What is coffee?

It is a morning cup of joy. After tea, coffee is considered as the most dotting beverage, in the world. Coffee is loved for its loaded aroma and rich flavor Coffee is a widely consumed stimulant beverage prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called beans, of the coffee plant Coffee berries, which contain the coffee bean, are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted, undergoing several physical and chemical changes. They are roasted to various degrees, depending on the desired flavor. They are then ground and brewed to create coffee

The most desirable coffee is grown in altitudes about 3000 feet. The altitude produces more elegant, complex flavors in the coffee cherries which contain the beans. The fruit must be hand-picked from trees which can bear flowers, green fruit, and ripe cherries all at the same time. The outer pulp and parchment of the coffee cherry are removed to reveal two beans, which are then cleaned, dried, graded and hand-inspected. The beans range in color from pale green to dark yellow when raw. They are exported in their raw state for roasting, blending and grinding at their final destination.

Most commercial companies use primarily C. Robusta and C. Arabica in their blends. The lower grown Robusta are harvested all at once mechanically, while the higher grown Arabica are picked by hand as they ripen. This makes the Arabica a cleaner, more flavorful cup of coffee. The first, and most traditional, is Arabica, which is considered to be far superior in flavor - the champagne of coffee, if you will. The other variety, Robusta, is higher in caffeine and tastes far bitterer and more acidic, which makes it less than preferable for most domestic use, but on the upside it can be cultivated in areas where Arabica wont grow. This makes it a cheap substitute for Arabica, which sees several coffee companies add small amounts of Robusta to their product lines as filler. Finest quality Robusta beans are sometimes used as ingredients in certain espresso blends, but these are somewhat of an acquired taste.

Decaffeinated coffee

caffeine is removed from the beans before roasting via the use of a chemical solvent (which disappears completely when the beans are roasted) or the Swiss water process which steams the beans and then scrapes off the caffeine-laden outer layers

How to Select coffee

Always choose coffee in a well sealed packet or bottle. Never buy loose, as the flavour and aroma gets quickly lost. Confirm on purchasing date for fresh purchase.

Culinary uses of coffee

Indian drinks and beverages using coffee

Coffee is an energy booster for many of us, here are some interesting recipes using coffee. Make them as they are very easy to follow and easily available ingredients in the market.

1. South Indian Filter Coffee its stimulating aroma, is like an alarm clock that can wake you up even when you are dog-tired!

2 . Indian style instant coffee : Nothing like a cup of Instant Coffee to jazz up your day! Instant Coffee tastes best when first made into a decoction with sugar, and then mixed with milk. Here is how to make the perfect cuppa.

3. Irish Coffee a lavish celebration, the warm coffee laced with whisky and topped with sweetened whipped cream will certainly make your guests feel special.

4. Chocolate Cinnamon Coffee rich and intense flavours of cocoa and coffee, aesthetically laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, the Chocolate Cinnamon Coffee is a soul-stirring drink that you will really enjoy.

5. Viennese Spiced Coffee his unique drink, the tantalizing taste of coffee is boosted further with a classic combination of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

6. Cold Coffee with Ice- Cream intensely rich flavour of coffee is in tact, as the cold coffee is prepared using a perfect decoction brewed instantly using our handy helper, the microwave oven!

Desserts using coffee

Coffee goes very well with any desserts . Below are a few recipes which you will enjoy making. The combinations are really well made.

1. Coffee Mousse an innovative way to dig into a spoonful of your favourite dessert, without being ridden by guilt!

2. Coffee Walnut Ice- Cream the best ice-cream you have ever tasted, more satisfying because you have made it at home!

3. Coffee Truffles coffee-laced chocolate balls are encased in enticing dark chocolate shells, to make irresistible Coffee Chocolate Truffles.

" Spice up coffee with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice added to the ground coffee. Citrus zest will also add zing to boring coffee.

" Coffee flavoring is distinctive in most dessert recipes.

" Freeze leftover coffee in ice trays to use in iced coffee, stews, and sauces.

" Like garlic, the smaller the grind of coffee, the stronger the flavor.

How to Store coffee

Coffee hot or cold must be drunk immediately. If any left over can be kept in refrigerator for a day. More than a day or so, can ruin the milk and make it unacceptable.

black coffee

True coffee lovers are mad about their pure taste. They enjoy the strong flavor of it, which can't be replaced by any other coffee drink. Black coffee is a dark brown drink prepared by brewing the ground coffee beans in boiling water. It is served without milk or whipped cream. It is termed so, as it conserves the basic color (dark brown) of coffee. If special coffee beans are used to brew coffee then it is regarded as gourmet coffee. The black coffee is the most basic form of coffee. It contains coffee at its purest level. For extra sweetness sugar can be added to it. There are lots of simple and easy methods to prepare a steaming hot cup of black coffee. It can be prepared by using any type of coffee makers available: percolator, automatic drip, or by plunger pots. To get a fresh and tangy brew, always buy fresh beans and store them in refrigerator in airtight vessels. Black coffee is a beverage as black as ink, useful against numerous illnesses as it enhances immunity level against diseases. The milk in coffee destroys all the antioxidants present in them, which in turn boost the body immunity. They also play major role in preventing liver cancer, and also act as power booster and stress reliever.

instant coffee powder

Instant coffee Powder - NOT MUCH DIFFERNCE BETWEEN COFFE AND INSTANT COFFEE POWDER Instant coffee can come in either powder or granulated form contained in glass jars, sachets or tins. Powder and granules are generally preferred by both producer and consumer because of the ease and time for dissolving in hot water. It is up to the user to control how much coffee powder is used; large amounts will produce stronger, thicker coffee whereas small amounts will produce a light coffee. Too much coffee may spoil the intended flavor and produce what some may describe as an unpleasant "metallic" taste. Instant coffee is also convenient for preparing iced coffee like the Greek frappe, which is popular in warmer climates and hot seasons.