Food & Beverages

Coffee: Coffee Vending Machines

June 23, 2008 – 12:55 pm
Todays coffee vending machines are geared toward the more sophisticated tastes of todays coffee drinkers. Unlike older machines that brew a stale, flavorless liquid unworthy of being called coffee, these new models make coffee that is hot, fresh and delicious. If you are looking for a way to entice coffee drinkers away from places like Starbucks, these new vending machines are just what you need.Its evident that people today are willing to pay big money for a good cup of coffee. Fresh, hot gourmet coffee is something most folks cant seem to do without each morning, but what if they could get it at a fraction of the cost of the price they pay at their neighborhood coffee shop? Todays new coffee vending machines can produce a cup of coffee equal in quality to that of any coffee shop, at a fraction of the cost for ...

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Coffee: Espresso Makers

June 22, 2008 – 12:55 pm
Espresso makers are rarely as complicated as most people think. Basically, these machines quickly force pressurized water through a bed of finely ground coffee; the resulting aromatic liquid is espresso. This type of brewing allows all of the coffees oils, and therefore flavor and aroma, to survive the filtering process, resulting in a rich, creamy, full bodied beverage.Important Information about Espresso MakersEspresso is produced in two shots of about one ounce each; a shot should take between twenty-two and thirty seconds to pass through the machine. The removable part that holds the grounds is called the portafilter. The part of the machine that conducts the heated, pressurized water into the portafilter is called the group. You can find espresso machines with anywhere from one to four groups.There are many different types of espresso makers available, depending on your budget and what you will be using ...

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Coffee: Cappuccino Makers

June 21, 2008 – 12:55 pm
With the rise in popularity of this Italian specialty drink, cappuccino makers are easier to find than ever. Cappuccino, or white coffee, is a delicious treat, made with espresso and steamed milk. As popular as this beverage is, you can find cappuccino makers in your favorite coffee shops, in fine restaurants, at highway rest stops and in your friends homes.Cappuccino is made by foaming milk until it is stiff, and then spooning it into the serving cup. Once the shots of espresso are ready, they are poured into the foam, raising it above the edge of the cup to form a delicious, frothy cloud. The creaminess of the milk complements the bold, robust flavor of the coffee, creating a delicious, invigorating beverage.Essentials of Good Cappuccino MakersBecause correctly foamed milk is essential to this drink, both home and commercial cappuccino makers must have reliable steam wands. ...

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Coffee: Coffee Equipment

June 20, 2008 – 12:55 pm
There is a lot of coffee equipment to consider if you want to incorporate serving this beverage into your business. In recent years, consumer taste has been changing, and they have become much more discerning about the quality of their coffee. With the opening of the first Starbucks in the 1970s, gourmet coffee has become the industry norm; investing in good equipment can help you attract and keep your coffee-loving customers.Basic Coffee EquipmentThe importance of freshly grinding your coffee cannot be over-emphasized. As soon as coffee has been ground, its complex chemical aroma begins to break down; ground coffee that sits for more than a few hours without being brewed tastes noticeably stale. Anyone wishing to serve coffee will need to invest in a quality burr grinder, which will allow you to perform various grinds correctly and consistently.The next piece of equipment that you will need ...

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Coffee: Coffee Filters

June 19, 2008 – 12:55 pm
Up until the late 18th century, coffee filters were completely unheard of. Until that time, coffee was brewed by pouring boiling water over pulverized grounds and waiting for the sediment to sink to the bottom before drinking. Filtered coffee wasnt introduced until the late 18th century, with paper filters being invented in 1912 by a German housewife.Different Types of Coffee FiltersToday, there are many different coffee filters to choose from. Paper filters are still around, and now come in a healthier non-bleached version that does not impart any chemical taste to your coffee. These filters keep all grounds out of your coffee when properly used; however, the paper traps some of the oils in the coffee, resulting in a slightly weaker taste.Many people choose cloth coffee filters because they are more environmentally friendly than disposable paper filters. These economical filters are simply rinsed between uses ...

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