That Back-To-School Boost - Part 1

>> Monday, August 25, 2008

A brand new semester started today for most college students. I technically don't start until tomorrow because I only have Tuesday/Thursday classes (11:00 - 6:15 with a break 12:30 - 2). What a better way to start your day than with a nice cup of coffee?

Ever since I received my espresso maker for Christmas (steam operated, not pump so I make low-quality drinks compared to coffee houses), I've been doing research and becoming more knowledgable. For starters, you never want to buy ground coffee. As soon as the beans are grinded, they instantly start losing their freshness. Trust me, once you've been exposed to fresh coffee, you'll think Folgers and Maxwell House taste like crap. I've learn when a place offers free coffee (like a brunch line or hotel complimentary breakfast) not to take any because they use stale coffee (mainly without knowing and it's cheaper).

Even buying the whole beans in a grocery store isn't a better option. Sure, it's "fresher" than the packaged ground coffee, but who knows how long those beans have been sitting in the store. I haven't tried the brand-name packaged whole beans (like Seattle's Best or Folger's), but I bet they have been sitting the bags for a few weeks at least.

For the best quality, you don't want to grind the beans until right before you make the coffee. When I was grinder shopping, I had so much trouble finding a grinder that produced a fine enough grind for my espresso maker. When someone makes espresso, it isn't referring to a type of bean. Espresso refers to the grind of the bean. It is a very fine grind compared to drip coffee. Drip coffee is what most Americans make at home - place coffee grinds in a paper filter, insert it into the machine, add water, and let the water drip through the filter and into your pot (hence, drip coffee). The coffee grounds for drip coffee is a little more "chunkier" while espresso grind is similar to a powder. After trying several grinders, I finally settled on the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder. Expensive, yes but it gets the job done. I've spent two whole weeks researching and checking customer reviews of grinders out there. This is the best one you are going to get for espresso makers.

You also want to buy whole beans as close to the roasting date as possible. Now, unless you have a local coffee shop, you probably won't be able to find out the roasting date on most beans. That is why I resorted to buying mine online. I've only bought mine from Boca Java, and when you receive your bag, they have the roasting date stickered on the back. Usually it's the day before it gets shipped. I've only had Boca Sunrise and Sumatran Sunset. I prefer dark roasts, so I wasn't a fan of Boca Sunrise (which was a medium roast). Sumatran Sunset is pretty good, though. Click below if you want 15% off your first purchase!


Get a discount on me


I haven't had too much experience with the different companies, but Marye from Kettle and Cup has done a ton of reviews, so go check her out!

I was going to explain the difference between lattes and cappuccinos and post two coffee syrup recipes, but I didn't think I had that much knowledge on coffee beans. Come back tomorrow for part two!

2 comments:

marye 8:06 PM  

Have fun in school!
Lately I am only buying grocery whole bean because of $$$ but hopefully that will change SOON.

Frank, Robin 3:14 AM  

For the best quality, you don't want to grind the beans until right before you make the coffee. When I was grinder shopping, I had so much trouble finding a grinder that produced a fine enough grind for my espresso maker. When someone makes espresso, it isn't referring to a type of bean. Espresso refers to the grind of the bean.

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