The Reading Room

Do you bring coffee with you?
Over this Easter weekend I was out visiting family, judging by the traffic on the freeway this evening I wasn't alone. Something that I really struggle with is whether or not to bring coffee with me, when I visit people....
Easter Dinner: Coffee-Mustard Glazed Ham
Coffee and mustard may not sound like go-togethers, but tonight's Easter ham. glazed with an apricot, coffee and mustard glaze was a big hit. In fact, I caught both boys licking the spoon after they stirred the glaze. This one...
Colombian coffee: Nariño
Here I'm taking you from the Caribbean shores to the south of Colombia, very close to the border with Ecuador in the Departamento (Province, State) of Nariño, a little over 1000 Km (almost 650 miles) in a straight line.This region was...
Building an Espresso Shot with an HX machine: Nuova Simonelli Musica
Building an Espresso Shot with an HX machine: Nuova Simonelli Musica: a VideoI have been using several different kind of espresso machines since when I have started my journey into coffee including the humble small single boiler machine and then...
Green Coffee Beans: What They Are and How Roasting Transforms Them

Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee seeds. Every cup of coffee starts as a green bean before heat transforms it into the roasted product you brew. Understanding what happens between green and roasted explains why roast level, freshness, and origin character matter.

Coffee Supply: 5 Lessons From Running Out

Running out of coffee can disrupt your morning routine. Learn five simple ways to manage your coffee supply and keep your favorite beans ready to brew.

Coffee + Texting = TextPresso? Awesome Coffee Tech
File this one under "Holy cappuccino, Batman!" A company in Seattle has created an unmanned espresso machine that acccepts your coffee order via text and brews it up for you. Check out the report from Seattle's KOMO News: The company,...
Colombian Coffee: 4 Key Regions and What Makes It Special

 Colombian coffee is known for its balance, mild acidity, and smooth finish. Learn the key growing regions, flavor notes, and how to brew it.

What Is Organic Coffee? The Label Explained in 5 Facts

"Organic coffee" is a USDA certification, not a flavor descriptor. Here is what the label actually means, what it does not mean, and how organic certification fits into the broader picture of coffee quality.

The History of Coffee in America

How did coffee in America go from luxury to daily ritual? Trace the story from colonial tea to the Boston Tea Party and modern coffee.

Siphon Coffee: How Vacuum Brewing Works

What is siphon coffee, and how does it work? Learn how vacuum brewing makes a clean, bright cup, and how to brew a cup at home.

Do you use a coffee app?
I’ve noticed a few people discussing coffee apps here and other places online, and I was wondering who used them.   I’m also pretty big into tea, and for tea I think apps can be very helpful indeed. I have...
Revisiting Velton’s Bonsai Blend
Revisiting Velton’s Bonsai Blend I have blogged in the past about Velton’s Bonsai Blend.  It is no secret that I really like it.  Somehow, however, with all the new coffees on Roaste.com I have ordered more coffee from Velton’s, but...
Drip Coffee Maker: 4 Things That Separate Good Machines from Bad Ones

Most drip coffee makers fail at the most basic requirement: brew temperature. Only machines that reach 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit extract coffee correctly. Here are the 4 factors that separate a drip coffee maker worth buying from one that wastes good coffee.

The Lack of Coffee
It’s been a while since I’ve wrote a post. I usually try to knock out about 2-3 per week (obviously sometimes I have more to write about and sometimes less), and usually I try to get out a couple of...
Types of Coffee Drinks: How to Choose Your Cup

Not sure which coffee drink to order? Learn the popular types of coffee drinks and how to choose the perfect cup for your mood.

How to Backflush an Espresso Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

Backflushing is the most commonly skipped espresso machine maintenance step. It takes less than five minutes and keeps rancid coffee oils from ruining every shot you pull. Here is exactly how to do it.

 

 

Panama Coffee: Bright, Floral Flavor and Prized Geisha

What makes Panama coffee so prized? Learn about its bright, floral flavor, the famous Geisha variety, and how to brew a cup.

In My Cup: The West Bean Brazilian Oberon Coffee
I finally broke out the Brazilian Oberon coffee from The West Bean this morning, and I'm writing about it, as promised. This is the "great customer service" coffee -- the one that didn't reach me originally, and which The West...
Mason Jar Coffee: How to Brew Without a Machine

Learn how to make mason jar coffee two easy ways: a hot immersion brew and a smooth cold brew. No machine or special gear needed.

Letting it rest.
I am always really surprised when a coffee gets much better after letting it rest a few days or so it seems.It's the funny thing with coffee that different  beans are going to be afflicted different with the off gassing...