Our Custom Search; we 'Filter Out' most non-coffee results !

We have created a custom search engine, based on Google - so that all results are tailored to emphasize gourmet coffees and espresso.  Try out our search box with a few terms and you will see how focused and useful these search results are.  You can search for gourmet beans, coffee brewers, espresso machines, local coffee shops, local roasters, and more.

The best cup of coffee is when you find fresh-roasted beans (preferably that same day), and grind the beans right before brewing.  You brew to the strength you like, and use a high quality creamer if desired.  We prefer simple Half-n-Half, and a medium strong cup.   A Burr Grinder is the best kind of grinder for coffee, giving the best flavor and a choice of grind.  Generally you want a finer grind for espresso type machines, a medium grind for drip machines and a courser grind for french press type brewers.
   

To Help You Search, Here is Some General Information on Coffee

A Brief History of Coffee

​The origins of coffee are shrouded in legend, but the most commonly accepted story is that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia in the 9th century. According to the legend, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating the berries of a particular plant. Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar energizing effect, which led him to share his discovery with the local monks.
 
From Ethiopia, coffee spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was first cultivated and traded. By the 15th century, coffee had become an important commodity in the Arabian world, and coffeehouses had emerged as important social and cultural institutions. From there, coffee spread to Europe and eventually to the Americas, where it became a major cash crop.
 
Here are five examples of early coffee developments:

1. The first coffeehouses: Coffeehouses emerged in the Arabian world in the 15th century and quickly spread to Europe. They became important social and cultural institutions, where people would gather to drink coffee, socialize, and discuss politics and culture.
2. Coffee cultivation in Yemen: Yemen was one of the first countries to cultivate coffee on a large scale, beginning in the 15th century. Yemeni coffee was known for its high quality and distinct flavor, and it was traded throughout the Arabian world.
3. The Dutch coffee trade: In the 17th century, the Dutch began trading coffee from their colonies in the East Indies (now Indonesia) and established the first coffee plantations in the Americas. The Dutch East India Company became a major player in the global coffee trade, and coffee became an important commodity in the Dutch economy.
4. Coffee in the Americas: Coffee was first introduced to the Americas in the 17th century, when the French brought it to Martinique. From there, coffee cultivation spread throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, becoming a major cash crop in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
5. The rise of coffee culture: Coffee culture emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, as coffee became a popular beverage in Europe and North America. Coffeehouses and cafes became important cultural institutions, where artists, writers, and intellectuals would gather to socialize and exchange ideas. Coffee also became an important part of daily life, with many people starting their day with a cup of coffee and using it as a stimulant to help them work and study.

 
The history of coffee is a rich and complex story, spanning centuries and continents. From its origins in Ethiopia to its global reach today, coffee has played an important role in shaping culture, commerce, and society.
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What are the 10 Most Important Inventions Related to Coffee?

1. The coffee pot: The coffee pot is a simple but essential invention that has been used for centuries to brew coffee. The earliest known coffee pots were made in Turkey in the 15th century and were typically made of copper or brass.
2. The coffee grinder: The coffee grinder was invented in the 17th century by a man named Nicholas Book in England. Book's design used a hand-cranked mechanism to grind coffee beans into a fine powder, making it easier to brew coffee.
3. The espresso machine: The first espresso machine was invented in Italy in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo. Moriondo's machine used steam pressure to brew coffee quickly, and it was the precursor to the modern espresso machines used today.
4. The drip coffee maker: The first drip coffee maker was invented in 1908 by a German housewife named Melitta Bentz. Bentz's design used a paper filter to brew coffee, producing a cleaner and more flavorful cup of coffee than traditional methods.
5. Instant coffee: Instant coffee was first invented in 1901 by a Japanese scientist named Satori Kato. Kato's invention used a process of freeze-drying coffee to produce a powder that could be rehydrated with water to make a quick and convenient cup of coffee.
6. The coffee filter: The coffee filter was invented in 1908 by a German housewife named Melitta Bentz. Bentz's design used a paper filter to strain coffee grounds, producing a cleaner and more flavorful cup of coffee than traditional methods.
7. The vacuum coffee maker: The vacuum coffee maker was invented in the 1830s by a Frenchman named Louis-Bernard Rabaut. Rabaut's design used a vacuum process to brew coffee, producing a cleaner and more flavorful cup of coffee than traditional methods.
8. The coffee roaster: The coffee roaster is an essential tool used to roast coffee beans. The first coffee roasters were simple hand-cranked machines, but today's commercial coffee roasters use sophisticated technology to roast coffee to perfection.
9. The coffee cup: The coffee cup is a simple but essential invention that has been used for centuries to drink coffee. The earliest known coffee cups were made in Turkey in the 15th century and were typically made of ceramic or porcelain.
10. The coffee stirrer: The coffee stirrer is a simple tool used to mix coffee with cream, sugar, or other additives. The earliest known coffee stirrers were made of wood or metal, but today's coffee stirrers are typically made of plastic or disposable materials.

 
These 10 inventions have played a crucial role in the history and evolution of coffee. They have helped to make coffee more accessible, convenient, and flavorful, and they continue to shape the way we drink and enjoy coffee today.
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What Makes Coffee Gourmet?   Give Some Example Recipes too!

​There are several factors that contribute to making coffee truly gourmet, including the quality of the beans, the roasting process, and the brewing method.
 

1. Quality of the Beans: The quality of the beans is the foundation of any gourmet coffee. Gourmet coffee beans are typically grown in high-altitude regions, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality beans. These beans are carefully hand-picked and sorted to ensure that only the best beans are used.
2. Roasting Process: The roasting process is critical in bringing out the unique flavors and aromas of gourmet coffee. Gourmet coffee is typically roasted in small batches by experienced roasters who know how to bring out the best in each bean. The roasting time and temperature are carefully monitored to ensure that the beans are roasted to perfection.
3. Brewing Method: The brewing method is also essential in creating a truly gourmet coffee experience. Gourmet coffee is typically brewed using a manual method, such as a French press or pour-over, which allows the full flavor and aroma of the coffee to shine through. The water temperature, brewing time, and coffee-to-water ratio are carefully controlled to produce the perfect cup of coffee.

 
Now, here are five gourmet coffee recipes that showcase the flavors and aromas of high-quality beans:
  

1. Espresso Martini:

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Kahlua
• 1 shot of espresso
• Ice
• Coffee beans for garnish

Combine the vodka, Kahlua, and espresso in a shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few coffee beans.

1. Vanilla Latte:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of steamed milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon

Brew the espresso and add it to a cup of steamed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

1. Caramel Macchiato:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of steamed milk
• 1 tbsp. caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle

Brew the espresso and add it to a cup of steamed milk. Stir in the caramel sauce and top with whipped cream. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

1. Iced Mocha:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of cold milk
• 2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
• Ice

Brew the espresso and let it cool. Add it to a glass with cold milk and stir in the chocolate syrup. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.

1. Irish Coffee:

• 1 cup of hot coffee
• 1 oz. Irish whiskey
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• Whipped cream

Add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar to a cup of hot coffee and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Top with whipped cream.
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What about the Coffee Industry, and Climate Change?

​The coffee industry has a significant impact on climate change, both in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of climate change on coffee growing regions. Here are some examples of what people at different levels of the coffee industry can do to address these issues:
 

1. Farmers: Coffee farmers can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change. For example, they can use organic farming practices that reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. They can also plant shade trees that absorb carbon dioxide and help to regulate temperature and humidity in coffee growing regions.
2. Distributors: Distributors can work with coffee farmers to reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency. This can include optimizing transportation routes to reduce emissions, improving packaging to reduce waste, and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
3. Roasters: Roasters can reduce their carbon footprint by using energy-efficient equipment and processes. They can also invest in renewable energy sources and carbon offset programs to offset the emissions generated by their operations. Additionally, roasters can work with coffee farmers to develop sustainable sourcing practices that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
4. Retail Coffee Companies: Retail coffee companies can reduce their carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices in their stores and supply chain. They can also work to reduce waste by implementing recycling and composting programs and promoting reusable cups and containers. In addition, they can invest in sustainable sourcing practices and support coffee farmers in mitigating the impact of climate change.
5. Coffee Shops: Coffee shops can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices, promoting sustainable sourcing practices, and reducing waste. They can also educate customers about the impact of coffee production on the environment and encourage them to make sustainable choices, such as using reusable cups and containers.
6. Coffee Associations: Coffee associations can play an important role in promoting sustainability and mitigating the impact of climate change in the coffee industry. They can develop industry-wide standards for sustainable sourcing, invest in research and development of climate-smart agriculture practices, and advocate for policies that promote sustainable practices in the coffee industry.
7. Politicians: Governments can support sustainability efforts in the coffee industry by implementing policies that promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable agriculture practices. They can also invest in research and development of climate-smart agriculture practices and support initiatives that promote sustainable sourcing practices in the coffee industry.

 
Addressing climate change in the coffee industry requires a collaborative effort from all levels of the industry, from farmers to politicians. By working together to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and develop climate-smart agricultural practices, the coffee industry can play an important role in mitigating the impact of climate change.