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AT-HOME COFFEE: PODS VS. MACHINES

Coffee shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s the way millions of people across the U.S. start every morning. We drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day. With so many variations to choose from in the coffee world, it can be difficult to know what option works best for you.

Certain people swear by various methods for brewing coffee, but you don’t want to try everything before figuring out the best way. In most cases, you’ll choose between pods vs. machines. These are some of the pros and cons associated with several kinds.

Drip Coffee Machine

When you think of making coffee at home, a drip coffee machine is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. This is one of the most popular ways people make their coffee. Most machines are fairly straightforward. However, they can sometimes be confusing—especially models that offer an overabundance of options.

One of the biggest drawbacks about drip coffee machines is that they require frequent cleaning. Many people don’t realize that coffee machines are one of the most germ-infested places in the home. Failure to properly maintain a drip coffee machine can allow bacteria like E. coli to flourish. This poses a danger to you and your family.

Pour Over Drip Coffee

Pour over drip is becoming a popular way for many to brew their coffee. Essentially, this is a way to manually recreate the drip coffee process without using a machine. This is popular with younger coffee drinkers who tend to appreciate the overall simplicity of pour over.

On the other hand, there are still some drawbacks to the method. You still need to use a filter every time, which creates unnecessary waste relative to some other techniques. It’s also important to consider the shape and design of the pour over device. If the basin is too odd, it might be difficult to clean. This will lead to similar sanitation issues as with the drip machine.

French Press

The French press is another popular brewing tool. One of the great benefits of the French press is that is doesn’t create unnecessary waste. Every part of the device is completely reusable. Many people also enjoy the French press because it allows for a certain amount of personal authority when it comes to the strength of the drink itself. You pour hot water onto ground coffee beans in the vat. Then, when you’re ready, you attach the top piece, and slowly press down the filter. Like all things French, using one of these is a fairly romantic process. There are, of course, still downsides. It can be a pain to clean out the filter after every use. Also, some people find scooping out the remains from the bottom of the basin to be extremely unpleasant.

Coffee Pods

There are several options for coffee pods out there right now. Most coffee pod companies, such as Keurig, require you to purchase and maintain an expensive machine in order to use the product. These typically create far inferior coffee compared to a drip machine, while also coming with the disadvantage of harboring bacteria. However, there are some companies like Caffè di Artisan, shining light on a revolutionary new idea – Coffee pods that require no machines. Their pods are filled with premium-quality liquid extract of coffee. All you need to do is heat up water and combine it with the contents of a pod. No cleanup. No germs. They additionally offer several varieties of pods and coffee styles, which would normally require extremely expensive machines. With Caffè di Artisan, it’s possible to make espresso at home without a machine in the amount of time it takes to boil water. Unlike other pod companies, Caffè di Artisan uses sustainable packaging. So, you don’t need to feel guilty about this single-use model.

Instant Coffee

Some people swear by instant coffee because of its complete simplicity. After all, the idea of something instant is pretty appealing. But there are a couple major problems with instant coffee. It’s generally not going to taste nearly as good as coffee made from any of the previously mentioned methods. Instant coffee is usually made from the lowest quality beans and processed to lose a lot of its natural flavor. There are also studies that have shown a link between certain kinds of instant coffee and cancer. In no circumstances should your health be put in jeopardy for such a slight savings of cost and time.

There’s a huge amount of choice out there in the coffee world. With so many options, it can be confusing to know the best route for your home-brewing needs. Most people in today’s world want coffee that’s easy to make and tastes great. Only a few ways truly offer this ideal combination.

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Dedicated: It’s Time to Rethink Espresso

Do you love coffee? Does your mood improve at the mere mention of espresso? If you are a hardcore coffee fanatic, you probably have a preferred method of caffeine consumption. Whether it’s a nonfat milk almond latte or a white Americano with plenty of cream and sugar, you probably have it the same way every day.

But just because you have a cherished approach to brew doesn’t mean you can’t rethink coffee every now again. And guess what? It’s time to rethink espresso. Below are a few novel approaches to espresso you may not have tried before. Take a gander and see if any of these suggestions tickle your fancy.

Go Nondairy. It’s often thought dairy brings out the best of espresso. For instance, high-fat milk or cream gives your coffee a velvety mouthfeel, while simultaneously cutting espresso’s bitter flavor. But if you think this is the only way to drink espresso, you are way off base.

Nondairy milks are becoming more popular as many consumers eschew animal-based products; such as vegans and vegetarians. Even if you are an avid carnivore or omnivore, you should at least try a nut-milk latte. Almond milk, for example, brings out an espresso’s hidden nutty or woody flavor notes. Oat milk, similarly, allows for more delicate flavors to flourish, such as notes of vanilla or cardamom. Rice milk, on the other hand, has a mellow taste more akin to nonfat milk.

Feel free to experiment. You never know when you might find an unexpected favorite!

Embrace Espresso Pods. Traditionally, espresso is made with a big, bulky machine that requires a ton of maintenance and upkeep. Failure to do so will result in pipes and tubes coated with rancid coffee oil. Pretty gross, right? And trust me: the innards of a coffee machine impossible to clean.

Another unfortunate factor is the price of obtaining a heavy-duty espresso machine. The average cost of a consumer-grade espresso machine is between $500 and $2,500!

Luckily, making a cup of delicious espresso doesn’t require clunky appliances or pricey gadgets. Espresso pods are quickly growing in popularity due to their ease of use. Of course, not all espresso pods are created equal. For example, Keurig’s K-Cups are nowhere as environmentally friendly as espresso pods from Caffè di Artisan, which uses 100 percent recyclable (and widely recycled) pods. The former is perhaps more widely available, while the latter is of higher quality. It really depends on the factors you, the coffee consumer, value most.

Eat Espresso for Dinner. Have you ever had espresso for dinner? If not, you are in for a treat. No, we aren’t talking about an espresso aperitif – although that sounds pretty good too. We are talking about a real-deal dinner!

Espresso-balsamic roasted chicken is a great example of a unique dish, with an easy coffee-infused glaze. By mixing a cup of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, and two teaspoons of espresso power or pods, you can create a tangy glaze for your chicken and potato dish.

Similarly, you can add espresso to your chicken mole recipe to provide “a nice depth” to your sauce. This is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Do a little research on espresso dinner recipes to find meal ideas for your next dinner party!

Cool It Down, Don’t Water It Out. This next tip is a summertime favorite; especially if you like cold coffees or iced Americanos.

Take an ice tray and fill it with espresso (note that it is more cost effective to make the espresso at home via espresso coffee pods or a similar method). Freeze it overnight and voilà, espresso ice cubes! These can be added to any drink you desire include chocolate milk, coffee cocktails, or even ice coffee if you are a caffeine addict.

Now, these are just a few examples of rethinking espresso. If this article has spring a creative idea in your head, the only thing left to do is try it out yourself. Enjoy!

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THE CONSUMERS’ GUIDE TO DRINKING COFFEE LIKE A PRO

Coffee, could there be a more beautiful word in the English language? Coffee isn’t just a beverage. For many people, it’s a way of life. The love for coffee has inspired a wealth of memes and slogans:

“But first, coffee.”

“How do I take my coffee? Seriously. Very seriously.”

“I like my coffee like my metal… black.”

“A day without coffee is like… I have no idea.”

“Too much Monday. Not enough coffee.”

As you can see, we have a silly way of talking about coffee and it’s energetic effects. But what if you want to respect coffee like a fine wine. How do you discuss coffee like a connoisseur? Check out the consumers’ guide to drinking coffee like a pro, below.

Decoding Coffee Jargon

One of the first things you notice about the coffee community is the language they use. And sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference between actual terminology and marketing jargon (venti vs. large, anyone?).

Here are a few essential terms to learn and recognize:

Black Coffee – This is your traditional, no-frills cup of joe. A cup of coffee naturally has a dark hue, until you add milk or creamer. Despite the on-going debate, a black coffee has no sugar.

Espresso – Be sure to stress the “s” in espresso. It’s not “expresso” it’s “espresso.” Espresso is a finely coffee brewed under pressure with the help of steam. It tends to have a much stronger taste that a cup of brewed coffee.

Caffè Americano – During WWII, American GIs thought Italian and Spanish espresso was too strong, so they diluted it with hot water. Hence the drink became known as “coffee Americano.” While similar to black coffee, an Americano tends to be less acidic.

Lattes Coffee – Do you like steamed milk in your coffee? Well, that’s a lattes coffee! What makes these drink so special is the milk fat which compliments the bitter espresso, giving the beverage a creamy finish. Many coffee connoisseurs also appreciate lattes for the presentation, which could include foam art.

Cappuccino – The difference between lattes and cappuccinos is the amount of milk foam in the drink. A cappuccino is roughly 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. If you pick it up, it’s like lifting a cloud. A lattes coffee on the other hand is over half steamed milk and just a gentle layer of foam on top. Understand this, and you are on your way to being a coffee pro!

Mocha – Add a little chocolate to your lattes coffee and you have yourself a mocha. Yum!

Macchiato – The term “macchiato” literally means “to mark.” Thus a latte macchiato is steam milk “stained” with coffee. And a caffè macchiato is espresso “marked” with milk.

Now that you got the essentials down, we can move to tasting terminology:

Mouthfeel – Also known as “body” or “weight,” this is used to describe the feeling of coffee on your tongue. It takes a while to notice the difference in sensations. Imagine you are drinking a glass of milk. Nonfat milk has a light body and a watery mouthfeel compared to heavy cream which has a stout body and a silky mouthfeel. Can you tell the difference?

Acidity – Acidity refers to the “bright” bitterness of a coffee. A coffee with high acidity might taste like you are sucking on a penny. Comparatively, Greek yogurt has a tangy acidity. Low acid coffees will lack this quality.

Flavor Notes – There are dozens of flavor notes in coffee that you will learn to respect with time and tasting. “Nutty” denotes flavors that taste like nuts. “Earthy” is reminiscent of the smell of wet soil. “Coco” is a chocolatey taste. And “caramel” is, of course, a caramelly, burnt sugar taste. These are just a handful of examples. What flavor notes do you notice?

While we hope this guide has been helpful for you, the only true way to appreciate a cup of coffee is to drink on yourself. So break out the brew, and enjoy your caffeine, your way.

Cheers!

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6 Tips to Better Tasting Coffee

Some people are content with an “okay: cup of coffee”. You aren’t one of those people. You’re an aspiring connoisseur; and you don’t want to drink coffee that fails to excite your senses.

The tastes and aromas of great coffee are simply incomparable to those of sub-par brews. Anyone who has ventured beyond instant coffee knows this. That’s why you want to know how to take your coffee to the next level. Here are six approaches to better tasting coffee that will make you wonder how you survived before knowing them.

Grind Your Own Beans

It’s possible you’ve heard people say that grinding coffee beans at home improves the taste. And you never listened to them, did you? Well, for people who are serious about improving the flavor of their home-brewed coffee, grinding the beans immediately before preparation is an important step. You actually lose a lot of the coffee bean’s flavor when you buy pre-ground coffee.

We grind up the coffee beans because it’s easier to extract the taste and aromatic properties in that form. However, immediately after being ground up, oxygen and moisture can start degrading those tastes. Additionally, carbon dioxide, which facilitates oil absorption, releases extremely fast after the bean has been ground up. For the best-tasting coffee, grind your beans immediately before using them.

Use a French Press

A French press is typically going to give you better tasting coffee than any drip option. Why? Because with a French press, you don’t lose the oils and micro-grounds that get captured by drip filters. This affords drinkers a purer, stronger coffee experience. It also allows you to determine how long you want to let the beans steep in the hot water. The result is a more flavorful beverage than you can get from a drip method; as machines often burn the coffee, giving it a charred taste.

Premium Coffee Capsules over Inferior Coffee Pods

It’s simple to understand why people like coffee pods. They are easy to use – or at least, that’s how they are marketed. In reality, coffee pods are really just subpar instant coffee. And the brewing machine still requires cleaning, maintenance, and counterspace. Not to mention that most pods are neither recyclable nor eco-friendly.

Luckily for you, that none of those fetters are necessary today. Premium coffee capsules now offer all the taste of a great cup of coffee, with none of the hassle that comes with preparation. There are even brands offering one-time use capsules that are sustainable and require no expensive machines. Unlike outmoded pods, these coffee capsules are opened and poured into hot water for black coffee, frothed with milk for a latte, cooked into desserts, or whatever you need them to be. It’s not too good to be true. It’s just a new approach to luxury coffee!

Pay Up for Better Beans

It’s possible that your issue lies in your beans. Nothing is going to mask the bitter taste of bad coffee beans. If you’re making it at home anyway, pay up for a slightly better option. Don’t be afraid to try new things. There are so many different varieties of coffee beans on the market today, it would be a shame for you to settle for something that isn’t tasty.

Try Different Kinds of Milk and Additions

One recent study found a correlation between psychopathy and preferring black coffee. If that’s not reason enough to opt for cream and sugar—think about how these can improve the taste. There are many things to try besides your standard additions:

Butter

Ice Cream

Whipped Cream

Almond Milk

Soy Milk

Salt

Cardamom

Coconut oil

And this list can go on. Try any of these or adding another of your favorite flavors. If you don’t like it, all you’ve lost is one cup of coffee!

Ensure Correct Temperature and Mineral Content of Water

Unsurprisingly, the water you use to make your coffee is going to affect the taste. It’s important to keep temperature and mineral content in mind when brewing coffee. Temperature is key because if your water doesn’t get hot enough, you won’t extract all the flavors and aromas from the grounds. This is often an issue with drip machines, as they don’t reach a high enough heat. Mineral content can change the way the water binds with the coffee particulates. If this is too high or too low, you’re not going to achieve the optimal blend. Your water should have a mineral content of around 150 parts per million.

Similarly, new challenger brands are using high-alkaline water, rich in minerals to make liquid coffees. Not only does this deliver a clean taste, some believe high-alkaline water offers numerous health benefits including immune system support.

These are some of the most effective ways to easily improve the taste of the coffee you make at home. Implementing one of these techniques will instantly elevate your coffee game to new highs.

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Coffee Slang Explained

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Everyday, people in the United States drink about 400 million cups of coffee. That’s more than a cup per person. It should come as no surprise that a strong culture has developed around coffee in this country. One of the defining characteristics of a culture is having its own set of slang and dialects. Often, these terms become so removed from their source, it’s difficult to know how they came into being. These are some of the most common coffee slang and buzzwords, with explanations.

Cup of Joe

The phrase “cup of Joe” is one of the mostly widely recognized when it comes to coffee slang. Despite this ubiquity, no one can point to the origin of the saying with complete certainty. There are, however, a few popular theories. Some people think that “cup of Joe” refers to Joe Martinson, the person who founded Martinson Coffee, which was once a major player in the coffee world. Martinson was apparently quite the character; so, it would make sense that coffee would share a nickname with him.

There are a few other ideas for the conception of this term. Some have argued that it might just be the phonetic version of Java and mocha added together, although this might be a stretch. Another idea is that it’s simply referring to coffee as the drink of the common person. There’s another popular idiom – average Joe. “Cup of Joe” could certainly be derived from any of these places.

Café Americano

If you’ve ever seen anyone order an Americano, you know it looks just like a cup of black coffee. What gives? Is it the same drink with a fancier name? Well, not exactly. A café Americano is espresso and hot water, whereas a black coffee is the end result of hot water filtered through coffee grounds. This gives the beverage a smoother, less acidic taste.

The term Americano means American and may refer to diluted espresso sipped by American G.I.s in Italy and Spain during World War II. However, modern coffee aficionados sometimes prefer luxury, liquid coffee capsules that deliver the same smooth taste without the use of an espresso machine. It just goes to show that coffee is continuing to evolve!

Java

It doesn’t matter if you’re brewing your coffee with a French press or coffee capsules, you’ve likely referred to it as Java at some point. Even though this is a highly popular name for coffee, not everyone knows what it means.

The origin requires a bit of a history lesson. Back in the 1600s, the Dutch were colonizing many Asiatic islands. Java was one of these places. And of course, these colonizers weren’t just dropping a flag and leaving. They brought coffee with them. Java went on to become one of the major coffee producers in the world. So eventually, the two names became synonymous.

Baltimore

This is yet another, somewhat confusing, coffee slang term. When you hear someone refer to their coffee as a “Baltimore,” it likely means that it’s half regular coffee and half decaf. This can be a nice compromise for people who want a coffee later in the day, but don’t want to risk being kept up by caffeine late at night. Like many other coffee terms, it’s not entirely clear how this one came into existence. It’s probably fair, however, to assume that it all began in Baltimore.

Red Eye, Black Eye, and Green Eye

You’ve likely heard of people drinking red eye coffees before. This a famous drink, as it’s a drip coffee combined with a shot of espresso. This provides a serious jolt of energy when you drink it. The name actually comes from flying. A red eye flight is an overnight trip from the west coast to the east coast. Making this voyage requires a little extra something. Thus—the red eye is the perfect drink, as it packs the perfect punch for such a trip.

However, if one shot of espresso isn’t enough for you, there are options. A black eye is the next step on the ladder. This is when two shots of espresso are added to your coffee. The name originates from the black “eye” that forms when you pour the espresso shot into a creamy cup of coffee. And then, there’s the green eye, which is reserved for the most fanatic of coffee drinkers. A green eye is a cup of drip coffee with three shots of espresso added. The strength of this drink is so high, it’s possible you’ll start seeing your black cup of coffee as green.

These are a few of the more applicable coffee slang terms. Now you can talk about your love for coffee with greater confidence.

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10 Most Obvious Reasons Why We Love Coffee

Over 80 percent of the adult population in the United States are reported coffee drinkers. The fact that more than four out of five people in the U.S. drink coffee is certainly a sign that it’s loved and cherished by many. Obviously, we know we love coffee—but why? These are some of the top reasons why we’re obsessed with this hot beverage.

10 – It Jumpstarts the Day

There’s no denying that having a cup of coffee in the morning makes it easier to start the day. The caffeine content of coffee is responsible for giving the drink its awakening properties. It doesn’t matter if you work on a construction site or the top floor of a skyscraper—coffee is the catalyst to your success.

09 – It Warms the Soul

Drinking coffee just feels better than consuming almost any other kind of food or beverage. It does more than just provide our bodies with a wealth of antioxidants. Coffee makes our inner gears turn in ways unachievable by other drinks.

08 – You Can Bond Over It

Food and drink have traditionally been points of communal sharing throughout history. Coffee is one of the strongest examples of this phenomena. How many times have you struck up a conversation with someone new as you both enjoy a hot cup of coffee on a fall day? Something about coffee brings people together, and makes them want to share the beautiful experience.

07 – Goes Well with Many Foods and Meals

You can drink coffee with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert without stepping out of line at any point. That’s because coffee pairs well with pretty much everything. Have a cup in the morning with your omelet, then a cup with your cake—for that extra shot of energy to keep you going through the night. No matter the time, it’s the right time for a cup of coffee.

06 – So Much Variety

There are truly so many types of coffee and methods for brewing it. Even the most seasoned coffee experts would have trouble listing them all. Each variety has its own set of appeals. For people who care about where their food comes from, there’s organic coffee, which is made from the highest quality beans. It’s time to get started on trying new kinds of coffee beans and beverages.

05 – Can Lower Risk of Certain Health Issues

As already stated, coffee is one of the best sources for antioxidants. The contents of coffee have been correlated to lowered risk for things like Type-2 Diabetes and Parkinson’s. If drinking coffee can do that too, what’s stopping you from having a cup right now?

04 – The Taste

It’s remarkable that it’s taken this long to get to one of the most delectable aspects of coffee: the taste. There’s just something so unmistakable—and irreplaceable—about the taste of coffee. And that taste can be augmented in so many ways, with a variety of additions—like butter, whipped cream, or salt. Unfortunately, clunky coffee machines have a tendency to burn coffee, making it unpalatable, which is why some prefer organic coffee from liquid coffee capsules. These nifty capsules cherish the delicate flavors of the coffee – and you don’t even need a machine to brew your cup!

03 – The Smell

The coffee aroma is certainly tied in with the taste. However, it still deserves its own unique place on this list. The smell of coffee awakens the senses like nothing else. It lets the rest of you know that something delicious and warming is about to come. And that reward lives up to the aromatic nodes.

02 – Culture

The things we’re most passionate about are the things that shape our society. Is it too strong to say that coffee has created its own culture? Absolutely not. The culture surrounding coffee alone has spread across the world and unites people under one sensation.

01 – It Makes You Happy

Is this not the ultimate reason for loving something? Coffee brings joy to countless people around the world every day. The fact that it makes us smile, and brings us closer together, is the perfect excuse for loving it.

Coffee is an amazing thing. It truly has qualities that make it a beloved beverage by people across the globe.

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Why I’m Falling Back in Love with Coffee Capsules

I thought I was never going to use another coffee capsule. I’d convinced myself that they just weren’t worth it. They require a big, bulky machine; they typically don’t taste as good as coffee brewed from other methods; and they create a large amount of waste due to the single-use nature.

I was totally set on avoiding coffee pods indefinitely. Then, I tried something that completely changed my view of coffee capsules. In every way that traditional coffee pods have failed, this new product has exceeded my expectations. Here’s why I’m falling back in love with coffee capsules.

The Quality Has Improved

The revolution in coffee capsules is being led by a brand that emphasizes quality in every cup. Caffè di Artisan is producing single-use coffee pods that rival or exceed the quality of any coffee you’ll get from a shop or premium at-home machine. This is because their coffee capsules aren’t like any other. Most coffee pod brands vacuum seal coffee grounds into their products. This is a problem because ground coffee quickly loses its integrity. Even if the grounds are kept away from oxygen and moisture, the degradation is unavoidable. Caffè di Artisan works around this by using liquid-filled pods. The concentrate just needs to be mixed with hot water to make an exquisite cup of coffee.

They’re So Convenient

The main draw of coffee capsules has always been their convenience. And this hasn’t changed. There is essentially no work involved when you make coffee via a machine-less capsule. You might need to froth your beverage to create a rich creama, but other than that, it’s essentially just mixing two liquids together (i.e. hot water and coffee, milk and coffee). And since these capsules are so versatile and easy to use, even coffee amateurs can brew drinks like a barista.

They Don’t Have the Issues of Coffee Machines

Most coffee capsules rely on a machine. And like all coffee machines, those have their own set of problems. First, they simply take up space. If you’re living in an apartment, or have limited counter space in your kitchen, you don’t want to dedicate any of it to a coffee machine. I certainly don’t want to do that.

But you might not have known this… Coffee machines are host environments for germs. Pretty gross, right? Nobody wants bacteria like E. coli to be mixed in with their java. Beyond that, coffee machines are expensive to purchase and replace. Why deal with that hassle when you can just avoid it altogether?

They Can Be Sustainable

One of my biggest qualms with single-use coffee pods was always that they seemed so wasteful. You are throwing out a little cup every time you make a cup, after all. This issue has been addressed by Caffè di Artisan, and it has restored my belief in coffee capsules. Every one of their coffee pods is recyclable. So instead of ending up in a landfill, those materials can be reused again.

Similarly, all packaging needs to be considered when determining the sustainability of a product. Unlike most brands that laminate their boxes, some brands intentionally choose to leave their product boxes alone. You typically can’t recycle paper products with lamination on them. This decision is highly impactful because it greatly reduces the overall waste creation. They have even considered the power consumption inherent in their production methods and have made huge strides in lowering the energy cost it takes to create artisanal coffee at scale.

Beyond these efforts to make their packaging environmentally friendly, modern coffee capsule brands also strives to source only the best organic, fair trade coffee beans. This often involves them dealing directly with farmers, to ensure they are being compensated for their labor. These are people who grow the world’s best coffee beans without using chemicals or preservatives.

For all these reasons, I’ve regained my faith in the viability of coffee capsules. Hopefully other companies take note of Caffè di Artisan’s example and follow their lead.

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8 Tips for Avoiding Bad Coffee

Life’s too short to drink bad coffee. Yet, every day, millions of people settle for a cup of joe that isn’t up to snuff. Some choose to do this out of convenience. Others just don’t realize that there’s something better out there.

Have you been going through an existential coffee crisis? Maybe you’re just now realizing that what you once considered to be the standard for coffee isn’t really all that. Don’t worry. Here are eight tips for avoiding bad coffee, once and for all.

Know the Best Local Coffee Shops

You’ve probably heard the phrases “quality over quantity.” In essence, it means that things are typically of a higher caliber when done in small batches as opposed to mass production. This rule certainly applies for the coffee world. The quality of coffee you receive from a mega chain simply won’t compare to a café dedicated to luxury coffee. Why? Because big coffee chains are unfortunately less concerned with the quality of their roasted beans (or should be say charred beans) and more focused on kooky promos for sugary milks (which have become a mainstay for fast-food coffee brands).

Be sure to look for places that offer high-quality coffee that is properly sourced and perfectly roasted.

Use Good Beans

Would you accept a burnt hamburger patty at a restaurant after ordering a medium-rare filet mignon? Obviously not. While the patty and filet are both beefs, only one can be described as a properly prepared cut of quality meat.

If this is the case, then why are you making coffee with the lowest quality beans? You can’t expect your coffee to be great if you don’t respect the beans during processing. You might also want to consider the type of roast you want. Darker roasts usually have richer flavor due to a longer roast time, but less slightly caffeine. The inverse is true of light roasts, which generally have a lighter body and mellowed aftertaste.

Grind Your Own Beans

It sounds like a huge pain to grind your own beans just to make a pot of coffee. After all, why would you do that when you can just purchase pre-ground coffee? The answer – because your coffee will taste much better if you grind the beans immediately before preparing it. There are a variety of reasons for this. Coffee oils risk contamination when the beans have been ground into a more vulnerable form. Oxygen and moisture can also more easily affect the chemical makeup of the coffee. The solution is to grind your beans just before making coffee. This will ensure you retain the majority of the important flavors inside the beans.

Use Premium Coffee Pods

Are you frustrated with the bland coffee that comes out of your Keurig or Nespresso machine? Then don’t waste your time with mediocre one-time use coffee dispensers. Upgrade your game to premium coffee pods. Brands such as Caffè di Artisan offer luxury coffee pods that give you the taste of high-end coffee and the convenience of single-use pods without a machine. Just pour the pod into hot water for a black coffee or froth the contents for a rich espresso. These new-age pods are perfect for people who expect a great cup of coffee, but also live a fast-paced or on-the-go lifestyle. Not to mention that these coffee pods are gentle on the environment as compared to machine-based coffee pod brands.

Ditch the Machines

Did you know that your coffee machine is one of the most germ-infested places in your home? Well, now you do. Coffee machines are the ideal habitat for bacteria such as E. coli. That doesn’t sound very appetizing. Additionally, most coffee machines don’t actually make better coffee because they simply burn the brew. A French press will make a better cup than a drip machine; and a premium, machine-free coffee pod will taste better than a K-Cup. So, don’t waste your time, health, and money on machines that don’t produce a superior product.

Get the Water Right

It should come as no surprise that the water you use plays a role in the quality of your coffee. In fact, about 98 percent of a cup of coffee is water. It’s pretty darn important. There are two things you need to think about with water: minerals and temperature. Where your water comes from will determine its mineral content. Too many or two few minerals will lead to an inferior cup. Temperature is also crucial because it plays a part in absorption. Make sure your water is hot enough, or you’ll end up with a disappointing cup of coffee.

Many consumers are also switching to alkaline water (with a pH level of 8 or 9, as compared to “regular” water which has a neutral pH of 7). The high pH balance of the water counter acts the acidity in the coffee, thus putting less strain on the digestive system.

Never Drink Instant Coffee Again

It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – instant coffee is terrible. It uses the lowest quality of beans and is processed to lose a lot of the flavor that makes coffee great. There have also been some studies that show a correlation between certain kinds of instant coffees and cancer. So, if you want to avoid bad coffee, you’ll want to swear off instant for good.

Learn Your Favorite Additions

If all else fails, send in the cream and sugar. Bad coffee can usually be made better by masking the taste. There’s a wide array of additions that people use to do this. Butter, salt, whipped cream, ice cream, and premium milks made from almonds or coconut are a good place to start.

It’s time to stand up against bad coffee. Keep these ideas in mind when trying to achieve your best possible coffee drink.

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4 Ways Millennials Are Changing Coffee For Better Or Worse

It seems like the media is obsessed with the Millennial apocalypse. Not a week goes by without headlines claiming that Millennials are killing the housing industry, the wine industry, cable television, napkins, chain restaurants, and just about everything under the sun.

Truth be told, Generation Y isn’t “killing” these industries. They simply have their own buying habits that differ from their parents’ generation; and cantankerous companies regret having to change their business models to match changing times.

One prime example of this is coffee.

Coffee may have a long history, but it is constantly evolving. As you might expect, Millennial consumers are rapidly changing the way coffee is sourced, brewed and enjoyed. If you prefer big coffee makers, chain stores, and the like, you might view these changes as bad. If not, these might be welcome changes to you.

Below are four ways Millennials are changing coffee for better or worse:

Millennials Prefer Smaller Coffee Machines or No Machines at All

Research shows that Millennials are more mobile than past generations. They are more likely to go out of state for college, more likely to move to an urban area for a good job, and more likely to live out of a small apartment. If you are moving often or live in a small space, it’s unlikely you’d want to spend big bucks on a clunky coffee machine.

While smaller single-serve coffee machines were heralded as the perfect dorm room necessity, these machines fell out of favor rather quickly with Millennial coffee drinkers (more on this below).

Instead, Millennials are giving up on coffee machines all together in favor of machine-free single-serve coffee capsules. Brands like Caffè di Artisan offer gourmet coffee pods that can be poured into hot water or steamed milks for black coffee or a café latte. This is much easier (and perhaps more sanitary) than using a bulky, expensive coffee machine.

Here’s the bottom line… When’s the last time you saw a Millennial with a copy machine or home phone? Generation Y is moving away from machines, and toward simpler and more effective solutions to their needs – and this includes coffee!

Millennials Like Ethical & Eco-Friendly Brands

With regards to single-serve brewing machines, the reason that K-Cups and Nespresso coffee makers fell out of favor was due to the unparalleled levels of waste. Believe it or not, it’s something that Keurig actually apologized for! Turns out, all those plastic containers and grounds could neither be recycled nor composted. Yikes.

Millennials prefer to purchase their products from ethical brands. When it comes to coffee, this means buying from brands with recyclable packaging and eco-friendly sourcing. They don’t mind spending a little bit more on coffee that is high-quality and from an ethical brand.

Millennials Have Outgrown Starbucks

When Starbucks came out with the Unicorn Frappuccino, it was an obvious play for Instagram and Snapchat-obsessed Millennials. After all, it’s the “Me-Me-Me” Generation that enjoys posting images of their food online. Unfortunately for Starbucks, the frozen beverage was widely known for tasting “sickeningly sweet.”

Still, it’s likely that coffee chains will continue to push kooky promotions to attract Millennial customers. And for a while it will probably work. But overall, Gen Y prefers to patronize smaller coffee shops or – due to thrifty spending – make coffee at home.

Then again, it’s not like Starbucks will disappear anytime soon, as Millennials will continue to visit the coffee chain for free Wi-Fi, to kill time or to conduct meetings.

Millennials Will Make Up Their Own Minds

Millennials are the first generation to be (over) exposed to marketing at a very young age. Perhaps you can remember the first kids-only networks in the 80s and 90s pumping out toy and cereal commercials.

This trend hasn’t stopped, of course. But there’s a key takeaway that is often ignored – the fact that Millennials are somewhat immune to marketing and advertising. This makes sense when you think about it. After all, they’ve seen it all before!

So, while brands may continue to push marketing messages in the form of memes, interactive campaigns or phony grassroots movements, Gen Y will likely be hip to the true intention of these ads. In the end, Generation Y won’t be fooled. They will make their own decisions when it comes to coffee. It’s time the market caught up to Millennial expectations; whether you like these changes or not will color your judgments.

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COFFEE PM: 4 WAYS TO ENJOY COFFEE AFTER HOURS

Lots of people enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s a simple black coffee on the way to work, or a piping hot Americano with plenty of cream and sugar. Either way, it’s a “pick me up” to start the day off right.

But what if you crave the bold taste of coffee in the evening? Here are four ways to enjoy coffee after hours in both beverage and food form.

Decaf Coffee This first suggestion will seem obvious – drink decaffeinated coffee. Still, we bring it up because it is the essential building block to late-night coffee beverages. But what is decaffeinated coffee? How do they remove the caffeine?

The decaffeination process starts with green, unroasted coffee beans. The caffeine is then extracted using a chemical solvent or, in some cases, a process of water and osmosis to draw out the caffeine. This is an oversimplification, but it works for our purposes.

Unless you are looking to pull an all-nighter, decaf coffee is the way to go.

Luxury Coffee Cocktails & Nightcaps So, you want a late-night coffee drink without the energetic buzz. We can understand that. But how do you feel about a boozy buzz?

Coffee cocktails and nightcaps are a great way to relax in the evening. You just can’t beat the complex taste of coffee and liquor. While there are dozens, if not hundreds of cocktail recipes, here are a few favorites to get you started.

Café Mocha Shakerato. This is an easy drink to make, especially if you use decaf luxury coffee pods from a brand like Caffé di Artisan since they don’t require a brew machine. Start with 2 ounces of strong coffee, add 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of chocolate syrup (Monin brand works best). Toss the ingredient into a shaker with ice, and vigorously shake until there is a nice froth. Strain the beverage into a glass and enjoy.

Spanish Coffee. Start with 1 cup decaf hot coffee, ½ ounce of rum, and 1.2 ounce of vanilla coffee liquor. Pour into a glass mug, top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry. Delicious!

Affogato: Something Special on Top

Affogato is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s espresso poured on top of another dessert, thus marrying the essence of bitter with sweet. It’s a match made in heaven all right.

While the most popular form of affogato is espresso coffee poured over vanilla ice cream, there are numerous ways to make your desserts extra special with the addition of coffee. You can add espresso to a bowl of tiramisu; add a drizzle of mocha or caramel sauce if you really want something special. Or pour hot espresso over flan just before adding whipped cream and cinnamon on top. Yum!

Desserts: Cooking with Coffee

Speaking of desserts, another spectacular way to enjoy coffee in the evening is by including it in your baking. Again, these are just a sampling of recipes to try. Feel free to get creative. After all, what is more fun than desserts with coffee?

Coffee Kahlua Brownies. We hope you like cocoa flavors, because this recipe is full of ‘em. Start by pre-heating the oven to 375. The rack should be 1/3 up from the bottom. Grease a 9x13x2 pan with butter. Melt 8 ounces of unsweetened chocolate with 1 cup of unsalted butter (tip: it helps to chop up the chocolate for quicker melting) in a separate sauce pan over low heat. Once even, set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat five eggs before adding 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons liquid coffee, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until even. Next add 2 cups flour and mix into a batter. Next, combine 2/3 cup hot coffee (decaf) with ¼ cup Kahlua into a separate bowl, mix gently, then add to batter. Pour the batter into the prepped pan and heat in oven for about 35 mins. Cool at room temperature, and enjoy.

Decaf Coffee Fudge. Start with a tin of condensed milk (~400 g), 150 ml regular milk, 115g unsalted butter, and 450g fine sugar. Mix these ingredients together in a large saucepan until melted. Be careful to avoid chunks of sugar in your mixture. Turn up the heat to boiling, and simmer for 15 minutes; stirring gently, but continuously. This will keep the bottom of your fudge from burning. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add 2.5 tablespoons liquid coffee and beat for 10 minutes. The result should be a caramelly thickness. Pour the contents into a lined, flat dish. Make sure the top is nice and even while cooling. Once solid, cut into squares, adding a single coffee bean to each piece for presentation. And there you have it: Coffee fudge.

We bet you never knew coffee was so versatile. So, go ahead, try one of the above suggestions to enjoy coffee in the PM.

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3 COMPANIES IMPROVING COFFEE SUSTAINABILITY

Inhale, sip, and sigh… Doesn’t coffee just hit the spot?

Coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures. The aroma is inviting, the flavor is intoxicating, and the effects give you just enough “pick me up” to get your through the day. But as with anything, there is a responsible and irresponsible way to enjoy coffee. If you aren’t careful, you could contribute to high levels of waste which puts strain on the environment.

Thankfully, there are a dozens of coffee-related brands working to provide sustainable solutions for coffee lovers. Here are just three companies improving coffee sustainability.

KAFFEEFORM

How often do you use paper or plastic cups to quaff your coffee? Do you use paper cups at the office? Do you accept disposable plastic cups when you visit the café?

According to studies, 18 billion pounds of plastic trash wind up in our ocean every year and landfills contribute to roughly 80 percent of soil pollution; much of which could be recycled. While composting and recycling can greatly reduce the amount of waste created, one company came up with a more creative solution.

It might sounds crazy at first, but KaffeeForm is a company making durable coffee mugs out of coffee grounds. Yes, you read that right – coffee grounds.

The origin story is simple. Founder Julian Lechner saw the large amount of coffee grounds left over after countless cups of espresso and wondered if they could be converted into something useful. And thus, the idea for eco-friendly coffee mugs was born.

Perhaps even more incredible is how the cups are constructed. By using biopolymers (organic compounds which allow for plastic-like formations without the use of crude oil-based plastics), KaffeeForm is able to make durable mugs that can withstand hot liquids, multiple washings, and years of use. And since the cups are made from only coffee grounds, biopolymers, wood, cellulose, natural waxes, resins and other renewable raw materials, they are easy to break down at an industrial composting plant. Or you can send the spent mug right back to the manufacturer to be recycled into a new creation.

Products include traditional coffee mugs, saucer sets, and “to go” mugs. Each are beautifully designed and unique enough to make people do a double take. Is that cup made out of coffee grounds? Believe it or not, yes!

CAFFÈ DI ARTISAN

Another company changing the world of coffee is Caffè di Artisan. This breakout brand deftly balances ease of use with environmental concerns with their luxury coffee capsules.

Now these coffee capsules aren’t like traditional coffee pods sold by Keurig or Nespresso. Unfortunately, those brands are known for creating excessive waste which can neither be recycled nor composted. Coffee capsules from Caffè di Artisan, on the other hand do not require a machine, are 100 percent recyclable (in fact, are widely recycled!), and deliver a more rich coffee taste than any of its competitors.

How does it work? Basically, you order a number of single-serve coffee pods, peel the top, and pour the gourmet liquid coffee into a cup of hot water, frothed milk, or however you take your coffee. It’s also more versatile than traditional coffee pods, by allowing you to make espresso or coffee drinks in mere seconds.

As already mentioned, Caffè di Artisan’s coffee capsules do not require a brew machine or any kind. This saves on energy, obviously. But it also means that you coffee will be more clean, healthy, and sanitary. As, regrettably, coffee machines often accommodate harmful bacteria including E. coli. Gross, huh?

So, if you are looking for a simple and sustainable way to make great coffee, coffee capsules from Caffè di Artisan is the way to go.

KICKAPOO COFFEE ROASTERS

Last but not least on our list is Kickapoo Coffee Roasters, based in southwestern Wisconsin. In 2015, the company leverage a federal grant offering a 30 percent tax break to convert its facility over to solar power. The effort was a major success! By installing an 80-panel solar array, Kickapoo Coffee Roasters was able to cover 100 percent of its electricity usage using only eco-friendly solar power.

The company is also known for its fair trade coffees and for working directly with growers (rather than through middle men).

As stated before, there are a plethora of responsible and good natured coffee companies. By patronizing any of the above companies, you can feel good about your next cup of Joe. Not only does it taste great, it’s also working to heal the earth. Enjoy!

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6 COFFEE TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Coffee is the drink that keeps the world going. All across the globe, people start, maintain, and end their days with coffee. In fact, about 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every single day!

This common, yet complex drink has been a favorite for hundreds of years. What’s popular in the world of coffee today isn’t what was big 100 years ago—or even 10. Here are six of the hottest trends sweeping the coffee industry right now.

COLD BREW

For a while, iced coffee was the “hot” thing. Now it’s cold brew.

Yes, there is a difference between iced coffee and cold brew. Iced coffee is faster and easier to make. All you do is make coffee (perhaps double the strength), then allow it to cool for a few minutes and mix it with ice. The melting ice dilutes the extra-strength coffee to create a palpable cup of cold, crisp coffee.

Cold brew, on the other hand, requires a long steeping process. It’s kind of like french press coffee, but different. Brewers let cool water sit with coarse-ground beans for a prolonged period of time; usually around 12 hours. Hence the name “cold brew” as opposed to warm-brewed coffee then cooled with ice. See the difference?

Cold brew is a huge trend right now because many believe it has a superior taste profile to iced coffee and is less acidic. However, there’s a major drawback to cold brew – it can’t be warmed up. Time will tell if cold brew has real staying power, or is just a fad.

MUSHROOM BLENDS

Not so long ago, most people would have thought you were out of your mind if you were mixing mushrooms into your coffee. Not anymore. This is now one of the hip things happening in the coffee universe.

Mushroom-infused coffee is popular right now because of the supposed health benefits; including help with digestion and brain function. Many people also enjoy the distinctly “earthy” taste when these two flavors come together.

COFFEE CAPSULES, MINUS THE MACHINES

Coffee capsule machines have been around for a while now. Their primary claim to fame was ease of use. However, traditional machine-based coffee pods also had many known drawbacks—such as harboring mold or bacteria in machine parts and being rough on the environment.

This is why machine-free coffee capsules are surging in popularity.  Liquid coffee capsules, like  Caffè di Artisan, come in a variety of flavors and can be used to make all types coffee drinks, in a matter of seconds, without a machine. Many of these capsules also use sustainable packaging, so they don’t harm the environment.

WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

We often forget that a cup of coffee is almost entirely water. Therefore, it’s imperative not to ignore the quality of your water when making coffee. This has recently come to the forefront of the coffee world. It’s now a major trend to filter your water brewing coffee. There are even specialized machines out there designed specifically for this purpose. Similarly, alkaline water is being used to brew coffee for its purported health benefits on digestion, the immune system, and more.

SUPER COFFEE

It’s not a bird or a plane it’s super coffee! What in the world is “super coffee” and what makes it super?

These days, people are combining various forms of superfoods and other non-traditional ingredient with their coffee. This has led to the coining of the term “super coffee.” Some people add butter in order to supplement a ketogenic diet. Others add things like protein, collagen, or cacao to their coffee. There are many ways to define super coffee and no shortage of possible add-ins. That’s part of the reason why it’s such a big trend at the moment.

PREMIUM QUALITY

In the past, people were okay with drinking coffee that would be considered “low quality” by today’s standards. Dried coffee crystals were A-OK, so long as it contained caffeine and was easy to brew. Thankfully, things have changed. Premium beans combined with expert roasting techniques are now expected by most coffee drinkers. There are new, high-end coffee companies sprouting up to meet this growing demand for luxury coffee. This is a trend that will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.

Coffee is cherished by people all over the world. Due to its popularity, people are constantly working to make it better. These current trends are the result of peoples’ tireless effort and love for coffee. But it’s up to you to decide which ones to embrace and which to ignore.