I scooped up these Italian made porcelain Nuova Point Espresso cups and saucers - unopened, from what could be 1983! These cups have a very thick wall and will have you talking with your hands in no time.
Coffee really is science done right.
If you take a moment to think about it, we measure out 14grams of precisely ground, expertly roasted coffee beans that have been grown and cared for by farmers and processed based on sometimes generations of experience and knowledge. We then tamp the grinds to a predetermined pressure, loaded into a precisely engineered portafilter basket that has been pre-heated on the espresso machine, under an exacting 15 bars of water pressure, heated to the perfect temperature of 91 degrees, resulting in 60 mls of deliciously smooth espresso. So while the extracted coffee has a warm and cosy path through the group head, into the grinds and out the the preheated spout of the poetafilter, if you haven’t preheated your cup, the temperature of the extracted coffee is going to be different once it reaches your lips. That in itself is not such a bad thing, some people enjoy their coffee a little coole, and that’s perfectly fine, however the problem is the coffee liquid exposed to the cool cup drops in temperature faster that the coffee toward the centre of the brew. When these two mix, you end up with a cooler coffee that will affect the flavour, usually by reducing the sweetness. I store my ceramic coffee cups on top of my espresso machine, but for the times that I forget, I’ll just rinse the cup with some warm or hot water and that will do pretty much the same job. How Are Coffee Beans Roasted?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of people every day. But have you ever wondered how coffee beans are transformed from a green seed into the rich, aromatic brew we know and love? The answer lies in the roasting process. Roasting is the process by which coffee beans are heated until they reach a specific temperature and color, bringing out their natural flavors and aromas. There are different roasting levels, each resulting in a unique flavor profile. The roasting process is crucial to the taste and quality of the coffee, so let's take a closer look at how it's done. Step 1: Sorting Before roasting, coffee beans are sorted to remove any defective or damaged beans. This ensures that only the best beans make it into the roast. Step 2: Green Bean Roasting The first step in the roasting process is green bean roasting. At this stage, the beans are heated slowly and evenly in a rotating drum, typically for around 15-20 minutes. During this time, the beans begin to change color, from green to yellow and then to light brown. They also start to release moisture and carbon dioxide. Step 3: First Crack As the beans continue to heat up, they reach a temperature of around 385°F (196°C). This is when the first crack occurs, which sounds like popcorn popping. This is a crucial point in the roasting process, as the beans start to develop their flavor and aroma. Step 4: Medium Roasting After the first crack, the beans are roasted for another 1-2 minutes until they reach a medium roast. At this stage, the beans are a medium brown color and have a balanced flavor and acidity. Step 5: Second Crack If the beans are roasted for longer, they will reach a temperature of around 435°F (224°C), at which point the second crack occurs. This is a more rapid crackling sound, and the beans will become dark brown or black in color. This is a dark roast, which is characterized by a strong, bitter flavor and low acidity. Step 6: Cooling After roasting, the beans are cooled quickly to stop the cooking process and prevent them from burning. They are then packaged and sent to coffee shops, grocery stores, and homes all over the world. In conclusion, coffee beans are roasted to bring out their natural flavors and aromas. The roasting process is a delicate balance of time, temperature, and color, with each level We’ve all heard the stories about caffeine; it’s the perfect pick-me-up but some people have difficulty getting off to sleep if they have coffee late at night.
So, what does science have to contribute? One research study found that consuming a double espresso shot 3 hours before you go to sleep can delay your natural sleep hormones by upto 40 minutes. I’m lucky in that I am not affected at all by caffeine and sleep. What about you? I asked this question over on the Bay Beans Facebook page this week and the general consensus was all the same - a resounding “nothing”!
That’s right, we just can’t function right. For me, my day hasn’t yet started until after I’ve had a coffee. It’s much less to do with the caffeine and a lot more to do with the routine. It’s just a simple pleasure I’ve become accustomed to. What about you? If you’ve not yet tried coffee and tonic, you’ve got just one job that needs to be done today, and that is to get on it!
This drink is so easy to prepare, it’s punching well above it’s weight. Grab a glass and extract a single shot of espresso, and set aside while you grab a bottle of tonic water from the fridge. You can add fresh slice of lemon or lime, so cut a wedge and go grab a few cubes of ice from the freezer. Drop the ice cubes in with the espresso, add the wedge of lemon and top up the glass with Tonic Water. Grab a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy your moment of sunshine in a glass. Are you a little bit like me in that you usually leave the gift buying until the last minute?
Here is a simple solution, and everything was purchased at my local shops. $35 spent at Aldi because they have bottles of champagne, wine, cheese, crackers, chocolate and fruit all under the one roof. I then bought a cane basket from the dollar store and a few sheets of butchers paper. Lined the basket with butchers paper, laid out the gifts and topped it all off with black grapes. Paired with a bag of Bay Beans coffee and the problem was solved in under 15 minutes, and it has that personal touch! |
Coffee BlogWelcome to the Bay Beans coffee blog. James hopes you enjoy reading about the wonderful world of coffee and the adventures of Bay Beans coffee beans. |