tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184937651706054262024-03-12T21:54:23.876-07:00coffe timeANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-48462879000173221482010-11-03T01:13:00.000-07:002010-11-03T01:13:03.723-07:00Espresso Cups<div style="text-align: justify;">Serve your java in style with beautiful, elegant espresso cups. You can find a great selection of espresso cups that are cute, elegant, trendy or classic. The best espresso cups available are double-layered to hold in the heat and to keep your espresso hotter longer. You can find double-layered cups in glass as well as ceramic, and there are a great variety of designs to choose from. You can match your espresso cups with your coffee cups, or let them stand on their own to make a unique statement. <br />
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Espresso cups are also referred to as “demitasse” cups and hold about 2 or 3 ounces of fluid. Cappucino mugs, are larger, and contain 6 to 8 ounces. Cappucino is actually espresso mixed with hot milk, which explains the larger size of cappucino mugs. </div><a name='more'></a>Both Cappucino and espresso cups are available in glass, and there are many types of glass mugs and cups available. The classic glass espresso cup is a small glass cup with chrome handles and trimming. These often have little “feet” at the bottom, or the cups can be placed flat on a table. A very trendy design is a glass, egg-shaped espresso cup without handles. Or you can purchase little mug-shaped espresso cups with matching plates. You can find clear glass, tinted glass or blue glass espresso cups. <br />
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Ceramic espresso cups are widely available, and can be purchased in classic white with gold trim, or in more bold designs. Italian style espresso cups have solid colors on the outside and egg white interior, or you can purchase espresso cups with Italian scenes painted on the outside. Many ceramic espresso cups have art prints on the outside, and there are also novelty espresso cups designed by well-known artists. Perhaps you prefer a more classic design. While Victorian designs might seem more appropriate for teacups, delicate petals and leaf designs give your espresso set a springtime, feminine look. Classic Dutch blue and white ceramic design looks smart and crisp, and is an excellent accent to your kitchen set. Whatever type of ceramic espresso cups you choose, make sure that your ceramic espresso cups are dishwasher safe so the design won’t fade. <br />
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For something different, try stainless steel espresso cups with chrome handles and matching saucers. Blue stoneware espresso cups have a natural look and are a good accompaniment to organic espresso and a whole wheat biscotti. You can find espresso cups made out of unique materials that transcend the common choices of ceramic and glass. You might have to look a bit harder, but if originality is important to you, it is not hard to find what you are looking for. <br />
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An attractive way to store and display your espresso cups is on a stylish espresso cup “tree” that can usually store up to six cups with the matching saucers stacked in the middle. You can find these trees in chrome or silver; make sure that they are rust resistant, since they will most likely be placed close to a kitchen sink or a place where there will be a lot of moisture. You can choose revolving or stationary espresso cup trees in various colors, styles and designs. <br />
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Once you have found attractive espresso cups to complete the look of your dining ware, invite some guest over to enjoy espresso in your new cups. You will be amazed at how much more special espresso and dessert will be when served on special plates and cups, and make sure you keep the details of where you ordered your espresso cups and the name of the brand and the style so you can order more.ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-36668644051492188622010-11-03T01:11:00.001-07:002010-11-03T01:11:50.031-07:00Guide To Bunn Coffee Makers<div style="text-align: justify;">Are you one of those people who can’t get moving in the morning without that morning cup of coffee? If you are, you aren’t alone. Homes across the country are home to Bunn coffee makers, espresso or cappuccino makers to get people up and ready to face the day. Bunn is one of the best known names in home coffee machines and has a solid reputation for quality.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Features of Coffee Makers</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The company makes seven different machines, with features for every need. Models come in single servings all the way up to a ten-cup machine. The number of coffee drinkers in your house and the number of cups each drinks will help determine the size of the machine you need. You can choose other features for convenience.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Timers are a great feature to have in a coffee maker. You can get everything ready before you go to bed and wake to a deliciously brewed pot. Fill the machine with water and coffee grounds and set the timer for just a few minutes before your alarm clock will go off. The machine will do the rest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The machines made by this company have a smaller footprint than other machines of the same size. This helps save space in your kitchen. They will fit either under your cabinets or in the corner of your kitchen counter, without taking up too much space in your cooking area. A variety of colors and styles are available to match your décor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The History of Coffee Makers</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bunn has a long history as a pioneer in home coffee making. The company developed the first paper coffee filter. These were initially created for use in commercial machines and later for home use. They also developed the first pour over machine and the first automatic drip machine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cost of these machines is slightly higher than those made by other companies. You are paying for quality in this price difference. They are better quality and more durable than any other machine. The Bunn o Matic is the machine chosen most by restaurants and coffee houses. In the home market, this company also has the best reputation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">NHB Bunn Coffee Makers</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The company continues to improve their products with the new NHB machine. The NHB has a pour over system to brew a great cup and also makes hot water for tea or hot chocolate. The thermostat ensures the perfect temperature and the water distribution system helps the water flow evenly over the grounds. Other great features of this machine include:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The showerhead water dispersion system gently diffuses the water over the grounds. This helps extract the maximum flavour. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pour over heating system stays on and ready to brew. If you are going away for more than a few days, turn off the vacation switch in the back of the machine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The commercial thermostat maintains the perfect temperature. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A descaling rod is included to clean out build up from the spray head. Directions are included to clean the machine properly. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A ceramic warming plate keeps the drink at the perfect temperature. This is controlled with a switch. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">o The water reservoir funnels water into the broiling system, where the water is heated. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">o The machine comes with special filters, a user’s manual and the descaler tool.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-6019892819407369322010-11-03T01:09:00.001-07:002010-11-03T01:09:47.238-07:00Barista Competitions<div style="text-align: justify;">A barista is a person who prepares coffee drinks in a coffee house as his or her profession and especially strives to create the <b>perfect espresso</b>. The barista possesses extensive knowledge on different kinds of beans and roasts and has the technical skills required to master the espresso machine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Baristas consider the extraction of coffee as art and they actually perform in front of their customers each time they prepare an espresso, a cappuccino, a caffe latte or a caffe mocha. However, if they wish for larger audience and consider themselves as really talented they can consider competing in <b>barista competitions</b>. These events take place every year and they are held at local and national levels. The ultimate title to win is the World Barista Champion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The World Barista Championship was first held in 2000 in Monte Carlo and it became quickly a public event where the best baristas from different countries battled for espresso making supremacy. The World Barista Championship takes place every year in a different country and the competitors are the winners of the national barista competitions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the United States the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) hosts several local barista competitions. There are ten regions, and each state has been assigned to a region. Local competitions are sponsored by businesses, and the winner of each of the local events has the chance to try to impress the jury at the US Barista Championship. There are many barista competitions in Europe and the United Kingdom. Canada, Australia and Central America also have barista competitions at the local, regional and national levels.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a barista competition the judges have to assess both the contenders and the coffee drinks they make. The criteria based on which they score each barista involve the quality and taste of the beverage, personal presentation, technique and also the presentation of the coffee drink. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The baristas race against the clock as they are only allowed to perform for 15 minutes. They also have 15 minutes before the actual presentation to prepare with every detail for the show - ingredients like syrups, chocolate sprinkles or anything that you can think of except alcohol, cups, trays, blenders, mixers and portable burners. Contenders even roast their own coffee and bring it with them at the competition. After serving their drinks, baristas have 15 minutes to clean their station before they make room for another contestant. The espresso machines used in the competition are key to the taste of the coffee. The machines must be left absolutely clean and free from any impurities. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the 15 minute performance interval baristas have to prove their skills by preparing <b>4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature drinks</b>. Four sensory judges that have to decide on the quality of the drinks sample each one of the beverages. While preparing the beverages, the baristas have to present their work, give details about the ingredients they used to the audience and also treat the judges as customers in a coffee shop. One can only imagine the stress.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the espressos and cappuccinos, which are finished with latte art - complicate designs drawn atop the cup with foamed milk by using the pitcher, the time comes for the <b>signature drink</b>. It is the competitor's original creation and this is where baristas reveal their creativity and skills combining roasts, syrups, steaming and frothing milk and using all sorts of ingredients and flavours that turn their beverages into savory works of art. The baristas can spend even months to invent this perfect drink that can bring them the victory in a competition. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some examples of drinks that barista champions have invented: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Troels Poulsen, the 2005 World Barista Championship winner, created a drink called ESB, as in "enhanced sensory balance" by combining melted pepper-gel, espresso and lavender syrup.</li>
<li>Phuong Tran, the 2005 USA Barista Champion, was inspired by her childhood in creating the Crimson Sage, a drink made of sugar cane juice, white pepper powder and steamed milk infused with sage leaves. She said that as a child she loved drinking sugar cane juice with ice and she always dreamed of using it in a drink.</li>
<li>Sammy Piccolo, the 2004 Canadian Barista Championship winner, created "Insieme" by using raw sugar, egg yolks, curry, bittersweet chocolate and milk.</li>
<li>Bronwen Serna, USA Barista Champion of 2004, entitled her signature drink "Sweetness" because the main "secret" ingredient was honey. She also used dark chocolate powder and served it with a dark chocolate square.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Baristas train hard for these competitions, especially if they have the chance to participate in the World Barista Championship. They try to bring to perfection their technique and put together their program as during the competition everything has to work smoothly, no glitches are allowed. They can actually be compared to athletes rehearsing for the Olympic games as some of them even have coaches that sometimes play the role of judges in preparation for the competition. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Barista training</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, perhaps after reading about the competition requirements it might be wise to brush up a bit on your skills. There are several ways to either get basic skills training as a barista or enhance your existing skills:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><b>Books and manuals</b>. There are many books or manuals available that take you step by step through the processes of making an espresso, a cappuccino and other specialty coffee drink. The drawback is that you only have still pictures to look at which may make it difficult for beginners to see the details of the methods.</li>
<li><b>Videos</b>. These provide both visual modeling as well as commentary on how to produce the perfect cup of espresso.</li>
<li><b>Training classes</b>. There are training locations in most areas that offer courses that range from three hours to a full day on learning the secrets of a barista. Many of these programs also deal with how to care for the espresso machine and offer a certificate upon completion.</li>
<li><b>Hands-on</b>. Some experienced barista will offer personal training or mentoring for those interested in becoming a barista or in improving their skills.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whatever you decide to do, if you have a talent for making a great cup of espresso you should consider entering a barista competition. You will meet other people that share your passion for coffee and will certainly get some new ideas to try in your coffee shop.</div>ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-37195097955058037362010-11-03T01:08:00.001-07:002010-11-03T01:08:41.724-07:00Coffee<div style="text-align: justify;">Nothing perks up a lazy morning like coffee. What is this dark-colored substance made of and why can’t some people survive a day without having even just one sip of this stimulant? <br />
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Coffee, normally taken hot, is made from the coffee plant’s roasted seeds, called coffee beans. Considered the second-most traded commodity in the world, next to petroleum, it is hailed as modern man’s chief source of caffeine for that extra burst of energy. The perceived benefits and hazards of this potent drink remain the subject of debate among coffee drinkers worldwide. <a name='more'></a><br />
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How did the word “coffee” come into being? The term “coffee” is known by many names among various peoples of the world. It came to England in 1598, via the Italian “caffe.” The Turkish term for it is “kahveh,” while the Arabic word for it is “qahwa.” Its origin is still unknown, although some believe that the drink possibly came from the Kaffa region in Ethopia, where the plant originally named “bunna,” the precursor of coffee, came from. <br />
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Did you know that coffee drinking was outlawed in Mecca in 1511, and in Cairo in 1532? Due to coffee’s immense popularity, the law was made obsolete soon after. From then on, owing to the pioneering efforts of the British and Dutch East India companies, coffee found its way to Europe in the sixteenth century. <br />
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One of the two main species of the coffee plant is “Coffea Arabica,” its name implying that its origin was the Arabian Peninsula, but it is indigenous in Ethiopia. Although Arabica is more prone to disease, coffee lovers consider it to be more flavorful than “coffea canephora” (robusta), which holds twice as much caffeine. However, the later is proven to be a natural insecticide and stimulant, growing in places where the former cannot grow. Thus, it is used as an inexpensive substitute for Arabica in commercial coffee blends and in almost all instant coffee products.<br />
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Compared to Arabica, robusta is more bitter, with a burnt-rubber smell and taste. Robusta of finer quality are used in espresso blends for a foamy effect and for better affordability. In fact, Italian espresso blends are made from dark-roasted Robusta. <br />
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Some blend varieties are so popular and in demand that they command a higher price, examples of which are the Jamaican Blue Mountain and the Hawaiian Kona coffees. Often, these beans are mixed with other, less-expensive varieties and the term blend is added to the label, such as “Blue Mountain Blend” or “Kona Blend”. <br />
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So beat those morning blues with an adrenaline-pumping sip of this favorite drink among caffeine addicts worldwide.</div>ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-66512162484874840112010-11-03T01:07:00.000-07:002010-11-03T01:07:01.522-07:00A Brief History of Espresso<div style="text-align: justify;">Luigi Bezzera, the owner of a manufacturing business invented Espresso at the turn of the century. Luigi Bezzera was simply trying to figure out a way to brew coffee faster. He figured if he could just add pressure to the brewing process it would speed things up. Thus the "Fast Coffee Machine" was created. His idea of a fast cup of coffee turned out much better than he had planned, what he ended up with is a better, fuller tasting cup of strong coffee, as well as a much faster process. He found that the quicker more efficient brewing method allowed for the quality of the beans to be extracted as opposed to over extracting he had previously experienced. The term "Espresso" means fast in italian, hence the term.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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It wasn't until later when Desidero Pavoni purchased the rights from Mr. Bezzera for the espresso machine that it became popular. Pavoni was extremely successful in marketing the product and probably changed the way people drink coffee from then on. Just look around! Coffee and Espresso shops are popping up everywhere, even in the U.S. it has become not only popular for the delicious beans, but has given us a new place to socialize.<br />
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Espresso Timeline:<br />
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In 1901 Luigi Bezzera filed a patent for the espresso machine that contained a boiler and four "groups". Each group could take different size filters that contained the coffee. Boiling water was forced through the coffee and into a cup. Ambrogio Fumagelli says that this was the birth of (fast) espresso coffee. <br />
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In 1903 Luigi Bezzera's patent was then purchased by Desiderio Pavoni and put to market in a big way.<br />
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In 1905 The Pavoni company begins manufacturing the espresso machines soley based on Bezzera's patent. <br />
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In 1927 First espresso machine was installed in the United States. It was a La Pavoni Espresso Machine installed at Regio's <br />
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in New York.<br />
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In 1938 Cremonesi designed a piston pump that forced hot water through the coffee. It was installed at Achille Gaggia's <br />
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coffee bar. <br />
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In 1946 Gaggia begins manufacturing the commercial piston machine. Resulting foam or cream layered coffee or cafe'.ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318493765170605426.post-19753900972111279242010-07-09T17:46:00.000-07:002010-07-10T16:18:08.172-07:00Coffee Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWcKL7a6zy4g0zsFrDDAXM2p4DWm5lcfBzsxadDMhROMJbWip4wgthIy0PY_fckKUSYcTCaAWmJSVxvXOhqhvh69ncbbuvzs84j-sFP0cdGlS2kxtqiI9jxrlmxD-ehbxzve0Yjx7Hw/s1600/coffee-beans.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWcKL7a6zy4g0zsFrDDAXM2p4DWm5lcfBzsxadDMhROMJbWip4wgthIy0PY_fckKUSYcTCaAWmJSVxvXOhqhvh69ncbbuvzs84j-sFP0cdGlS2kxtqiI9jxrlmxD-ehbxzve0Yjx7Hw/s200/coffee-beans.png" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A good cup of coffee is like fine wine and good quality cigars. There are various different types of coffee beans and these determine the flavors that the blend presents for the coffee connoisseur.<br />
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Many coffee makers blend a combination of the lower cost Robusta beans with the more expensive Arabica gourmet beans. The Arabica beans have a finer aroma, a richer flavor and more body than the less expensive beans.<br />
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The quality of the coffee is dependant on the proportions of the mix of these beans. Quite often a coffee might be advertised as a blend of gourmet beans and lower grade beans when in fact there are only small traces of the gourmet beans in the blend.<br />
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The gourmet beans gain much of their flavor from the soils they are grown in, with the best beans coming from the volcanic regions where the rich soils produce the best tasting beans.<br />
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Coffee should always be made from fresh beans as the quality diminishes rapidly with age. This is quite noticeable when comparing a supermarket grade coffee with a coffee made from freshly ground beans at a coffee shop. Bear in mind that the supermarket coffees generally have a lower blend quality and in many cases the blends also have a proportion of older beans to reduce the production costs.<br />
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The only way you can be assured of quality and taste is to buy fresh gourmet quality. Once you have acquired the taste for gourmet coffee you might never want to drink commercial grade coffee again.<br />
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You can buy coffee from many different regions throughout the world and each one has it’s own unique flavor.<br />
Coffee aficionados can pick the region where the coffee bean was grown just by tasting it. The method of processing the beans also has an effect on the final flavor so you can’t always assume that a coffee will be good just because it came from a particular region.<br />
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Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages and more suppliers are catering to the needs of an ever-growing demand.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br />
Making A Good Espresso</b><br />
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Drinking espresso has become a way of life for most people, particularly those who have heavy schedules and who take time out to relax with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or coffee.<br />
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Coffee is so popular it is believed that it comes next to water as a popular drink. The whole world loves a good cup of coffee that annual consumption can reach to as high as 400 billion coffee cups all over the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBaDwHIDIPqIS3JqT7QW-5_NFfcdQLWN4HFVn1B3KWERdb0rekEggkOsWIPPRyYD5f3NkAqylsaC0WUYPWxDuYs8JwEeBmK5v0po4Op5uERgzQB63aqcBP-UtB-6J3CT-A9FsYLtdUg/s1600/esppresso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBaDwHIDIPqIS3JqT7QW-5_NFfcdQLWN4HFVn1B3KWERdb0rekEggkOsWIPPRyYD5f3NkAqylsaC0WUYPWxDuYs8JwEeBmK5v0po4Op5uERgzQB63aqcBP-UtB-6J3CT-A9FsYLtdUg/s200/esppresso.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Most avid coffee or espresso drinkers can have a cup of espresso a day or even more, without knowing where this rousing beverage came from. That heavenly brew comes from coffee beans that are sourced from evergreen trees that are grown all over the world. The evergreen tree is widely grown in Latin America, Indonesia, Hawaii, Southeast Asia and in Africa. <br />
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While the word espresso may have come from an Italian word meaning express or fast, it really is a misnomer since espresso or brewed coffee have to undergo a process before one can enjoy its freshly brewed taste. To make a good espresso, one has to start with a good coffee variety that must have undergone proper grinding. A good espresso maker handled by a capable barista can yield an espresso that can taste heavenly. The goodness of an espresso can be determined even from its aroma alone.<br />
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Coffee drinkers who are serious about making good espresso should invest in a good espresso machine. Good espresso machines come in a variety of brands, sizes and prices. You need not spend more to get a good espresso machine because there are good espresso makers that are reason ably priced. When making the espresso, always remember to turn on the espresso machine and allow it to heat properly. Establishments that have fast espresso orders do not really put off their machines to make sure it is properly heated for every espresso order.<br />
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When buying coffee beans, it is better to grind them as you use them because keeping them even in a tight container after grinding can result to a loss of aroma. Attention should also be placed on the type of grinder being used, with conical burr grinders preferred than flat burr grinders. The grinder with a conical burr is preferred because it can grind the beans without heating them and lessening their aroma in the process.<br />
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While the kind of coffee beans used for the espresso must be chosen well, baristas should also make sure that only filtered water is used for the espresso as the water’s mineral content can affect the taste of the espresso. <br />
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When one finds a good coffee blend, the tendency is to buy more for storage. When you do this, do not commit the mistake of keeping coffee in the freezer or refrigerator. It is best to store them in a container that is foolproof and clean and place them in a dark and cool area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b>Barista Competitions</b><br />
<br />
A barista is a person who prepares coffee drinks in a coffee house as his or her profession and especially strives to create the <b>perfect espresso</b>. The barista possesses extensive knowledge on different kinds of beans and roasts and has the technical skills required to master the espresso machine. <br />
<br />
Baristas consider the extraction of coffee as art and they actually perform in front of their customers each time they prepare an espresso, a cappuccino, a caffe latte or a caffe mocha. However, if they wish for larger audience and consider themselves as really talented they can consider competing in <b>barista competitions</b>. These events take place every year and they are held at local and national levels. The ultimate title to win is the World Barista Champion.<br />
<br />
The World Barista Championship was first held in 2000 in Monte Carlo and it became quickly a public event where the best baristas from different countries battled for espresso making supremacy. The World Barista Championship takes place every year in a different country and the competitors are the winners of the national barista competitions. <br />
<br />
In the United States the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) hosts several local barista competitions. There are ten regions, and each state has been assigned to a region. Local competitions are sponsored by businesses, and the winner of each of the local events has the chance to try to impress the jury at the US Barista Championship. There are many barista competitions in Europe and the United Kingdom. Canada, Australia and Central America also have barista competitions at the local, regional and national levels.<br />
<br />
In a barista competition the judges have to assess both the contenders and the coffee drinks they make. The criteria based on which they score each barista involve the quality and taste of the beverage, personal presentation, technique and also the presentation of the coffee drink. <br />
<br />
The baristas race against the clock as they are only allowed to perform for 15 minutes. They also have 15 minutes before the actual presentation to prepare with every detail for the show - ingredients like syrups, chocolate sprinkles or anything that you can think of except alcohol, cups, trays, blenders, mixers and portable burners. Contenders even roast their own coffee and bring it with them at the competition. After serving their drinks, baristas have 15 minutes to clean their station before they make room for another contestant. The espresso machines used in the competition are key to the taste of the coffee. The machines must be left absolutely clean and free from any impurities. <br />
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During the 15 minute performance interval baristas have to prove their skills by preparing <b>4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature drinks</b>. Four sensory judges that have to decide on the quality of the drinks sample each one of the beverages. While preparing the beverages, the baristas have to present their work, give details about the ingredients they used to the audience and also treat the judges as customers in a coffee shop. One can only imagine the stress.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlPrU8uiWLN8dxyP0d8ebej8aYVXLWheJxYqIfi6hl1CQ4M403EGQOrvP2a3yWaMIh7fQ-VdS3xxx5Nc93nKIBoFvnvsIYh0yl5HwsQVV1Qw7XJdi4eyAkBi6vWYFhMCFDRSaWnDRgA/s1600/-barista1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlPrU8uiWLN8dxyP0d8ebej8aYVXLWheJxYqIfi6hl1CQ4M403EGQOrvP2a3yWaMIh7fQ-VdS3xxx5Nc93nKIBoFvnvsIYh0yl5HwsQVV1Qw7XJdi4eyAkBi6vWYFhMCFDRSaWnDRgA/s200/-barista1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
After the espressos and cappuccinos, which are finished with latte art - complicate designs drawn atop the cup with foamed milk by using the pitcher, the time comes for the <b>signature drink</b>. It is the competitor's original creation and this is where baristas reveal their creativity and skills combining roasts, syrups, steaming and frothing milk and using all sorts of ingredients and flavours that turn their beverages into savory works of art. The baristas can spend even months to invent this perfect drink that can bring them the victory in a competition. <br />
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Here are some examples of drinks that barista champions have invented: </div><ul><li>Troels Poulsen, the 2005 World Barista Championship winner, created a drink called ESB, as in "enhanced sensory balance" by combining melted pepper-gel, espresso and lavender syrup.</li>
<li>Phuong Tran, the 2005 USA Barista Champion, was inspired by her childhood in creating the Crimson Sage, a drink made of sugar cane juice, white pepper powder and steamed milk infused with sage leaves. She said that as a child she loved drinking sugar cane juice with ice and she always dreamed of using it in a drink.</li>
<li>Sammy Piccolo, the 2004 Canadian Barista Championship winner, created "Insieme" by using raw sugar, egg yolks, curry, bittersweet chocolate and milk.</li>
<li>Bronwen Serna, USA Barista Champion of 2004, entitled her signature drink "Sweetness" because the main "secret" ingredient was honey. She also used dark chocolate powder and served it with a dark chocolate square.</li>
</ul>Baristas train hard for these competitions, especially if they have the chance to participate in the World Barista Championship. They try to bring to perfection their technique and put together their program as during the competition everything has to work smoothly, no glitches are allowed. They can actually be compared to athletes rehearsing for the Olympic games as some of them even have coaches that sometimes play the role of judges in preparation for the competition. <br />
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<b>Barista training</b><br />
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Well, perhaps after reading about the competition requirements it might be wise to brush up a bit on your skills. There are several ways to either get basic skills training as a barista or enhance your existing skills:<br />
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<ul><li><b>Books and manuals</b>. There are many books or manuals available that take you step by step through the processes of making an espresso, a cappuccino and other specialty coffee drink. The drawback is that you only have still pictures to look at which may make it difficult for beginners to see the details of the methods.</li>
<li><b>Videos</b>. These provide both visual modeling as well as commentary on how to produce the perfect cup of espresso.</li>
<li><b>Training classes</b>. There are training locations in most areas that offer courses that range from three hours to a full day on learning the secrets of a barista. Many of these programs also deal with how to care for the espresso machine and offer a certificate upon completion.</li>
<li><b>Hands-on</b>. Some experienced barista will offer personal training or mentoring for those interested in becoming a barista or in improving their skills.</li>
</ul>Whatever you decide to do, if you have a talent for making a great cup of espresso you should consider entering a barista competition. You will meet other people that share your passion for coffee and will certainly get some new ideas to try in your coffee shop.ANGGA BAYUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670173163900312135noreply@blogger.com