Coffee 101... What I learned about coffee today.

Just so we are all on the same page...

Although coffee isn't often thought of as a fruit, the coffee that Canadians consume is a natural plant product that grows in a wide band around the tropical parts of the globe.

Many people who are exposed to coffee only as a packaged product on the grocery store shelf or as a beverage in a cup are not aware of the rich natural beginnings of their beverage choice. Like many plant products, the natural background of coffee is the source for the presence of phytochemicals.
These phytochemicals are linked to many of the effects of coffee on health.

The coffee tree or shrub is a flowering bush that naturally grows to a height of 20 feet. It is usually pruned to a height of about 6 feet to allow for handpicking of coffee, the usual practice in most parts of the world. What is normally referred to as coffee beans are actually seeds. These seeds are like a cherry pit and are the product of the fruit of these coffee trees.

There are two primary species of the coffee plant in the world coffee market today, namely Arabica and Robusta. The many elements that are linked to the effects of coffee and health are very similar in both. The only significant difference is that Robusta coffee beans generally have a higher caffeine level than Arabica. This means that higher quality coffees which tend have a higher Arabica content will have relatively lower caffeine content compared to lower cost coffee alternatives.
The cherry pits or coffee beans are separated from the pulp of the coffee fruit and then dried to level that allows for the coffee to be handled, stored and shipped with convenience and safety. It is in this relatively stable green bean state that coffee is able to be shipped around the world and processed into roasted coffee.

Green coffee beans are subjected to very high levels of heat for short periods of time while being rotated in a drum or in an air column. This roasting process substantially transforms the coffee. Through a process called pyrolisis the hundreds of elements that make up the aroma and flavour of coffee are developed.

The result is a very complex and satisfying product. Slight variations in the amount of roasting time and temperature produce the significant taste differences between a light, brown coffee roast and a dark, oily "espresso" roast.

The consensus is that roasting variations make little difference to the impact on health except that there is slightly less caffeine in a darker roast coffee. This is a surprise to many given the "stronger" taste of a dark roast coffee on the palate. However, the lower caffeine content of a darkly roasted coffee is minimal. An effective approach to modifying the caffeine level of a coffee choice involves adjusting the ratio of coffee to water or the method of preparation.

The world of coffee is as complex with a multitude of brewing processes and options. 

Best Review Ever!

El Socorro y Anexos From RocketfuelCoffee Review

by Mike (Daily Shot of Coffee) on March 25, 2010 in Coffee Reviews

The Drink: El Socorro y Anexos From Rocketfuel Coffee
Type: Whole Bean Guatemalan
Overall Rating: 4.5 Out Of 5 Coffee Mugs

There’s one thing that you need to know about El Socorro y Anexos from RocketfuelCoffee.com, it’s a must try coffee. If you want more of a review, keep reading.

When people ask what are my favorite coffees, Rocketfuel Coffee is always one of the first few that I mention. They’re a gourmet roaster out of Toronto, Canada and I’ve been lucky to sample more than a few of their great coffees. Their Kona is one of the best that I’ve tried and their Kopi Luwak is something that everyone should have on their bucket list.

All that doesn’t mean that the El Socorro y Anexos is going to get a free pass, even after reading the rave reviews from the so called coffee experts, I was going to give it a thorough testing.

However, I knew right away that this was going to be a very easy coffee to test. The aroma alone earned this coffee a spot as one of my favorite coffees. An inviting fruity-floral aroma welcomed me and reminded me of a relaxing beach on a remote island. Around the edges was a warm, nutty flavor.

The taste cemented it’s spot on my top ten list. The first wave of flavor felt like a round, fruit explosion coating my tongue. Dripping on the back of my tongue was a cherry or strawberry syrup flavor. That was followed up by a delicious fruit filled, medium roast after taste.

The El Socorro y Anexos is a perfect mix of an extremely smooth coffee with a medium body.

This coffee isn’t cheap, it’s $45 for half a pound or $80 for a full pound. It’s a rare coffee and it’s definitely not an every day coffee, but it is a treat worth just about every penny.

As a bonus, this coffee is certified organic.

Kopi Luwak was always my favorite from RocketfuelCoffee, but I think I might have a new favorite. Overall, this coffee earned an amazing 4.5 out of 5 on the Daily Shot Of Coffee scale, one of the best ratings that I’ve given out.

I think this coffee was made for me, it’s what I love – a medium roast that’s loaded with flavor. This is one of those coffees that I wouldn’t mind testing over and over again.

- Thanks so much Mike!!

Holy Map Plot Batman!

Found this software called Aardvark, where you can place zip/postal codes. Put my customers on there (anonymous) and now I can see where Rocketfuelcoffee.com goes!

Coffeeforums.com Review for Rocketfuelcoffee.com Hawaiian Kona dark!

Company: Rocketfuelcoffee.com Bean Origin or Blend: Hawaiian Kona Dark (100%) Body: Medium-Full Roast: City Plus Brew Method: Drip and French Press Price: $36/lb.

Background: RocketfuelCoffee.com is based out of Toronto, Canada and specializes in premium, rare coffee beans from across the world. The Kona Dark is a new offering and is in answer to a request for stronger roasts. The owner, Lisa Rotenberg, also provides all of the illustrations you’ll find on the packaging. This is truly a very unique company providing some very, very unique coffees.

The Kona Bean Kona coffee originates from the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the Kona districts of Hawaii. One of the most sought after coffees in the world, only beans from these Kona districts may be classified as authentic Kona coffee.

The weather pattern of the region is what makes this coffee so highly regarded; the rich volcanic soil, along with sunny mornings and mild evenings, combine to produce excellent coffee growing conditions. The coffee plant was brought to this region by Samuel Reverend Ruggles in the early 19th Century, from Brazilian cuttings. There are now more than 800 Kona coffee farms in the area, with the average farm size measuring less than five acres. For more information, visit here. When purchasing Kona coffee, it is important to watch for product marketed as Kona blend, style, or roast; blended Kona coffee contains 10% or less of Kona coffee.

When purchasing Kona, be sure to look for the 100% seal. Hawaiian law requires blends to state the actual percentage of Kona coffee on the label. The Kona Dark from Rocketfuel is 100% Kona coffee. The Kona Dark from Rocketfuel is hands down one of the smoothest cups of coffee I’ve ever had the pleasure of cupping. The flavors of the Kona were so equally balanced that, if not paying close attention, one could call it a clean coffee.
There was no boldness present in this coffee and I would consider it to be a medium body at best, despite being advertised as full; this is not a criticism in my mind. The flavors present were of bitter chocolate, mint, and a slightly tart berry with a general earthiness present on the finish. The aroma on the cup was exceedingly sweet. The Kona would pair wonderfully with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapped cigar, such as an Oliva Connecticut Reserve or Camacho Connecticut. The well balanced flavors, with no one dominating flavor profile, reminded me of a well-aged cigar. The Kona Dark from Rocketfuel is simple, non-complex, and incredibly smooth.

Synopsis: It has been a pleasure speaking with Lisa at RocketfuelCoffee; she is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She can offer some helpful insight into coffee/cigar pairing as well, as she enjoys the fine Cubans she has access to living in Toronto. Rocketfuel offers a large variety of coffees. I am glad to have tried the Kona Dark and it is by far the smoothest Kona I’ve had. Kona coffee is not easy to come by and this is reflected in the price.

At $36/lb., I would not add this to my regular lineup of coffee, but I would certainly consider it an excellent gift coffee or special occasion cup. You will not be disappointed by the body, flavor, or aroma. And the customer service is top notch.