Drink it!

Specialty coffee is a matter of choice, not a beverage of chance. The definition of specialty coffee or gourmet coffee begins at the origin of coffee, the planting of a particular variety into a particular growing region of the world. Specialty coffee is distinguished by quality rather than volume. Therefore, higher grades of coffee have typically been grown on smaller farms using more natural methods of cultivation. Gourmet coffee is a booming business in the U.S. Just looks at the ubiquitous Starbucks, whose net revenues were up 22 percent in 2007 on sales of $7.8 billion. And now it appears that McDonaldss is positioning itself to capture a piece of the specialty coffee market on a global scale.

Espresso coffee is all about hot water and coffee beans. But it’s the way these two ingredients are put together that spells the success of this drink. Espresso coffee is prepared by a special extraction method which produces a very concentrated, strong coffee in a short amount of time. Softened water at a temperature of 90-95 Degrees C is forced through finely ground and specially roasted coffee at high pressure. Since the hot water is quickly forced through the fine grounds it usually only takes between 25 and 30 seconds to brew a cup of espresso.

CAPPUCCINO is an Italian word that does not translate directly into English. This traditional beverage of Italy is a popular morning beverage made from just two things: espresso coffee and milk steamed into puffy foam. The American version is quite similar, a coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk and milk foam.

A latte is basically a diluted cappuccino with almost entirely steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top. Cafe latte is simply the Italian words for “coffee and milk”. The drink was made using a “moka” (a stovetop coffee machine which makes double-strength coffee, not espresso).

A Cafe mocha is a variant of a cafe latte Like a latte, it is typically one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of sweet cocoa powder, although many varieties use chocolate syrup. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate.

A Cafe Americano, similar to a long black common in Australia, is a style of coffee made by pulling a double-shot of espresso over hot water . A long black is similar to an which is made by adding hot water to espresso shots, but it retains the texture and is less voluminous, therefore more strongly flavored.

In addition to the hot drinks, there are a wide variety of delicious gourmet iced coffee drinks as well. If you’re looking for one of those milkshake looking drinks, you might want to try a mocha frappuccino, which is basically a cold mochaccino with more calories.

The reawakened craze in coffee shops, kiosks and coffee carts can be confusing with menu boards listing numerous gourmet treats in various sizes. Baristas move with lightning speed from espresso machine to flavorings to steaming milk to counter with the talent of circus jugglers. Ordering your first latte takes a lot of courage, but once you get over the initial fear factor, you will be hooked for life.

This include the ability to facilitate weight loss, reverse signs of aging,and promote overall wellness. While all teas possess similar properties including caffeine, catechin, polyphenals, and teaflavin tearubigin that provide benefits to the human body, the quantities and percentages differ depending on the extent of oxidation during production. Therefore the health benefits of wu long tea, which is semi-fermented, vary from those offered by green tea with its limited processing and black tea with its extensive oxidation process.

Regarding weight loss Scientists from a Japanese University Medical School have found that people who regularly consumed oolong tea/ wu long tea experienced more than twice the calorie-burning results compared to those who drank green tea. Wu long tea directly after a meal increased energy expenditure by around 10%. This compared to an energy expenditure of 4% for green tea drinkers and 0 for water drinkers.

In America, Japan and several other countries research studies on the health benefits of wu long tea (also referred to as oolong tea) reveal the brews potential for many health benefits.

Researchers from one of Japans prominent University’s of Medical Science found that drinking wu long tea each day helps to clear up skin problems within one month. In California a university study found that people who drank wu long tea on a daily basis experienced a fifty-percent reduction in free radicals within 2 weeks. Free radicals are damaging substances in the body that contribute to signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark spots that are caused by ultra-violet rays, chemical food additives, pollution and stress.Regular consumption of wu long tea is shown to assist in enhancing the skin condition.

Healthy teeth is one of the their great benefits. A study by a Dentistry Department at a Japanese University showed that regular consumption of oolong tea strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the build-up of plaque.This is definitely better than the discoloration of teeth that regular consumption of coffee can cause.

According to a study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who regularly consumed wulong tea were found to have stronger immune systems and a reduced risk for infections.

According to a study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who regualrly consumed wulong tea were found to have stronger immune systems and a reduced risk for infections.

Are you planning to spend a holiday in the Republic of Chile? If so, then you should definitely go out and have a coffee while you’re there. But not just any coffee: No, you have to try the famous Chilean caf con piernas. It is served by seductive and beautiful ladies. The way they dress is optional but one cannot help feeling the coffee tastes better when served by a dark-haired Latin goddess. Caf con piernas or coffee with legs is one of the most interesting things to check out in Chile. Just think about the long legs of a sensual waitress and how good the coffee will really be.

When you step foot into this country be sure to ask your tour guide about coffee with legs. He will take you to the place where they serve the famous caf con piernas. While their order an espresso and discover the unique way Chileans drink their coffee. No, you are not in Las Vegas. And no, they do not serve any alcohol. But you have to admit that this is one unique way to serve coffee. The waitresses will impress you with their revealing outfits which keeps clients continuously pouring in to order espressos, cappuccinos or caf lattes. The phenomenon definitely attracts tourists, all of them being interested to discover what caf con piernas really mean. Forget Starbucks! This is way better!

Even though Chile is a major producer of coffee beans, the locals prefer instant coffee. And where is the best place to get served if not in such a coffee shop? If some people prefer their coffee with milk, cream or sugar, others like caf con piernas or coffee with legs. The unique tradition established by Chileans has been compared to other cultures, like the Irish for example. They prefer to have their coffee with a small part of whiskey. Chileans, on the other hand, like their coffee with legs. Talk about the best coffee shop in the world! I think you’ve just found it.

Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just a tourist looking for a genuinely interesting experience, you have to try the caf con piernas. This is the kind of Chilean phenomenon that one should not miss. As opposed to other places, these stand up coffee bars function throughout the entire week, being the most crowded during the first hours of the day. As it was already mentioned, no alcohol is served but the outfits of the waitresses are definitely hard not to notice.

It’s impossible to walk the streets of Chile without running into a Caf con piernas bar. Allow yourself to enter and discover a world where coffee and long legs make the best combination in the world. Include these coffee shops on your itinerary and check out their rather unique dress code. Some waitresses have short, revealing dresses. Others will serve your coffee dress with bikinis or sexy underwear. And don’t be surprised to see so many businessmen sipping their espressos while admiring those natural beauties. This is a place where they come not only to have their caffeine fix! Can caf con piernas be considered a Chilean attraction? Without any doubt!

It can be said that coffee definitely hits the spot. In fact coffee hits a lot of spots! People all over the world enjoy a daily cup of coffee. Japan, for example, ranks number 3 in the world for coffee consumption. There are over 10,000 coffee shops and kiosks to cater to the needs of Tokyo alone. The Japanese even use coffee to get rid of spots! For reducing wrinkles and improving their skin, the Japanese have been known to bathe in coffee grounds fermented with pineapple pulp.

No matter how you like your coffee, whether it be black, frothy cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot or on ice, the selections available to tempt your taste buds is enormous. The average annual coffee consumption of the American adult is 67 gallons, over 600 cups. In fact, specialty coffee sales are increasing by 20% per year and account for almost 8% of the 18 billion dollar U.S. coffee market. Statistics show that among coffee drinkers, the average consumption in the US is around 2.3 cups of coffee per day. Also, studies find that over one-half of the population, equivalent to approximately 150 million Americans, now drink specialty coffees on a daily basis.

The United States is the world’s largest consumer of coffee, importing 16 to 20 million bags annually (2.5 million pounds), representing one-third of all coffee exported. More than half of the United States population consumes coffee. An astute business person should seriously consider the gourmet coffee business as a recession-proof opportunity.

Based on research by the National Coffee Association and The Specialty Coffee Association of America, the average price for an espresso based drink is $2.85, while the average price for brewed coffee is $1.38. The average espresso drive-thru business sells approximately 200-300 cups of sspresso and coffee based drinks per day. The studies show that men drink as much coffee as women; each consuming an average of 1.6 cups per day. Women tend to be more concerned about price than their male counterparts.

Over 53 countries grow coffee worldwide, but all of them lie along the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

Some interesting coffee facts: The beans used in gourmet coffee are full of antioxidants that offer protection against the radicals that are present in our bodies, thus reducing risks of heart disease and cancers . Regular coffee drinkers have about one-third less asthma symptoms than those non-coffee drinkers. So says a Harvard researcher who studied over 20,000 people.

More than half of all Americans, 18 or older, drink coffee every day. This equates to approximately 150 million daily java drinkers. 30 million American adults drink specialty coffee beverages daily; such as mocha, latte, espresso, cafe mocha, cappuccino, frozen/iced coffee beverages, and so on.

Coffee sales are certainly a hungry niche, which means that based on the law of supply and demand, there is a huge demand and if you supply it, you will do well! But, if you aren’t interested in selling coffee, just settle back, relax, and enjoy drinking a cup!

The Chinese have a secret that lets them fully enjoy their fragrant, healthy tea - they brew it with purple clay teapots. And you know what? These teapots really have qualities that set them apart from the pack. So today I’ll share some secrets as to why tea drinkers have come to adore a strange thing called purple clay.

You can find purple clay at nowhere except Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China. Therefore it is also called Yixing purple clay. Its particles are sand-like and abundant in iron and silicon. And its distinctive structure has two layers of itty-bitty pores, which allows purple clay teapots to ‘breathe’.

Chinese tea lovers are very keen on Yixing purple clay teapots. On one hand, they are gracefully designed in a multitude of shapes and styles suitable for decorations and collections; and on the other hand, brewing tea with a purple clay teapot has many unique advantages that can make your tea time a great pleasure.

1. Purple clay teapots ensure your tea exerts its full potential. This means that these pots produce a flavor and fragrance that is true to the tea inside. Many people say that brewing with a purple clay teapot is really a unique experience, because the all-natural particles don’t taint the tea.

I still remember the first time I used my purple clay teapot three years ago. The tea leaves were the same as before, but the tea tasted much better. I thought to myself: This pot is really worth the money: my tea turned out to be so great!

2. The breathable purple clay teapots can keep your tea from turning sour. The Chinese believe tea left overnight is not drinkable, especially in the hot summer. However, purple clay teapots are an exception to the rule. The tea in them will remain fresh all day long, thanks to the porous structure of purple clay.

If you have something urgent to deal with in the morning after brewing tea, go for it! The tea soup in the pot will stay fresh and be considerate enough to wait for you at the end of the day.

3. A purple clay teapot can change slightly as you make tea with it, because of how absorbent it is. It takes in tea aromas and tastes, and then lets them off in the next infusion. The flavor gradually grows and you can always expect for a better brew of tea each time.

But that’s not all, because every batch of tea brewed in a purple clay teapot adds to its elegance and sheen. That’s because the porous surface allows the tea to seep inside, which then becomes a part of the pot forever. For this reason, it’s best not to wash your pot with soap or chemicals, otherwise the tea stored inside will be lost. Some people say the oils from your hands can also be trapped by the pot, which adds to the bright color on the outside.

Lastly, the color of a purple clay teapot will change slightly according to what kind of tea you brew. Watching the slow change of color is quite interesting.

To learn the last two benefits of purple clay teapots, visit my Website below:

You may have noticed the various Health Tea products on the internet in recent times, and wondered just what, exactly; a tea can do for you? You may even be wondering whether the term health benefits of tea means anything at all, or whether it’s just another way to part you and your money. Of course, the answer depends on the exact preparation you are talking about, but even conventional teas offer significant health benefits. Have a look at these surprising facts:

1. Green tea, also known as Chinese tea, and most certainly a healthy drink, has been shown to help prevent, and slow, certain forms of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer, thanks to its unique anti oxidants. White tea, another much lauded tea, from the same plant as green, and ordinary black tea, has since been proven to be more effective in fighting cancer than even it’s better known cousin, which certainly makes it another healthy drink.

2. By increasing a natural process called thermogenesis, which simply means the rate at which calories are burned, green tea, which is definitely a health tea, increases the metabolic rate, and speeds up weight loss.

3. Tea, whether black or green, boosts immune function, which was proven during a study where two groups, one drinking tea, and one coffee, had their blood tested. The tea drinkers’ blood tested higher for disease fighting T-cells, all important to our immune function. So not only is it health tea, its immune booster tea too!

4. Reduction in stress is another proven effect of green tea, probably the ultimate health tea out there. By reducing stress hormones, the production of cortisol, and reducing the likelihood of clotting, tea effectively prevents stress levels from rising, and reduces the risk of heart attack, so common among stress sufferers. Green tea fights bacteria and viruses, but this ultimate health tea has also shown itself to be effective against snake bite venom! Amazingly, a compound in the tea is effective in treating a number of different types of snake bites, and an extract made from this compound is used to treat bites, particularly when the snake species is unknown.

5. Last on our list, but certainly not least, a study at UCLA has proven that tea drinkers, whether black or green is their preferred health tea, are less at risk than those who don’t drink tea.

With all these and more benefits in black, green and white tea, it becomes clear that the term health tea applies not only to the newer types of super tea out there, but the more common varieties as well. And with so many benefits from the humble tea leaf, would it not also be fair to say that all tea is health tea? Of course, there are many other specific health teas out there, with varying claims and efficacy, however, if ordinary, run of the mill tea can do so much, and more, is it not entirely plausible that there are more health teas out there, that can do other amazing things for you?

If we talk about Green tea or Chinese tea, it is nothing new. In Asia, Chinese tea and its health benefits have been known for centuries. However, recent promotion of this incredible natural beverage has begun gaining large Western followers. Here are our top five little known facts about this health giving refresher.

Preventing Tooth Decay - Believe it or not, Chinese teas contain anti bacterial compounds and aside from boosting your immune system’s ability to fight off disease before it even begins. These compounds also help fight oral bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems. Of course - it will never replace good dental hygiene in efficiency but it will certainly help.

Weight Loss - There may have been a skeptical approach to the weight loss benefits of Chinese tea in the past but it has been proven in a recent study that men given caffeine and green tea extract who ate the same amount of calories as other study members not receiving Chinese weight loss tea extract, actually lost more weight. In fact, it has been shown to contain several similar chemicals and some more powerful, as red wine, long lauded as a weight loss and good health, staple!

Cancer Prevention - Chinese tea has proven cancer fighting benefits! Thanks to a chemical known as EGCG, it’s able to slow the progress of or prevent cancerous cells from forming. The great news is that as a natural anti oxidant, EGCG has no harmful side effects unlike other conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. When it comes to cancer and other serious diseases, prevention is most certainly better than cure, so if you think you may be at risk, stock up on Chinese tea now and don’t take chances!

Lowering Cholesterol - Not only has Chinese tea been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, it has also been discovered that this amazing drink helps prevent blood clots. With problems like deep vein thrombosis a real concern, particularly to international air travelers, the idea that enjoying a cup of Chinese tea to help prevent them is certainly welcome!

Headache Treatment - Believe it or not, Chinese green tea has been used in China for years to treat headaches! It’s even been used as a natural therapy for depression. So if you’re stressed out - drinking a cup or two of Chinese tea may be just the thing you need to offset the symptoms of which depression and headaches are certainly two.

With so many benefits for so many aspects of our health, it seems brewing up a pot and enjoying a cup of Chinese tea may be just the thing out busy schedules demand - after all, even if we don’t have the time to eat right or exercise all the time, our health is precious and we should be doing everything we can to make sure it stays tip top. So drink up and enjoy better health!

We’ve all seen personalized coffee mugs for sale. Today it is easier than ever to customize your own mug in a number of different ways. Instead of buying a generic mug, consider creating your own mug to suit whatever gift-giving occasion you might have.

The Ever Popular Photo Mug

Putting a picture on a mug is always a great idea. You can find a mug with a picture on it you like or you go that extra step to create your own personalized coffee mug containing a photograph that is special to you or someone else.

Today it is easier than it has ever been to create your own personalized coffee mug even by using your own images. You can find many useful companies online that will let you upload your digital file, layout the image on the mug, and then order a mug from the comfort of your home. This is a wonderful way to create a personalized coffee mug that few people take advantage of.

Not Only Pictures

A picture may be worth a thousand words but sometimes few words are better. If you don’t want a picture on your mug you can instead place a personalized message or inspiring quote on your personalized coffee mug. This can be great choice if you have something witty or amusing that you know will make your friend or coworker chuckle. It can also be a great way to tell your relatives you are thinking about them.

An Original Masterpiece

If you really want to go all out on your personalized coffee mug then try integrating some original artwork. There are many home kits readily available online or even in local stores that allow you create art and insert into a mug with a viewing window. This is ideal for young children or anyone with a creative side and can make an excellent present for a parent or grandparent that will appreciate the effort put in by a cherished child.

For a higher quality personalized coffee mug you can even go to a pottery studio. Her you can construct your own mug or simply decorate a studio-made mug. This is an excellent option for those who want a completely unique and quality piece of art to give as a gift. Not only is a personalized handmade coffee mug an attractive pieces but it is useful too. For a listing of pottery studios in your area check the internet or you local phone book. You could also enroll in a pottery class at your local community college for the opportunity to create your own personalized coffee mug.

Anyone who has invested in a new espresso machine and is wondering why the end product doesn’t live up to their expectations based on what they usually find at the local coffee shop should take a look at the coffee grinder they use to grind your beans.

Its quite common for individuals to buy an espresso machine without putting time and effort into choosing a grinder, or even worse they opt to use pre-ground coffee.

What’s to stop you using the pre-ground coffee available on the high street?

1. The biggest problem with buying pre-ground is that its not going to be as fresh as the coffee used by a Barista who has access to their own grinder. The methods used to pack coffee are actually pretty sophisticated these days but you still can’t find a pre-ground product which will taste like one that’s freshly ground.

2. Buying a large quantity of coffee that’s already ground means it will degrade further before you get around to using it. By the time you finish the packet the coffee produced will be even more substandard than when you opened it.

3. You’ll obviously be unable to adjust the fineness of the coffee to match the equipment you are using.

Coffee which is too finely ground for your espresso machine will mean its impossible to push the water through the grounds resulting in a struggling machine and no drink.

Use a grind which is too course will mean the hot water will run through the coffee too quickly and won’t be able to pick up the flavors. You’ll end up with espresso which has none of the famous espresso crema or the taste.

Getting great quality espresso from your home coffee set up means taking the plunge and buying a top class coffee grinder to go along with the machine. Take the time to do the research required and get the best coffee grinder you can find, it will repay you for years to come with great coffee.

Some interesting Chinese stories related to purple clay teapots have been told for hundreds of years. Here are several that tell us something about finding purple clay, and how much purple clay teapots mean to some fanatical collectors.

A mysterious monk, the father of purple clay

A long time ago in a small town named Yixing in southeastern China, the local villagers farmed every day. On their spare time, they made bowls and jugs for daily use. In this way, they led a simple and ordinary life.

But one day, a strange monk showed up at the town. He shouted while walking, “Clay makes you rich! Clay makes you rich!” The villagers looked at the monk curiously. The monk saw the confusion in the villagers’ eyes, so he shouted again, “You can be rich if you are not royal family members!” Hearing these words, the villagers grew more bewildered, and gazed at the monk moving about. Soon the monk raised his voice, and set off in quicker paces.

One sly villager decided to find out the hidden meaning, and went after the monk. In a short while, they were at a nearby mountain. However, the monk was gone. The man tried to find the monk once more, but failed. Instead, he only found several freshly-dug caves. He cautiously came up to the mouth of one cave and looked inside. To his surprise, the caves were full of colored clay.

The elder took some of the colorful clay back home. He shaped and fired the clay. When the pottery came out of the kiln, he could not believe his eyes, for it featured unique colors. This matter reverberated through the town. The villagers followed the elder’s example, and the Yixing purple clay industry began.

A panhandler keeps his purple clay teapot

A long time ago, an affluent landlord reveled in savoring tea. He was fond of meeting new friends who loved tea as well. He always treated rich and poor visitors equally well, and with good tea.

Once, a ragged panhandler wandered over to the man’s house. He asked for a cup of tea, rather than food. With no prejudice, a butler ushered the panhandler in, and poured a cup of tea for him. The panhandler caught a glimpse of the tea, and then surprisingly commented, “The tea leaves are not good enough.”

“Does this guy know what good tea is?” the servant said to himself, and made another cup of tea with the best tea leaves. The panhandler smelled at the rim of the cup, and commented again, “The tea leaves are good, but the water is subpar. The best water for brewing tea comes from the mountains.”

The servant perceived this guy was not a common beggar, so he brewed another cup of tea at once with their well-reserved spring water. The beggar took a sip, and said, “This water is good, but the firewood is not good. Firewood gathered from this side of the mountain is inferior. The wood from the other side of the mountain is compact and hard, which is indispensable for brewing the best tea.” The servant then hurried to fetch the best firewood, made tea once more, and asked his master to join them.

After a warm greeting, both the rich man and the pauper took a sip of the freshly brewed tea. This time, the pauper said, “This tea tastes better. Everything is all right except the pot.” “But it is my best teapot,” the rich man claimed sincerely.

Then, the pauper pulled out an elegant purple clay teapot shining with natural gloss, and told the servant, “Please brew again with this pot.” Guess what? The tea turned out to be perfectly good this time! The rich man hungered for this pot so much that he offered at once to buy it.

Saying nothing at all, the panhandler picked up his belongings and was about to go away. The landlord stood in the way at once, offered in a high voice, “I want to exchange half my house and property for that teapot.” The panhandler did not reply, and just tried to leave. The landlord grew so anxious that he raised his pitch again, “All right, my entire house and property, ok?” Recognizing how much the landlord loves a good purple clay teapot, the panhandler smiled and said, “Well, I used to be wealthier than you, but now I have lost everything except this pot, and there’s no way I’ll trade it for anything.”

A purple clay teapot more valuable than life?

In the old days, there was a magistrate who was crazy about collecting and admiring purple clay teapots. At that time, the most famous potter was nicknamed Big Shot. The magistrate had a teapot made by Big Shot, and he thought it was a rare treasure.

Once at a tea party, a maidservant was serving tea to the administrator and his friends. All of a sudden, an accident took place. The cherished purple clay teapot accidentally slipped from the maidservant’s hand, and broke into pieces. The administrator hit the ceiling, and wanted to get reimbursed by taking the frightened girl’s life.

As this incident reached the potter’s ears, he resolved to save the maidservant and teach the administrator a lesson. He ran to the administrator’s dwelling with ten choice purple clay teapots he crafted hanging on his carrying pole. He offered, “Choose one of my most precious teapots, and set the maidservant free.”

The official was thrilled with the offer. He chose the one that was the most appealing to him, and then let the maid go.

Later on, the administrator brought forward another question, “Sir, would you like to sell me the other teapots?” The potter rose to his feet silently, and smashed every one of them.

This unexpected act made the administrator jump out of his skin. He blankly stared at the fragments and the potter, asking, “Why did you do such a thing?” The master potter responded in a resolute voice, “I broke them to save the human lives that may be lost if they were broken in your home.