Coffee Basics

First Things First - Some Quick Coffee Facts

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Is coffee good for you? Coffee’s benefits include antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, making it a nutritious beverage with only three calories per espresso shot. Moderate amounts of caffeine also help stimulate the central nervous system and aid short-term information storage.

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What is decaf coffee? Decaffeinated coffee is created by using solvents to remove coffee beans’ natural caffeine content. When processed properly, decaffeinated coffee beans should not taste any different from regular coffee beans, so it’s up to the consumer’s preference.

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Should roasted coffee beans be oily? No. Dark, oily coffee beans with shimmering surfaces often mean that the roasting process was too strong, giving the beans a bitter taste and burnt aromatics. Exposing the oils to air can accelerate oxidation and rapidly deteriorate the coffee’s quality.

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Do I have to adjust my coffee grinder? Yes. Lighter roasts are usually denser than darker roasts. To get a better extraction, adjust your grind size to increase surface area. Lighter roasts can be slightly finer, while dark roasts can be slightly coarser.

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How many mg of caffeine is in coffee? Contrary to popular belief, there is less caffeine in an espresso versus an 8oz coffee. On average, one shot of espresso has around 65 mg of caffeine, whereas an 8oz cup of coffee has between 70-140 mg. Robusta coffee has higher caffeine percentages per bean than Arabica coffee, while lighter roasts typically have higher caffeine contents than darker roasts.

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What country drinks the most coffee? The biggest coffee drinkers in the world are the Nordic countries. Finland currently tops the list with 26.5 lbs consumed per capita each year, followed by Norway with 22 lbs, Iceland with 20lbs, and Denmark with 19 lbs per capita.

Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

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Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

For anyone venturing into the world of coffee, choosing the right coffee beans can feel like a daunting task. But instead of getting lost in the coffee aisle, we’ve compiled a small guide to help you select the best coffee beans for you.

Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

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Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

The label ""single-origin"" refers to coffee beans from one specific place. This is usually a particular country, region, or even the same coffee farm. Coffee blends are mixtures of different bean types. These blends can be a combination of coffees from different varieties and profile values or from multiple origins from around the world.It's not uncommon to come across coffee blends with beans from several places, but most roasters will typically use two to a maximum of four coffee varieties.

Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

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Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

Coffee consumers have become increasingly more conscious of sustainable and ethical practices, such as the preservation of natural resources and labor rights. Some segments within the industry have implemented Fair Trade business models to ensure fair wages, sufficient training, and adequate working conditions for farmers. Other notable factors while shopping sustainably include the ‘Organic’ Label and certifications like UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, Proudly Made In Africa, and Direct Trade. While labels are telling, make sure to conduct your own research before buying.

How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

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How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

The coffee brewing method you choose will significantly impact your cup's flavor. After all, coffee brewing is about juggling heat, time, and pressure to reach the desired outcome. Different tools and processes will ultimately make these three factors vary from start to full extraction. Nowadays, you can try innovative methods like single-serve pour-over coffee bags, classic tools like the Stovetop Moka, or cultural traditions like Turkish coffee and the Vietnamese phin.

Discover which De'Longhi coffee machine is right for you

What's the difference between coffee and espresso

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What's the difference between coffee and espresso

Similar to the term ""coffee"", espresso holds more than one definition. Espresso is a beverage, but it can also refer to a specific brewing method. A standard shot of espresso is typically 1 oz and made from a pressurized extraction using finely ground coffee. It has a wonderfully rich body with a top layer of crema, or microfoam, which reveals its freshness and preparation accuracy. Espresso is also the starting point for popular drinks like the Cappuccino when mixed with foamed milk or the Americano when diluted with hot water.

Discover which De'Longhi coffee machine is right for you

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First Things First - Some Quick Coffee Facts

Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

What's the difference between coffee and espresso

What's the difference between coffee and espresso

Suggested reading

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LEARN

Coffee basics

First Things First - Some Quick Coffee Facts

Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

Choosing the Ideal Coffee Bean For You

Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

Single-Origin Coffee and Blends – What’s the difference?

Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

Labels & Fair Trade: Is my coffee ethical and sustainable?

How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

How Many Different Ways can you brew coffee?

What's the difference between coffee and espresso

What's the difference between coffee and espresso

Suggested reading

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