When was the last time that you went to Starbucks for a coffee? I have to be honest here and say that I think it was more than a month ago! I know, it is quite strange especially if you consider that I used to go there at least three times a week. I guess it is a combination of high prices and busy times. In any case, from what I hear, we just might have more reason to visit Starbucks pretty soon. News has been going around that the giant coffee chain is going to slash its prices because of plunging profits. Sky News has this story:
The chain reported a net profit of £17m for the 13 weeks to March 29 compared with £73m for the same period last year. The company has announced plans to close 960 stores globally as consumers cut back on their spending. Since July it has shut 507 stores in the US and 64 shops in other countries. The closures are part of a plan to close underperforming stores and shave costs companywide.
Starbucks has also been stung by suggestions that some of its drinks are too expensive. Chief executive Howard Schultz said prices on some products in some markets would now be cut. The perception that its coffee is too expensive has led to companies such as McDonald’s making inroads in the speciality coffee market.
ll I can say is that it is about time that they lowered their prices. After all, we do have a lot of other choices and just because their prices are high does not mean that their coffee is better than the others, no?
June 1, 2009
May 25, 2009
Another coffee Facts
Drinking coffee is one of the most popular hobbies of nearly all people in the world. It may be considered a pleasurable and healthy vise but can also provide bad effect in the body if consumed excessively.
Coffee, whether it is dark or decaffeinated or combined with milk or creamer, is a beverage that all people would love to have on a day to day basis. It is a liquid refreshment that can be sipped excitingly whether hot or cold and the best mate when we have deadlines, interestingly talking with someone or just reading our favorite books.
Coffee has truly evolved throughout the years. Its industry has made several people rich and accomplished in various places. The thousand coffee shops are one of its clear evidences. More than just wealth, drinking coffee can also make every person happy and relaxed. This is because of its main compound found in every granule that is known to affect the human body chemistry - the caffeine. This main component acts as a stimulant that pleases the body.
One of the well known good effects of drinking coffee is the energy gained. Hence, many people who have deadlines or need to be awake at night are taking coffee to keep them going. It also stimulates the bowel and provides more fascinating benefit to serious diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia, as well as gallstones and Parkinson's diseases.
In some studies, coffee has also proven to reduce the incident of acquiring diseases in liver and Type 2 Diabetes, as well as oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer. The anticancer compound, methylpyridinium found in coffee also serves as an antioxidant that helps in preventing cancer.
However, despite of these proven facts about coffee, it can also produce unhealthy effects on our body if we consumed more than what is recommended and our body can take in a day. Common disorders and diseases of excessive drinking of coffee include anxiety and sleep changes, gastrointestinal problems, blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Indeed, drinking coffee is something that we should not be guilty of. However, we should keep in mind that it is still about balance. The recommended consumption per day is four cups (24 fl oz or 600 mL) or fewer. Let's not abuse the benefits that it can give us. Instead, let us just enjoy the pleasure of drinking a cup or two every day - that will definitely satisfy and keep us healthy.
Coffee Machine ...? which one suits you
This article outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of the traditional espresso machine and bean to cup systems.
There are other types of coffee machine available too, such as the filter coffee machine, pod machine or instant coffee machine, but these are not considered in this article as they cannot produce 'proper' speciality coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, ristretto etc.
The basis of all luxury speciality coffee drinks is the espresso which both our systems produce. This is made by passing hot water under pressure through a wad of ground coffee, to produce a short, strong and concentrated coffee liquor. When the espresso shot is blended with foamed or steamed milk then most popular types of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato can be made.
Both the traditional espresso machine and the bean to cup machine are able to produce espresso shots and foamed milk.
Firstly we will consider overall drink quality. Here the traditional espresso machine comes out on top. This is assuming that the operator (barista) is well trained and both types of equipment are clean and well-maintained.
An espresso based drink produced on a traditional espresso machine and prepared by a top barista is the best you can get! Coffee beverages made from a bean to cup machine are very good, but don't quite make it to the standard set by a traditional system.
Secondly when considering the consistency of the final beverage the bean to cup machine would usually win. The quality of drink from a traditional espresso machine depends on the barista and his frame of mind at the time and so can vary greatly. Bean to cup machines however produce the same drink at the push of a button and are not dependent on the operator.
Thirdly, ease of use. Here again the fully automatic bean to cup machine comes out on top as most drinks are prepared by the push of a button. To prepare and serve a quality beverage from a traditional espresso machine is a skilled art and takes considerable practise to master.
Fourthly to consider is 'theatre' or ambience of the drink preparation. Whilst a bean to cup machine is purely a functional device to produce a quality beverage, the traditional espresso machine adds that special magic to the whole coffee experience. Customers can enjoy the overall coffee experience as they watch the skilled barista at work.
Our of our four criteria, you will notice that both have 2 wins each, so choose whatever best suits your set-up. Decide which are the most important factors in your particular case before contacting your local coffee machine supplier.
Enjoy.
There are other types of coffee machine available too, such as the filter coffee machine, pod machine or instant coffee machine, but these are not considered in this article as they cannot produce 'proper' speciality coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, ristretto etc.
The basis of all luxury speciality coffee drinks is the espresso which both our systems produce. This is made by passing hot water under pressure through a wad of ground coffee, to produce a short, strong and concentrated coffee liquor. When the espresso shot is blended with foamed or steamed milk then most popular types of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato can be made.
Both the traditional espresso machine and the bean to cup machine are able to produce espresso shots and foamed milk.
Firstly we will consider overall drink quality. Here the traditional espresso machine comes out on top. This is assuming that the operator (barista) is well trained and both types of equipment are clean and well-maintained.
An espresso based drink produced on a traditional espresso machine and prepared by a top barista is the best you can get! Coffee beverages made from a bean to cup machine are very good, but don't quite make it to the standard set by a traditional system.
Secondly when considering the consistency of the final beverage the bean to cup machine would usually win. The quality of drink from a traditional espresso machine depends on the barista and his frame of mind at the time and so can vary greatly. Bean to cup machines however produce the same drink at the push of a button and are not dependent on the operator.
Thirdly, ease of use. Here again the fully automatic bean to cup machine comes out on top as most drinks are prepared by the push of a button. To prepare and serve a quality beverage from a traditional espresso machine is a skilled art and takes considerable practise to master.
Fourthly to consider is 'theatre' or ambience of the drink preparation. Whilst a bean to cup machine is purely a functional device to produce a quality beverage, the traditional espresso machine adds that special magic to the whole coffee experience. Customers can enjoy the overall coffee experience as they watch the skilled barista at work.
Our of our four criteria, you will notice that both have 2 wins each, so choose whatever best suits your set-up. Decide which are the most important factors in your particular case before contacting your local coffee machine supplier.
Enjoy.
Vietnam Coffee
Introduced by French Jesuits in the 1870s, Vietnam has risen to be the second largest coffee exporting country after Brazil.
Producing between 800,000 and 1m tons per year, Vietnam only consumes about 10% of its production. The remainder is purchased by some of the world’s best known instant coffee brands.
The large majority of local production is done by small households with 2-5ha planted. State owned companies produce around 15% on larger farms.
Production is centered around Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak province, in the Central Highlands.
Robusta is the main crop in Vietnam, due to suitability of geography, climate and elevation. The Government is making its strategy of supplementing Robusta production with the farming of Arabica in suitable areas. While producing lower quantities, Arabica earns roughly twice as much as the same weight of Robusta.
With over 150 years of coffee heritage, Vietnam drinkers have made coffee a key part of their social culture. Sitting around catching up while the strong, rich brew percolates through the ‘phin’ (filter), the only choice to make is whether to add ice, condensed milk or both.
May 24, 2009
Decaf coffee facts
*Decaf coffee drinkers consume 17.7 % of annual coffee sales.
*More pounds of decaffeinated coffee are sold worldwide than organic and fair-trade coffee combined.
*All decaffeinated coffee actually contains some level of caffeine.
*Researchers have been working on a coffee tree that will produce decaffeinated coffee.
*Most of the caffeine removed from coffee is manufactured for use in other products, such as medicines and soft drinks. As a side note, many soft drinks have no inherent caffeine; it is all an addition from coffee.
*My last coffee fact is something all coffee drinkers should know. Different coffees contain varying levels of caffeine depending on their botanical variety. Robusta coffee is grown at a lower elevation, and has more caffeine than arabica coffee which is grown at higher elevations. Arabica coffee is considered "specialty" coffee for is complex flavor and character. Robusta is, for the most part, not spectacular coffee but it does have more "buzz" and is used by some roasters as a component for Espresso blends.
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June 1, 2009
Starbucks Slash it's price ..?
When was the last time that you went to Starbucks for a coffee? I have to be honest here and say that I think it was more than a month ago! I know, it is quite strange especially if you consider that I used to go there at least three times a week. I guess it is a combination of high prices and busy times. In any case, from what I hear, we just might have more reason to visit Starbucks pretty soon. News has been going around that the giant coffee chain is going to slash its prices because of plunging profits. Sky News has this story:
The chain reported a net profit of £17m for the 13 weeks to March 29 compared with £73m for the same period last year. The company has announced plans to close 960 stores globally as consumers cut back on their spending. Since July it has shut 507 stores in the US and 64 shops in other countries. The closures are part of a plan to close underperforming stores and shave costs companywide.
Starbucks has also been stung by suggestions that some of its drinks are too expensive. Chief executive Howard Schultz said prices on some products in some markets would now be cut. The perception that its coffee is too expensive has led to companies such as McDonald’s making inroads in the speciality coffee market.
ll I can say is that it is about time that they lowered their prices. After all, we do have a lot of other choices and just because their prices are high does not mean that their coffee is better than the others, no?
The chain reported a net profit of £17m for the 13 weeks to March 29 compared with £73m for the same period last year. The company has announced plans to close 960 stores globally as consumers cut back on their spending. Since July it has shut 507 stores in the US and 64 shops in other countries. The closures are part of a plan to close underperforming stores and shave costs companywide.
Starbucks has also been stung by suggestions that some of its drinks are too expensive. Chief executive Howard Schultz said prices on some products in some markets would now be cut. The perception that its coffee is too expensive has led to companies such as McDonald’s making inroads in the speciality coffee market.
ll I can say is that it is about time that they lowered their prices. After all, we do have a lot of other choices and just because their prices are high does not mean that their coffee is better than the others, no?
May 25, 2009
Another coffee Facts
Drinking coffee is one of the most popular hobbies of nearly all people in the world. It may be considered a pleasurable and healthy vise but can also provide bad effect in the body if consumed excessively.
Coffee, whether it is dark or decaffeinated or combined with milk or creamer, is a beverage that all people would love to have on a day to day basis. It is a liquid refreshment that can be sipped excitingly whether hot or cold and the best mate when we have deadlines, interestingly talking with someone or just reading our favorite books.
Coffee has truly evolved throughout the years. Its industry has made several people rich and accomplished in various places. The thousand coffee shops are one of its clear evidences. More than just wealth, drinking coffee can also make every person happy and relaxed. This is because of its main compound found in every granule that is known to affect the human body chemistry - the caffeine. This main component acts as a stimulant that pleases the body.
One of the well known good effects of drinking coffee is the energy gained. Hence, many people who have deadlines or need to be awake at night are taking coffee to keep them going. It also stimulates the bowel and provides more fascinating benefit to serious diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia, as well as gallstones and Parkinson's diseases.
In some studies, coffee has also proven to reduce the incident of acquiring diseases in liver and Type 2 Diabetes, as well as oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer. The anticancer compound, methylpyridinium found in coffee also serves as an antioxidant that helps in preventing cancer.
However, despite of these proven facts about coffee, it can also produce unhealthy effects on our body if we consumed more than what is recommended and our body can take in a day. Common disorders and diseases of excessive drinking of coffee include anxiety and sleep changes, gastrointestinal problems, blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Indeed, drinking coffee is something that we should not be guilty of. However, we should keep in mind that it is still about balance. The recommended consumption per day is four cups (24 fl oz or 600 mL) or fewer. Let's not abuse the benefits that it can give us. Instead, let us just enjoy the pleasure of drinking a cup or two every day - that will definitely satisfy and keep us healthy.
Coffee Machine ...? which one suits you
This article outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of the traditional espresso machine and bean to cup systems.
There are other types of coffee machine available too, such as the filter coffee machine, pod machine or instant coffee machine, but these are not considered in this article as they cannot produce 'proper' speciality coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, ristretto etc.
The basis of all luxury speciality coffee drinks is the espresso which both our systems produce. This is made by passing hot water under pressure through a wad of ground coffee, to produce a short, strong and concentrated coffee liquor. When the espresso shot is blended with foamed or steamed milk then most popular types of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato can be made.
Both the traditional espresso machine and the bean to cup machine are able to produce espresso shots and foamed milk.
Firstly we will consider overall drink quality. Here the traditional espresso machine comes out on top. This is assuming that the operator (barista) is well trained and both types of equipment are clean and well-maintained.
An espresso based drink produced on a traditional espresso machine and prepared by a top barista is the best you can get! Coffee beverages made from a bean to cup machine are very good, but don't quite make it to the standard set by a traditional system.
Secondly when considering the consistency of the final beverage the bean to cup machine would usually win. The quality of drink from a traditional espresso machine depends on the barista and his frame of mind at the time and so can vary greatly. Bean to cup machines however produce the same drink at the push of a button and are not dependent on the operator.
Thirdly, ease of use. Here again the fully automatic bean to cup machine comes out on top as most drinks are prepared by the push of a button. To prepare and serve a quality beverage from a traditional espresso machine is a skilled art and takes considerable practise to master.
Fourthly to consider is 'theatre' or ambience of the drink preparation. Whilst a bean to cup machine is purely a functional device to produce a quality beverage, the traditional espresso machine adds that special magic to the whole coffee experience. Customers can enjoy the overall coffee experience as they watch the skilled barista at work.
Our of our four criteria, you will notice that both have 2 wins each, so choose whatever best suits your set-up. Decide which are the most important factors in your particular case before contacting your local coffee machine supplier.
Enjoy.
There are other types of coffee machine available too, such as the filter coffee machine, pod machine or instant coffee machine, but these are not considered in this article as they cannot produce 'proper' speciality coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, ristretto etc.
The basis of all luxury speciality coffee drinks is the espresso which both our systems produce. This is made by passing hot water under pressure through a wad of ground coffee, to produce a short, strong and concentrated coffee liquor. When the espresso shot is blended with foamed or steamed milk then most popular types of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato can be made.
Both the traditional espresso machine and the bean to cup machine are able to produce espresso shots and foamed milk.
Firstly we will consider overall drink quality. Here the traditional espresso machine comes out on top. This is assuming that the operator (barista) is well trained and both types of equipment are clean and well-maintained.
An espresso based drink produced on a traditional espresso machine and prepared by a top barista is the best you can get! Coffee beverages made from a bean to cup machine are very good, but don't quite make it to the standard set by a traditional system.
Secondly when considering the consistency of the final beverage the bean to cup machine would usually win. The quality of drink from a traditional espresso machine depends on the barista and his frame of mind at the time and so can vary greatly. Bean to cup machines however produce the same drink at the push of a button and are not dependent on the operator.
Thirdly, ease of use. Here again the fully automatic bean to cup machine comes out on top as most drinks are prepared by the push of a button. To prepare and serve a quality beverage from a traditional espresso machine is a skilled art and takes considerable practise to master.
Fourthly to consider is 'theatre' or ambience of the drink preparation. Whilst a bean to cup machine is purely a functional device to produce a quality beverage, the traditional espresso machine adds that special magic to the whole coffee experience. Customers can enjoy the overall coffee experience as they watch the skilled barista at work.
Our of our four criteria, you will notice that both have 2 wins each, so choose whatever best suits your set-up. Decide which are the most important factors in your particular case before contacting your local coffee machine supplier.
Enjoy.
Vietnam Coffee
Introduced by French Jesuits in the 1870s, Vietnam has risen to be the second largest coffee exporting country after Brazil.
Producing between 800,000 and 1m tons per year, Vietnam only consumes about 10% of its production. The remainder is purchased by some of the world’s best known instant coffee brands.
The large majority of local production is done by small households with 2-5ha planted. State owned companies produce around 15% on larger farms.
Production is centered around Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak province, in the Central Highlands.
Robusta is the main crop in Vietnam, due to suitability of geography, climate and elevation. The Government is making its strategy of supplementing Robusta production with the farming of Arabica in suitable areas. While producing lower quantities, Arabica earns roughly twice as much as the same weight of Robusta.
With over 150 years of coffee heritage, Vietnam drinkers have made coffee a key part of their social culture. Sitting around catching up while the strong, rich brew percolates through the ‘phin’ (filter), the only choice to make is whether to add ice, condensed milk or both.
May 24, 2009
Decaf coffee facts
*Decaf coffee drinkers consume 17.7 % of annual coffee sales.
*More pounds of decaffeinated coffee are sold worldwide than organic and fair-trade coffee combined.
*All decaffeinated coffee actually contains some level of caffeine.
*Researchers have been working on a coffee tree that will produce decaffeinated coffee.
*Most of the caffeine removed from coffee is manufactured for use in other products, such as medicines and soft drinks. As a side note, many soft drinks have no inherent caffeine; it is all an addition from coffee.
*My last coffee fact is something all coffee drinkers should know. Different coffees contain varying levels of caffeine depending on their botanical variety. Robusta coffee is grown at a lower elevation, and has more caffeine than arabica coffee which is grown at higher elevations. Arabica coffee is considered "specialty" coffee for is complex flavor and character. Robusta is, for the most part, not spectacular coffee but it does have more "buzz" and is used by some roasters as a component for Espresso blends.
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