coffee grounds
-
Posted: August 11, 2021Categories: The Bean
Read more »Do you like your cup of coffee super caffeinated for that extra kick? Is that strong, nutty, earthy flavour important, or do you prefer fruity, slightly more delicate notes? How you answer questions like that will determine which team you’re on: Arabica or Robusta. If you’re in the camp of “less caffeine” and “light and sweet” tasting notes, then consider picking up these five awesome Arabica roasts, available in either (or both) Singapore and Malaysia. Don’t have a coffee machine just yet? Explore our range of De’Longhi coffee machines for top-notch, cafe-quality java, just the way you like it.
Aceh Gayo Arabica
[caption id="attachment_17604" align="alignnone" width="2560"]
The Aceh Gayo Arabica is lauded for its aromatic floral taste that delivers a bright and pleasant mouthfeel. Photo from JJ Royal.[/caption] Straight from the Gayo Plateau in Northern Sumatra, Aceh Gayo Arabica is a specialty-grade Indonesian coffee that gives you a balanced, medium-bodied drink.
-
Posted: June 16, 2021Categories: Coffee 101
Read more »There are many factors that contribute to the quality of your coffee and pressure is a key aspect. Here’s what you should know about managing pressure to get your best brew.
When it comes to coffee, the ‘rules’ are not set in stone. While it’s important to learn the basics, it’s always up to you to make your coffee the way you want it. But what is pressure when it comes to coffee preparation?
In short, it’s a combination of the amount of force the water is pushed into your puck and the resistance produced by the coffee puck. The water pressure is what pulls the oils from the coffee grounds to create the desired taste profile. Together, these will determine how the coffee is extracted from the grounds and how it will eventually taste.
It Starts with a Good Tamp
-
Posted: April 14, 2021Categories: Coffee 101
Read more »In celebration of the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, let’s take small steps toward becoming a more sustainable coffee drinker to ensure our coffee cup stays full well into the future.
Here are 9 easy ways to get started:
Support Responsible Growers
Take a closer look at the label on your coffee beans as it tells you all you need to know about its origins.
If you want peace of mind knowing that your coffee beans were sustainably grown or ethically sourced, look for certifications such as Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, and Rainforest Alliance.
Purchasing coffee beans like these help enterprises dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture and fair working conditions.
By choosing organic coffee, for instance, you are consuming chemical-free coffee that’s made by farmers who focus on the use of renewable resources.
Go Local
Delicious artisan brews, a homely atmosphere, and an economic boost for the local community – there are plenty of great reasons to support your local independent coffee shop.
Think of the environmental impact of your regular coffee spot, too. After all, a small local business like a coffee shop is likely to have a smaller carbon footprint than larger chains.
-
Posted: February 24, 2021Categories: Coffee 101
Read more »Coffee extraction is the final, and one of the most important factors in determining whether your coffee tastes good, or not.
While the extraction process may seem like a simple and straightforward step, controlling the variables can result in a big improvement for your coffee.
If you want to brew the most flavourful and balanced tasting cup of coffee, here’s how to prevent under and over extraction.
What is Coffee Extraction?
Extraction occurs when water pulls out the flavours and aroma from coffee grounds. These flavours are made from a combination of the oils, sugar, and dissolved compounds that are present in coffee grounds.
The secret to perfecting coffee extraction lies in extracting the ideal amount of these flavours and aroma. Too much results in an over extracted and bitter brew. Too little and you will get an under extracted brew that tastes sour.
A lot of work goes into balancing the countless variables to extract a cup of deliciousness, but it’s well worth it. Here’s what a perfect cup of coffee tastes like.
Factors that Prevent Under or Over Extraction
Grind Size
-
Posted: December 30, 2020Categories: The Tools
Read more »Ring in the new year with these coffee gadgets to help you elevate your coffee experience. Whether you drink your coffee on-the-go or at home, with frothed milk or cold-brewed, here are six accessories to help you get the best out of your cuppa.
Travel French Press
[caption id="attachment_11211" align="alignnone" width="811"]
Save time in the mornings with this on-the-go French press. Photo from Bodum on Amazon.[/caption] This one’s perfect if you love French press coffee but always in a rush and have no time to make it before heading out. This travel press works just like a regular French press with added conveniences. It allows you to brew your coffee and drink from it, scoring well in terms of portability as it cuts the need to bring an extra mug. Thinking of getting a reusable coffee cup? Here are some things to consider before deciding on one. It’s easy to use too, simply add your coffee grounds, pour the hot water in, give it a stir and close the lid with the plunger up. Once it’s time, just push the plunger down and enjoy your coffee wherever you are — in the car, walking the dog or at the office. Shop for the Bodum Travel Press Coffee Maker available in stainless steel or plastic double wall, from USD37. Milk Frothing Thermometer
[caption id="attachment_11202" align="alignnone" width="1542"] -
Posted: December 16, 2020Categories: Coffee 101
Read more »Crafting a perfect cup of coffee at home is actually easier than it seems. Nonetheless, there are some common mistakes that we can avoid, in order to improve and refine our coffee-making skills.
Let’s learn the fundamentals of brewing while addressing 11 of the most common mistakes that homebrewers make.
1. Not Using Fresh Coffee Beans and Grounds
Most of us are guilty of using coffee beans that have been hanging about in our kitchen cupboard for several months. In fact, the shelf life of coffee beans is a mere 4-5 weeks.
Our pro-tip is to purchase small bags of coffee beans each time, and stay away from store-bought beans. These beans often have an expiry date of 12-24 months, which is way past their shelf life.
For greater convenience, consider signing up for a coffee subscription service which delivers freshly roasted beans to your doorstep at your preferred frequency.
2. Pre-grinding Coffee
-
Posted: December 02, 2020Categories: The Tools
Read more »From the trusty automatic coffee machine to hands-on methods such as the French press, there are many trendy ways to brew coffee at home. But coffee drinkers know that a drip coffee maker is a classic when it comes to coffee brewing: it produces robust, flavour-intensive coffee in large quantities. If instant coffee is not your go-to beverage, but you don’t want to be tamping and frothing, a drip coffee maker is a simple and affordable option. Let’s dive deeper into what a drip coffee maker is and how to perfect that cup of coffee.
What is a Drip Coffee Maker and Why You Should Get It
Drip brewing lends itself well to highlighting the flavour complexity of a coffee. As it relies on gravity to extract coffee from the coffee grounds, the hot water extracts coffee oils and solubles that accentuate delicate taste notes and aromas. Many confuse pour-overs with drip coffee as they share the same mechanics. However, with drip coffee makers, you don’t have to dedicate time attending to your brew. Plus, you get to enjoy the convenience and proficiency of a drip coffee maker’s technology that enhances the taste of your coffee. Making coffee with a drip coffee maker is a rewarding experience without the hassle. Just pour water into the reservoir, fill up the coffee grounds, press a button, then let the machine work its magic. The end result? A delicious cup (or rather, cups) of coffee that starts your day on a perfect note.Use Fresh Coffee Grounds
[caption id="attachment_10773" align="alignnone" width="1999"]
Use freshly-ground beans to ensure a more flavourful and aromatic b
-
Posted: October 28, 2020Categories: Coffee 101
Read more »As coffee lovers, we love a caffeine kick to get the day started. But we don’t want to end up with a queasy stomach or having to deal with heart palpitations from an overly-caffeinated cup of coffee…or drift off to sleep in the middle of a meeting because we’re under-caffeinated.
Not sure what it takes to get that perfect amount of caffeine? Here are factors that influence the caffeine levels in your coffee.
Type of Coffee Bean
-
Posted: April 01, 2020Categories: The Tools
Read more »For some coffee drinkers, all espresso machines are the same: they make espresso. But for the more discerning coffee lover, this isn't the case, particularly those who brew their own coffee at home. In fact, there are a few types of espresso makers, each producing varying qualities of espresso. One of the biggest differences between espresso machines is whether or not it is pump-driven, as espresso is made by pushing hot water through ground coffee. There are three main types of espresso machine: lever-driven, steam-driven and pump-driven. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on steam-driven and pump-driven machines, as they are the most common types found on the market today.
Firstly – what makes a good espresso?
[caption id="attachment_6414" align="alignnone" width="2560"]
Observe the frothy thickness of the crema. Photo from Blake Richard Verdoorn[/caption] How you make your espresso has a significant impact on the quality of your brew, especially the type of espresso machine you use. One of the ways to measure your espresso’s quality is through the crema produced – you should aim to get crema that is foamy and golden. But do note that some coffee beans contain less oil, which results in less crema. Taste-wise, a well-pulled espresso will have the perfect combination of bitterness, sweetness and acidity.
-
Posted: March 25, 2020Categories: The Bean
Read more »So, you’ve treated yourself to a fresh bag of coffee beans. How do you care for the coffee beans to make sure your morning java stays fresh for as long as possible? Better care of coffee beans makes better-tasting coffee ― and that’s something all of us would appreciate in the morning to boost our energy for the day ahead. For the best cup of coffee, it comes down to knowing the different sizes of grind, how you properly store your beans, and what you should do to maximise the freshness and flavour. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your caffeine hit. Read on to find out the best way to keep your coffee fresh.
Buy just the right amount
[caption id="attachment_6436" align="alignnone" width="2560"]
The best way to ensure the freshness of your coffee is to buy less, but more frequently. Photo from Victor Munoz[/caption] The best way to enjoy your coffee is when it’s fresh. Your coffee beans begin to lose freshness almost immediately after roasting. The best way to ensure the freshness of your coffee is to buy less, enough for one or two weeks, but more frequently. The life span of your roasted coffee beans is approximately 4 to 5 weeks. Coffee beans older than that will not make you sick, but it will never taste as good as when it’s fresh. Here's more reasons why you should care about your coffee bean's roasting date. Our Kimbo Espresso Coffee Beans 100% Arab
