Ultimate Blog – CoffeeGuideBlog http://coffeeguideblog.com Best place for Coffee enthusiasts. Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:52:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3 110437728 What Makes Espresso Different from Brewed Coffee? http://coffeeguideblog.com/what-makes-espresso-different-from-brewed-coffee/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/what-makes-espresso-different-from-brewed-coffee/#respond Fri, 13 Apr 2018 20:05:07 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=10060 Coffee is one of the most popular hot drink in the world and there are some people, for whom coffee is more than a...

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Coffee is one of the most popular hot drink in the world and there are some people, for whom coffee is more than a drink. This is like a passion for them and so, they test a variety of coffee with their different measurements.

Over the past years, we have seen rise in espresso coffee popularity among the population. Though this comes with the same coffee bean, but there is a huge difference between the regular coffee and the espresso. Many people get confused in both of these terms – regular and espresso.

What is the Difference between Espresso and Brewed Coffee?

First of all, there is a miss conception among people that espresso comes from different coffee beans. In reality, there is no difference in the coffee bean. This is the same coffee bean that you use for a regular hot coffee. But the method of preparing espresso is different from others.

When we use the regular coffee maker or a French press coffee maker, we just use some hot water for making the coffee.

In case of the espresso, there should have the accurate temperature and the proper pressure for the flavor extraction. For knowing about the extraction process, you need to know how the coffee maker works. There are different parts of the coffee maker. The coffee barista fulfills the measurement cup with roasted coffee.Then he needs to adjust it with the coffee maker. There is a press bar which will press on the coffee beans for extracting the flavor from beans.

After a few moments, the hot water and the coffee bean will bring all the extraction. Then he will use the cream and milk for the final process.

Read also : Best Espresso Machines for Your Home

What is the Crema in the Espresso?

Usually, we see there is a top layer of cream in the coffee. Maybe you are wondering how that cream come in the coffee. Well, if you check an espresso maker, you will find there is a milk frother with it. You can use that frother for making the cream. Just take the milk on the frother that you want to use and start making the cream. There is no complicated process in it.

When you are pouring the cream over the espresso, make sure that you are mixing it gradually so that it mixes properly with the coffee.

Which Coffee Maker Should You Use?

It is true that you can’t make the best espresso unless you have the best espresso maker. So, pick the best coffee maker that makes better espresso.

You can also use the best super automatic espresso machine by Friedcoffee. They have some amazing coffee makers with different features. According to your need, you can pick the best one for you.

Where to Buy an Espresso Machine?

You can find an espresso maker in both offline store and online store. But, I will recommend ordering the machine from online. There you will get the chance to read the reviews from other customers.

If you already have selected a particular brand, try to visit their official site for finding some testimonial or reviews. You can make a list of different products according to your budget and needs. Then sort out them and pick the best one.

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5 Coffee Hacks to Feel More Awake Than Ever http://coffeeguideblog.com/coffee-hacks/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/coffee-hacks/#respond Sat, 10 Mar 2018 12:56:14 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=10019 Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world that can give you an instant boost. Suppose, you are in your workplace...

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Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world that can give you an instant boost. Suppose, you are in your workplace and nothing is going well, just take a coffee at that time, and it will remove the dizziness.

Sometimes coffee can make you more energetic and active. But how do you make your coffee? I know most of the people use the common method for brewing the coffee.

But, what about making your coffee more efficient for your body? Yes, if you follow a few things, the same coffee can keep you awake for a long time. These things are known as the coffee hack.

Though you might find lots of coffee recipes, here I am going to share the most effective ways to get more benefit from your coffee.

1. Use the Fresh Coffee Beans

Well, when I am saying the fresh coffee beans, maybe you think where you will get it. Okay, I am not telling you to collect the coffee beans from the coffee garden.

You will buy it from the shop but with the fresh condition. For this, you need to check the birthplace of the coffee. If you find the coffee beans are collected from the nearest area, you can be sure about the freshness.

Also, you can check the manufacturing date for getting an idea of the freshness. Don’t only depend on the super shops. Look for the vendors in your area who sell whole coffee beans. Collect the beans and use your own coffee grinder. This will help you to get the most benefit.

2. Add Some Protein Powder

Protein is the essential element for the muscle growth and the stamina. So, if you are taking a plain breakfast with coffee, make sure that you are adding some protein powder to it.

This will help you to reach the maximum level of protein for an energetic day. Researchers already have found that protein powder with the coffee can dramatically impact the sleepiness.

However, make sure that you are purchasing the powder from any trusted brand. Low-quality protein powder may create some other issues. If you are taking 2 to 3 eggs on the breakfast, it is not obvious to use protein powder with the coffee.

3. Use the Right Process of Making Coffee

It is always better to make a coffee yourself instead of purchasing it from a coffee shop. Why? Because when you are making the coffee, you can customize everything. Also, you can focus on the effectiveness of coffee rather than the taste.

So, use the right temperature of water. It should not be 98-99-degree Celsius water. It should be 91-96 degree Celsius. Also, use the best coffee machine.

You can get a detailed idea of coffee machines from Coffee Cicerone. There you will get reviews of coffee machines too. So, use the fresh coffee beans, appropriate heat, and the right coffee machine. This combination will give a boost to staying awake.

4. Take Coffee Nap

Yes, you need to take a nap after taking a perfect cup of coffee. I am not telling you to sleep for an hour. Instead, after drinking a cup of coffee, take a nap which can be up to 20 minutes. Now, when you open your eyes, will feel more energetic.

Different researchers have proved this method work very well. So, in the next time, don’t forget to take a nap just after drinking your favorite coffee.

5. Apply Coffee Under the Eyes

Maybe you are not feeling sleepy, but you are looking tired. What can you don in that situation? Well, in that case, you can use the coffee just under the eye. It will remove the tired look.

For this hack, you need to brew the coffee and keep it in the ground until it is cool. Now, apply under the eyes and get a refreshing look.

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7 Reasons To Invest In a Home Coffee Machine http://coffeeguideblog.com/reasons-to-invest-in-a-home-coffee-machine/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/reasons-to-invest-in-a-home-coffee-machine/#respond Sun, 19 Nov 2017 11:20:13 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=9373 How you kick-start your day? If you are a coffee lover like me, then you may start with a perfect espresso.

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How you kick-start your day? If you are a coffee lover like me, then you may start with a perfect espresso. If you don’t have a coffee machine at home, it is not possible to make a perfect cup of coffee. You may use the conventional coffee pot for making instant coffee, but that is not going to make you happy or satisfied.

So, you should purchase a coffee maker machine at your home. If you are thinking about the price of a coffee maker, then let me clear the thing. You will find even the Best Espresso Machine under $200. So, why you are late? Just choose the right model and order one for you. Here I am going to share more reasons why you should invest in a home coffee machine.

  • Its Affordable

No matter how much budget do you have. Still you have the chance to purchase a coffee machine for home. As I mentioned earlier, there are different coffee makers with variety of features with a low price.

  • You Can Drink Bed Coffee

When you don’t have the coffee machine, you can’t drink a perfect coffee at bed. You need to visit the nearest coffee shop for it. But will you wait for such a long time? I bet you will not love that. So, it will be worth to invest some money for a home coffee machine.

  • They are Compact

People have so many confusions about a coffee maker. It is true that some espresso machines come with a hefty size which is not suitable for the home. But have you checked some home coffee machines with compact size?

If you search in online, there will be tons of products that you can easily install in a small apartment. Also, if you have a small kitchen, they will be quickly adjusted within a small space. Moreover, you can move the machine here to there with less effort.

  • Cost Effective

This is the best part that I love about a home coffee machine. Just think about a coffee shop and you are purchasing your favorite espresso. It will cost you a lot. Though the cost for the making is too low. Coffee shops charge you extra because they need to give salary to their stuff, tax, shop rent etc.

But, when you are brewing your own coffee at home, it costs very low. Just purchase some high-quality coffee beans and you are ready to make the perfect espresso. You will realize the benefit when you are arranging a party and want to serve coffee to your guests.

  • It Saves Time

If you are a busy professional, you can hardly manage some time to visit a coffee shop for an espresso. But you can make your own coffee at home without losing your valuable time. This become possible because of some programmable coffee makers. You can set all the preferences and get the coffee just when you want. So, give the command and stay busy at your work. When it is brewed, just drink it.

  • Customization

Though some coffee shops are quite favorite because of the taste of coffee, everyone has their own taste about coffee. If you want something customized, in most of the time it is not possible. The thing you can do only at your home. And it is not possible without a good home coffee machine.

  • Cleanliness

If you are concern about cleanliness, I can suggest nothing but a home coffee machine. It allows you to keep the machine clean always. You can stay secure about the germ-free kits of the machine. So, there is no chance of any attack of bacteria.

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6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Espresso Machine http://coffeeguideblog.com/fact-about-espresso-machine/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/fact-about-espresso-machine/#respond Sun, 19 Nov 2017 11:13:19 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=9369 Though there are different types of coffee drink by people around the world, the most popular is espresso. Every day, millions of people drink...

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Though there are different types of coffee drink by people around the world, the most popular is espresso. Every day, millions of people drink espresso. There is a particular way to make an espresso. Everything needs to be in the right amount to get the best taste. A professional barista can make a great cup of coffee because of his experience.

However, you can also make a cup of espresso at home. All you need to use is the best home espresso machine and quality coffee beans. There are different types of coffee machines you will find in local stores and online.

Just make a list which features do you want and order the best one for you. There are some unknown facts about espresso machines. Here I am going to share top 6 facts about espresso machine that probably you didn’t know.

  • You can Use Variety Of Coffee Beans

Espresso is not a type of beans. The drink is only known as espresso. You can use a variety of coffee beans in an espresso machine. It can be roasted coffee beans, or you can also use some other type of coffee beans. The espresso machine will extract the flavor from the beans.

Also, you don’t have to choose the coffee beans from a particular brand. You can even purchase coffee beans from a local vendor. The only thing you need to consider about coffee beans is its quality. Make sure you are choosing some fresh coffee beans for the best flavor.

  • You can Brew Variety of Coffee

I have seen so many people are confused about espresso machines. Most of the people think that they can only brew an espresso with their espresso machine. But let me explain, the espresso machine is like some other coffee maker machines. The specialty is, they can brew an espresso in the right way.

It doesn’t mean you can’t brew different types of coffee. You can use the same machine for other coffee types. Just need to modify the settings so that you get the right taste from the coffee that you are looking for.

So, you don’t have to purchase a separate machine for each type of coffee. However, before ordering, make sure that the espresso machine has the customizable setting option in the control panel.

  • How Much Pressure Need to Extract Flavor?

You are making your favorite espresso every day with the espresso machine, but have you though how the machine works? Well, an espresso machine needs to give accurate pressure on the coffee beans to extract the full flavor.

Though the pressure will vary with models of machines, but the minimum force required for the flavor extraction is 132 pounds per square inch of pressure. Some espresso machine may come with a different pressure. But it is necessary to have the perfect pressure bar for getting the right taste.

  • How many Beans Required?

Coffee lovers use a variety of coffee beans in the espresso machine. Have you though how many coffee beans does it require in an espresso machine? Though it sounds weird, but the information is interesting.

Well, when the machine works, it needs a minimum amount of coffee beans. In most of the espresso machines, per shot require 50 coffee beans. So, if you are thinking to use fewer coffee beans, it may not be possible in the machine.

  • Italian Govt. Monitor the Espresso Machine and Flavor

For Italian, espresso is not only a drink. Drinking espresso is a passion for them. Also, this is a daily part of their life. So, Italian govt. Regularly monitor the process of making espresso machine to the brewing process.

All coffee shops need to maintain a standard. Also, the coffee maker machine manufacturers maintain the quality standard in the espresso machine. That is the reason Italian coffee beans are exceptional among others.

  • Crema in Espresso is Not a Sperate Thing

Crema in the top of the espresso is a traditional thing. People have confusion how this crema comes in an espresso. Well, it depends on the espresso machine. When the bar presses the coffee beans for flavor extraction, it automatically makes some crema that we get in an espresso. Industrial espresso makers do heavy pressure, so those machines produce more crema.

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Pros and Cons Of Keurig Coffee Makers http://coffeeguideblog.com/pros-and-cons-of-keurig-coffee-makers/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/pros-and-cons-of-keurig-coffee-makers/#respond Sat, 18 Nov 2017 13:47:26 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=9360 Most coffee lovers from around the world have already replaced their traditional coffee makers in the home and office with the modern single-serve brewing...

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Most coffee lovers from around the world have already replaced their traditional coffee makers in the home and office with the modern single-serve brewing system. This is mainly due to the convenience of using such machines, as well as the quality of the beverage.

The Keurig coffee maker is one of the most popular names in the single-serve brewing systems industry. We believe that the sheer variety of Keurig models and their functionality make them stand out from the rest.

So if you’re interested in getting a new coffee maker, let us explore some of the advantages and the disadvantages that come with Keurig machines.

Main advantages

  • Speed

one of the top reasons why people decide to buy Keurig machines if perhaps due to the rapid brewing future. Most of these systems can brew a cup of coffee in less than one minute. Furthermore, the operation of the entire machine is controlled through a single button. You can also be sure that your instant coffee will not have the scorched taste that low quality and traditional coffee makers often produce.

  • Flexibility

The Keurig system can be used to make a wide variety of decaf and caffeinated beverages including coffee, hot tea, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, or cold tea. The newest models can even make iced coffee.

  • Functionality

Most Keurig systems come with a removable reservoir, which can easily be refilled. Additionally, newer models support different cup size options, which essentially guarantee the quality of your beverage regardless of the size of your cup. Most of these systems also have a rinse cycle feature that can automatically clean the interior of your coffee maker.

  • Features to Suit Your Needs

If you have two or more coffee drinkers in the house, where one is more adventurous and is always looking for new unique flavors, while another cannot stand flavored coffee, Keurig systems make it easy to accommodate everyone’s taste without having to brew several pots.

There are many models that provide a number of different features. As such, you should do a Keurig comparison and explore the different models to find one that suits your needs best. There are many reasons why you would want to get a Keurig coffee maker. The ease of operation, innovative features, impeccable functioning, and a variety of drinks classify the manufacturer as a leader in the industry.

  • Outstanding Customer Service

In about one year, the first machine I got suddenly stopped talking, though I’m pretty sure it was my fault. We have hard water running in our home, and I didn’t realize that you have to clean the machine after some time, and use vinegar to de-scale it.

So, I called Keurig to find out how it can be fixed. I only had one day left on my warranty, but they were kind enough to send a whole new machine. In fact, there were no hassles, jumping through hoops, or even shipping anything back.

Disadvantages

  • Comparatively less efficient

While the single-serve function will ensure your beverages are hot or cold (as preferred), it can be a major shortcoming of the machine. When you need to make several cups at a time, the machine may prove less efficient than a traditional coffee maker.

  • Unrecyclable K-Cups

Although Keurig provides a large selection of coffees in special k-cups these cups are not recyclable and dedicated coffee drinkers will find themselves having to buy many. When you add up the cost of these K-cups, it can be a relatively big sum.

  • Some Models Don’t Support Different Cups Sizes

With some Keurig models, different cup-size options are not supported and you may end up with more water in the drink. Because of this, the coffee may be weaker, and it can be a problem to people who are used to a stronger taste.

Keurig is a renowned name in the coffee maker industry for a reason. The models bring innovative feature and a remarkable user-friendliness. So, if you’re committed to having quality coffee daily, you can’t go wrong with a Keurig coffee maker.

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7 Truths Only Coffee Addicts Will Understand http://coffeeguideblog.com/7-truths-only-coffee-addicts-will-understand/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/7-truths-only-coffee-addicts-will-understand/#respond Mon, 22 May 2017 20:00:20 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=8474 Coffee lovers don’t drink a cup in the morning as a routine. They have valid reasons for the grind, and perfectly brewing a tastier...

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Coffee lovers don’t drink a cup in the morning as a routine. They have valid reasons for the grind, and perfectly brewing a tastier coffee. Some coffee fans drink up to 4 cups of coffee daily because they understand more about this drink.

If you are not a coffee avid, you might not understand the basics and finer details of brewing and importance of coffee. Coffee fans know the rules of getting barista-quality coffee at home. They know the perfect brewing methods and how the shortcomings of these brewing techniques. Here are the 7 things that only coffee lovers will understand.

1. The Importance of a good coffee grinder

Coffee lovers know the importance of having a good grinder at home. A great grinder mostly burr grinder makes a good addition to their kitchen. A grinder offers the convenience of grinding and making a personalized cup of coffee without any hassle. An excellent grinder allows for total control over the size of the grind.

It can grind from a coarse ground to finely powdered coffee ground. This can be used with French press or espresso machine. The best grinder allows for a fresh cup of coffee with essential oils and full of flavor.

Coffee fans avoid the stale taste of pre-ground coffee that is sold at your nearest grocery. Due to these benefits, you will always find a grinder in the kitchen of an avid coffee drinker.

2. Brewing barista-quality coffee is an art

They understand that getting a barista-quality coffee is an art that requires one to be careful. The process starts with the selection of the ingredients and tools, then careful brewing. The tools include the brewing method.

They select the best method from French Press, pour-over, Chemex, percolator and automatic coffee machines. The knowledge of how the selected method works, is desirable in brewing quality coffee. For instance, one need to know that French press works with coarse coffee while automatic machines work with fine grounds.

Using the right ratio of water to coffee is essential. Next, coffee lovers know that adjustment of the coffee strength and temperature are vital. Barista-quality coffee is about controlling all the aspects of the brewing to get better-tasting, favorable drink.

3. Drink a cup of coffee in the morning is essential

If you are a coffee fan, you know that drinking a cup of coffee every morning is very important. It helps to keep the mind alerted throughout the day. You also improve your performance at work since it enhances your efficiency.

These facts have led to the introduction of certain features in coffee machines that either reduce the time of preparation or brew cup before you wake up.

Some coffee machines can deliver a perfect cup of coffee within 2 minutes. Other automatic coffee machines come with a “wake up” feature that brews coffee before you wake up. Such brewers are meant to allow you to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

4. The Importance of buying whole beans

Every coffee lover understands that buying whole beans is better than pre-ground coffee. Even they know that the beans should not be stored for long after roasting. The coffee is the main ingredient when brewing coffee. So the final results will greatly depend on the quality of the coffee.

That’s why they avoid pre-ground coffee because it might be stale. The pre-ground coffee might also have lost flavor and strength leading to less tasty coffee. Whole beans allow you to brew fresh coffee shortly after grinding.

Even after grinding the whole beans, coffee enthusiasts don’t store the ground for long. The storage entails sealing the ground coffee in an airtight bag or container. They know that exposing the coffee to light, air or heat might affect its quality.

5. Benefits of caffeine

Coffee contains caffeine as the major component. Coffee fans know the importance of caffeine and have even developed tolerance to the negative effects. Caffeine stimulates the brains functioning by inhibiting the production of adenosine.

Thus, avid coffee drinkers always stay alert and make the right choices when faced with a dilemma. Caffeine also helps coffee drinkers to stay healthy since it lowers the risks of developing certain diseases. It prevents type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, and heart diseases.

Also, coffee drinkers don’t fall asleep due to the effects of caffeine in the body. The can stay awake for long hours and complete challenging tasks.

6. The mistakes to avoid when brewing

Only coffee fans know how to avoid common brewing mistakes that lower the quality of the coffee.  These mistakes include using the wrong among of ground coffee. They also don’t use tap water since filtered water delivers the best results.

They don’t store ground coffee in the freezer because it will moisten the ground. Using the wrong grind size during the brewing compromises the final results. Avoiding these mistakes offers you a perfect cup of coffee that’s why coffee lovers avoid them. Only coffee fans know when these mistakes are about to happen and then use their experience to avoid them.

7. Frequent visits to the bathroom

Coffee results in frequent visits to the bathroom. Coffee drinkers know that coffee dictates their schedule of visiting the bathroom. You visit the bathroom since coffee is a diuretic.

Coffee fans agree that you will visit the bathroom shortly after drinking a cup of coffee. If you drink several cups of coffee, the frequency of visits increases. This effect is attributed to the dehydration aspect of coffee.

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How To Use a Coffee Percolator http://coffeeguideblog.com/how-to-use-a-coffee-percolator/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/how-to-use-a-coffee-percolator/#respond Fri, 19 May 2017 20:05:20 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=8358 Using a percolator is simple because it doesn’t have complicated settings. With just a few steps, you can start enjoying your favorite coffee with...

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Using a percolator is simple because it doesn’t have complicated settings. With just a few steps, you can start enjoying your favorite coffee with a percolator. If you want to brew with a percolator for the first time, you might experience some challenges. Thus, it’s good to understand this brewing method and how it works.

A percolator is a type of a pot that brews coffee continually cycling the hot brew through the coffee ground. The cycling process proceeds until you get your favorite flavor. Traditional coffee percolators are heated using stove, gas or other burners. Modern percolators are electric powered. A Percolator is great if you want to replace your automatic brewing machine.

Why Should You Use a Percolator?

Coffee enthusiasts agree that percolators produce a rich cup of coffee every time. Percolators are popular because they can be used at home and are ideal for camping.

They are also of different sizes to suit different brewing needs. You may also want to use a percolator because it gives you total control. You can determine the strength, flavor, and aroma of the coffee.

You might also be wondering how percolator differs from other brewing methods. Percolators are special in their brewing method. They expose your coffee grounds to high temperatures resulting in full extraction.

When you use percolator in the right way, it eliminates volatile compounds in your coffee grounds. It also delivers hotter coffee compared to other brewing methods.

Steps of Brewing Using a Percolator

Step 1: Add water to the reservoir

Percolators come with a “pot” that holds the water. Measure and add water depending on the amount of coffee that you want to brew. You will add water by opening the lid of the unit. Most coffee percolators brew about 2-8 cups of coffee.

Step 2: Fix the chamber & tube assembly

Some percolators need you to remove the upper basket or central tube when adding water. Replace them in this step. In most percolators, the tube extends into the water. Ensure to fix these components in the right way since they are the interface between water and the grounds.

Step 3: Measure and add ground coffee

In this step, measure your desired amount of ground coffee and add it to the upper basket. You can use the ratio of 1 tablespoon for every cup of water. This ratio will result in a strong coffee. Coffee fans who want a relatively weaker coffee can add 1 tablespoon per cup.

Step 4: Place the percolator on the heating source

The brewing starts when you begin heating the percolator with the ground coffee and water. Percolators can use different sources if heat like stove, gas and electric. Use a medium that heats the water to some degrees below the boiling point. This will enable the water to absorb flavor from the ground and prevent your coffee from becoming bitter.

Step 5: Monitor the percolating process

Percolators come with a clear lid that allows you to monitor the percolating process. The first observation will be bubbles or sputtering indicating that the water is circulating. When the water starts getting dark, it’s an indication of extraction.

Allow the percolating to continue for about ten minutes. However, this time should be determined by how strong you want your coffee and the heating medium.

Step 7: Remove the percolator from the heating source & pour

The final step is removing the percolator from the heating source when the brewing is complete. Percolators come with a plastic handle that allows for easy holding and pouring. Remember to remove the ground coffee. You can discard the grounds or recycle them.

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Can Pregnant Women Drink Coffee? http://coffeeguideblog.com/can-pregnant-women-drink-coffee/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/can-pregnant-women-drink-coffee/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:00:55 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=8344 Coffee has numerous health benefits such are preventing heart diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. But is it safe to drink coffee during...

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Coffee has numerous health benefits such are preventing heart diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. But is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy? If you are used to drinking a cup of coffee every morning or occasionally, you will definitely have this question. The major concern of coffee is the caffeine content which affects the body in various ways.

If you want to drink coffee, you can’t avoid caffeine in any way. Even after decaffeination, the coffee will still have some caffeine. Other coffee-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso still have caffeine.

This article offers all the information you need to know about drinking coffee during pregnancy. It will cover whether it’s right to drink coffee and the concerns involved.

Once you are pregnant, it’s advisable to minimize the consumption of caffeine. So how much caffeine should you consume? There have been many studies dedicated to determining the amount of caffeine that is safe for pregnant women.

However, these studies have not delivered a precise answer to the amount of caffeine that a pregnant woman should consume. Due to this fact, some women tend to avoid coffee completely since it contains high levels of caffeine. This decision might be right but wrong to some extent.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) holds that during pregnancy, a woman should minimize their caffeine intake to under 200 mg per day.

This is equivalent to approximately one 11 ounce cup of coffee. This guidance advises women to avoid consuming a lot of coffee in a day. Thus, if you were drinking 2 or 4 cups of coffee per day, you will have to limit the amount to one cup.

After all, you can increase your coffee intake after delivery and nursing the child to a given age. The idea is to avoid coffee at a time when you have a delicate condition.

Does caffeine reach your unborn child when you consume coffee?

When you eat any food or take any drink, it crosses the placenta into the amniotic fluid as well as your child’s bloodstream. The caffeine in the coffee follows the same route. Your body is equipped with mechanisms of eliminating the caffeine from the blood system. However, the child’s body is still developing, so it takes a longer time to get rid of the caffeine. Thus, your baby is exposed to the impacts of the caffeine for an extended time. There are potential effects to your baby due to this exposure.

The concerns about drinking coffee during pregnancy

Researchers have also tried to identify the effects of caffeine to the unborn child and the mother. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), consuming less than 200 mg of caffeine is not harmful. This amount of coffee doesn’t result in premature birth or miscarriage.

Nevertheless, one study found that females who consumed more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy had a potential of premature death. They were chances of giving birth to babies who were still in their gestation period.

There is the fact that a pregnant mother won’t feel better if they consume a lot of coffee per day. Caffeine in the coffee increases body activity by stimulating body systems, heart, and muscles.

So caffeine will raise the heart rate as well as blood pressure. Caffeine can also make a pregnant mother feel jittery and even result in insomnia. In some instances, caffeine can result in heartburn by stimulating the production of stomach acid.

You will notice these effects of caffeine as the pregnancy progresses. This occurs since your body’s capacity to break down caffeine declines, so you will eventually have a high level of caffeine in the bloodstream.

In the second trimester, it will take twice as long to get rid of caffeine from your bloodstream as when you were not pregnant. In the third trimester, getting rid of caffeine will take almost three times as long.

So the caffeine will take more time in your body as your pregnancy progresses. It will also take longer in the baby’s body than in yours. Once you give birth, the caffeine is also passed to the baby through breastfeeding. This occurs for the first few months. So you should still limit the amount of coffee which will lower caffeine in your body.

Apart from limiting coffee due to the time it takes in the bloodstream, there are more reasons. Caffeinated coffee limits the body’s ability to absorb iron which is required during pregnancy.  Thus, limiting the amount of caffeine will be of great importance during pregnancy. Remember no to exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day.

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9 Reasons Why Coffee Addiction Is Not a Bad Thing http://coffeeguideblog.com/9-reasons-why-coffee-addiction-is-not-a-bad-thing/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/9-reasons-why-coffee-addiction-is-not-a-bad-thing/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2017 19:00:13 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=8337 Imagine waking up in a world with no coffee or espresso shots! It would be disastrous, right? Coffee does more than just cheering you...

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Imagine waking up in a world with no coffee or espresso shots! It would be disastrous, right? Coffee does more than just cheering you up and providing the needed energy to start your daily activities.

Caffeine has got many benefits when consumed in moderation on a daily routine. You may be perplexed when you hear people saying that coffee addiction is good, especially for your health! Well, you may wonder how! Below are the reasons as to why no one should worry you about your addiction to coffee.

1. Improves energy levels

When you feel worn out and not in the mood to work, a cup of coffee will boost your memory function as well as improve your cognitive performance. This is because coffee creates a state of vigilance and arousal that makes you much aware and less worn out. So sip your espresso before work and experience elevated energy levels throughout your day.

2. Coffee burns off fat

Caffeine is an essential part of many components made for burning off fat. It helps boost metabolism so as to increase the fat burning by about 30% in individuals who are lean and about 15% in those who are obese. The caffeine stimulates the nervous system (CNS) and thus increases oxidation of fatty acids.

3. Coffee improves physical strength

The caffeine found in coffee helps to break down the body fats hence making them available for use as a power source in the bloodstream. Biologically, fatty acids and glycerol are mobilized from the fat cells. This mobilization increases the exercise performance in a good percentage; about 14 % on average.

4. Coffee helps reduce the risks of cancer

Coffee has got the ability to decrease or lower risks of developing many forms of cancer. It prevents multiplication of cancerous tissues. The reduction includes 20% less risks of prostate cancer in males and 25% less risks for endometrial cancer in females.

This is an average for people who take around four cups of coffee in a day. Consequently, coffee consumption can actively help fight the growth of most common forms of skin cancer.

5. Coffee helps fight depression

Studies have indicated that individuals who consume more than four cups of coffee a day have about ten percent less chances of being depressed than those who do not take coffee.

The main reason behind this argument is because coffee is an antioxidant beverage. Besides, depression, serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine are also boosted thus elevating your mood.

A study conducted by Harvard University students showed that those people who drink 4 cups of coffee on a daily basis lower their chances of committing suicide by 50%! Fascinating, right?

6. Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s

Coffee addicts have significantly reduced risks of developing this chronic disease since the coffee intake is associated with working more efficiently to fight dementia. Since Alzheimer’s affects people who are older or in their middle ages, regular consumption of coffee may help keep this disease away.

7. It reduces the risks of developing Parkinsons’ disease

According to research done by the American Medical Association, men who didn’t take coffee were two times more susceptible to develop this disease than males who took 4-ounces to 4 cups.

Treatments can be done to slow the progression of this disease which targets the nervous system. But the disease has no cure; hence prevention is mandatory.

8. Coffee helps fight obesity

Chlorogenic acid is a compound found in coffee, and it helps ward off obesity-related diseases. In a research done by the University of Georgia students using mice as a sample, chlorogenic acid performed the following functions which include prevented weight gain, helped keep normal blood-sugar levels, kept livers healthy and reduced inflammation.

According to a later research that conducted in the same period, a gradual increase of coffee consumption could lead to lower risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.

9. It is rich in nutrients

Did you ever know that coffee is rich in nutrients? It has lots of nutrients than just a tasty black water!  Coffee beans contain a lot of nutrients which are vital to our health.

Some of the essential nutrients needed in our bodies include Potassium, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Magnesium. So, if you are drinking say four cups of coffee in a day, those are a lot of nutrients in your body and what do they signify well-being?

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How To Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker http://coffeeguideblog.com/how-to-clean-a-keurig-coffee-maker/ http://coffeeguideblog.com/how-to-clean-a-keurig-coffee-maker/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2017 19:07:09 +0000 http://coffeeguideblog.com/?p=8277 Cleaning a Keurig coffee maker coffee maker is easy, and there are different ways to achieve it. The first way is using a dish...

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Cleaning a Keurig coffee maker coffee maker is easy, and there are different ways to achieve it. The first way is using a dish cleaning detergent to give the unit a general cleaning. You can also rely on vinegar to clean the machine while eliminating mineral buildup on the machine part.

It’s advisable to clean the unit often using dish detergent. But you can schedule when to use vinegar on your Keurig brewer depending on the frequency of use.

You will realize several benefits if you clean the brewer often;

  • It will make a better-tasting cup of coffee each time
  • You will prolong its life
  • Cleaning prevents bacteria and bad flavor from developing in the machine
  • A clean Keurig will appear beautiful on the kitchen counter.

What you require to clean the machine

  • Non-abrasive piece of cloth
  • A dry towel or piece of cloth
  • Dish detergent
  • Hot soapy water
  • Get your dishwasher ready

 Note: before you start, switch off the machine and unplug it to avoid an accident.

The cleaning process

Step 1: Detach the brewer Components

Carefully disassemble your brewer; you should start by opening the cover of the unit by lifting the handle and then removing the K-Cup holder inside.

To detach the K-Cup holder, hold the top of the holder. Then push up the bottom side of the K-Cup assembly from below. All standard Keurig brewers come with two sharp needles inside that can cause accidents, so you should be keen when detaching the K-Cup holder. Disassembling the funnel, drip plate and drip tray should be pretty simple after detaching the k-cup holder. Be cautious to avoid breaking these parts since they might be plastic.

Step 2: Clean the components (K-Cup holder, drip plate, funnel and drip tray)

Cleaning these components is easy since they are dishwasher safe. Put the parts in the dishwasher and run the equipment on a regular wash setting using dish detergent. Remember these parts should enter the top rack of the dishwasher.

You can also hand wash these components. The K-Cup holder requires rinsing under warm to hot water. It’s not necessary to scrub the K-Cup holder after rinsing it.

To hand wash the drip plate, funnel and drip tray, simply immerse them in hot soapy water. Then scrub them using a non-abrasive piece of cloth. Then rinse these parts well.

Using a dry towel dry all these components. Alternatively, you can allow them to air dry.

Step 3: Clean the exit needle

The exit needles are found in the upper and bottom parts of the K-Cup holder. The exit needles have three holes that require cleaning. Remove possible debris from the holes; you can use a paper clip to achieve that.

Coffee grounds might enter these holes, so it’s vital to clean these parts. When using a paper clip, insert it about 2.5 cm deep into the tube. Try wiggling to remove any debris that might have been lodged in these holes.

Step 3: Clean Water reservoir & removable lid

The water reservoir & removable lid aren’t dishwasher safe, and you should hand wash them using a non-abrasive cloth and water.  Do not use detergents or cleansers when cleaning these parts. These agents might contaminate the water supply for next use. Simply wipe out these components with a wet cloth and then rinse under hot running water.

After cleaning, dry the components using a dry towel or allowing them to air dry.

Step 4: Wipe down the machine’s exterior

Use a wet non-abrasive cloth to wipe the exterior of the Keurig, coffee maker. Your target should be dried coffee grounds, water stains or other unpleasant stains on the body of the machine.

If the exterior needs a thorough touch, dip the cloth in soapy water and use it to wipe the machine. Then rinse the exterior under running water or rinse the cloth and use it to wipe soap on the machine. Avoid immersing the entire body in water.

Step 5: Reassemble the Machine

Insert the funnel back onto K-Cup, and place the K-Cup holder into the unit. Ensure to slid back the drip plate and drip plate. Now your Keurig brewer is clean, and you can use it to continue brewing a favorite cup of coffee.

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