Message 46 of 87 (420931) 09-10-2007 10:56 AM

Coffee arabica is more fickle but produces the higher grade of beans for flavor and is what you want from any varietal coffee. It is far harder to cultivate though and usually has far smaller yields per bush.

Currently, about two thirds of the world's coffee production (by the way, coffee is the SECOND largest commodity market. Only Oil does a greater dollar volume) is arabica beans and one third is robusta.

Coffee originated in Ethiopia (or perhaps Yemen) but is grown in many areas of the world. Today there are coffees from all over the world but the top producers in terms of bags are Brazil and Columbia.

Message 47 of 87 (421084) 09-10-2007 11:48 PM

Another reason for blends is to try to capture the characteristics of a particular varietal but keep the costs low. For example, they may create a Kona Blend, 10% or so Kona but the rest Brazilian beans.

The varietals, coffees from one location or even one estate will usually have more character, but they will also vary greatly from crop to crop.

Both blends and varietals have their place. I have a half dozen or so blended coffees that I really enjoy and try to keep on hand at all times. I know exactly what they will be like and can always turn to them.

Message 48 of 87 (421131) 09-11-2007 6:43 AM

And maybe I missed it somewhere in one of the previous posts...but where (on-line) would you suggest "shopping" for some of these better coffees?

Message 49 of 87 (421161) 09-11-2007 10:42 AM

Reply to: Message 48 by FliesOnly 09-11-2007 6:43 AM

Shopping for coffee online can be a daunting task but only because there are so many sources out there now. A lot will depend on how you plan on making your coffee.

A great place to start is Sweet Maria's. It is mainly directed to the home roaster but it also has a wealth of information about ever aspect of coffee including lots of information on the characteristics of current crops from around the world.

Many of the Coffee Estates now have websites and so you can buy directly from them. If you find a label you like, do a search and see if they have an online store.

There are also companies that specialize in particular areas. For example in the Single Serve world I have been very happy with these folk.

Better Coffee
Coffee Artisan
The Coffee Wiz
Keurig

If you do try the Single Serve route, most of these sites have sampler packs that let you try different coffees before buying large quantities.

And if you just want to try Single Serve without spending lots of money, as mentioned in Message 3 Senseo is running a promotion where you can get one of their machines for just the cost of shipping.

Message 50 of 87 (421266) 09-11-2007 8:00 PM

Reply to: Message 3 by jar 09-08-2007 11:00 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I filled out the survey and it looks like I qualified or whatever; they're shipping me out one of their Senseo machines.

So, thanks for the tip! My wife and i are pretty excited. She was pretty much fed up with our drip coffeemaker.

Message 51 of 87 (421276) 09-11-2007 8:22 PM

Reply to: Message 50 by crashfrog 09-11-2007 8:00 PM

Go to BetterCoffee or one of the other pod sources I suggested and get one of their samplers.

Better Coffee Samplers

Coffee Artisan Fratello Samplers)

Coffeewiz (ask for samples

Cool Beans

All these folk will send you a few samples for free and also have larger selections available.

Once you get the Senseo use one pod from the better sources at the two cup setting with the single pod holder. If you use the Senseo pods, use one pod at the one cup setting and two pods at the two cup.

Having good coffee will make a big difference. Usually just an email to one of the suppliers telling them what kinds of coffees you like will get a few samples of the type mailed right back to you.

AbE:

Check here for more sources

Edited by jar, : No reason given.

Message 52 of 87 (421343) 09-12-2007 5:12 AM

Anyone have a sense for how the K-Cup versus pod battle is going? Neither is available in the grocery stores we use.

--Percy

Message 53 of 87 (421371) 09-12-2007 11:21 AM

Reply to: Message 52 by Percy 09-12-2007 5:12 AM

I have both pod machines (way to many) and a Keurig Kcup one and honestly, love both. The Keurig makes a great 8 ounce (approx) cup of coffee, is quieter than the pod machine and gets lots of use. I keep both a Kuerig and Pod machine set up at all times.

The pod machine allows greater variety, seems to be slightly more consistent on water temperature, pauses during the brew cycle can be adjusted, the water temperature can be user adjusted and is flexible over a wider range of drop sizes.

Both make great cups of coffee.

Most of the suppliers today will give free shipping over some minimum order, and prices on the Kcups seem to run between $10-13 per package of 25 (24 in some varieties) cups.

Keurig is in the process of improving the brew cycle and recently introduced a new needle design that creates greater swirl effects and so does a better job of extraction so the nuances of the coffee stand out. Right now it is on the B-70 model but will likely transition across the whole line.

Edited by jar, : take out dup line

Message 54 of 87 (422141) 09-16-2007 2:40 AM

Reply to: Message 51 by jar 09-11-2007 8:22 PM

I'm so excited! Even if the coffee they send is crap.

Message 57 of 87 (423855) 09-24-2007 4:33 PM

Reply to: Message 56 by jar 09-24-2007 2:22 PM

1) I was initially disappointed by the fact that it takes two pods to brew a whole mug's worth, but I've had great success packing my own fake pods just using coffee filter paper, so I don't feel like I'm double-dipping from my pod stash just to fill a mug.

2) I noticed nothing particularly objectionable about the coffee pods they sent with the machine, regular medium roast, but I drink my coffee with cream so maybe I'm just obliterating coffee flavor. Even the cappuccino pods weren't half bad.

3) It's convenient as hell. My old coffeemaker has been relegated to the closet. I just picked up some tea pods, guess I'll give those a try.

4) I was up in Minneapolis this weekend, at IKEA, and so I picked up a set of "half-size" coffee cups, so that when I run cappuccino pods I don't feel gypped by only filling half of my mug.

It's been a good time, my wife and I drink more coffee and less soda now, as a result. So that's a plus.

Message 58 of 87 (423858) 09-24-2007 4:36 PM

Reply to: Message 57 by crashfrog 09-24-2007 4:33 PM

Edited by jar, : No reason given.