Article Coffee Tip

According to 2005 National Coffee Drinking Trends
published by the National Coffee Association of U.S.A. Inc.
more than 53 percent of consumers age 18 and older drink coffee on a daily basis
up from 49 percent in 2004. That translates into 7.7 million new coffee drinkers.

With consumers enjoying a wider range of coffee drinks in offices
corner cafes and restaurants
they are also demanding better-tasting coffee at home. Here are a few ideas for a better brew:

* Pressure-brewed is best. In blind tests
more people prefer the taste of coffee that is high-pressure brewed
versus any other method. High-pressure-brewed coffee requires the use of pump-pressure coffee machines
like espresso machines.

* All pressure-coffee machines are not equal. There are several types of these machines. Steam-driven espresso machines create pressure in a closed boiler
then force the hot water through the coffee. Most can make up to 10 ounces of coffee at a time. A pump espresso machine pumps hot water through ground coffee faster than a steam machine
creating more pressure with better flavor and aroma.

Automatic coffee centers
like those from Jura-Capresso
provide maximum flavor and aroma because they grind the beans just before the high-pressure brewing process. These machines control all aspects of high-pressure brewing
resulting in a better quality beverage
regardless of whether you choose an espresso
cappuccino
latte or just a large cup of pressure-brewed coffee.

* Look for crema. Crema is thick frothy foam that sits on top of pressure-brewed coffee or espresso
trapping all the flavor and aroma underneath.

* A high-pressure-brewed coffee should always be the base for your cappuccino or latte. If you prefer cappuccinos or lattes
experiment with the amount of milk to suit your taste. Remember
coffee does not have calories
but milk does.

* Determine your price range. Take a look at your coffee-drinking habits. If you purchase two cappuccinos a day
you may be spending about $1
900
a year on gourmet coffee. For less than this
you can purchase an automatic coffee center from Jura-Capresso that produces the same quality found in the coffeehouses.