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Coffee naturally contains the active supplement
caffeine. The stimulating power of coffee is as well
known as the outstanding taste. A lot of people
appreciate this stimulating power, but there are
some people that do not handle caffeine so well or
do not like the stimulating effect every time of the
day. For them there is decaffeinated coffee on the
market. This decaffeinated coffee lacks the stimulating
power of caffeine.
Normal coffee beans contain between 0.8 percent
and 2.5 percent caffeine depending on origin and
variety. Decaffeinated coffee is not entirely caffeine-free.
In European Community (EC) countries, roasted
decaffeinated coffee may contain a caffeine residue
of 0.1 percent and coffee extract 0.3 percent.
Decaffeination processes
To make coffee caffeine free, the stimulating
supplement needs to be derived from the beans.
Since coffee develops most of its flavour during
roasting, the caffeine is extracted from the raw green
coffee beans. Various methods exist to achieve this,
of which the water-carbon (H2O/C) and dichloromethane
(commonly known as DCM) methods are the most
used. Both of these techniques extract the caffeine
with a caffeine-selective solvent, which therefore
leaves the other substances in the bean. Modern
decaffeinating methods have no effect upon the
flavour and aroma of the coffee. Good decaffeinated
coffee therefore tastes almost the same as coffee
containing caffeine.
Water-carbon method
This process uses water (H2O) as a solvent.
The green beans are rinsed with water for a
long period, during which time the caffeine
dissolves into the water. The water, with its
dissolved caffeine, is then pumped through
an active carbon (C) filter which absorbs the
caffeine. The decaffeinated beans are dried
using warm air and then cooled with cold air.
They are then roasted, ground and packed in t
he usual way. The water is re-used for the
decaffeination process.
Dichloromethane process
This method employs dichloromethane (DCM)
as a solvent and has been developed to suit
the requirements of the out of home industry.
The green beans are moistened with water in
order to make the surface of the bean porous,
and soaked in the solvent for 30 minutes. This
is repeated several times. The beans are removed
from the solvent once the caffeine has dissolved.
They are then steamed for some time in order to
remove any remaining solvent. Afterwards the
beans are dried using warm air, then cooled with
cold air. They are roasted, ground and packed in
the usual way. The dichloromethane is reused
for further decaffeinating.
source: Douwe Egberts
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What is the Difference Between Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain?
If we look around a typical American kitchen what will we find?
Appliances like a stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher, sure...but
what about in the cupboard? You will probably see lots of bowls,
mugs, plates, and cups. Pretty designs and various shapes, but
have you ever stopped to consider what they are made out of?
Plastic in the "more economical" kitchens perhaps, but most are
made out of three main materials: earthenware, stoneware, and
porcelain. We may have heard of these materials before...but
what are they? We will be exploring the differences between
these three materials in this article.
Earthenware
----------------
Earthenware is what is known as a "low-fired" clay. This means
that it is fired at a low temperature (usually around'15 degrees
Fahrenheit). Made from a white and porous clay, it is sometimes
called "ceramics" or "ceramic ware".
Stoneware
--------------
Stoneware is a "high-fired" clay, and as a result, is much stronger.
It is fired at about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes vitreous
(i.e.: having the nature of glass). After firing it becomes sturdy and
chip-resistant.
Porcelain
------------
Porcelain is made from a number of materials. A pale clay
(such as china white) is the main material. Other ingredients, such as
feldspar, granite, and glass, are then ground and added to the clay.
Once enough water is added to make the mixture workable, it is fired
in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. Next comes a glazing and
a "high-temperature" firing. The result is a piece of pottery that is
delicate and translucent.
Telling the Difference
---------------------------
With this bit of a background on what makes them different, how
do we tell them apart? Here's the breakdown:
1) Is it porcelain? The first thing to keep in mind is that porcelain
is translucent, while stoneware and earthenware are not. Hold the
item up to the light. Can you see the light shining through? If so, t
hen it is porcelain.
2) If you have come this far, you know it's either stoneware or
earthenware. What's the next test? How heavy is the item? If it's
pretty heavy for its size, then it's most likely stoneware.
3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware.
Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.
4) Does the item you are holding have a chip in it? If so, take a
look at it. Is it very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape
off more material with your fingernail? If so, it's probably earthenware.
We say this because earthenware, when fired, has a white, chalky
look. Stoneware, on the other hand, has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay
showing through. If so, it's stoneware.
Conclusion
-----------------
Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials.
We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the
three main options.
Bobby A. Spider
Appliances like a stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher, sure...but
what about in the cupboard? You will probably see lots of bowls,
mugs, plates, and cups. Pretty designs and various shapes, but
have you ever stopped to consider what they are made out of?
Plastic in the "more economical" kitchens perhaps, but most are
made out of three main materials: earthenware, stoneware, and
porcelain. We may have heard of these materials before...but
what are they? We will be exploring the differences between
these three materials in this article.
Earthenware
----------------
Earthenware is what is known as a "low-fired" clay. This means
that it is fired at a low temperature (usually around'15 degrees
Fahrenheit). Made from a white and porous clay, it is sometimes
called "ceramics" or "ceramic ware".
Stoneware
--------------
Stoneware is a "high-fired" clay, and as a result, is much stronger.
It is fired at about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes vitreous
(i.e.: having the nature of glass). After firing it becomes sturdy and
chip-resistant.
Porcelain
------------
Porcelain is made from a number of materials. A pale clay
(such as china white) is the main material. Other ingredients, such as
feldspar, granite, and glass, are then ground and added to the clay.
Once enough water is added to make the mixture workable, it is fired
in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. Next comes a glazing and
a "high-temperature" firing. The result is a piece of pottery that is
delicate and translucent.
Telling the Difference
---------------------------
With this bit of a background on what makes them different, how
do we tell them apart? Here's the breakdown:
1) Is it porcelain? The first thing to keep in mind is that porcelain
is translucent, while stoneware and earthenware are not. Hold the
item up to the light. Can you see the light shining through? If so, t
hen it is porcelain.
2) If you have come this far, you know it's either stoneware or
earthenware. What's the next test? How heavy is the item? If it's
pretty heavy for its size, then it's most likely stoneware.
3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware.
Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.
4) Does the item you are holding have a chip in it? If so, take a
look at it. Is it very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape
off more material with your fingernail? If so, it's probably earthenware.
We say this because earthenware, when fired, has a white, chalky
look. Stoneware, on the other hand, has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay
showing through. If so, it's stoneware.
Conclusion
-----------------
Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials.
We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the
three main options.
Bobby A. Spider
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Delonghi Espresso Machines!
The Flavor Savor brewing system is an innovative
system that increases drip coffee infusion time to
improve extraction and result in a rich, full-bodied
brew. You can adjust the strength of your drip coffee
using the Accuflavor knob located on top of the
machine above the carafe. This sleek machine
offers the utmost in quality and performance.
Designed and Engineered In Italy.
Three-in-one machine prepares coffee, cappuccino
and espressoPatented E.S.E. pod filter holder -
DeLonghi BCO264B
Patented Sempre Crema filter
Patented cappuccino system
Permanent gold-tone filter
24-hour digital programmable timer
Dual removable water tanks
Non-stick warming plate
Drip interrupt
5-10 cup option
Accuflavor selector
Automatically self primes
15 bar stainless steel boiler
Removable spill tray for easy cleaning
1 Year Warranty
Dimensions: 14.57 W x 13.78 D x 14.96 H
DeLonghi BCO264B Features:
Price: $299.99 "Free Shipping On This Model!"
system that increases drip coffee infusion time to
improve extraction and result in a rich, full-bodied
brew. You can adjust the strength of your drip coffee
using the Accuflavor knob located on top of the
machine above the carafe. This sleek machine
offers the utmost in quality and performance.
Designed and Engineered In Italy.
Three-in-one machine prepares coffee, cappuccino
and espressoPatented E.S.E. pod filter holder -
DeLonghi BCO264B
Patented Sempre Crema filter
Patented cappuccino system
Permanent gold-tone filter
24-hour digital programmable timer
Dual removable water tanks
Non-stick warming plate
Drip interrupt
5-10 cup option
Accuflavor selector
Automatically self primes
15 bar stainless steel boiler
Removable spill tray for easy cleaning
1 Year Warranty
Dimensions: 14.57 W x 13.78 D x 14.96 H
DeLonghi BCO264B Features:
Price: $299.99 "Free Shipping On This Model!"
Friday, January 22, 2010
100% Organic Fair Trade Coffee Facts!
What is organic coffee?
Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have
a low impact on the environment.
Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility,
reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers,
and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party
certification organizations verify that organic farmers abide by
the law.
What does it mean to be certified?
In order for coffee to be certified and sold as organic in the
United States, it must be produced in accordance with U.S.
standards for organic production and certified by an agency
accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. requirements
for coffee production include farming without synthetic pesticides or
other prohibited substances for three years and a sustainable crop
rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients,
and control for pests.
What is the size of the U.S. market?
Organic Trade Association data shows that coffee sales in the
United States amounted to approximately $110 million in 2006,
up 24 percent from the previous year. Other studies show the
figure could be much higher. A 2007 survey by Daniele
Giovannucci and the Costa Rica-based Sustainable Markets
Intelligence Center (CIMS) reported that approximately 65
million pounds of organic coffee were imported into the United States
in 2006 with aretail value of approximately $617 million. The authors
estimate the organic coffee sector represented 2.3 percent of the total
U.S. green coffee imports in 2006. The 33 percent annual average
growth ratefor the organic category documented by there searchers
between 2000 and 2007 dwarfs the estimated 1.5-2percent projected
annual growth rate of the conventional coffee industry.
Where is this coffee grown?
This coffee is grown in 40 countries including Bolivia, Burundi, Brazil,
Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico,
Nepal,Nicarauga, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka,
Thailand,Timore-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United
Republic ofTanzania, United States (Hawaii), Venezuela, Vietnam,
and Zambia.The leading producer countries are Peru, Ethiopia, and
Mexico.
What is the size of the world market?
Global sales reached 67,000 metric tons (or about 148 million
pounds)in 2006, a 56 percent increase from 2003 when
approximately 42,000MTwere exported. Forty-four percent
of the total was consumed inNorth America, of which approximately
85 percent was consumed inthe United States.
What products are in the marketplace?
These coffee products now on the market include decaffeinated,
caffeinated, flavored and instant coffees, ice cream and yogurt,
coffeesodas, hard candies, and chocolate covered beans.
What do the labels mean?
The USDA organic seal can appear on any coffee product that
containsat least 95 percent organic ingredients and that has been
certified asorganic by a certification agency accredited by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The coffee may also carry a label saying
“100 percent organic” or “Organic.”
Fair Trade
Fair Trade certification focuses on labor and trade standards to
provide small-farmer co-operatives a guaranteed price above the
conventional market. Not all Fair Trade Certifiedä coffee is
necessarily organic.However, Fair Trade Certified TM does
require strict environmental stewardship such as prohibiting the use
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the most hazardous
pesticides.
Seventy-eight percent of all Fair Trade Certified TM coffee
sold in the United States is certified organic. In the United States,
transactionsmust be audited by TransFair USA to use a Fair Trade
Certified TMlabel.Certified organic producers of Fair Trade coffee
receive at least$1.55/lb(as of June 1, 2008).
Bird Friendly®
Bird Friendly® can only be used by operators that meet inspection
and certification requirements of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
All certified Bird Friendly® coffee must also be certified organic.
Bird Friendly® certification requires that the coffee be shade-grown
witha wide variety of native shade trees and other shade-providing
species. No synthetic chemicals can be used in the processing of
Bird Friendly® coffee.
Article Source: Organic Trade Association
100% Organic Coffee,Fair Trade Coffee,Growing 100% Organic
By choosing Organic Coffee you are choosing the best
ingredients for yourself and your family. By purchasing this
coffee you support the farmers who decide to grow coffee
using these methods, and help them repay their debt and
sustain economically.
Coffee Lovers USA
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"
Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have
a low impact on the environment.
Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility,
reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers,
and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party
certification organizations verify that organic farmers abide by
the law.
What does it mean to be certified?
In order for coffee to be certified and sold as organic in the
United States, it must be produced in accordance with U.S.
standards for organic production and certified by an agency
accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. requirements
for coffee production include farming without synthetic pesticides or
other prohibited substances for three years and a sustainable crop
rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients,
and control for pests.
What is the size of the U.S. market?
Organic Trade Association data shows that coffee sales in the
United States amounted to approximately $110 million in 2006,
up 24 percent from the previous year. Other studies show the
figure could be much higher. A 2007 survey by Daniele
Giovannucci and the Costa Rica-based Sustainable Markets
Intelligence Center (CIMS) reported that approximately 65
million pounds of organic coffee were imported into the United States
in 2006 with aretail value of approximately $617 million. The authors
estimate the organic coffee sector represented 2.3 percent of the total
U.S. green coffee imports in 2006. The 33 percent annual average
growth ratefor the organic category documented by there searchers
between 2000 and 2007 dwarfs the estimated 1.5-2percent projected
annual growth rate of the conventional coffee industry.
Where is this coffee grown?
This coffee is grown in 40 countries including Bolivia, Burundi, Brazil,
Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico,
Nepal,Nicarauga, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka,
Thailand,Timore-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United
Republic ofTanzania, United States (Hawaii), Venezuela, Vietnam,
and Zambia.The leading producer countries are Peru, Ethiopia, and
Mexico.
What is the size of the world market?
Global sales reached 67,000 metric tons (or about 148 million
pounds)in 2006, a 56 percent increase from 2003 when
approximately 42,000MTwere exported. Forty-four percent
of the total was consumed inNorth America, of which approximately
85 percent was consumed inthe United States.
What products are in the marketplace?
These coffee products now on the market include decaffeinated,
caffeinated, flavored and instant coffees, ice cream and yogurt,
coffeesodas, hard candies, and chocolate covered beans.
What do the labels mean?
The USDA organic seal can appear on any coffee product that
containsat least 95 percent organic ingredients and that has been
certified asorganic by a certification agency accredited by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The coffee may also carry a label saying
“100 percent organic” or “Organic.”
Fair Trade
Fair Trade certification focuses on labor and trade standards to
provide small-farmer co-operatives a guaranteed price above the
conventional market. Not all Fair Trade Certifiedä coffee is
necessarily organic.However, Fair Trade Certified TM does
require strict environmental stewardship such as prohibiting the use
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the most hazardous
pesticides.
Seventy-eight percent of all Fair Trade Certified TM coffee
sold in the United States is certified organic. In the United States,
transactionsmust be audited by TransFair USA to use a Fair Trade
Certified TMlabel.Certified organic producers of Fair Trade coffee
receive at least$1.55/lb(as of June 1, 2008).
Bird Friendly®
Bird Friendly® can only be used by operators that meet inspection
and certification requirements of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
All certified Bird Friendly® coffee must also be certified organic.
Bird Friendly® certification requires that the coffee be shade-grown
witha wide variety of native shade trees and other shade-providing
species. No synthetic chemicals can be used in the processing of
Bird Friendly® coffee.
Article Source: Organic Trade Association
100% Organic Coffee,Fair Trade Coffee,Growing 100% Organic
By choosing Organic Coffee you are choosing the best
ingredients for yourself and your family. By purchasing this
coffee you support the farmers who decide to grow coffee
using these methods, and help them repay their debt and
sustain economically.
Coffee Lovers USA
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"
Monday, January 18, 2010
Mara and Padilla Stoneware Collection's!
Stoneware
A very durable material, stoneware will last for
years while keeping its original beauty. Each
piece is fired twice at a high temperature and
finished by hand.
Minor imperfections are therefore a common
characteristic of hand-finished stoneware products.
Strict quality control has been established to ensure
you the highest quality possible at the best price.
Glazes
There are many factors that determine variations
in colors that result from high-fired glazed stoneware,
many of which are a challenge to control.
Therefore, each piece is unique and there are often
variations in color.Only lead free glazes are used and
the product is tested to ensure that there are no traces
of either lead nor cadmium. "Anytime Is Coffee Time!"
Check us out Coffee Lovers USA!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Delonghi Espresso Machines!
Delonghi Espresso Machines and Coffee Makers are elegant
and graceful in style, while providing the utmost in
performance and efficiency. If you have a flair for style and
want delicious espresso at a great price, DeLonghi espresso
machines and coffee makers are for you.
For over 100 years, DeLonghi, head quartered in Treviso, Italy,
has built a reputation based on their Italian heritage paired
with innovative design and consistently high quality standards.
Its designers continue to be forward thinking in their
philosophy and have created a popular line of coffee and
espresso machine products
.
Whether you select low end or high end espresso machines
or coffee makers, be assured of the quality and great cup of
coffee that DeLonghi will provide foryou. How can you go wrong,
a great selection of Espresso, Origins, Organics, Blends, decaf or
regular Arabica beans brewed to perfection with Delonghi from
Coffee Lovers USA
.
Ok friends, a personal note on Coffee machines!
Does it make a difference how you brew your coffee?
The answer is a big YES! For instance, take a typical automatic
drip coffee machine. I've found a huge difference in the coffee taste
by simply not using the paper filter when brewing. I found a
screened basket that fits most drip coffee makers to replace the paper
filter. (By the way, DeLonghi machines come with a gold tone screened basket.)
You see, most of the oils and crema stay in the paper filter
and never reach your cup with that wonderful flavor we all enjoy!
Another way to enjoy your favorite espresso, regular or decaf coffee
is the French Press. An inexpensive maker that uses no paper filters
and allows those precious oils to make it to your cup and then to your palette.
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"
and graceful in style, while providing the utmost in
performance and efficiency. If you have a flair for style and
want delicious espresso at a great price, DeLonghi espresso
machines and coffee makers are for you.
For over 100 years, DeLonghi, head quartered in Treviso, Italy,
has built a reputation based on their Italian heritage paired
with innovative design and consistently high quality standards.
Its designers continue to be forward thinking in their
philosophy and have created a popular line of coffee and
espresso machine products
.
Whether you select low end or high end espresso machines
or coffee makers, be assured of the quality and great cup of
coffee that DeLonghi will provide foryou. How can you go wrong,
a great selection of Espresso, Origins, Organics, Blends, decaf or
regular Arabica beans brewed to perfection with Delonghi from
Coffee Lovers USA
.
Ok friends, a personal note on Coffee machines!
Does it make a difference how you brew your coffee?
The answer is a big YES! For instance, take a typical automatic
drip coffee machine. I've found a huge difference in the coffee taste
by simply not using the paper filter when brewing. I found a
screened basket that fits most drip coffee makers to replace the paper
filter. (By the way, DeLonghi machines come with a gold tone screened basket.)
You see, most of the oils and crema stay in the paper filter
and never reach your cup with that wonderful flavor we all enjoy!
Another way to enjoy your favorite espresso, regular or decaf coffee
is the French Press. An inexpensive maker that uses no paper filters
and allows those precious oils to make it to your cup and then to your palette.
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Mocha Treat!
Caramel Mocha Almond Popcorn Clusters Recipe; Delicious Mocha Treat.
February 6th, 2008 by Java QueenCaramel Mocha Almond Popcorn Clusters Recipe
10 cups freshly popped popcorn
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup strong Espresso coffee
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Spray 15 x 10 baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Mix popcorn and almonds in large bowl.
Combine brown sugar, butter , coffee and corn syrup in medium saucepan.
Over low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves.
Increase heat to high and boil 5 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda.
Pour over popcorn and almonds, immediately stirring gently to coat.
Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven. Cool completely.
Break into pieces and store in airtight container.
Yield: 20 pieces
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup strong Espresso coffee
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Spray 15 x 10 baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Mix popcorn and almonds in large bowl.
Combine brown sugar, butter , coffee and corn syrup in medium saucepan.
Over low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves.
Increase heat to high and boil 5 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda.
Pour over popcorn and almonds, immediately stirring gently to coat.
Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven. Cool completely.
Break into pieces and store in airtight container.
Yield: 20 pieces
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