the espresso is ready, move it onto a cup. Although we typically recommend a blonde espresso, for a breve we actually recommend something darker that'll punch through milk easily.
Pour the half-and-half blend into the cup in which you have already poured the espresso. For this step, it is crucial to use a spoon to hold the foam at the jug's back while pouring the warm half-and-half into the cup. Add as much as you prefer to create your favorite coffee. If you are trying to make latte art, you may have a difficult time if there is too much foam on top.
The last step of making breve is to add the foam to the breve milk. If you are an expert barista, you can do so with a swirl of the jug which will produce latte art. However, if you are still working towards these skills, you can just use a spoon to pour the foam from the jug into your cup.
The difference between a breve and a latte is that the breve uses cream, or half and half, for the steamed foam portion of the espresso based beverage, whereas a latte uses milk. Both of these drinks are a delicious and creamy Italian style drink that features a rich shot of espresso within. Since both of these are made with espresso, they also have the same amount of caffeine.
A breve latte is nothing more than a breve coffee, referred to with other names such as café breve or latte breve. When ordering a breve, you can expect a creamy, heart-warming, delicious coffee to be on your way! We don't recommend the breve if you are the type that prefers to drink their coffee black, or typically prefer milk over cream, but if you are someone that adds cream to your coffee, the breve is for you!
If you are new to the coffee scene, a breve is the perfect place to start if you are someone that enjoys cream over milk, and if you enjoy a thick cup of Joe. If you prefer to use whole milk over cream, you should probably stick with a regular latte with steamed milk. However, if you are feeling a bit adventurous, give the breve a try!
Although this drink may have lost some of it's Italian routes as it has become quite Americanized, it is still a wonderful specialty coffee treat! Thanks for reading and be sure to let us know what you think of the breve.
]]>When preparing coffee at home, you probably don't think much about it, nor are you in a state of mind to think at all. You pick your coffee, your favorite mug and maybe choose your preferred coffee machine, but it is all part of your routine! However, if you are trying to get into the habit of drinking new coffees and espresso drinks, you probably need to know the difference between latte vs coffee.
In this guide we will break down the differences between a latte and a cup of coffee, how to make each of them and which ones we recommend. If you don't already have the perfect latte maker, we recommend buying one. Anyways, let's get to it!
If you are looking for a more sophisticated (and delicious) alternative to your instant cup of coffee, you will love drip coffee. This is a type of coffee that was initially developed in Germany between 1908 and the 1950s. However, today, it is most used and appreciated in the US.
Unlike other types of coffee where the ground beans are compressed, pressurized, or submerged in hot water, drip coffee is made by allowing hot water to flow through ground coffee enclosed in a filter. Drip coffee is cheap, simple and easily repeatable which is why it has become the go-to.
Drip coffee can also be made without a machine, allowing water to flow through the grounds and directly into a cup. This is called Pour Over Coffee which we actually prefer at Black Ink!
Or, for convenience and speed, you might use an electric coffee maker. These machines incorporate a carafe, larger water bladders, and a more spacious coffee basket. So, you can make more than one cup of coffee at once.
The term “drip” in the name drip coffee is used specifically to distinguish this type of black coffee from other common types of brews, including Espresso and Americano. In the US, the word "coffee", when referring to that warm beverage most of us drink, is actually drip coffee. In other countries, the word "coffee" actually may refer to a shot of espresso.
Brewing drip coffee is not complicated and represents a process that any coffee lover can attempt, and master, when equipped with the right tools! There are two methods you can follow: with or without a drip coffee maker. Check them both out below. Before you ask how much coffee to measure out per cup, it all depends on your brewing style!
A latte is a type of coffee created over an espresso base. Just like in the case of other coffee types (such as Cappuccino, Flat White, or Mocha), a latte is created as a mix of milk and espresso coffee.
Latte derives from the Italian term for "milk with coffee" or "caffè e latte." This is an Italian specialty that you will be able to find in most coffee bars. However, each country boasts a version of this type of coffee, including the French "Café au lait" and the German "Milchkaffee."
If you enjoy the latte, and are especially fond of the warm foam that sits on top of the cup, then you may want to try a cappuccino!
If you have never indulged in a Latte, then you should have the first one at your favorite coffee bar. This allows you to explore the different flavors and understand what to expect before making it at home.
You can then try to create your perfect latte at home with just a few pieces of equipment.
Once you are done pouring, you will now have a caffeinated beverage that boasts a small portion of coffee and a larger portion of milk. While it is recommendable to have a thin layer of foam on the top of your cup, it should not be as thick or stiff as the one on a Cappuccino.
If you have been sticking to a black coffee, or instant coffee, because you are committed to a plant-based diet or you are intolerant to dairy, then you can try a Latte with a milk alternative. These might include almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.
At their core, a latte contains more fat and sugar when compared to a regular cup of black coffee, which means that it contains more calories. This is simply because of the fact that a latte uses a cup (or more) of milk. If you would like to cut down on the calories, you can always substitute your milk out for a milk alternative.
Generally speaking, a latte contains less caffeine when compared against a cup of regular drip coffee, ounce for ounce. For each shot of espresso in your latte, you can add roughly 75 milligrams of caffeine. If you are unsure how many shots of espresso there is in your latte, just ask your barista!
In case you don't know by now, blonde roast coffee, or light roast as most of you know it by, has more caffeine than darker roasts. The same holds true with espresso shots, or lattes for that matter. If you need the caffeine, avoid dark roast and stick with the lighter option for more caffeine.
If you are trying to make a true latte, you will need a shot of espresso. However, if you use a strong, concentrated shot of coffee, and slightly less milk, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference. In order to make a good latte, your milk consistency is just as important which is why we recommend a device that can make steamed milk, like a latte machine.
Now that we know the differences between a latte and a regular cup of coffee, what about iced lattes and iced coffee? To put it simply, the difference between an iced latte and an iced coffee is that an iced latte uses espresso whereas and iced coffee uses drip coffee. Unfortunately, when you make an iced latte, you will not have the thick and creamy milk foam as that of a regular latte.
While your morning cup of coffee is undoubtedly part of your routine, there is nothing bad in switching up your habits now and then. So, you might try to prepare a coffee or a latte, depending on your mood and how much time you have that day. A drip coffee will fit most diets and can be prepared with or without a coffee maker.
On the other hand, the latte is perfect if you want a milder and creamier coffee that is mixed with milk! Generally speaking, both require the same amount of time and produce equally delicious end results. Be sure to check out our buying guides if you are in need of a better coffee machine or would like to invest in an espresso maker.
]]>The Pour over vs French Press, which is better? Whether you’re just getting into drinking good coffee, or even if you know your way around, it can be confusing with the variety of coffee styles and brewing techniques out there. So, we want to take everything back to the basics to ensure that our customers know everything there is to know about coffee.
To do this, we need to focus on what these brewing techniques are and how you make the coffee once it arrives to your door. Two of the most popular styles, the French press and the pour over, are made with premier gadgets like the best French press coffee maker, which we will explain in detail down below.
You can probably guess what pour over coffee is from the name. You pour hot water over coffee grounds and allow it to filter through into a Chemex jug. Depending on how much coffee you need each morning or how many people you are making coffee for, you can pour a lot of water for several cups, or a little water for a strong cup all to yourself.
Pour over coffee is sometimes known as drip coffee or filter coffee. However, this shouldn’t be confused with a regular filter coffee machine as you need to brew pour over coffee manually. This, however, is all part of the fun and should be something any coffee aficionado looks forward to doing. If you want to buy a best pour over coffee maker, then we recommend the Chemex!
It is considered a classic method for brewing coffee, and this is why the pour over style is becoming increasingly popular in the US and South America, where it is more traditional. You will also find it in other parts of the world. Chances are, if you have spent time in a coffee shop, you've probably witnessed all kinds of hipster coffee, like a blonde roast pour over.
It is a little different from French Press immersion coffee, as the pour over technique requires you to saturate the coffee with hot water constantly. Therefore, you will need to be beside your pour over coffee and add water repeatedly until it is ready to serve.
Whether you have a Chemex coffee maker or one from another brand, the approach to Pour Over coffee is the same. You need to pour coffee grounds into a damp, cone-shaped filter and leave them to sit for a little while. The filter prevents grounds from seeping through into the brew, which could ruin the coffee drinking experience, but it still allows enough flavor packed coffee to run through.
The process is simple enough, but it is not as easy as merely pouring the water in and leaving it. If you want to know how to make pour over coffee, it requires a more sophisticated approach. To brew the perfect cup of pour over coffee, you must:
French Press coffee was first developed in the 1920s, and as it gained popularity, it evolved into what coffee lovers recognize today. It brings a level of elegance to your morning brew and is a popular choice thanks to its affordability and ease of use. Plus, it’s fun to press the plunger down no matter how old you are.
One appealing element of French Press coffee is the rich taste that is worlds apart from your standard instant coffee, so much so that you are unlikely to go back. When compared to pour over coffee, French Press coffee drinkers also discover that it has a thicker texture. This is because the water and grounds are in constant contact throughout.
In contrast, the water passes through the grounds in the pour over coffee method and goes through a thick filter before it ends up in your cup. Although it isn't quite as light as white coffee, the pour over technique will be a lighter bodied cup compared to the French Press.
If you prefer a more potent brew, the French Press is ideal. This is because of how the oils are separated during the brewing process, which provides a more pronounced experience. The French Press process is also super simple, so you don’t need to sit with your French Press for the entire brew time, meaning you can start on breakfast while you wait for the coffee to brew.
Although the French Press sounds like something far too elegant for the everyday person, the reality is much different. The setup is simple and effective and uses immersion brewing that steeps the coffee grounds in hot water to extract the flavor.
The French Press process is one of the easiest methods you’ll come across that isn’t boiling the kettle and pouring water over instant coffee grounds. To create the perfect cup of French Press coffee, you’ll need to:
Depending on who you ask, pour over coffee is much better than French press coffee. Of course, everyone has there own taste preferences and you should ultimately be the judge of that for yourself. While French press is often the go-to for a strong and bold taste of coffee, the pour over is your perfect solution for a better extracted cup of coffee.
While a French press does a wonderful job of extracting every little bit of flavor from the bean, it can also extract the unwanted qualities of a bean. Since the pour over method is a precise extraction technique, you can almost guarantee that your coffee will only contain the desired traits of the ground coffee. So, if you want better flavor and less unwanted sediment, stick with the pour over!
The French Press has come under a lot of scrutiny in recent times as many experts have claimed that it is an unhealthy way to brew coffee as it does not filter out cafestol. If you don't know what cafestol is, it is a diterpenoid molecule that is in every coffee bean, meaning it is also in your coffee. This cafestol causes your cholesterol to rise which is not something you want to think of when enjoying your morning cup of coffee.
Also, if you are someone that suffers from acid reflux, then you should know by now that a French press is not for you! Since these rely on metal filters, not all of the coffee sediment is removed from the brew, resulting in too many unwanted acids and compounds that may lead to acid reflux. So, if you want to remove the unwanted sediment, and the cafestol, you should consider a paper filter option.
If cost is a factor for you then you may need to consider the cost differences between the French Press and the pour over coffee maker. Like all things in life, there are always cheaper solutions, as well as the higher-end fancy options. When it comes to the French Press coffee maker and the pour over coffee maker, there are tons of options to choose from.
You may notice that the pour over coffee maker is typically a bit cheaper than the French press coffee maker, but don't let that fool you. As you begin to use both devices, you'll notice that the French Press requires less coffee and the filters (if you choose to use one) are much cheaper which makes it a better investment over time. So, the choice is close between the two in terms of price!
The answer to the French Press vs Pour Over debate all depends on what you prefer, how you like your coffee, and your lifestyle. When it comes to price, the French Press is slightly cheaper over the long run and you are able to use less coffee while the pour over coffee maker is cheaper up front, but can become expensive as you burn through coffee and higher quality filters more quickly. Plus, if you buy a pour over maker, you will need a nice gooseneck kettle and scale to go with it.
To review the two further, you might find that the French Press approach is straightforward, but that it takes a little too long. Conversely, the Pour Over method is ideal for speedy results, especially if you’re brewing a quick post-lunch cup to boost your energy for the rest of the day.
It’s also important to think about coffee’s strength. If you want something as strong and rich as it is bold and memorable, French Press coffee is a perfect choice. We understand that strong coffee isn’t for everybody, though. In this case, the Pour Over style is better for a gentle and subtle flavor that still ticks all the java boxes.
Of course, coffee lovers needn’t just go with a single approach and stick to it come rain or shine. If you want to enjoy the full spectrum of coffee delights, there is nothing wrong with having both options in your kitchen. You can enjoy a speedy coffee solution if you’re in a hurry with a French Press as you don't need to stand around waiting for the French Press to do the brewing. Alternatively, you can use the Pour Over technique for a relaxed Sunday morning with your breakfast, especially if you like taking the time to learn the craft.
]]>There are two types of coffee enthusiasts; those that love to try different espresso and coffee types, and those that only trust their favorites. Independently of which category you fall into, you most likely have heard of a latte and a mocha. The latte vs mocha is something that we see a lot of people asking about, so we figured we would break them down a bit.
In this coffee review, we go over the two coffee drinks, their recipes and how they taste. If you enjoy espresso drinks, but have never experienced one of these, then we suggest that you go pick up the best latte machine, some milk, coffee beans and perhaps some hot chocolate or any other type of chocolate you can mix into a beverage. So, let's get into it!
First off, if you are a coffee drinker, you will know that most coffee types are a mixture of coffee and milk. The coffee is usually brewed in the form of espresso, while the milk can be frothed and steamed in different ways. Occasionally, there are milk substitutes for cream or healthier options, but milk is the standard.
Since there are so many variables, the coffee can take a different consistency, strength, and taste. If you are new to the espresso specialty beverage world, you are in for a treat as there are quite a few variations you can experiment with.
Alongside these two main ingredients, some coffee types are created by adding flavorings, syrups, additional ingredients, or even liquor, like in the case of the Italian Caffe Corretto and the Irish Coffee.
Like other espresso and coffee drinks, both a Latte and a Mocha are formed by creating a mix of espresso and milk. However, with a Mocha, you will also find something different about the coffee bean that is sometimes, as well as what is typically added into the recipe.
A latte is a common type of coffee that you can find in most coffee bars and cafes worldwide. This type of coffee is made with one or two shots of espresso and steamed milk. It will have a soft coating of milk foam, but not one as thick as the one of a Cappuccino.
The term "latte," which means "milk" in Italian, is the name adopted for this type of coffee and derives from the Italian "caffè e latte" or "caffelatte." All these different terms refer to the same type of drink; "coffee and milk." With us so far? If you are a barista, we feel your pain needing to know what the differences are, especially when you have grumpy, un-caffeinated, barely awake customers yelling at you.
A latte is an ideal choice for coffee drinkers that don't want an espresso's full strength. Indeed, you can make it as mild or strong as you want by playing with the proportions of milk and coffee, but generally a latte will taste less strong because of the amount of milk within.
Generally, when ordering a latte at a coffee bar or coffee shop, you are likely to get a coffee that is divided into the following sections:
Your Latte coffee will also have a thin layer of micro foam on the top just to seal the flavor in. However, this coating is usually not as thick or stiff as the one of a cappuccino.
You can enjoy a professionally made latte in most coffee shops around the world. However, you will be able to customize this coffee drink as you prefer if you want to become a home barista. So, if you want to make a latte at home, follow the steps below.
If you were searching for latte vs mocha, you were probably asking what a mocha latte was without knowing it. Instead, a mocha latte is a latte to which chocolate syrup or powder is added. To make a mocha latte, you can just follow the steps we have seen above for making a Latte and add some chocolate syrup to it. Be sure to add the syrup into the glass first, with a little bit of steamed milk. You should never pour an espresso shot into just syrup.
When ordering a Mocha at your favorite coffee shop, you can expect:
You can also enjoy a Mocha Breve by substituting the milk for half-and-half. Mocha coffee is different from a Mocha Latte and a Latte. Mocha coffee takes its name from the beans used in the preparation of this drink. These Mocha coffee beans come from Yemen, and they are a type of Arabica coffee that yields chocolate undertones and flavors.
When making a Latte with an espresso made from these beans, you will be able to taste the chocolate flavor. However, it is also possible to fortify this taste by adding a small amount of chocolate (drinking chocolate or chocolate syrup) to the recipe. And so you have a mocha latte or coffee!
The flavor profile of a mocha latte or coffee is one of the most recognizable. Indeed, it will taste like coffee and chocolate! When the mocha beans are used, you can enjoy a strong dark chocolate flavor, sometimes resembling dark chocolate depending on the roast degree.
However, if the barista has used chocolate powder or cocoa powder, you might obtain a much more sugary drink. When making this type of coffee by yourself, it is crucial to pick high quality ingredients. This will allow you to enjoy your mocha coffee often without seeing a huge impact in your diet.
You can make a mocha latte at home with your Nespresso machine, coffee maker and even with an Aeropress. However, we do recommend an espresso machine if you are able to buy one. This type of drink is also easy to find and can be ordered in most coffee shops, but, making it by yourself gives you the chance to better control the amount of chocolate and coffee in your drink. So, here is our mocha coffee recipe.
A latte and a mocha latte are quite similar, but the caffeine content is where they may differ. Since mocha lattes contain chocolate, sometimes even dark chocolate, they naturally have a bit more caffeine than their lighter counterpart, the latte! Assuming you are using the same amount of espresso, a mocha latte will have a few more milligram of caffeine. The darker the chocolate you use, the more caffeine.
At their core, a mocha latte has more calories than a plain latte, simply because it contains added sugar in the form of chocolate. You can substitute for sugar free chocolate, which will bring the calorie count down to an equal amount as that of the latte. Of course, if you are adding extra condiments, syrups, powders or toppings to either of these two types of lattes, the calorie count will be quite different.
Picking between a latte or mocha might not always be an easy choice when figuring out what coffee drink to go with. However, you can have one or the other depending on your mood. If you like chocolate and don't mind a little sweetness, go with the latte mocha. Otherwise, if you prefer to enjoy a more basic, creamy beverage, stick with the latte. If you are looking to enjoy the subtleties of the espresso shot, and enjoy a rich crema, we always suggest the latte over a mocha. If you really want to enjoy the crema, go with an Americano or straight up espresso shots.
Top Picks: Best Latte Machine
]]>You may be shocked to learn that there is something called "white coffee" and that you have never heard of it before. Well, odds are, you probably don't drink coffee much outside of your home. All along the East and West Coast, more and more cafes are starting to adopt a white coffee alternative, which is not the same thing as a Flat White.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for White Coffee
In the guide we will go over what it is, where it came from, how it compares to regular black coffee, what it tastes like, the caffeine content, why some think it makes the best coffee and where to buy it. Whether or not you want to try it after reading our review is entirely up to you. Although it can be brewed like most coffee, it is typically served as an espresso shot, which is why you may want to look for the best espresso machine to pair with it.
Just so you know, if you click on a product and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
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Some people might think white coffee means coffee containing milk in some form. That is not the case. Actually, White Coffee refers to the type of beans used for brewing the coffee and how those beans have been prepared. If you are wondering if the beans are white in color, you'd be right. This is the reason it's called White Coffee.
Around 100 years ago, it was discovered that low grade coffee beans that gave a harsh taste could be improved by partially roasting them. This partial roasting turned the beans white and released a succulent nutty flavor that has become popular ever since; however, white beans are difficult to roast properly to get the right flavor.
Roasting coffee beans is a craft that requires a lot of specialist knowledge to get right. Roasting the beans often results in various flavor changes and can be easily ruined. Getting the balance right for partially roasted white beans requires a great deal of skill. It should be noted that white coffee is not the same thing as blonde roast coffee or light roast coffee.
White coffee is the latest trend in coffee shops around the world, but it's been in existence for a long time. White coffee was invented in Yemen around 100 years ago. Yeman is a country in Western Asia and is the second largest sovereign Arab state, in case you were wondering.
The beans for white coffee are roasted at 325⁰F and must be ground using special commercial grinders. Once brewed, the coffee is a pale beige color with a nutty flavor and low levels of bitterness. This coffee is recommended for espresso use and was traditionally served with hawaji, a spice from Yeoman.
White coffee should not be confused with Flat White, which refers to the balance of espresso coffee and milk. Instead, white coffee refers to the roasting process for the beans, which is incredibly light. The roasting is so light that the beans don't adopt the brown color associated with roasted coffee beans.
White coffee is widely considered to be healthier than regular black coffee. It's thought that the lower roasting temperature of white coffee leads to an increase in chlorogenic acid and antioxidant molecules. These properties are excellent for cardiovascular health and for reducing inflammation. This is why white coffee is often sold as a healthier option than regular black beans.
It can be difficult to determine the various tastes of white coffee beans, in contrast to regular coffee that has more distinctive flavors. That said, there are differences in the white coffee beans that can be attributed to various world regions. It's better to order your white coffee by geographical region to get the best idea of the country's flavor.
As a rough guide to the flavors of white bean coffee, Colombia and Brazil have milder, nuttier flavors, while African beans from Kenya and Ethiopia are a bit more earthy. For an aromatic white coffee, you should try Indonesian beans from Sumatra.
Typically, white coffee tastes very particular, in contrast to black beans that have a wide assortment of characteristic flavors. This is probably due to the quality of beans used for white coffee and the roasting process. Usually, white coffee is described as having a nutty flavor with pronounced bitterness acidity and low bitterness. The bitterness is eliminated from the bean during roasting.
The roasting process for white coffee beans is responsible for the very specific taste of the coffee. Firstly, the bean's natural sugars are not caramelized like with black beans roasted at higher temperatures. This means there is no bitter aftertaste with white beans. Also, there is zero evaporation of organic acids from the beans giving the coffee a bright acidic flavor.
The light roasting processes used for white coffee are typically used to bring out the distinctive flavors of single-origin beans. These are beans that originate in a particular region and are not mixed with other beans for different flavors. Single-origin beans have unique characteristics that can be gently brought out with a light roast.
Using a light roasting process on single-origin beans is the best way to identify the bean and the region it's from. By roasting the beans at a temperature of around 325 Degrees Fahrenheit, the distinctive flavor of the bean is released without burning up the healthy properties. This process allows the white coffee beans to be identified by their approximate region.
White Coffee is typically not brewed the same way that regular coffee is, in fact, white coffee is typically used for espresso based beverages. So, if you want to know how to pull a shot of espresso with white coffee, we have included a little guide on how to do so.
The white coffee brewing process originated in Yemen and was traditionally served with a spice called 'hawaij.' This is a ground spice made from cumin, black pepper, turmeric, and cardamom. It adds a new dimension of flavor to the white coffee brew and is still popular in regional coffee shops and elsewhere.
The spice, popular in the Arab region and most often used in soups and stews, brings a warm spicy flavor to white coffee. The most distinctive taste that comes through is the ginger and cardamom. You can also taste the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in the background.
If you drink white coffee containing hawaij, you will experience a very traditional coffee that tastes like no other. The distinctive blend of cumin, black pepper, turmeric, and cardamom in this traditional mixture paired with the nuttiness of the white coffee beans, create an unforgettable coffee experience.
It is commonly assumed that white coffee has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee. There is some truth to this, but it's also something of a misnomer. In theory, coffee beans should lose their caffeine content the more they're roasted, meaning that black beans are lower in caffeine; again, this is partially true.
While there is a marginal difference in the caffeine content, it is quite minuscule and even less significant when comparing the growing processes in different regions. Tall beans grown in Ethiopia, for instance, will have more caffeine than Brazilian beans. This is because they sit longer on the tree and absorb more nutrients.
If you compare a light roast bean to a dark roast one, you will commonly find a difference of around 5.4% extra caffeine in the light roast beans. This is an almost negligible difference, not enough to affect the flavor or neurological effect significantly. This difference should not determine whether you choose light or dark roast coffee.
The most accessible place to buy white coffee on the Internet is from Amazon. It provides a wide range of white coffee beans, both ground and whole bean. If you're searching for an excellent white coffee to try, look no further than Amazon as they have quite a wide selection. When buying these fascinating beans, we recommend that you guy them ground as they are quite hard and difficult to grind with even the best coffee grinder.
White coffee is a superb alternative to the dark roast coffee that's so familiar to most specialty coffee drinkers. We tend to drink dark roast so often that it becomes our default idea of roasted coffee. We know there are several dark bean options to choose from, and this can occupy much of our time. Few realize that white beans are available, and they offer a new dimension of taste.
Wired Willey's ground white coffee offers a deliciously nutty flavor that is low in acidity, making it a healthier alternative to darker roasts. Where darker roast might taste slightly bitter due to the extended period at higher temperatures, Wired Willey's is smooth and nutty. You can also add some spices to it, such as cardamom and ginger, to enhance the flavor.
When brewing Wired Willey's white coffee, it's important not to tamp the ground powder too much; doing so will prevent the best of the flavor from coming through and may leave you disappointed; instead, opt for a loose tamp. Enjoy the unique nuttiness of Wired Willey's coffee that further benefits from a high caffeine content.
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Sometimes good ground white coffee is not easy to find; you have to source it and know what you're looking for. Amazon is one place that has an excellent range of white coffees for you to select from easily. Furthermore, Nescafe has a delicious range from Ipoh in Malaysia that gives you the great white coffee flavor on the go.
Nescafe Ipoh White Coffee makes the perfect cup of white coffee that can be enjoyed anywhere. It provides you with an authentic flavor made from Malaysian white coffee beans and delivered in a convenient sachet, unlike most white coffee options. This Nescafe blend is both aromatic and flavorsome, so you get the great taste of white coffee beans anytime.
Nescafe is known for its convenient coffee options and to have white coffee options available too is quite a treat. The Nescafe sachets are convenient and delicious, offering consumers an excellent blend of creamy white coffee without the need to brew or tamp. Simply add water.
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While delicious and worthy of attention, good white coffee can also be difficult to source and grind. Without the right information and the best equipment, you might have an experience with it that puts you off. Choosing the wrong bean or not grinding the coffee properly can lead to frustration and disappointment. But Caffe Appassionato can help.
Cafe Appassionato has been roasting special blend white coffee in Seattle, Washington, since 1990. They use short, roasting times to create a dense traditional coffee bursting with flavor. It is also likely to burst a coffee grinder at home, which is why it's best to buy this favorite pre-ground from Amazon.
Caffe Appassionato white coffee is lightly roasted in the extreme. This brings out the flavor and doesn't burn off the healthy properties of the bean. They use 100% Arabica beans that deliver a nutty, light-bodied coffee with a high caffeine content: to ensure this coffee matches its description and maintains its highest quality standards, the coffee is hand-roasted.
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Buying white coffee beans is a great idea, but you also want to ensure that the beans are fair trade and sustainably sourced. This is something that's also important to Poverty Bay Coffee Co. This coffee company is 100% committed to supporting farmers who use sustainable agriculture. Support is given by offering a sustainable price to qualifying farmers.
Poverty Bay Coffee Co offers a variety of excellent gourmet coffees, both blended and single-bean. They have premium micro-roasted beans and cold-brewed beans that are available in both a caffeinated and decaffeinated version. If you don't wish to buy the ground coffee, the company also ships the whole coffee beans with different grinding options. Grinding the beans yourself can create a fresher flavor.
If you're interested in buying a high-quality white coffee from a sustainable seller who supports local industry, look no further than Poverty Bay Coffee Co. You have a wide range of beans to choose from, as well as a choice between ground and ungrounded or caffeinated and decaffeinated versions.
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Drinking white coffee is a personal choice, but it can effectively replace dark roast coffee if you prefer it. There's no reason why you can't take a white coffee to work in a tumbler, invite a friend to your home for one, or order one in your favorite coffee shop. Once a rare option on the coffee shop menu, white coffee is slowly growing in popularity across the globe.
Fresh Roasted Bargreen's Espresso Classico White Coffee is one such coffee option. You can buy the beans lightly roasted and ready for a delicious drink from Amazon marketplace. The coffee has a delicious nutty flavor; it is also high in caffeine and low in acid, making it an excellent alternative to dark coffee. As with all white coffee, be prepared for a different experience.
This coffee doesn't taste the same as dark roast coffee; it is perfect for any occasion but should be prepared with care and in the right way. Fresh Roasted Bargreen's Espresso Classico White Coffee is better for espresso coffee and can be used to make delicious strong coffee without the bitter aftertaste.
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It can be difficult to stay ahead of the learning curve within the coffee world. With new innovation comes unique types of coffee, which is where white coffee comes in. Although it may not be for everyone, it certainly is an interesting concept. We typically recommend white coffee to the people that don't like the taste of coffee as it is more like a chai tea than a cup of coffee. If you do go on to try white coffee, be sure to let us know what you think of it!
]]>With more and more people transitioning from dark roast coffee to light roast coffee, it seems as though the age old question of caffeine content has been awoken, whether or not dark roast coffee has more caffeine. After all, it's the caffeine that we are after at the end of the day, right?
So, does dark roast have more caffeine? To answer it simply, no, a dark roast coffee does not have more caffeine. A light roast coffee bean actually has more caffeine than it's dark roasted counterpart. However, it gets much more complicated when it comes to actually drinking the coffee, let me explain.
Do you want the real answer? Tea. Yes, that's right, tea has more caffeine than its hipster cousin, coffee. But you don't care about tea, you want to know if light roast or dark roast coffee has more caffeine.
Well, if you compared the caffeine content of a single lightly roasted bean and a dark roasted bean, from the same origin, the truth is simple. A light roasted coffee bean, or blonde roast coffee as some call it, does have more caffeine. Not a lot, just a little.
Okay cool, now why is it more confusing than that? Well, unless you are eating these coffee beans whole, you need to extract the caffeine from the bean. Extracting coffee is sort of complex on a molecular level, things like water temperature, time, water type, extraction method (French press, pour over, cold brew, etc.), and grind size matter a lot.
In order to extract that caffeine from the coffee bean, you first need to grind said coffee beans. Unless you are a coffee geek like me that used the best manual coffee grinder, chances are, you aren't using different grind settings based on roast degree (light, medium, dark). So, your grinds are probably all the same level of coarseness, unless your coffee provider knows to adjust their grind size. With me so far?
It turns out that the longer you roast a bean, the more its cell structure starts to break down. This ultimately causes the bean to become porous unlike its dense counterpart, the light roasted coffee bean. When you try to pass water through a porous particle, it can pass through it easier which helps grab every last bit of caffeine on its way through. Think of the dark roasted coffee grounds as a sponge or even Swiss cheese.
However, since the light roasted bean is super dense and not as porous, water sort of goes around it, missing out on a lot of the caffeine. Therefore, if you aren't changing the grind size, the dark roasted coffee would now be just as caffeinated as the lightly roasted coffee because you were able to extract more from it. Simple, right? Not yet!
Another issue with the question of "what has more caffeine, light roast coffee or dark roast coffee?" is whether you are measuring out your coffee grounds by mass (a spoon, cup, scooper, etc.) or by weight (digital scale).
As previously mentioned, the dark roasted coffee beans' cell structure starts to break down the longer it undergoes high heat. Not only does this make the bean bigger, it also loses a lot of mass when it becomes porous. So, when you scoop a spoonful of dark roasted coffee grounds, it may equal out to 10 dark roasted beans.
However, since the light roasted coffee beans are extremely dense, that same size scoop may consist of 12 lightly roasted beans compared to the 10 dark roasted beans previously scooped. Therefore, if you are scooping based off mass, you may be using more light roasted coffee which will make that cup more caffeinated the lighter the roast degree.
You’ll notice that you are running out of light roast well before your dark roast coffee, it’s because you are using more of it, that's why! For the average coffee drinker that measures out their coffee, light roast coffee does have more caffeine. Not only because a single bean has more caffeine, but because they are using more ground coffee.
If you are measuring your coffee by weight, like a proper coffee snob (myself included), there will be an equal amount of caffeine between the light roast and dark roast coffee.
Bear in mind, since the dark roasted beans’ cell structure has broken down, you are using more beans to get to the same weight. For example, 10 grams of light roasted coffee may be equivalent to 30 beans, whereas 10 grams of dark roast coffee may be equivalent to 40 beans.
This is one reason why coffee roasters would rather roast lightly, or charge more for dark roasts, because you are wasting more of the bean. Typically, when you roast coffee, you lose 10-15% of the bean just from the bean breaking down and losing moisture, more so the darker you roast. Not to mention the fact that you use more resources to achieve a darker roast, making it even less price effective.
In conclusion, one light roasted bean may have more caffeine, but you will be using more dark roasted beans to get to the same weight. So not only will the caffeine content be the same, you'll get more caffeine from the dark roast because of the extraction process and the fact that it has such a porous structure.
So far, we have been comparing the same beans if you simply roasted one darker than the other. To make things more complicated, certain types of beans have more caffeine depending on where they come from, how they were processed and even the age of the bean.
Although there are quite a few different varieties of coffee beans, the two most well-known, and consumed, are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee beans are typically regarded as sweeter, softer and more acidic. Robusta beans are typically stronger, harsher beans with less desired taste qualities. These Robusta beans are easier to grow, resilient and do contain something very important, lots of caffeine!
Robusta beans have nearly twice the amount of caffeine compared to their Arabica counterpart. That is why some of the highest caffeinated bags of coffee contain at least some Robusta beans. So if you want a more caffeinated cup, try some Robusta beans and see for yourself.
There are three primary methods to process and extract the coffee beans; washed, natural/dry processed, and honey/pulp natural. Some Indonesian coffee’s, such as Sumatra, use another method called wet-hulled, but we will focus on natural vs. washed coffee for today.
Dry processed (naturals) coffees are dried in the full cherry prior to de-pulping. Wet processed (washed) coffees are dried without the cherry. Washed coffees are de-pulped then fermented to promote the separation of any remaining tissues from the bean and parchment, then washed clean prior to drying. The washed method is more common.
You are probably wondering what this has to do with caffeine. Well, when coffee is dried naturally, more of the caffeine stays trapped within the bean. If that same bean would have been de-pulped, fermented and washed, it would contain less caffeine. So, if you want to up your caffeine content, choose a naturally processed (dry processed) coffee bean.
This one is simple, the older the coffee bean the more it starts to break down and lose some of its caffeine content. For the highest caffeinated cup of coffee, stick with a specialty coffee roaster that only purchases the most current crop cycle and roasts to order, that’s what we do!
I told you it was sort of complicated. What's important to remember is that if you are buying coffee from the same brand/roaster, and if it is 100% Arabica, there honestly won't be that big of a difference in the caffeine level. It’s more so how you prepare it that makes the difference.
Just remember, if you are preparing coffee with a scoop (mass), there will be more caffeine the lighter the roast, this can be negated by simply using less coffee grounds for lighter roasts, but that leads to another issue of coffee flavor and strength.
So, you should weigh out your coffee when possible, this will ensure you don't run out of light roast too quickly. Also, if you are grinding your own beans, you'll want your light roasted coffee slightly finer when compared to the dark roasted coffee because of the difference in porousness.
Now if you want the highest caffeinated cup of coffee possible, stick with a natural dry processed bean that is lightly roasted, fresh and ground extremely fine. Better yet, just eat some raw, unroasted Robusta beans, that'll wake you up!
]]>First, you need to decide how much coffee you want to brew. This naturally leads many confused, as they look at the lines on their coffee pot, wondering how many ounces in a cup of coffee.
So, before we can answer these questions, let's dive into how many ounces in a coffee cup and what the best coffee ratio is for making good coffee. Just to warn you, every country measures a cup of coffee differently, so the lines on your coffee pot may mean different things depending on the manufacturer of your coffee pot. Confusing, right?
Best Coffee Beans→You wake up, stumble to your coffee pot and choose your favorite coffee beans. Through hazy and half opened eyes, you look at the side of your coffee carafe and do some quick math before dumping in a heaping pile of ground coffee. Before you finish your first cup of coffee, you wonder to yourself if you are using the correct amount of coffee.
If you are just looking for a quick answer on how much coffee per cup, the general rule of thumb for brewing the best coffee is to use one to two tablespoons per six ounces of water. If you don't have a coffee maker with a built-in coffee grinder to automate the process, you may want to look into getting one!
For the best coffee brew, we recommend 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
If you are someone that does a pour over coffee, the standard "golden" ratio, is one gram of coffee to 16 grams of water. The best part about coffee, and taste in general, is that it is all subjective. Even if there is a golden ratio for the recommended coffee to water ratio, at the end of the day, do what tastes best to YOU.
If you just don't have the time to learn and want a coffee maker that will do everything for you, we recommend taking a look at the list above and consider buying an automatic coffee maker with a built-in coffee grinder. However, if you are up for a challenge, want to learn more about coffee and would like to have fun brewing a cup of coffee, you'll want to keep reading.
Whether you use the metric system, or the imperial system, when it comes to measuring coffee, you have probably wondered how many ounces in a cup of coffee. Each country has a different meaning and conversion when it comes to the word "cup", so it can be quite a battle figuring out how to make coffee in that new coffee maker you bought.
Not only does it make things complicated that every country does things differently, but it adds fuel to the fire when manufacturers from one country, try to meet in the middle by offering different product versions, or simply by going against their own countries standard unit of measurement.
There is roughly 6 ounces of water in a standard cup of coffee
For our US readers that are trying to figure out how many ounces in a cup of coffee, despite the imperial cup equaling roughly eight fluid ounces, the standard serving size in the US is six fluid ounces for a cup of coffee.
It gets a bit more complicated in other countries where a metric cup equals 8.45 fluid ounces, in Japan, a cup of coffee equals 6.7 ounces, and in Canada, a coffee cup equals 7.6 ounces. So, if six fluid ounces is a cup of coffee, how much coffee per cup should you use?
Now that we know there are six ounces in a cup of coffee, it is recommended that you use one to two tablespoons of ground coffee depending on your preferred brew strength. It is typically recommend that people use less for darker coffee, as the slight bitterness may be a bit overpowering. If you want a lot of flavor in your cup of coffee, try using two tablespoons for a wonderful and strong cup of coffee.
Best Coffee Scale: Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
We touched briefly on the Golden Ratio, and although the ratio may differ for some, it is a great place to start. Additionally, getting into the practice of weighing out your coffee grounds will guarantee a consistent extraction.
We often find people stressing over how much coffee or water to use when they adjust the amount that they make, but this doesn't happen to the coffee enthusiast that is brewing a delicious cup using a scale, as the scale tells them how much to pour.
At the end of the day, only you know what you like. If you brew a cup of coffee that is a bit too strong, simply add a little bit of water and take note of where you went wrong. If the brew isn't quite strong enough, make sure to correct that upon the next extraction.
As much as coffee enthusiasts like to defend their methodology for proper coffee extraction and taste, don't let them take away from your experience. Only you know what you like, so at the end of the day, go with what tastes best for you. Most importantly, have fun with it!
Best Coffee Beans→All around the world, million (possibly billions) of people begin their day with a nice cup of coffee. Coffee has been popular for a long time now, and every town has at least one coffee shop, some with many more than that. Many coffee drinkers take the delicious beverage for granted and have no idea how much work it takes to get coffee beans from their natural fruity state into your end cup of coffee. That's why we made this list so that you can become the best home coffee roaster and possibly roast the coffee yourself.
Coffee is the most popular drink in the world, and the fact that you can do so much with it makes it incredibly versatile. While a black cup of coffee can be a little bitter for a lot of people, you can prepare many different beverages or foods with it. From black, bitter coffee, to sweet, caramel-full, flavored, almost-dessert beverages that can really give you a sugar rush. You can even use it to bake a delicious espresso dessert.
Since nearly half of the population in the United States drinks coffee every day, roughly 450 million cups of coffee, the need for quality coffee has never been higher. There are plenty of ways in which people buy coffee. Whether your preference is to go to a local coffee shop (hopefully not Starbucks), use some instant coffee, or buy freshly roasted Arabica coffee beans, there is no right way to go about it. We recommend buying whole bean coffee and grinding it fresh before brewing, but that's just us.
So, if you want to learn how to roast coffee on your own, whether it be for a hobby or to save some money, look no further than our list outlining which roasters you should buy. If you need the best home coffee roaster and are on a budget, check these out below!
We are kicking off this list with a pretty basic one that should be great for beginners. When you’re starting your coffee making journey, it’s best to keep things simple, at least until you’re ready to move on to a more professional one. That’s where this machine enters the game.
This is the equivalent to a basic two-bread toaster, but of course, and even though it requires a bit more sophisticated machinery, it's pretty similar in many ways. It even looks like a sandwich toaster machine, but it's quite more complicated than that. With this machine, you can adjust the desired temperature from 0 to 240 degrees, and this means it can be used for much more than just roasting coffee. You could even use it to prepare some popcorn and roast mixed nuts. I would expect that to make the coffee take on unique flavors and tastes, so be cautious and have fun with it.
Anyways, we are here for the coffee roasting experience, and even though this machine is aimed for those just getting into coffee roasting you should be careful while using it. Inform yourself on the right temperature and times for your desired roasting level. If you are going to roast some high cupping scored coffee, like a Geisha, you may want a few practice runs first.
This roaster features a Teflon layer that makes it easy to clean and keeps beans from sticking to the bottom. You can fit about 800 grams of coffee beans to roast in one go, and thanks to the rotating arm inside of the compartment, it will make the roast even by moving up the beans. Be sure that you are constantly rotating the beans to avoid scorching. Thanks to the transparent glass lid, you can always keep an eye on your beans, and ensure the desired results.
This one is a much more refined, and an overall better looking coffee roaster. It's more expensive than the first one we mentioned, but it looks much better, and it gives you more control. It even features an LCD screen to display the temperature at all times.
Sure, it roasts fewer coffee beans than the last one, at a maximum capacity of about 120 grams, but it offers better results in less time. Since most full pots of coffee require about 60 grams of coffee, one batch will last you a few days.
Thanks to its beauty it's also a great conversation starter. Everyone will want to know more about this beautiful machine in your kitchen. It may not be important for some, but having aesthetically pleasing kitchenware is important for many. Especially if it’s for something as important as your everyday coffee.
We haven’t mentioned one of the best things about this roaster. It includes its very own cooling system, this will make sure your freshly roasted coffee beans are cooled down and ready to be ground in no time. It's much faster than just leaving it to cool down with air and it'll prevent baking from occurring once the roast finished. Usually, you'd have to purchase a separate machine to do the cooling for you, but here, you get everything you need in one simple package.
This roaster is even simpler than the first one we mentioned on this list. This little machine simplifies the whole process to its most elemental parts. While it doesn't offer a temperature selection, nor a display to keep the temperature under control, it does offer two presets for your coffee roasting experience.
This compact design is perfect for people with little space in their kitchens, and it still can load up to a quarter of the raw coffee beans (200 grams). We've mentioned that it is much simpler than the other two, and it really simplifies the process to three back lit buttons. There's a button for a medium roast, one for dark roast, and then there's also a cool down button.
It's less expensive and smaller than the other two on the list, but maybe keeping it so simple isn't always for the best. If you want to customize and have complete control over the roasting of your coffee beans, you'll want to be able to control the temperature and may consider some of the others on the list.
However, If you want the least expensive, and easiest to control, coffee roaster on this list, this is what you should be looking for. Get your coffee ready and roasted in about 20 minutes. It will roast small batches though, but it delivers excellent quality roasting for your coffee beans.
Alright, it’s true that we just mentioned that the latest one was the most budget-friendly coffee roaster on this list. But this one here, is cheaper, and it is more artisan. To be fair, this is the cheapest manual coffee roaster and the other is the cheapest automatic coffee roaster.
This one is especially for the purists and most naturalistic coffee lovers. The Nuvo Eco Ceramic coffee bean roaster is great for really crafting and focusing on the bean as it requires more of a manual procedure. We recommend this one especially if you've roasted coffee before or if you'd like a little bit of a challenge.
A word of notice though, it won't really work with an induction counter top, you'll have to use a traditional stove. Ceramic works great at keeping the heat inside, and thanks to the hole on top, you'll be able to hear the noises of coffee beans roasting. If you have never experienced first crack before, you're in for a treat!
One last reason you should be using this more traditional roaster is that you get to completely control the temperature or how long you’re roasting your coffee. And not just that, but you can also smell the delicious scent of coffee beans slowly roasting.
]]>For those living alone, or if you have a busy schedule, there’s nothing better to start off a day than with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Making breakfast for one has its ups and downs, but in the world of kitchen appliances, there's something for everybody. That is where the best single serve coffee maker comes in!
The single serve coffee makers appeal to those that don't want to brew any more coffee than they need, ensuring a single cup of concentrated, perfectly brewed coffee goodness. That's why we created this list so you can choose the best single serve coffee maker that fits your needs and budget.
Just so you know, if you click on a product and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
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Starting our list is a name that should ring familiar to many, and that's Hamilton Beach. Well-known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach has a good reputation among buyers for their well-built equipment that are also very competitively priced. Here we have their take on the best single serve coffee maker, and just like their other products, this one excels at what it does.
First off, the brewing process is lightning-fast, something the brand has turned into this coffee maker’s main selling point. It can brew an 8 oz. cup in less than 90 seconds, and a 14 oz. travel cup should be ready in just under 2 and a half minutes. This turns this little coffee maker into the ideal companion for people with very busy schedules.
The build quality is also top-notch, with a steel exterior that makes the coffee maker look very modern and will go well with most kitchen decorations. Also, worth mentioning is that this coffee maker uses conventional grounded coffee. That means you won’t need to buy any specialty products: standard grounded coffee will do just nicely.
Some of the special functions present in the machine are a boldness selector, letting you choose exactly how you want your coffee to be. This works well with most store-bought grounded coffee and helps the brewer differentiate between, say, a basic blend and more fine grinds.
The drip tray is also spill-resistant, prolonging the useful life of this coffee maker considerably. To top it all, Hamilton Beach also included an automatic shutoff feature, so you can brew and immediately be on the move, without having to bother turning off your appliances.
We placed Hamilton Beach at the top of our list as the best single serve coffee maker, and for good reason. With years of proven products and top notch customer support, you simply cannot go wrong with Hamilton Beach.
Up next comes a very portable brewer that's perfect for most reduced spaces, ideal for small apartments, offices, or even RV caravans. This CHULUX single-serve coffee maker mixes affordability with convenience and manages to outshine many appliances beyond its price. It’s also quite the looker, available in many attractive colors that will shine nicely in your kitchen.
Speaking of convenience, this coffee maker is compatible with most instant coffee presentations, and even tea capsules. That means you can use your standard K-cups, reusable filters for grounded coffee, or put in a tea pod; you can brew a variety of beverages in a single small and convenient kitchen appliance.
Whenever we see one of these coffee makers from a relatively unknown name such as a CHULUX pop up on our lists, our first concern is build quality. It may be inexpensive, but that doesn’t mean this pot is disposable. In fact, the small frame and colorful plastic exterior is actually quite sturdy. Additionally, the water reservoir is made from BPA-free materials, and every detachable accessory is dishwasher safe.
Another point in this coffee maker's favor is its speed, featuring an 800W heating element. This allows you to brew your coffee in a jiff, and the auto-shutdown function means you won't have to worry about leaving the machine on when you storm off to work. The machine is simple, and that's all that you need if you are on the hunt for the best single serve coffee maker.
All in all, this is a very good machine, we believe it is arguably the best single serve coffee maker on the list if that is all you need it for. Lastly, it should appeal to those looking to buy their first one thanks to its great price.
These days, when we think of single-serve coffee makers, the first things that come into mind are the Keurig K-cups. These small pods concentrate the flavor of many coffee blends into a compact size, maximizing the experience of drinking a deluxe coffee at home. It should come as no surprise that the brand also releases its own coffee makers to take full advantage of the K-cup format.
The K-Classic coffee maker is a very premium product that appeals to most coffee lovers, no matter what their tastes in hot beverages are. Since it works with K-cups, you can get pretty much brew any blend you can imagine. Being the best single serve coffee maker, you get the full gourmet experience in your own kitchen.
Since the K-Classic was designed and manufactured by Keurig themselves, the compatibility with the K-cups is more than optimal, maximizing the flavor output. It also means that this brewer is compatible with all the K-cup sizes available, which means you can fit small 6-ounce cups or large 10-ounce cups as well.
Single serving doesn’t necessarily mean that the machine can only brew one single cup of coffee. The K-Classic comes with a large 48-ounce water reservoir, more than enough to make over 6 cups of coffee. This water reservoir is also easily removable, allowing you to better take care of your machine. We feel that this machine deserves one of the top spots of best single serve coffee maker, simply because it can produce more than a single serving if desired.
Something that we have to mention is that all of these functions come with a price and a considerably steep one at that. This isn't a cheap coffee maker, and will probably set you back close to 100 dollars. That said, you get a very high-quality coffee maker in the process, so if your mornings always start with a coffee, you might consider this appliance an investment for your morning routines.
BLACK+DECKER went a different route with there take on the best single serve coffee maker. Instead of focusing on fancy features or gourmet experiences, they decided to cater to people that prefer to drink their coffee on the move. That's why this coffee maker comes with its own travel mug, and also included is a near-unbeatable price that might turn it into the perfect option for tighter budgets.
First, let's talk about the included traveling mug. It's worth noting that the mug comes in two variations (sold separately): one with a stainless steel finish and another in beige. It's quite big, holding approximately 15 oz. The form factor is also another strong point, fitting comfortably in most cars' cup holders. You can also use other standard-sized coffee mugs with this coffee maker.
Since this coffee maker is a percolator, you won't be able to use K-cups or other coffee pods, so you're going to need common ground coffee. That's good news for the more traditional coffee drinkers out there. Another piece of great news is that the DCM18S also comes with its own permanent grounds filter, eliminating the need for those pesky paper filters.
Its single cup design means that this is a very compact coffee maker, ideal for small kitchens like those found in urban houses or camping vans. While it may seem simple in comparison to other coffee makers, the real strength comes in its price. At the time of writing this review, this is one of the cheapest single-serve coffee makers you can get. Good thing it has quality way beyond its price tag.
It is no surprise that BLACK+DECKER holds one of the top spots on our list as they continuously put out great products. Not only that, but this affordable and well engineered machine puts out an excellent cup of coffee. If you need the best single serve coffee maker, you should definitely check this one out!
Last but not least comes the AdirChef Grab N’ Go. This is a personal coffee maker, just like the one by BLACK+DECKER, but with some key differences. As a personal coffee brewer, the Grab N’ Go comes with everything you need to enjoy a warm cup of coffee, including its own stainless-steel travel mug. Unlike the one by B+D, this one comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that better reflects your style.
One of the main appeals of this appliance is its low cost. Both small and affordable, this is a perfect coffee machine for those that just want a brewer that’s going to work in the morning and deliver a nice cup of coffee quickly. It’s lightweight design also means that it can be easily transported and stored, so this might be the perfect machine to sneak into your office cubicle.
Even though it’s small and light, AdirChef went the extra mile to deliver a durable product. Made from high-quality plastics, this coffee maker is certainly built to last. The stainless-steel travel mug is also quite well made, with a convenient size that’s easy to carry around.
For those eco-conscious users, you’ll be glad to hear that it uses a permanent filter, so no more paper filters filling up your trash bin. If you haven't been sold on the others yet, this is our last recommendation for the best single serve coffee maker.
The majority of these coffee makers are compatible with a variety of ground coffee brews. While some use the classic store-bought ground coffee, some others use the very popular K-cups, ensuring a very potent blend that tastes just like what you’d get at your local café. This brings the espresso experience to your home at a very reasonable price.
The market for these single serve coffee makers has become more populated in recent years, adapting to a more on-the-go lifestyle. That means that more and more products, all of them looking similar, are on offer. That's why we've prepared this list and detailed which of these is the best single serve coffee maker given your needs. When we say best, we mean the ones that are more likely to include everything you'll ever need in a useful coffee pot.
Not everyone can afford to buy coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts every morning, nor should you! Not everyone has the time, patience or devotion to prepare coffee using a pour over or a press like we often recommend. Lastly, not everyone has the need to prepare a full pot of coffee. That is why we figured you would enjoy our list of machines, hoping to help you find the best single serve coffee maker.
Depending on the features you find most important, our list above will have a few options that will suit your needs. If you decide to purchase any of these makers, be sure to let us know what you think of it. Also, if you found this article to be helpful, be sure to share it with another coffee drinker in need of the best single serve coffee maker.
]]>At Black Ink, we drink around five or six cups (8 fluid ounces) of coffee every day. we have often wondered, is this a good thing or a bad thing for our health? As humans, we tend to focus on the bad, so let's do that. So, is coffee bad for you?
For those that require the too long, didn't read version, and want to know if coffee is bad for you, let us do our best to simplify it. Coffee can be both good and bad for you depending on a few variables, like how much caffeine in a cup of coffee based on your brewing method.
Typically, most research has toted that coffee (caffeine) is good for you in moderation as it can improve health, mental alertness, mental performance and physical performance. For those with preexisting heart conditions, it would be wise to consult with a doctor for the best way to proceed.
Of course, as coffee geeks, we like to know just how much coffee (caffeine) we can consume and what is actually happening within the body. Especially for those of you that enjoy drinking caffeine in the form of espresso shots. Personally, I could drink ten lattes a day! So, let's look at the scientific evidence behind whether drinking coffee is good for you or bad for you.
Try Our Coffee →For starters, what does caffeine do? Well, as you might know, coffee contains caffeine and caffeine is a natural stimulant which blocks one of the neurotransmitters in the brain called adenosine.
Adenosine is unique because it's an inhibitory neurotransmitter, its main action is to dampen down brain activity. Since caffeine remains in your system for a long time, it is safe to say that these neurotransmitters will remain blocked for quite a while. Even though most of our caffeine comes from coffee or tea, you should be aware that you may be consuming it elsewhere, like from dark chocolate.
When caffeine blocks adenosine, that actually increases overall neuronal firing in the brain and that increases the activity of other neurotransmitters, like dopamine, which ultimately stimulates changes in our energy, mood and attention.
Coffee has a few other components within it, other than just caffeine. However, because coffee is mostly caffeine, which causes the positive and negative effects, we will focus on that. Coffee's most famous effect is that it enhances our mental performance and it does that in three main ways.
Studies have shown that coffee improves cognitive function in terms of alertness and vigilance. There was a study conducted in 1987 where they gave 20 healthy male volunteers different doses of caffeine which showed that just 32 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than half a cup of coffee, or half a shot of espresso, was enough to increase their auditory vigilance.
In this study, they were more aware of the auditory stimuli around them and also there was an increase in their visual reaction. Lastly, they were able to respond to tasks quicker. Does this sound like you after you've had your morning cup of coffee?
Second, there was a scholarly paper from the European Food Safety Authority that reviewed 22 randomized, double blind, placebo controlled studies on the effect of caffeine and attention. They said that overall there was a cause and effect relationship between a 75 milligram serving of caffeine, which is approximately one regular cup of coffee, or a single shot of espresso, and increased attention and alertness.
Interestingly, they concluded that caffeine increases both selective attention and sustained attention. Selective attention is focusing on one thing at a time. Sustained attention is being able to focus for extended period of time (which is obviously very useful) and were studying or trying to be productive in any kind of way. We will discuss in more depth below related to how long caffeine lasts in your system, but it is important to note that you should be monitoring your caffeine consumption daily.
On top of that, there was a review from 2013 where they looked at 66 double blind placebo controlled trials which concluded that simple and complex attention tasks were consistently affected by caffeine consumption. Caffeine affected both reaction times and the accuracy on a variety of simple tasks, but also, it had the potential to enhance higher order processes involved in active monitoring and coordination of behavior such as task switching, response inhibition and interference.
Overall, they concluded that caffeine has clear beneficial effects on attention and that the effects are even more widespread than previously assumed. So we've got all this evidence that says caffeine, and therefore coffee as a whole, improves our alertness. We can certainly attest to that as it is how we get through most of my days and it is our go-to when we need to be focused and alert.
But, we already knew that, right? Anecdotally speaking, like whenever we have our cup of coffee, we feel like we are more alert and that you can actually focus more on the thing that you are doing. If you really want to get the most out of your cup of coffee, pair it with the keto lifestyle and you'll be as sharp as a tack!
There is a fair amount of evidence in scholarly literature that suggest that coffee improves our memory and recall. For example, there was a study from 2009 where they gave a high amount of college students six lists of 15 words each to memorize.
In some tests they gave the coffee drinkers the caffeine beforehand and in others they gave them a placebo. Overall, they found that the students who had caffeine were more able to recall the words in the list than the students who'd been given the placebo.
However, this study was quite interesting because the students who had caffeine were also able to recall the wrong words, like words that weren't on the list they'd been asked to memorize. These words were sort of related to the words there, just not quite.
So this wasn't a fully conclusive 100 percent study. But the authors did conclude that caffeine appears to intensify the strength of connections among list words, thereby enhancing both true and false memory. If memory is something that you struggle with, we still recommend doing more than just being a coffee drinker.
There is also some evidence that caffeine enhances the consolidation of memories. There was a study from Johns Hopkins University in 2014 that tested this exact hypothesis. While the majority of studies give people caffeine before they get asked to learn words, and then get tested on them, this study did the opposite.
This was a double blind, placebo controlled and randomized study that involved 160 students that they asked. After, they tested the performance of the groups. After 24 hours, the caffeine group and the placebo group were asked to learn the words. They concluded that caffeine enhanced performance 24 hours after administration, according to an inverted U-shaped dose response curve, this effect was specific to consolidation and not retrieval.
They also concluded that caffeine enhanced consolidation of Long-Term Memories in humans. However, it also says that they concluded that a dose of at least 200 milligrams is required to observe the enhancing effect of caffeine on consolidation of memory, which is about two regular cups of coffee. So, two cups of coffee a day, says John Hopkins University, is pretty legit, frankly, for improving the consolidation of memory.
Finally, the scientific evidence suggests that coffee can actually improve mood on top of all the other things that it does. Harvard University conducted a study in 2011, they used 50,000 female volunteers and it was a long attitudinal study over a 10 year period. Initially, at baseline, these women in the study didn't have any kind of severe symptoms of depression or clinical depression.
The study looked at what the correlation was between that coffee consumption and the subsequent risk of developing depression. They said that the risk of depression decreased in a dose dependent manner with increasing consumption of caffeine (coffee). This basically led them to conclude that the more coffee you drink, the less likely you are to be depressed. The actual causation aspect of that is probably a little bit dubious, but it's an interesting study nonetheless. This leads me to wonder how long caffeine would remain in their system for until they started to show signs of depression.
In 2016, we had a meta analysis of some studies that looked at 346,913 different people and they showed that 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is about three or four cups of coffee, could be helpful for those suffering with, or at risk of, depression. Personally, I've noticed that when I'm drinking caffeine, it really gives me a mental boost and it helps me get out of any slumps that I may be in. These 300 mg of caffeine are pretty close to the daily recommended amount of caffeine as the caffeine will remain in your system for over a day. However, when in doubt, you could always just look for some chocolate to boost your mood!
So those are some of the effects of coffee on a mental performance. We've talked about how it increases alertness, vigilance, memory, recall and even mood. Let's now talk about the effects of coffee on physical performance. The way this works is that, as we said, coffee contains caffeine and caffeine is an adenosine antagonist. It blocks the actions of the inhibitor, your transmitter, adenosine overall causing more neuronal firing in the brain.
When there's more neuronal firing in the brain, the brain feels the need to increase the amount of adrenaline in our body. As a result, our bodies produce more adrenaline, the adrenaline increases blood flow to our muscles, which then increases the heart rate. In a way, it makes us more pumped up, like we are essentially working out.
There is evidence that caffeine consumption can increase the amount of time you can exercise for until you become exhausted, which is known as stamina. There was a study from 1978 where they had nine competitive cyclists to basically cycle as much as they could until they were physically exhausted and couldn't cycle anymore.
In one of the tests, they gave a group coffee with caffeine beforehand. As for the other group, they gave them decaffeinated coffee. They found that in the caffeinated coffee group, they were able to exercise for 90.2 minutes before collapsing of exhaustion. However, the decaffeinated coffee group could only exercise for 75.5 minutes before they collapsed of exhaustion.
So, the fact that they drank coffee that contained caffeine, versus coffee that didn't contain caffeine, helped increase their performance time. This gain in performance (running) was about 20 percent, which are great results. Imagine two athletes that typically perform the same but then all of a sudden one of them does 20% better. Imagine Usain Bolt being 20% faster than he already is?
There's some research that suggests that coffee can reduce our perception of tiredness during exercise. For example, in 2015, the European Food Safety Authority published their official scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine, and that was a meta analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials looking at caffeine and sports performance. They concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of caffeine and an increase in endurance capacity. Just remember, caffeine can remain in your system for a long time, so it is important to keep track of how much it you put into your body
It is not so much that coffee makes you tired, it is that you are starting to come down from the caffeine high, or sugar rush for those that like it sweet. As we mentioned, the caffeine is what helps blocks the adenosine receptors in our brains, which tricks us into being alert. When these start to wear off, not only will you start to feel more drained, it'll happen pretty quickly where you will feel tired and probably need a nap.
The next reason why you may be feeling tired, is from dehydration. Drinking a lot of coffee can dehydrate you which will make you feel drowsy. It is always recommended to drink twice as much water as you do coffee. And no, the water in the coffee doesn't count!
Last is sugar. For the people that load their coffee with sugar, you are most likely tired from the sugar rush followed by the crash. Mix these three together and it is no wonder why you are in a self induced coma at 3 PM in the afternoon after your second Starbucks pumpkin latte.
Next, we have some evidence that coffee can actually help a recovery from exercise as well. For example, there was a study from the University of Illinois which showed that caffeine consumption can reduce DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness, which is that pumping kind of pain that you get in your muscles a day or two after exercising. Although these are awful, the best thing to do is to go for a run or to repeat the exercise that caused them!
For the study, they had 18 men and split them up into two groups. One was a caffeine group and the other one was a placebo group. Naturally, they got these men to do loads of bicep curls at the gym. Next, they assessed how sore their muscles were a day, two days, three days, and five days after doing the bicep curls. They found that the group that had caffeine beforehand had significantly less sore muscles on day two and day three, which is when DOMS typically kicks in. Those that had caffeine had less sore muscles than those who didn't have caffeine.
Also, they did a final kind of test set where they did as many reps of bicep curls as they could until failure, most of us know this as a super-set, and the caffeinated group managed to get more reps than the placebo. Overall, they said that the decreased perception of soreness in the days after a strenuous resistance training workout may allow individuals to increase the number of training sessions in a given time period. This is just one of the many studies we found that suggests that caffeine might help our recovery time.
Between 1984 and 2004, the World Anti-Doping Authority said that caffeine had such an effect on physical performance that they banned high quantities of caffeine from Olympic events. Then, in 2004, they said that caffeine actually didn't meet the criteria as an unfair performance enhancer. Now, everyone probably has coffee before an event because they know that caffeine improves your physical performance. If they aren't drinking coffee, they are most likely taking a caffeine-rich supplement. I would be interested to test how much caffeine these elite athletes are putting into their systems as they probably have so much caffeine, it stays in their systems for weeks!
So far, we've discussed that the studies generally show that coffee has a positive effect on our mental alertness, mental performance, and on our physical performance. There are some studies that show a link between coffee consumption, or caffeine consumption, and a reduction in long term health problems. Like most things, especially caffeine since it may remain in your system for quite some time, moderation is important. When safely consumed, the health benefits are quite impressive.
We know that coffee contains some key micronutrients like vitamins, B2, B3 and B5, which are naturally found in coffee beans. On top of that, coffee contains natural antioxidants as well. Antioxidants are useful chemicals that help fight the reactive oxygen species that form when our mitochondria respire and produce energy. There was a study from the Journal of Nutrition that showed that coffee was the single biggest source of antioxidant intake in the body when compared with a lot of other foods, including fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Studies have showed that coffee consumption is negatively correlated with a bunch of long term health problems. For example, coffee is inversely correlated with the development of some neurodegenerative conditions. There was a systematic review and a meta analysis of 26 studies that were done in 2010. In these, they found that 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is three or four cups of coffee, reduced the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 32 percent which is quite a large number. The authors from these studies came to the conclusion that there was an inverse association between caffeine intake and the risk of Parkinson's disease, which can hardly be explained by bias or uncontrolled confounding.
In relation to Alzheimer's disease, there was a study from 2010 that looked at 1409 individuals aged between 65 and 79. The study examined them over a 21 year period, which is a really long period of time and a whole lot of coffee! The participants showed that coffee consumption reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The elderly were the lowest risk, which was a 65 percent decrease found in the groups that had between three and five cups of coffee per day.
There is also a negative correlation between coffee intake and type 2 diabetes. Looking at a meta analysis from 2018, with over 1 million people in total analyzed, the analysis showed a statistically significant inverse correlation between coffee consumption and the development of Type 2 diabetes. To quote from the study, they said that the risk of Type 2 diabetes decreased by 6 percent for each cup per day increase in coffee consumption, and those consuming five cups of coffee per day could reduce their risk by 29 percent.
There is some evidence that moderate coffee consumption can help reduce cardiovascular disease. For example, there was a review in 2017 that says habitual consumption of three to five cups of coffee per day is associated with a 15 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, higher coffee consumption has not been linked to elevated cardiovascular disease risk. What this says is that the more coffee you drink, the lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases. They have not been able to show any links between drinking too much coffee and getting more cardiovascular disease.
Looking at a meta analysis from 2011, in which they looked at 11 prospective studies, that had over 10,000 cases of strokes occurring, there were over 450,000 participants. These studies showed the correlation that drinking two cups of coffee per day reduced your risk of stroke by 14 percent and drinking three cups of coffee per day reduced your risk of stroke by 17 percent. Although correlational does not equal causation, the data looks pretty good.
Finally, and probably most importantly, we found some evidence that coffee drinkers may be at a lower risk of certain types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published a review of over a thousand studies looking at the links between coffee and cancer. They found that there was no direct correlation between drinking coffee and you developing cancer. In fact, they found an inverse relationship between drinking coffee and developing certain types of cancer.
Originally there was some evidence that coffee was linked to reduced risks of liver cancer. However, the IARC said that a response analysis revealed a significant linear response relationship between coffee consumption and liver cancer risk. The subgroup analysis, stratified by variables like gender, geographic region and various factors indicated similar results within individual subgroups. Our meta analysis suggested that coffee consumption is inversely associated with liver cancer risk.
So, now that you know there is a negative correlation between the amount of coffee you drink and the likelihood of developing liver cancer, drink up!
Although coffee is good for you, we probably shouldn't get carried away and start drinking gallons of it because there are a few caveats that we have to keep in mind. I know most of you probably want a simple answer whether coffee is good or bad for you, but if you haven't learned by now, it's a little of both. Let me explain the negative side effects of drinking too much coffee.
Although we know that coffee can increase alertness and vigilance, we've got some evidence that says that too much coffee can cause anxiety, restlessness and agitation. For example, there was a review from 2010 that concluded that, at low doses, caffeine improves hedonic tones and reduces anxiety. While at high doses, there is an increase intense arousal, including anxiety, nervousness and a jitteriness. We all know, if you drink too much coffee, you get quite jittery, which could potentially be bad.
Secondly, there is a lot of evidence that when we have caffeine, especially later in the day, that it can really negatively impact our sleep. So, for example, we've got this study from 2013 and they gave different people a 400 milligram dose of caffeine. So about four and a bit cups of coffee, either 0 3 or 6 hours before bedtime compared to a placebo group who had, well, a placebo pill. And they showed that this moderate dose of caffeine, whether you had it just before or three hours before or even six hours before bedtime, that had a significant negative impact on quality of sleep. And overall, we know that caffeine can remain in our system for up to nine hours. And so like people generally suggest and I start following this advice that you shouldn't drink any coffee after 2:00 p.m. because that like if you sleep at 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., that could still have a negative impact on your quality of sleep.
One thing we didn't mention very much on was how long does caffeine last in our systems, especially those that are wondering why coffee makes them tired. It turns out that caffeine has a half life of 4-6 hours, so that double espresso you gulped down at 8 AM will feel like a single espresso to your brain by noon. Although it takes caffeine roughly 45 minutes to be absorbed into your system, it can take a day or two for it to completely leave your system. Regardless of how long caffeine lasts in our system, the health benefits we receive from it are unprecedented.
So overall, is coffee good for you? Well, we've looked at some of the evidence, and the evidence does suggest that coffee does reliably improve alertness, vigilance, memory recall and even mood provide. Just don't have too much of it because having too much of it can then cause anxiety, jitteriness and restlessness. It is safe to say that the benefits of coffee outweigh the negative side effects.
There is some pretty good evidence that coffee is associated with an increased physical exercise output and also reduces muscle soreness and our perceived fatigue during exercise. More interestingly, we've got all of this correlational data that shows that coffee consumption tends to be linked to a decrease in things like dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes and a few others.
Try Our Coffee →Last, you check the freezer and find an old bag of coffee you had put in there for storage. The date is a few years old, but that doesn’t stop you. As you stand there hovering over the coffee pot, you think to yourself, “does coffee go bad?” Surely, it must, but how long does coffee last?
Under certain conditions, coffee can be stored for much longer than one would expect. If the coffee is sealed airtight in a coffee canister, and stored in a cool and dry area, it can be safely consumed years later. In some cases, even decades later which we will bring up later on below.
So, does coffee go bad? Of course! Should you be freezing coffee beans? Probably not! Instead of asking how long does coffee last, you should instead be asking how to store your coffee better. For that reason, we have decided to provide some insight as to the best practices.
For the best experience, you should actually consume coffee within a few weeks after it is roasted. The longer it is left in storage, usually resulting in oxidization, the more stale that it will become. It is not a question of how long coffee will last, but rather, how long it will stay fresh. Later in the article, we will break down freezing coffee, storing in a refrigerator, and just leaving them at room temperature.
You can think of coffee as being similar to cereal, something that stays good for a long time, but should be consumed quickly once opened. If you were to open a bag of cereal, over time, the remaining cereal would become stale. This staleness would result ever faster if you decided to just leave the bag open. The same goes for coffee beans and ground coffee, a loosely sealed bag will spoil much quicker than airtight containers would. This directly correlates with how long your coffee will last.
Air is one of the major factors when considering coffee freshness. It doesn’t take roasted coffee much time at all from tasting and smelling fresh, to become dull and boring. This is why most coffee roasters will heat seal a bag of coffee as soon as the coffee beans have had time to degas (make or become free of unwanted gas), usually 4 to 24 hours afterwards.
Roasters, or craftsmen as we like to call ourselves, recommend placing the coffee beans and ground coffee into an airtight container upon opening.
So, how long does coffee last? Well, that depends on the stage and form of the coffee. Coffee can be raw, roasted, or brewed. From there, you can break it down into more sub-categories, such as roasted whole bean vs. roasted ground coffee. For the sake of the article, we will keep it simple.
Raw coffee beans can last for quite a while before they become unsafe to use. Assuming they have been properly dried and kept in adequate storage, raw greens can be used for production many years later. At Black Ink, we only use current harvested coffee crops, meaning they are as fresh as you can get, but we know some roasters buy older past crop harvested beans (usually at quite a discount), and they taste just fine.
Starting with the drying process, specialty grade coffee will usually get down to about a 12% moisture level. This moisture is actually quite important for the roasting process which is why they leave some within the raw beans for storage. Like anything with moisture, bacteria and mold can surface which is why you want to maintain proper storage. It is ideal to store raw greens at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with 50-60% humidity. Despite what you have heard, freezing coffee beans in the raw is a bad idea.
Also, you need to consider how the raw green coffee beans are stored. If they are in Grain Pro bags, they will stay fresh for longer. One thing to note is that if the moisture level within the bag is above the current room humidity level, moisture and mold may start to grow within. If properly stored, these raw green beans can last for many years before roasting. Some may refer to this as aged coffee, but we call it a felony.
Once raw beans have been roasted, the next question is how long do coffee beans last before they are bad. If you store roasted beans in a coffee canister, that is an actual airtight container, you’ll get many more months out of the beans than you would have if stored in an opened bag. However, every time you open the airtight container, air will come into contact with the roasted beans and cause oxidation upon repeated re-exposure.
Unfortunately, oxidation can’t be stopped, we can only slow it down. One way in which roasters try to help slow the process down is through the use of nitrogen. When a bag is sealed, there are machines that can do what is called a nitrogen flush. This nitrogen flush forces out all of the oxygen molecules, allowing for food and beverages to stay fresh for longer. Still, the consumer (you) needs to do their part once they open the bags. That is why we recommend airtight containers or a coffee canister.
Aside from oxidation, determining how long the beans last will also factor in temperature and moisture levels. Coffee should be stored in a cool and dry location to prevent mold growth and spoilage. Again, if you are wondering how to store your beans, we highly recommend an airtight coffee canister. We will go into more depth later on freezing coffee and other ways to "preserve" coffee beans, so we won't cover that just yet.
To answer the question of how long do coffee beans last, it sort of depends on your preference and whether or not you open the bag. If you love fresh coffee, and have already opened the bag, you will probably want to finish them in 2 to 3 months depending on your environment. If you aren’t a coffee snob, and don’t mind stale coffee, it is still safe to drink 6 to 12 months later. Heck, there was a recent report of someone drinking some that came from WWII.
Mushroom coffee has similar shelf life to that of coffee. However, proper storage of mushroom coffee is crucial to preserve the taste and impact that the mushrooms have. Also, for best effects, mushroom coffee should be consumed within two weeks.
Under identical circumstances, a roasted coffee bean will always last longer than ground coffee, but that doesn’t mean ground coffee can’t last just as long. So, how long does ground coffee last for? Well, it depends! Similarly to roasted coffee beans, the way in which you store it is what matters more than the actual age.
Since ground coffee is more exposed and vulnerable to oxidation, it is critical that proper storage procedures are put into place. Like we mentioned, the ground coffee will last longer if stored in an airtight coffee canister, at ideal temperature and moisture levels (dry and cool), and if it is Black Ink. Why Black Ink? Simple, our coffee is always fresh which is why ours last the longest.
Additionally, when asking yourself how long the coffee is good for, it is important to remember that you should only be grinding moments before consumption. When you grind coffee beans, over 75% of the flavor is lost in the first 15 minutes. Crazy, right?
That is why we recommend whole beans when buying coffee. Under the exact same storage conditions, it’ll always outperform ground coffee and last longer. Treat yourself, and buy a grinder!
When we get asked this question regarding brewed coffee shelf life, we normally give them the “Black Ink” answer (our own opinion). For the sake of this article, it is important that we put on two hats when answering the question. Personally, we have drank coffee that was weeks old and lived to tell the tale.
Just like roasted coffee, storage is crucial for brewed coffee. Some java “experts” claim that coffee should not be consumed within an hour or two, and in some cases, as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Personally, we have not found that to be true for our own preferences, but that leads us back to our first point, you should focus on doing what you like.
If you think your Cup of Joe tastes bad after 15 minutes, dump it or start drinking faster. If you like reheated day old java, drink it. We recommend buying a yeti cup to ensure that it stays hot or cold all day long.
How long will coffee last in the fridge? Well, according to Stack Overflow, which is always correct about 50% of the time, and our own Google-Fu, the typical answer is right around 3-4 days. Cold brew seems to hold up for much longer, but we think that is malarkey.
If you see mold, it gives off a strange odor, or if it just tastes bad, don’t drink it. As for those of you that are into freezing coffee, this brewed java will last much longer if you turn it into ice cubes. We've never drink frozen coffee that has been thawed, but we do make frozen coffee ice cubes for cold brew that are delicious.
If you are a coffee drinker, then you'll know that throwing away coffee is not an option. Well, you may just want to reconsider that now after reading our last few sections as we discussed oxidation and other external forces that take away from the coffees freshness. Although coffee doesn't expire, it can spoil if it is not properly stored.
Now that we have discussed how long ground and whole bean coffee is good for, let’s dive into the specifics of coffee storage. It is one thing to know how long coffee lasts, but it is more important to know how to properly store it with an efficient coffee storage container.
Storing coffee beans properly is one of the most important factors that can play into whether or not your morning cup of coffee tastes good. Between the container you store the coffee in, temperature, humidity and the age of the beans, they all play a vital role in delivering fresh brewed coffee. You may want to take those frozen coffee beans out of the freezer after all, let us explain below.
Having airtight containers won’t make your coffee invincible, but it certainly helps. Coffee canisters are something we recommend to our customers that don’t go through their Black Ink quickly. Having the roasted coffee grounds in an airtight coffee canister will protect it from oxidation, allowing for repeated delicious java from the same bag for weeks and months. It may not seem like much, but using airtight containers will change your caffeinated life.
There are three coffee debates we come across quite often. The first is whether espresso has more caffeine, the second is whether light or dark roast has more caffeine, and the third is that you should freeze your coffee. We will hold off on our rant regarding the first two, as we have written blogs previously on those topics, but today, we think it is important to discuss coffee storage. More specifically, frozen coffee storage.
In theory, the idea of freezing coffee sounds good. One would assume that the aging process would slow down, allowing for the coffee beans to stay fresh for longer. The problem with that is moisture. As we already know, moisture is one of the leading causes for coffee to go bad. If a bag of coffee has been opened, is kept in a container or package that allows for moisture seep through, or has another opening (like a degassing valve), it will go bad more quickly.
Additionally, frozen coffee is susceptible to odors within the freezer which many do not consider. If your bag of coffee beans is opened, has an opening or features a penetrable design, it will absorb the odor of what is within the freezer. Of course you could use this to your advantage we suppose, but odds are, you probably have your frozen coffee next to a package of fish, or hamburger, which doesn’t sound like it would taste very good.
So, does freezing coffee beans help? Not at all. Frozen coffee is a great concept, but the moisture that typically comes with it is what kills it. If you see your friends reaching into their freezer for frozen coffee, take the moment to educate them and to curb the inefficient process, especially if it is a gourmet bag of Black Ink. If they become argumentative, just leave them be and make some new friends.
Can you eat coffee beans? Of course. Should you eat coffee beans? Absolutely! We actually already sell them and recommend you try them right now, we even dip them in organic, fair trade, kosher friendly dark chocolate for you. No, really, go buy some right now and you can thank us later. Honestly, if you can drink the coffee that you get from the beans, you can absolutely eat the coffee beans.
One thing to remember for those that wonder if you can eat coffee beans, the darker you roast your coffee, the more porous the cell structure becomes. This causes the bean to become softer, and usually sweeter, which is what we recommend that people try first. A lighter roasted coffee may not taste as bitter, but your teeth will have a hard time biting into it. Most products that contain coffee beans will typically feature a dark roasted bean within.
Can you eat coffee grounds or instant coffee? Duh! If you can eat whole beans, you can absolutely eat the grounds. As a matter of fact, some baking recipes call for finely ground coffee, usually an espresso grind. Now if you are some kind of animal that likes to eat ground coffee alone, we recommend buying a coffee pot and brewing up some delicious coffee. Don’t be weird, drink a Cup of Joe like the rest of us do!
As mentioned previously, coffee can stay good for a long time. If you don't mind drinking stale coffee, you are safe to drink it for an even longer time. However, there is the possibility that coffee can become bad and not okay to drink. If the coffee has been opened, stored in a hot area, or has become damp, you should proceed with caution.
You can typically tell if the coffee has gone bad by the rancid smell it will give off or if you spot mold. In both of these scenarios, the coffee should be thrown out and replaced with fresh coffee.
If you practice the process of freezing coffee, and are unsure, we recommend throwing it out and starting with a new fresh bag. If you don't want the hassle of remembering to buy coffee, simply sign up for a subscription on our website and we will make sure you are stocked up on fresh coffee.
There you have it, coffee does go bad, sort of. However, deciding how long coffee will last depend on how you are storing it. Do yourself a favor and go buy a coffee storage container, buy fresh whole bean coffee (never instant coffee) from a local roaster, and try to brew just enough coffee for the day.
Whether you are looking to find out how to preserve your coffee grounds, or just want to know more about coffee, we hope that you found value from reading this guide. Thank you for reading and be sure to spread your new found knowledge with others.
]]>The more we learn about coffee, the further down the rabbit hole we find ourselves. It appears a new coffee phrase, or trend, pops up nearly every day. How is one suppose to stay on top of all of these coffee trends?
One popular phrase that seems to be commonly misunderstood, is blonde roast coffee. Arguably the best light roast coffee option out there, most consumers still have no idea what it is. So, what is blonde roast coffee exactly?
TRY OUR BLONDE ROAST →Blonde roast coffee is kind of what it sounds like, a lighter roasted coffee. Unlike its brunette counter parts, the dark and medium roasted coffees, blonde roast really gives the coffee bean a chance to shine. Instead of asking what is blonde roast coffee, we should instead be asking where to find good quality light roast coffee. Let’s break down the process that goes into producing a fine quality blonde roast coffee.
At the forefront of the roasting process is choosing high quality, specialty coffee beans. Specialty beans are crucial when roasting at a lighter roast due to the fact that the flavor of the coffee bean itself really begins to shine in these roasts. Higher quality beans will provide the solid foundation the blonde roast process requires. The “special” in specialty coffee is actually a measurable characteristic. All of our coffee at Black Ink, that we purchase from our importers, is classified as specialty quality.
Next up comes the actual roasting process. As you may know, the typical medium roast coffee goes through the first crack and is then dropped a little while after, before reaching the second crack. Dark roast coffee gets pushed into that second crack phase, sometimes during it and sometimes long afterwards. However, blonde roast coffee is dropped from the roaster, right after the first crack! Some experienced roasters even drop the batch of beans right before, or during, the first crack. Due to the minimal amount of time in the roaster, the blonde roasted beans are relatively dense compared to dark roasted beans.
The density of the beans brings us to the next crucial step in a good blonde roast cup of coffee, the method of extraction. Lighter roasted coffees are less porous than medium and dark roasted coffees, which require more steeping time in order to allow the flavors of the beans to extract and develop properly. We believe that the best method for brewing blonde roast coffee is the pour over method, but most Java machines work just as well!
A proper grinder is crucial for light roasts as the beans are harder than the typical medium or dark roasted coffee beans. This causes them to wear out quicker over time, which is why we recommend excellent quality burr grinders than are mechanical or that can be replaced easily. The grind size on your grinder should be adjusted to produce finer coffee grounds. The finer grind will allow for the water to pour through the coffee more slowly, increasing the time it takes for the coffee to brew, really extracting all of the flavors within the beans.
Not only is it important for the water to pass through the coffee grounds slowly, but the water itself is important. Using hard water can result in a less desirable taste when brewing blonde roast coffee. Typically we advocate for hard water as it is crucial for extraction as it aids in pulling out more caffeine and body from within the coffee grounds. However, soft water is crucial to steep through the beans gently and allow the natural flavors of the bean to do their dance. Something that is as delicate as light roasts
When you drink blonde roast coffee, you may find your cream or milk looking slightly curdled. Well, there is a reason for this and it has to do with acidity. Just like flavor, light roast coffee beans also maintain more of the acidity in the bean. Now, don't associate this with battery acid, or a high school science project, the acidity is actually a valuable trait in a coffee.
Acidity gives coffee a little extra character and keeps it from tasting dull. You can actually taste this on your tongue when sipping coffee, it is similar to the sharp taste you get when you eat certain cheeses. Unfortunately, this acid can break down dairy products like we alluded to at the beginning of this section, causing it to curdle slightly. There isn't too much you can do, other than adding the creamer first or once it has cooled down.
Fun fact: Adding creamer should always be done first to prevent it from over heating and curdling. When you add creamer last, you are introducing a tiny amount of it to a full body of steaming hot coffee, one drop at a time. When you add it first, you are introducing the hot coffee droplets one at a time to a pool of delicious creamer. Make sense?
Traditionally, there are two approaches to producing great coffee. The first approach is what is known as the Single Origin, which is when you roast the coffee beans together that come from the same country, region and/or farm. Rather than mixing them with others, you keep them separated based on where they come from.
Some roasters swear that this is the only way coffee should be consumed as it allows for you to enjoy the subtle nuances of the particular coffee beans. Although we do agree that light roasts are special, as it allows for you to enjoy the subtlety of the cup that the farmer worked so hard for, it may also lack many desirable characteristics that coffee drinkers have known to love.
The other approach to coffee is blending, which is the art of combining different Single Origins into one delicious concoction of caffeinated joy. When you blend different coffees into a specialty coffee blend, you are allowing for the roaster to craft an artisan experience by taking the best qualities from each Single Origin.
The only setback to blending is that some desirable characteristics of certain Single Origins may become masked if they are thrown in with too many contenders. Also, extracting coffee from various regions that have differing density levels will also play into the mix, so that is something that an expert coffee roaster will know to take into consideration, especially when crafting a light roast coffee blend.
Many blonde roasts boast bright and fruity flavors, sometimes even floral or tea-like. The typical flavor of a blonde roasted coffee doesn’t have that classic “coffee taste”. Some of you who have tried the Starbucks blonde roast might now be thinking “well that’s not true, Starbucks’ blonde roast is smooth, creamy and one of my favorite cups of coffee.”
While we agree that it’s smooth and creamy, and probably one of their better options, it’s not actually a blonde roast. The Starbucks blonde roast is more of a medium roast, maybe with a few highlights and low lights thrown in there. A traditional blonde roast is certainly not the roast for everyone since it doesn’t always hold that classic coffee taste, but when done right it can provide a warm (or iced) cup full of flavor and culture.
It seems as though we are constantly asked whether or not dark roasts are stronger. To put it simply, no. In fact, all coffee is the same level of "strength". To measure coffee strength. you need to measure the Total Dissolved Solids (DTS), which is how much actual coffee is in the cup of coffee after the extraction. So, the more coffee you use, the stronger it will be.
Every coffee extracts differently, and there are many factors that play into the final strength of a cup of coffee, but as long as you are preparing your coffee with the proper grind size, and are using weight instead of mass, then the strength will be the same for dark roast coffee and blonde roast coffee.
However, if you are referring to caffeine when you mention the word strength, blonde roast coffee, or light roasts, are in fact stronger which we explained more in depth in a blog we recently did. Now, if you are part of the crowd that refers to bitterness when describing "strength", then no, blonde roasts are not stronger.
If you have heard the term "blonde coffee" or "blonde roast", you may have found yourself wondering what it was exactly. Well, blonde roasts are in fact the same thing as a light roast. You may have heard of white coffee, and although it is similar, white coffee is actually quite different.
A blonde roast may also be referred to as a Light City or a Half City Roast, but they all mean the same thing. At Black Ink, we don't use that crazy jargon. We like to keep it simple; light, medium, dark. Sometime we may combined the two with a "medium dark" description, crazy huh?
Yes, blonde roast coffee is healthy, similar to all roast degrees of coffee. The only thing that would make blonde roast coffee unhealthy would be if you were consuming too much caffeine and/or if you were adding a bunch of additives to your cup. It should also be noted that we are not doctors, so if you have any health concerns regarding your coffee intake, it would be advised to speak with a doctor.
Blonde coffee and blonde roast coffee are the same types of coffee. A blonde coffee is just a lightly roasted coffee bean, which typically has higher amounts of acidity and more dynamic flavor nuances, due to the lighter roast degree. Where a darker roasted coffee tends to break down during the roasting process, the blonde coffee beans' cell structure remains intact.
If you are part of the first wave or second wave generation of coffee drinkers, you’ve probably never experienced a high-quality cup of blonde coffee, like our Ethiopian coffee. Despite what you were taught, coffee doesn’t need to taste like motor oil, especially if you are pairing it with certain foods that bitterness doesn’t jive well with.
Also, calling our Ethiopian Single Origin a blonde roast isn’t entirely true as it is in between a blonde roast, and a medium roast. Regardless, you should try light roast coffee when given the chance as you are not only getting more of the subtle nuances from within the bean, you’re probably drinking higher quality coffee, too!
TRY OUR BLONDE ROAST →]]>Not everyone enjoys black coffee. Some people find it bitter, others think it is just too strong and make the change to flavored coffee beans. The best part about coffee, and taste in general, is that it is all subjective. Although coffee already has subtle flavor nuances, many people find themselves needing a bit more flavor. As a result, new and unique coffee flavors are seen more and more today.
Despite what some people say, there is no right way to drink coffee. Even if you are using the best coffee beans, we like what we like and don't let anyone tell you any different. Adding extra coffee flavors should not be looked down upon, even if you are taking away from the original flavor profile that the famer worked so hard to achieve! Now that we got that coffee stigma out of the way, how do they flavor coffee?
Flavoring coffee is quite a sticky business to get into, literally, but there really isn't much to it. So how do they flavor coffee? Well, the process of making flavored coffee is as simple as roasting coffee beans and then adding a flavor syrup to the roasted coffee beans.
The most popular flavor syrup that many coffee roasters and cafes use, is Torani. However, there are many different types of flavor syrups. We like Torani because of the endless options they have and because they use limited ingredients.
Flavor Syrups are what coffee businesses like to use to sell flavored coffee beans and flavored ground coffee. Just pour the flavoring into the coffee beans, and let them soak for a few hours or days, shaking or stirring them in between. Adding these flavor syrups is considered post flavoring, simply because we are adding the flavor after the roasting process.
Some third wave coffee shops or roasters are completely against the idea of adding flavor to coffee simply because it may mask the flavor characteristics that the beans already have. These shops or coffee roasting companies typically source high quality coffee beans that they have tested and specifically chosen for their unique characteristics. For them, adding flavor is seen as ruining the coffee. Some of these coffee places are the ones that advocate for drinking black coffee only and are even against blending coffee beans. I value these places for wanting to focus on the individuality of the bean origin, but there are some balances roast profiles and tastes you just can't get without blending coffee.
On the other end of the coffee spectrum, some coffee roaster or coffee shops prefer flavored beans as it gives them a chance to serve a different customer base. Also, adding flavor to a bean can be a great way to give away older, past crop coffee beans without having to sell them at a discount. These businesses are usually the places that do not judge for putting extra cream and sugar in your coffee. Some people refer to these places and types of coffee drinks as foo foo coffee.
Where does Black Ink stand? Well, in the middle actually. We believe in putting forward the absolute best product that we can, while also giving our customers what they want. Coffee flavor preferences are subjective, so we are against the notion that coffee needs to be served a certain way and plan to cater to everyone's palette and coffee cravings. We plan to use safe natural flavoring in a way that enhances the coffee beans subtle flavor nuances, but will be careful not to mask them.
Aging coffee beans is a trendy way to flavor coffee. Despite what many people think, this practice has occurred for many years. In fact, when you think about how long it took boats to cross the oceans back in the day, it makes perfect sense where this practice came from. Although it was unintentional, it was the norm simply due to how coffee was shipped and the logistical nightmare of keeping up with supply and demand without a telephone or internet.
Today, we can ship coffee around the world in a matter of days, but a few hundred years ago it would have taken months or years for coffee to travel across the world. Although marketers and coffee businesses are hyping up "aged coffee", it is important to know where it came from and that it isn't always a good thing.
Today, the process of aging coffee is not always intentional. With supply and demand always changing, it is quite common for there to be an overabundance of coffee one year which means that it'll typically be left to sit on pallets in warehouses until it is sold. However, some people purposely let the coffee age and they do it in a manner that will give the coffee more taste.
Most coffee businesses buy current crop coffee beans which means that the coffee beans were harvested from the last harvest cycle (usually within the past year). Fresh coffee beans are often sought after, especially by third wave coffee shops, because they are typically brighter and fresh tasting. Adding some fresh crop coffee beans to a blend that is starting to taste dull will instantly give it some character.
Although we typically prefer fresh coffee, older coffee can be just as attractive in that it may posses more depth in flavor and won't have the grassy aftertaste that fresh coffee seems to have. Light roast coffee also has this grassy taste, just an FYI that you aren't crazy if you ever taste grass in your coffee.
There is a difference between old coffee and coffee that has been aged properly and purposefully. This leads us to the trendy practice of aging coffee in barrels so that they absorb the flavors of the barrels. On a molecular level, there is a whole lot more taking place, but for the simplicity of this article, just know that using whiskey, bourbon, and wine barrels can add a lot of desired characteristics to the beans within. For example, a good bourbon aged coffee will exhibit low acidity while providing a heavy body with tasting notes of wood from the barrel. I recommend giving this one a try if you haven't done so already!
If your goal is to make your average cup of coffee taste unique in a way that you can control, there are many DIY coffee flavors you can add using simple ingredients found in your cabinet. Here are 5 ingredients you can add to your coffee to make it taste better.
Ever try the cinnamon challenge? If so, you'll know that a spoonful of cinnamon can go a long way. Simply sprinkle some cinnamon on your morning cup of coffee to give it a boost of flavor while also adding antioxidants to your diet. Personally, I like to add cinnamon to my summer cold brew and could drink it all day long.
I highly suggest cocoa as it is a quick fix for those of you craving something that is most likely unhealthy. It is a low calorie solution to your mocha coffee craving and it makes for quite a delicious additive, especially if you add it on top of some milk foam. Did I mention that this is also high in antioxidants?
If you are reading this from Canada, you already know about Maple Syrup, eh? Maple Syrup and honey pack a punch with how sweet they are, so it is better to add a little bit to your coffee at a time. Although these are higher in calories, they are natural sweeteners that will give your coffee a unique flavor. Just ask Buddy the Elf.
You don't need to wait for the holidays for this one, peppermint oil is great all year round and it'll give your daily coffee a wonderful change of taste. Peppermint is also great as it packs many nutrients while also being next to zero calories.
I am sure that many of you have cooked with vanilla extract before, its easy and can really enhance the flavor of most foods and drinks. Be careful with this though, one sneeze and you'll end up with a cup of vanilla with a pinch of coffee.
Surprisingly, coffee is already flavored. No, not the "coffee" flavor you immediately think of. The coffee cherry that a coffee bean comes from (yes, coffee beans are actually coffee seeds), has it's own unique flavor nuances depending on the region, varietal and type of coffee. These can range from nutty, fruity or even earthy tasting. Depending on how these coffee beans are processed will determine how flavorful they are from the beginning.
The majority of coffee is washed, which is the process of depulping the coffee cherry from the coffee beans with water. Most coffee beans that are washed will lose these powerful flavors and will be left with only a small hint of the original coffee cherry flavor notes. Typically, these are the types of coffee beans used for flavoring as they have less inherent flavor notes.
The other popular process of drying the coffee cherry is what is known as pulped natural or honey processed. It involves leaving the coffee bean inside of the coffee cherry and letting it dry, naturally, before removing the cherry. When this happens, the bean soaks up a lot of the juices and sugars, making it much more flavorful. If you try our Brazilian, you can literally taste the peanut butter nutty flavor notes because it is naturally processed.
]]>If you are new to the Keto diet, you’ve probably become quite accustomed to searching for low carb foods and low carb drinks that still taste good. For many, the Keto diet seems to end just as abruptly as it started, with massive amounts of sweet and savory carbs.
However, for the group that has stuck with a true Keto diet lifestyle, Keto coffee is an easy way to add high fat to your diet. With just a simple brewing machine, some MCT Oil or grass fed butter and a willingness to try something new, keto coffee is just a pour away. While it may not taste like the best flavored coffee many expect, it can taste just as yummy!
This method of adding butter to coffee (Keto coffee) is a Keto friendly and delicious way to start your mornings. Keto coffee can be achieved by adding a few tablespoons of butter, or even cream if you watch your net carbs. This keto coffee will give you a boost of energy from both the caffeine and the state of Ketosis your body is maintaining.
Not everyone enjoys the taste of black coffee or butter coffee, which leads me to the Keto friendly diet of adding cream to your coffee. For those of you that enjoy sipping a latte and are unhappy with the lack of Keto friendly milk options out there at the Grocery Stores, heavy cream is a great milk alternative. Although cream still has a few carbs, it is a great source of fat. If you are looking for a good Keto coffee to pair with the cream, we recommend something rich and bold like our dark roasts.
Does butter in coffee, or “bulletproof coffee”, taste good? It sounds like a strange way to enjoy coffee for most people you ask, especially if your morning typically consists of sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Surprisingly, Keto diet coffee with butter added to it is quite delicious. After all, doesn’t adding fat to foods and drinks usually make them taste better?
Not only does adding a few tablespoons of butter make your coffee taste better, it is an easy way to increase your calories from fat (macros) during the day without spiking your daily recommended amount of carbs. It is best to find a coffee that pairs well with butter, we typically recommend a honey processed or all natural coffees.
For those of you that like to enjoy the rich and smooth taste of coffee, taking in all of the subtle flavor nuances, perhaps adding MCT Oil to your coffee is the best Keto diet coffee practice you can stick with. Not only are these MCT Oils odorless and tasteless, they provide high amounts of fat and are one of the quickest sources of energy that your body can metabolize.
Now, imagine pairing that with caffeine? It’s no wonder why bulletproof coffee has become the norm. If you do decide to try some of these MCT Oils, please be careful and make sure you are reading your directions before consuming. Like all diets, we also recommend discussing it with your doctor.
If you are wondering what the difference is between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil, it is the difference in compounds and concentration levels between the two. While Coconut Oil contains roughly 50% medium chain triglyceride (MCTs), MCT Oil contains 100% MCTs making it a pure dosage of these acids. These oils are essential for maintaining ketosis and allowing ketones to form.
Since we went ahead and listed MCT Oil, it wouldn't be very nice to not also list our recommendation for the best MCT Oil for Keto Coffee. Below are our top 5 choices for the best MCT Oils available.
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Taking the number one spot on our list is the Organic MCT Oil from Sports Research. This MCT Oil is 100% pure coconut oil and can be used for both coffee and shakes. Not only is it Organic certified, but it is also Non-GMO certified as well as being Keto, Paleo and Vegan Friendly.
What we love most about this MCT oil is that it is odorless, tasteless and can even be substituted for other oils. This Sports Research concoction contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are essential for burning fat and maintaining a state of ketosis.
Next on our list is the Bulletproof XCT Oil which is a slightly different blend compared to most other MCT Oils out there. The Bulletproof XCT Oil is made of Capric and Caprylic acid triglycerides from the highest refined coconut oils. These ingredients essentials that help most keto dieters get to the next level
What we love about the Bulletproof XCT Oil is that it brings something new to the table in regards to the ingredients used. Additionally, the Bulletproof brand is a trusted brand in the keto coffee realm. If you need something that is unflavored, sugar free and odorless, give the Bulletproof XCT Oil a try!
Coming in at number three is the Physician's Choice Dr Approved MCT Oil. This budget friendly MCT Oil is highly rated and trusted, containing similar ingredients to that of some of the others on our list. With the Physician's Choice option, you will reap the rewards of indulging in healthy fats that will help your body burn fats, as well as increase cognitive functions.
If you are looking to add MCT Oil to your keto coffee creamer, then this brand is an obvious runner-up choice, especially with such a low cost. Being flavorless, odorless and having the ability to mix easily, the Physician's Choice is a great Choice! If you want to improve your energy levels, and provide your brain a stimulus that'll keep you going, we recommend this approved MCT Oil.
If you are looking for a way to improve your ketogenic diet through the use of coffee, then we recommend the Nature's Way MCT Oil. This energy boosting serum is both flavorless and odorless, providing your body with 14 grams of MCTs per serving. It is also pure, meaning that there are no added chemicals.
Whether you are on the ketogenic diet, or just need a certified Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO product, the Nature's Way MCT Oil is your perfect remedy for that delicious cup of keto coffee. You can also use this oil for beverages other than coffee, as well as for cooking foods as an oil replacement or additive.
Last on our list is the Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil. Like the others on our list, this serum is a must have for those looking to enhance their keto coffee recipe with coconut oil. Not everyone is a fan of the butter coffee, which is why many people have become accustomed to adding coconut oil and other fatty oils to their morning cup of coffee.
The Viva Naturals brand is well regarded in the industry and boasts countless five-star reviews. To be honest, it is just as good as any of the others on our list, featuring the same added benefits; flavorless, odorless, improved energy, etc. What makes this option stand out above the rest is the ratio of C8 and C10 acids which allow for an easier to break down product.
Now that we have gone over what the keto diet is exactly, and how coffee plays a role, lets get into some of the best keto coffee recipes! Since most of you are making keto coffee creamer and keto coffee recipes at home, we tried to only include recipes that are 100% possible to make at home. If you have a keto coffee recipe that we didn't include, please reach out to us!
It is worth noting that most of these keto recipes can be altered, simply by substituting your preferred keto friendly ingredients. However, most of these are a great framework and foundation to build your low carb recipes upon. Let's get to it!
Probably our favorite keto recipe, the keto iced coffee is a must have if you are looking to enjoy some ketosis during the summer. If you are new to keto recipes, you'll be happy to hear that Keto Iced Coffee is easily obtainable. All you need is coffee, ice cubes, and something to give your brew some added fat. We recommend both heavy cream, butter and even MCT Oil. To top it all off, add in your favorite sweetener to seal the deal!
By now, you have probably seen people raving about Dalgona Coffee (1). In our opinion, it is an abomination of coffee and should not be placed in the same category as coffee. That is why we have decided to put forth something we like to call Keto Coffee Whipped Cream, which can be a great Dalgona Coffee or Ice cream alternative.
It wouldn't be right for us to talk about coffee and not mention donuts. So, we have gone ahead and included our favorite keto donut recipe to pair with that delicious cup of coffee. All you will need for this is almond flour (64 grams), coconut flour (28 grams), xanthan gum (1 tsp), grass fed butter (60 grams) or coconut oil, baking powder (1 tsp), vanilla extract (1 tsp), eggs (3), salt (1/4 tsp), and water (250 ml).
We knew that our readers would enjoy this one! Chances are, nuts have become a staple in your Keto diet, so what about drinking them? Adding peanut butter to coffee is something we started doing back in College.
Peanut butter coffee can be a little difficult to get the peanut butter to fully dissolve in the hot coffee, so you may want to blend up the peanut butter with a shot of espresso, ice and water for a delicious coffee Keto milkshake. Just keep an eye on your carbs, peanut butter typically has a few grams of added sugar, but we have gone ahead to include our pick for the best Keto friendly peanut butter. We recommend the Keto Nut Butter Bomb!
We don't normally do this, but when we come across another coffee company offering something that we do not, and we know that it would benefit our readers, we absolutely give credit where credit is due. That is why we wanted to make sure that we featured Bang Keto Coffee. If you enjoyed reading about our take on peanut butter, than you'll be happy to know that Bang Keto Coffee offers a chocolate peanut butter coffee can, as well as a few others.
If you are new to the keto diet, you probably have noticed that certain foods and drinks are more keto friendly than others. Unfortunately, you may have found out that certain foods and drinks take your body out of ketosis even if you are staying within your allotted carb count. With so much uncertainty and fear of ruining your hard work, should you drink coffee on keto?
If you were not aware already, coffee has next to no calories. In one cup (8 fl oz) of black coffee, there is approximately 1 calorie. There are less calories in coffee than it takes to drink the coffee. Even though coffee has many health benefits, it is not a great source of fat. That is why many Keto dieters tend to add a few tablespoons of butter, or cream, to their morning coffee.
From what we have read from studies, there are plenty of great reasons to give keto coffee a try. Some of these include; increased energy, heightened metabolism, better focus, improved memory, more satiated throughout the day. These are just a few health benefits of drinking Black Ink Keto Coffee!
Like any diet, you should always consult with a doctor first. If you are pregnant, diabetic or suffer from heart related health problems, it is generally recommended not to try the Keto diet. Also, just because coffee is made of water, that doesn't mean you do not need to drink water. In fact, you need lots of water while doing the keto diet!
Perhaps you are the type that just needs to drink your coffee black. No worries, we completely understand and actually wrote up a good article on why people drink coffee black and how to make better tasting coffee. If you find yourself belonging to this group of coffee drinkers, we recommend doing it with Black Ink!
Whether you are new to the low carb lifestyle, or have been around for a long time, you'll be happy to know that there is a keto coffee recipe for you. Whether you intend to drink keto coffee with butter, or a combination of oils and whipping cream, there are hundreds of keto recipes to follow. As always, we recommend that you do your own research.
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]]>First, you should know that it is absolutely possible to train yourself to drink black coffee. But you may be asking why do people drink coffee black in the first place?
Most of the tips in this article will focus on ways to improve your coffee itself, so that it isn’t so bitter and acidic. After you make these changes, you will hopefully grow to love the taste of coffee more than the taste of sugar. You will realize quickly that you need less cream and sugar when you start drinking better coffee.
Black coffee is an acquired taste, just like beer and wine and many other different types of foods and drinks. That being said, you probably started with the additives because you couldn’t stand the taste of coffee without them. What if you could stand it? As it turns out, great coffee isn’t screaming for you to mask its flavor with other things. This is why you should start with the coffee itself before trying other tricks.
I personally drink black coffee because I love the taste of it. Anyone who has taken the time and money to invest in learning how to brew great coffee might take offense to all the additives. Aside from the taste, and probably more importantly, the sugary coffee habit poses a bit of a health issue.
If you need some motivation, imagine collecting all the sugar you add to your coffee for an entire year. Can you see yourself filling buckets with it? Do you really want to be running this through your body? The cream really isn’t the issue so much as the sugar, but you don’t really need cream either.
I should mention that before I started drinking black coffee everyday, my sugar with a little bit of coffee habit was easily the lion’s share of all the sugar I would consume in a year. This habit can totally wreck your body. Considering this, it is very important for your health to learn to love the taste of coffee rather than sugar.
If you are new to the world of coffee, especially drinking coffee black, you should know about some of the different brewing styles and how they compare. Some brewing styles should be reserved until you have acquired the taste for black coffee. When you first attempt to make the switch, I recommend certain styles over others. This list ranks the most-drinkable black coffee to the least-drinkable based on smoothness and bitterness (in my opinion):
At home, I recommend using Aeropress or Chemex brewed coffee as a starting point for drinking coffee black. You may find the Aeropress more useful because it can make different kinds of drinks.
When visiting coffee shops, I strongly recommend the café americano. If you want to make an authentic café americano at home, you’ll need an espresso machine which can be a large investment.
French pressed coffee with nothing added is also wonderful, but this coffee might be a bit heavy at first. I would work up to it.
If you drink a lot of black coffee, you will eventually acquire the taste to appreciate any method. You will become a better judge of coffee in general and which brewing methods lend themselves more to bitterness.
This is probably the easiest and most noticeable way to improve the taste of black coffee at home. If you haven’t tried a fresh, medium roast of Arabica (not Robusta) beans, you would be amazed, even if you are drinking your coffee black. High quality and recently roasted coffee is very smooth with a nuanced flavor.
Avoid supermarket coffee, if you have to and want to drink your coffee black, try to buy the lightest roast. Most supermarket coffee is typically of very low quality in addition to being stale. This coffee may have been sitting in a warehouse for many months before arriving on the store shelf. The basic idea is that the coffee should taste more good than bad, and stale coffee isn’t doing anyone any favors. There are some exceptions to this depending on where you shop.
If you are not purchasing from a local coffee roaster, look for a roasting date on the bag (not an expiration date). I have seen these dates on Peet’s coffee, and they guarantee that their coffee is no older than 90 days. This is better than nothing, folks. Some of you instant coffee drinkers might want to start with this and work your way up to fresh roasted coffee.
Choosing too dark or light of a roast can affect your transition to black coffee. Light roasts can be a bit pungent with too little roasting flavor, while the darkest roasts can be quite bitter. Avoid French, Vienna, and Italian roasts.
Generally, the darker the roast, the more dominant the taste of the roasting process will be, and at some point it can taste charred. Leave this coffee for the espresso drinks, and go for a medium to medium dark roast (also known as city and city plus roasts).
In my opinion, medium to medium dark roasts offer an appealing balance between the roast flavor and regional bean characteristics. However, once you start drinking coffee black, switch to light roast to really get a mouth full of flavor!
When preparing coffee at home, it is preferable to grind your own beans just before brewing. Additionally, the type of grinder matters. Blade grinders smash beans into different sized pieces and create dust which will result in bitterness from over extraction. Burr grinders grind beans into equal-sized pieces and allow you to adjust the setting if you find your coffee too bitter or weak.
If you are willing to invest in a grinder, spend the extra money to purchase a burr grinder, this will really up your game when drinking coffee black. Owning one allows you to purchase coffee in whole bean form. Whole bean coffee has a much longer shelf life and is easier to store and transport.
If upgrading your grinder is out of the question, I highly suggest looking into purchasing an Aeropress. This inexpensive coffee brewing device is very forgiving with grind inconsistencies. The Aeropress is a very versatile piece of equipment and deserves a place in your coffee collection.
When preparing coffee at home, you should always use filtered water. Heating up tap water will generally bring out a metallic taste and other unwanted flavors. This will often give the coffee a burnt and somewhat acidic taste. Filtered water makes for a noticeably smoother cup than tap water.
You should still pre-filter water even if your coffee machine has a charcoal filter. Typically, the filter in your refrigerator or even a Brita filter will work better than the charcoal filters found in coffee makers. Although seemingly redundant, it certainly can’t hurt to combine them.
I trust you will find these tips useful if you are looking to make the switch to black coffee. I recommend starting by drinking black coffee on specific occasions, such as when you are ordering desert at a restaurant. Unfortunately, coffee is usually an acquired taste, so it may take time.
By consciously making an attempt to get used to drinking black coffee everyday, you will train yourself to pick up more of the subtle traits of the coffee. You will care more about the differences between different of beans and feel rewarded for putting effort into getting your coffee right. You will also become much more sensitive to sugar, and find that it doesn’t take much to offend your taste.
Try to implement one or two of these suggestions and periodically test your tolerance for black coffee. Always taste your coffee before adding cream or sugar. You just may find that one day black coffee becomes tolerable, then preferable. Don’t let one instance of bad black coffee ruin you forever. Different types of beans, roasts, and methods all taste very different. You will eventually discover your drink of choice and your ticket into the world of black coffee.
Lastly, make it special. People love things, not just for what it is, but how it makes them feel and the memories or moments associated with it. Whether you are out camping, looking out at a beautiful morning sunrise, or just doing something you love, pair it with drinking coffee black and you'll grow to love it more quickly.
]]>So you've stumbled upon the magical bean that many are unaware of. No, not those chocolate flavored coffee beans. We are talking about coffee beans dipped in chocolate. If you have never tried the chocolate covered coffee beans, you are in for a surprise. We offer the best organic fair trade chocolate beans you can find, and here is why!
At Black Ink Coffee Company, we currently offer dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Some people refer to their chocolate covered coffee beans as chocolate espresso beans, which is more of a marketing ploy than anything. In the future, we will offer white chocolate and milk chocolate as well.
However, these dark chocolate coffee beans are similar to drinking an espresso. In fact, one serving of these dark chocolate covered coffee beans is equivalent to one shot of espresso! So, sit back, grab some chocolate chips and maybe some espresso beans, as we teach you how to make these at home!
These dark chocolate covered coffee beans are crafted with the finest shade-grown, 100% organic, fair trade Peruvian coffee beans. We use dark roasted Peruvian coffee beans because they are much sweeter, smaller and easier to enjoy.
Although we do not recommend it, you can even eat these Peruvian coffee beans plain if you really wanted to, but we suggest eating them coated in dark chocolate instead. The reason why dark roasted coffee beans are typically used in chocolate covered coffee beans is because they are less dense and easier to chew.
When you roast coffee beans darker, the cell structure of the coffee bean starts to break down and caramelization intensifies which is why they become softer and sweeter. Ever wonder why that shot of espresso tastes so good? It's the espresso beans!
Our dark chocolate is carefully sourced from the Dominican Republic and is certified organic, fair trade and Kosher friendly. We then have the chocolate processed and sent out, along with the dark roasted Peruvian coffee beans, to a chocolate coating business that carefully coats and shines these delicious treats.
Giving you the perfect mid-afternoon boost of energy, you may be wondering to yourself if these are even healthy. What is the nutritional value of a coffee bean, chocolate covered coffee beans and are they bad for you?
Caffeine can be dangerous when excess amounts are consumed. According to the Mayo Clinic:
Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two "energy shot" drinks. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content in beverages varies widely, especially among energy drinks.
So how do our chocolate coffee beans stack up? As previously mentioned, a serving size of our chocolate coffee beans (5 pieces) is equivalent to a shot of espresso, or 70 mg of caffeine.
Since these treats are quite delicious, it is easy to forget that they are so rich with caffeine. If you were to eat 5 or 6 servings of these, you'd be over your daily limit, so make sure you keep that in mind.
Without going into too much detail since we wrote an article about the 9 reason why coffee is good for you, let me start by saying that these can be good for you in moderation. Like many food products, moderation is important, especially when considering the carbs and fats found within chocolate.
As for why these are good for you, there are many health benefits, such as; antioxidants, important nutrients, fat burner, mental clarity, decreases in diseases, cancer fighting, improved organ health, longer life.
Ingredients:
Using your microwave or saucer pan, begin to melt your chocolate. Don't be afraid to taste test if you can't resist before adding the espresso beans.
Keep stirring until the chocolate is creamy and smooth. Be sure to reduce heat if the chocolate is bubbling, you do not want to burn the chocolate!
Place your coffee beans in a bowl. The darker the beans, the softer they will be. Nobody wants to break their teeth on a coffee bean.
Pour the chocolate into the bowl and stir the coffee beans and chocolate until it is evenly mixed.
Using the toothpick or fork, remove the chocolate covered coffee beans and place them individually on the parchment paper within the baking tray. You can just dump them all out and spread them if you are lazy but they may stick together. Be sure to add your toppings here as well
Let the beans cool for 4 hours within your fridge or freezer. You don't have to wait this long, but if you can, props to you!
Remember, if you used dark chocolate, approximately seven of these will be equivalent to an espresso shot. So, make sure to keep an eye on caffeine levels!
As we already mentioned, if you plan to use dark chocolate (which is our personal favorite), be sure to keep an eye on caffeine content. As you should know by now, dark chocolate contains more caffeine than any other type of chocolate. So, dark chocolate mixed with coffee beans will give you quite a burst of energy to get you through the day!
Not everyone likes dark chocolate which is why we should mention that a white chocolate can easily be used over it's darker competitors. As long as the coffee bean recipe mentions that you need to use Black Ink Coffee, then you are all set.
White chocolate, dark chocolate or plain old milk chocolate, it doesn't matter. If you like chocolate covered treats, adding this to your espresso beans will give you a delicious snack that will be sure to get you through your worst days. Although we do recommend our chocolate espresso beans, you can easily make these in the comfort of your own homes as well!
]]>Despite how simple the process is, there is actually quite a lot that goes into making delicious cold brew, and it starts with a cold brew coffee maker that can perform properly, as well as the coffee you use. So, let's discuss the best coffee for cold brew!
To give you a quick and easy answer, the best coffee for cold brew depends on your personal preferences, to be honest. Some people love the bold, bitterness of a darker roasted coffee, while others love the complex flavor notes of a lighter roasted coffee. In our opinion, the best coffee for cold brew is a combination or middle point between the two. Whether you use your favorite medium roast, or simply mix a bag of light roast and dark roast, that will usually give you the best of both worlds.
The Maineiac Blend is not only the best selling on our list of coffees, it is also a perfect and well-balanced option for cold brew coffee which is why it is placed here at number one. This blend features the best flavor nuances from some of the most popular Single Origins around, which is why there is no surprise that it tastes so amazing. If you are looking for a flavorful and bright coffee blend, look no further than our Maineiac option.
If you are new to coffee, you probably don't know much about how coffee it is prepared before it comes to our roastery. More specifically, the drying stage. Typically, most coffee is washed of the pulp surrounding the seeds within (these seeds are the coffee beans we drink) and then it is dried.
Unfortunately, this washing process removes a lot of flavor from the seeds within. Alternatively, a natural or honey processed coffee is dried in the actual pulp of the fruit that surrounds it, resulting in a sweeter, higher caffeinated and flavorful coffee. This is exactly why our Brazilian Natural is a must if you plan to make cold brew.
Our Inkwell Blend started out as the darkest coffee option on our menu until it was overthrown by our darker espresso blend. Still, of you are looking for a darker option for your cold brew coffee, we highly recommend the Inkwell Blend above all else.
Featuring Single Origins from all around the world, this mellow blend offers a chocolatey and smoky taste that will provide the perfect body for your cold brew coffee you are looking for. Besides our Maineiac Blend, this is the top selling blend we offer.
In time, we plan on releasing a cold brew blend, and it will most likely be a medium roast featuring a 50/50 blend between Guatemalan and Colombian. When that time comes, it'll take it's rightful spot at number one on our list. For now, we recommend it here at number four because you'll have to create the blend yourself. According to some of the cafes we service, and various customer testing, this blend of the two Single Origins has been the perfect cold brew coffee concoction.
Currently, our Ethiopian Single Origin is our lightest option on our coffee bean menu. This tea-like coffee option is a great choice for the advanced coffee drinker that can appreciate all of the intricacies of a lighter roast. While it may not feature the body that some coffee drinkers have grown to love, it provides a flavorful taste that some coffee drinkers will love. This is the perfect option for someone that is new to coffee, or that prefers tea over coffee.
Chances are, you fall into one of two categories if you enjoy dark roast cold brew. You either need the "strongest" and boldest coffee option, or you are someone that puts tons of additives into your coffee, so it should probably be quite dark to mask the cream and sugar while still delivering a little bit of residual coffee flavor.
A dark roast coffee does make a wonderful cold brew, especially if you don't mind watering it down a bit. Many people mistake the slight bitterness of a dark roast with a "stronger" coffee, so when it comes to cold brew, adding water to dilute it can go a long way, both financially and taste wise.
Don't get us wrong, we have tested our dark roast coffee with the cold brew slow immersion technique, and it does taste magnificent. However, in order for it to be the best coffee for cold brew, it needs to have stronger flavors, which a dark roast lacks. The lighter the coffee, the more flavors it'll have, which is where a dark roast fails.
As we already mentioned, a medium roast coffee is arguably the best coffee for cold brew. In fact, it's where we start when recommending coffees for cold brew to our cafes and customers. It does a great job at providing the subtle flavor nuances of a light roast, while also offering a bolder, fuller bodied cup as that of a dark roast.
Our best selling coffee, the Maineiac Blend, is also the best choice for cold brew according to our own testing. Not only do we recommend it for cold brew, but our customers and cafes suggest and recommend it as well. Let us know your thoughts once you've tried it!
The more and more of a coffee snobs we become at Black Ink, the less additives we find ourselves putting into our cups of coffee, and the lighter we prefer it. We use to hate reading flavor notes, especially when they described something as "fruity' or 'tea-like". Now, we actually prefer it!
So, what about cold brew? To be honest, we find that light roast coffee lacks the boldness or the body that one typically associates with cold brew. We love how much natural flavor there is in a light roast, but we find that it just isn't enough for us alone when slowly immersed in water.
That's why we feel as though a light roast needs to be taken a bit darker if it wants to stand up as a contender for the best coffee for cold brew. There is one alternative though, which brings us to our next option.
Some coffee roasters out there offer a light and dark blend, usually with a creative name like "salt and pepper" or something of that nature that shows dichotomy. Now, we do think it is quite clever and innovative, and we value your taste buds if you have tried it and liked it, but it is fundamentally wrong! Well, at least for drip coffee or if you are introducing hot water to the ground coffee. Let us explain.
When you have a mix of light and dark roasted coffee, the beans are very different in regards to their cell structure. The lighter beans are very dense, while the darker beans are very porous. Since you are grinding them together, the grind size is where this blend fails. No matter how you grind these, they will either be too fine for the dark roast or too coarse for the light roast, which results in half of your cup being under or over extracted.
If you try to find the sweet spot in between, you'll end up with an average cup of coffee that may be bearable, but it'll be slightly sour from the light roast beans being under extracted and slightly bitter or astringent from the dark roast being over extracted. So, what about cold brew?
Luckily for cold brew, this is no longer an issue since everything is equally extracted for the most part due to our friend osmosis. Like the medium roast coffee, this results into a delicious cold brew concentrate that is bold and complex. This may in fact be a better option than medium roast coffee, so we recommend testing it out. In our opinion, we recommend the medium roast first, but if you want to experiment, try blending a few options listed above.
For those of you that haven't heard of cold brew, you probably don't get out much. It is only the trendiest coffee trend of all the trends! Well, maybe not as trendy as it's little brother below, but I digress. If you want more cold brew coffee information, be sure to check out our in depth cold brewing guide.
Making cold brew involves a slow immersion technique, where your coffee grounds (coarsely ground) steep in room temperature or cold water for 12 to 24 hours before consuming. Think of it as making tea except you aren't using hot water and can't enjoy it's deliciousness for a day!
Due to the slow brewing method and low temperature of water, less acid is released from the coffee grounds. This is one of the main reasons behind the trend, the fact that it has less acidity. Another reason cold brew is a fan favorite is that it produces a full bodied smoky and chocolaty taste, it's quite delicious and goes well with donuts.
Why do coffee roasters and cafes like cold brew? It still tastes consistently delicious even with poor quality or older beans! Not that I recommend using either, but it's quite interesting that even lesser quality, or aged coffee beans, will taste good.
For those of you that are confused and don't quite know how cold brew is different from nitro cold brew, American iced coffee and Japanese iced coffee, we'll give a quick explanation of each below.
Depending on the type of grinder you are using, the best grind for cold brew is anything that can grind the coffee beans coarsely. Can you use normal coffee grounds that come in a standard ground coffee bag? Sure, but we recommend grinding it a little more coarse for a few reasons.
It is best to grind coffee beans as coarse as possible because it allows for an easier cleanup and a better filtered cold brew. When you prepare cold brew coffee with cheese cloth, or a metallic filter, it is common for coffee sludge, or even coffee grounds, to make it into your final cup. Using coarse grounds will usually prevent this, giving you a cleaner cup of cold brew!
Weird, right? Actually it's possible to do. Not only is the cold brew easier to clean up, and better filtered, it can be achieved without any tools or equipment. Even the cavemen were able to prepare coffee this way because no grinding was needed. Okay, we exaggerated there, but it does make for an easy solution if you find yourself without the proper coffee gear. We tested this whole bean cold brew method and it took over a week!
The whole bean method may make for an easy cup of cold brew, but it is not the most time sensitive method for extracting cold brew. In fact, the finer the coffee grounds, the more quickly the cold brew will be finished. Since cold brew uses the steeping method for extraction, finer coffee grounds will be exposed to water more quickly, allowing for osmosis to be achieved quicker.
Like we mentioned, the finer the ground, the quicker complete osmosis will be achieved. Generally, for a coarse ground coffee to be done steeping, it is recommended to wait 24-36 hours. If you use regular coffee grounds (medium ground), it may be finished as quickly as 12-24 hours.
On the opposite spectrum, if you are using whole beans, it may take a week or longer to be finished extracting. So, how long does cold brew take? Well, it depends on how patient you are and how coarse the coffee grounds are. We recommend tasting it for yourself after a day or two to test what the optimal time period is for making the best cold brew for your palette.
To know how long cold brew is good for, it comes down to storage. It turns out that properly stored cold brew can be consumed up to two weeks after it was prepared, if kept in a refrigerator, and in an air tight container. Some places offer canned cold brew which may be good for much longer. Keeping the two week storage time in mind, we recommend trusting your taste buds.
Cold brew is something we recommend for those that are always on the go and need something ready or on tap. With a cold brew maker, you can keep the same batch fresh for over a week in the fridge.
Cold brew has become quite a popular method for making coffee. With benefits such as lower acidity, bigger batches of coffee, bolder flavors and less of a need for high quality beans, it is obvious why people have switched. With that said, there remains the bottleneck of time. For a quick cup of coffee, cold brew is not possible. You need to adequately plan for cold brew and remember to keep the cold brew machine filled!
One solution that I have seen for quicker Cold brew is a bloom with hot water in the beginning of the extraction process. A bloom is just the process of adding just enough hot water to coffee grounds to saturate them enough for carbon dioxide to be released. This process helps increase the overall taste of the cup and allows for better extraction which is why most pour over techniques include the bloom in the beginning.
Following the bloom, you then would add cold water like normal, allowing for the cold brew to be achieved in as little as 6-12 hours. This method will release a little bit more acidity into the cup, but if you are using a thick filter, or do not suffer from acid reflux, we think you'll enjoy this cold brew even more.
Nitro Cold Brew is just cold brew that has been introduced to nitrogen, giving it that cascading effect with a rich, foamy and creamy top. Personally, we do not enjoy nitro cold brew coffee all that much, but for those that enjoy a nice Guinness, this may be a beverage worth giving a try. If you have any interest and want to try to make some at home, check out our nitro cold brew guide.
For many of you, your first experience with trying iced coffee was probably when you added ice to older coffee that had been sitting out for a little while. There is no shame in that, you have to start somewhere! Well, this is exactly what iced coffee is. It is just normal brewed coffee that has cooled down and was added to ice. Boring, old and unimpressive.
So what is "Japanese" iced coffee? Japanese iced coffee is when you brew hot coffee directly over ice utilizing a pour over method, usually with something like a Chemex. When you do this, it is essential that you are using just enough ice to cool the coffee down but not too much that the coffee weakens.
Lets say you like to use a 16 to 1 ratio for grams of water to grams of ground coffee. For Japanese Iced Coffee, you may use a 10 to 1 water to coffee ratio that gets poured over 6 parts of ice. This allows for you to brew very strong coffee with the 10 parts of water, and the 6 parts of ice will cool the coffee down enough to consume instantly!
The reason this method is so amazing is that it locks the taste in and allows for immediate consumption. When it comes to coffee, oxidization kills (flavor and freshness that is). You lose a lot of taste in the hour or two your coffee sits around when you are waiting for it to cool down.
For specialty coffee beans with complex acidity, and unique flavor nuances, you'll need to brew the coffee with hot water in order to truly taste the bean. This is why we recommend Japanese iced coffee for specialty coffee beans.
Now that you know which coffee is best for cold brew, it's time to brew a batch! With so many types of coffees, and different opinions on the proper coffee ratios and brewing techniques, it can be a bit overwhelming. Well, in our opinion, testing is our advice. Nobody can tell you what you like, so it's better to discover it on your own!
]]>We all love coffee. I find myself constantly wondering what to do with used coffee grounds. In America, we drink roughly 400 million cups a day. Therefore, it is no surprise then that we leave behind hundreds of thousands of pounds of coffee grounds, DAILY. So what can you do with all of that waste? Here are seven ways you can, and should be, reusing your leftover coffee grounds!
I remember being in college and running out of coffee grounds quite a few times. I will be honest, I brew another pot of coffee using the coffee grounds from the last batch of coffee, and it wasn't terrible. That being said, I don't recommend it since there will be little to no flavor, body or caffeine. Not to mention the fact that they'll be over extracted and probably will taste burnt.
If you are wondering if you can reuse coffee grounds, other than for brewing, then the answer is simple. Yes! There are tons of practical uses for coffee grounds that have been used. Whether you are composting and growing a garden, building furniture and in need of a coffee stain, or someone looking to exfoliate your skin, you can and should be reusing your coffee grounds.
Adding coffee grounds to your compost will help speed up the decomposing process. It also helps mask the odor of the compost. You may already be doing this with your used coffee grounds, but if not, it is a simple and sustainable approach for properly disposing of the coffee.
To piggyback off of composting, coffee grounds make great deodorizers. Simply fill a breathable object (cheese cloth, pantyhose, socks, etc.) with dried used coffee grounds and place it inside of your dumpster, trash can, fridge, shoes, or even your kids sports bag. Although this is a great way to reuse coffee grounds, make sure they are dry to prevent mold growth.
Not only can these used coffee grounds be used to mask foul odors, they can repel the peskiest of bugs. Sprinkle this around your home, fireplace, BBQ area, or wherever you want to be free of annoying bugs. Just be cautious of doing this if you have animals that may try to eat these grounds. In large amounts, caffeine can be deadly for any animal.
Coffee grounds make a great natural fertilizer, simply replace store-bought fertilizer with coffee grounds and watch your garden bloom! Not only do coffee grounds help your plants grow, but the caffeine may also help keep them awake!
The grittiness of coffee grounds makes it a great natural scrubber on your pots and pans! It can also be used to unclog your drains, just boil a couple cups of water mixed with coffee grounds and pour the hot mixture down the drain. Although used coffee grounds may still smell good when adding water to them, do not attempt to reuse them for consumption.
Coffee grounds can provide a great dark brown/espresso colored stain that will cover up most blemishes and scratches. Feel free to use this on home DIY craft projects as well. Some people use coffee to dye their clothes, avoiding unhealthy chemicals from contacting your skin.
Replace your store-bought exfoliates with natural coffee grounds. The coarseness of the used coffee grounds will help remove dead skin cells, without irritating your face or body. Not only will you smell good, you may also get a boost of energy from the caffeine content in the scrub itself.
*This also works great on anything that gets sprayed by a skunk!
]]>Each of these manual brewing methods work completely differently and yield a completely different brew. They each have strengths and weaknesses. Before you read about each method’s pros and cons, you may be interested to know that these methods share common traits and features.
The most important thing to know is that these methods all require the same accessories. Manual brewing methods require water heated from a kettle and a uniform grind from a burr grinder. These two investments will cover all your manual brewing needs regardless of which method you choose.
The next thing you should know is that all three of these methods yield a substantially better and more detailed taste compared to your average drip coffee pot. These coffee makers impart no additional flavors on your brew and allow you to control the parameters of the extraction. They allow you to make small adjustments in pursuit of the perfect cup.
Lastly, all three of these methods can be purchased inexpensively for 50 dollars or less on Amazon. There are some exceptions to this, but for the most part, manual brewing methods are much cheaper than their electronic counterparts.
Now we can move on to what makes each method unique.
The Aeropress consists of a brewing chamber, a filter attachment, and a plunger. The device rests on your cup and uses a paper filter just like a pour-over. However, it works by steeping coffee and then pressing down a plunger, similar to a French Press. The result is a clean tasting coffee with a surprising amount of nuance to the flavor.
The Aeropress is easily the most versatile gadget from this list. You control the coffee grind, coffee to water ratio, extraction time, and pressure. The design of the Aeropress supports large variations in each of these parameters. This leads to all sorts of various kinds of drinks including regular coffee, americano style coffee, and coffee concentrate (very similar to espresso).
Pros
Cons
The French Press consists of a brewing vessel and a mesh filter attached to a plunger. French Presses come in all different shapes and sizes and can be made from glass, stoneware, or stainless steel. The French Press only makes one type of hot coffee (with a very recognizable texture), but you can also use a French Press for cold brew as well as tea.
The French Press works by full immersion. You will basically steep the coffee grounds in water and then press down on the plunger. The plunger will push the grounds to the bottom of the pot and allow you to pour out the coffee. The French Press does not use a paper filter (unlike the other two methods from this list) and will leave a small amount of sediment at the bottom of your cup. French Pressed coffee has a certain heaviness to it (referred to as body) and is great for bold coffee lovers.
Pros
Cons
The Chemex brewing method consists of a glass vessel and a unique filter. The Chemex filter is substantially thicker than other coffee filters and pulls out most of the coffee oils and all the sediment from a cup. The resulting brew is the cleanest, brightest cup on this list. This happens to be my favorite method to brew coffee.
The Chemex is basically a pour over device where the coffee is contained in the bottom. The thick filter regulates and slows down the flow of water and allows the flavor profile to develop while removing most of the body. Because of this, the Chemex has the longest brew time between these three methods.
Pros
Cons
Each method excels at a different brewing style, and ultimately the best one comes down to your taste. However, I have some preferences based on my experiences and I am happy to mention these below. Keep in mind, these are strictly my opinions.
Which method is easiest to use for beginners? The French Press
Which method is the most forgiving of mistakes? The Aeropress
Which method is the fastest? The Aeropress
Which method is the cheapest? The Aeropress, in most cases
Which method is the most versatile? The Aeropress
Which method makes the strongest tasting coffee? The French Press for a full cup, and the Aeropress for a concentrated cup.
Which method makes the best tasting, least-bitter coffee overall? The Chemex
Even though my favorite method is the Chemex, the Aeropress is certainly the most useful. In general, I recommend the Aeropress be your first coffee purchase if you don’t mind that it only makes single servings at a time.
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At Black Ink, it is a requirement that you drink a pot of coffee every day. Okay, maybe not but we certainly drink a lot of coffee. I have often wondered, is this a good thing or a bad thing for my health? As humans, we tend to focus on the bad, so let's do the opposite. So, is coffee good for you?
For those that require the "too long, didn't read" (TL;DR) version and want to know if coffee is good for you, let me do my best to simplify it. Coffee can be both good and bad for you depending on a few variables, like knowing exactly how much caffeine is in coffee.
Typically, most research has toted that coffee (caffeine) is good for you in moderation as it can improve health, mental alertness, mental performance and physical performance. For those with preexisting heart conditions, it would be wise to consult with a doctor for the best way to proceed.
Studies show that coffee consumers are less likely to die from many of the leading causes of death; stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. If you are someone that wants to live a long and healthy life, we suggest drinking a cup or two a day. If you are someone that doesn't want to live a long and healthy life, maybe you should go drink Folgers or Maxwell House!
All kidding aside, there has been tons of research on whether or not coffee correlates to living a longer life and the data is overwhelming in favor of it leading to a healthier life. As long as you are buying top quality and freshly harvested and roasted coffee, you'll be living to drink another day. If you buy the cheap stuff, you're probably drinking mold and inorganic chemicals, not to mention the lack of freshness.
In reference to the diabetes from above, studies show that coffee drinkers are better at processing glucose, reducing the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. So, that means you can eat more donuts, right? No, not exactly.
Just because your body can process these sugars more efficiently doesn't mean you should indulge more often. Same with sugary additives in your coffee. Don't go drinking ten Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks thinking that you are fighting diabetes, if anything, you are speeding it up.
If drinking a cup or two of coffee can reduce the likelihood of diabetes, and probably help with weight loss from the enhanced sugar processing, why wouldn't you add this to your diet?
Studies show that caffeine can help lower the chance of developing Parkinson's disease, and for those that already have the disease, caffeine can help them control their movements. It is important to understand that caffeine won't prevent it, but it can certainly help.
Studies show that coffee can protect your liver by helping maintain a healthier amount of enzymes. We always knew that coffee was a magical cup of awesomeness, but this is the icing on top of the is coffee good for you cake. You should be happy to know that if you are not a teetotaler, coffee will help with your after hours fun you may or may not be taking part in. That is, if you catch my drift.
There is a strong positive correlation between the amount of coffee consumed (darker the better) and the decrease in DNA strand breakage. This DNA breakage leads to complications like cancer and tumors. Wait, what? Yes, you heard us correctly, darker roasted coffee can help your DNA which helps fight or prevent cancer and tumors.
Although we do not like to roast our coffee overly dark as it breaks down the coffee to a point where the flavor characteristics are lost, we understand that our customers like what they life. Besides, if we are helping fight cancer, why wouldn't we carry a dark roast?
Studies show that the consumption of at least two cups of regular coffee a day will severely lower your chance of developing Alzheimer's disease and Dementia. So, at Black Ink, we are honored to announce that we carry antidotes for just about any ailment you may have. No, not really, but if we can help fight Alzheimer's and Dementia, we are honored to do so.
First of all, coffee is very high in antioxidants. Studies show that most people get more antioxidants from their coffee than they do from their fruits and vegetables. Also, one cup of coffee can give it's consumers a healthy amount of nutrients such as; Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin (Vitamin B3).
I'll be honest, I have no clue what any of those do, but if science has backed up these finding and they are correlated to healthy nutrients your body needs, I am not going to fight it. So, go drink some coffee and be a healthier you!
Caffeine is found in just about every fat burning supplement and there is a good reason for it. Studies show that caffeine can increase your metabolism by 3-11%, and as we already mentioned above, it enhanced your ability to process sugar. These aren't fat pills, but when used in conjunction with working out, caffeine can help produce great results.
"Is coffee good for you if you are on a diet?"
"Yes." - Science
Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks the neurotransmitter called Adenosine, an inhibitor. This leads to the firing of other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps increase brain functions (mood, memory, energy, reaction times and cognitive abilities).
There is a reason why coffee is the second most consumed beverage on college campuses. No, not so students can be more alert for class after consuming the number one most consumed beverage the night before, it's because of all of the late night cramming they will need to do the day before a test or assignment is due.
So, I think it is fair to stop asking "is coffee good for you", and start asking, "why shouldn't I drink coffee?" As you can see, the health benefits are quite overwhelming for such a small amount of coffee per day. They say beans are the magical fruit and it's for good reason. These beans will not only help you toot, but they will also help you live a longer, healthier, clearer and productive life.
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