History of Coffee

In the Beginning:

Legend has it, coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. One day, he noticed his goats frolicking around in an unusually spirited manner. He observed that they were also eating the berries of a nearby shrub.

Not being one to be left out of all the fun, he decided to try the berries himself. He was energized and pleased with the effects the cherries had on him. He told his friends and soon word spread throughout the region. The rest is history.

At times in history coffee has been hailed as a medicinal cure-all, and at others condemned as the devil's brew -- in the latter case usually for political or religious reasons, when coffee houses were at their height of popularity as meeting places. However, in the last half-century scientific research has established the facts about coffee, caffeine (responsible for coffee's mild stimulant effect) and our health: in moderation coffee consumption is in no way a health risk, and besides being a most pleasurable experience drinking coffee can indeed confer some health benefits.

Tips For That Great Tasting Cup of Coffee

1.  Choose the right coffee.  The best coffees are made from Arabica beans.  These beans are found grown around or near the equator and are known as international-origin coffees.  But, do not be afraid of blended coffees - you may find that perfect flavor for you.

2.  Purchase a coffee grinder. Freshly ground coffee (grind right before brewing) makes the freshest coffee.

3.  Store your ground or whole bean coffee in an air tight container, in a cool dark place and at a temperature of 50-70 degree F.

4.  Purchase a quality coffee maker, espresso machine or french press.  Remember, you do not need the most expensive nor should you purchase the cheapest coffee maker.  There are many to choose from that will make great coffee.

5.  Use great tasting water.  Coffee is made up of water so choose bottled, purified or filtered water.

6.  Use only unbleached filters or your could end up drinking chlorine or bleach that the other filters can release while filtering the coffee.

7.  Be sure the water temperature is brewing between 195-205 F.

8.  Use between 1-2 teaspoons of coffee per 6oz of water.  Experiment with this as you try each type of coffee.

9.  The cup you use should be glass, ceramic or china.  The metal ones can give that metallic taste to the coffee.

10. Remember, its your taste buds that determine a great cup of coffee.  Whether your like dark, medium or light roast, it's up to you to decide. 

I hope the above tips will help you to brew that perfect cup of coffee for your tastes.