Boca Java Gourmet Coffee » Gourmet Coffee

What Is Gourmet Coffee?

PeteLikesIt — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:35:35 +0000

So How Do We Define Gourmet Coffee?

The Word “gourmet” basically means fine food or drink. To qualify as “gourmet” usually means it has been judged by experts in the field, and have been found to be exceptional compared to most. Gourmet coffee, in particular, is coffee with a unique flavor. The coffee beans used to create it typically come from selected places in the world. These places typically have the best elevation and climates for growing coffee, and have rich soil and special cultivation practices, allowing the production of coffee beans with distinct flavor. Various flavors, such as mint or vanilla, are then added to further enrich the taste and the aroma of the blend and also enhance its uniqueness.

Coffee beans are the seeds from the fruit on coffee plants and not actually a bean. There are a few ways to extract the beans. Whether using the wet or dry process of extracting seeds, the result is, the seed removed from the fruit.

The gourmet coffee bean is actually the seed of the coffee tree. Typically, one gourmet coffee bean “cherry” contains two gourmet coffee beans, each hemispherical in size and slightly oblong in shape. There is a long crease on the flat side of each bean that is created as the seed grows and wraps around on itself while inside the fruit. The gourmet coffee beans are green in color after harvesting and removal from the fruit, hence they are called “green coffee”. The green coffee is roasted to develop its flavor and aroma.

Gourmet coffees typically come from the arabica coffee bean, whereas your supermarket “instant” coffee is derived from the robusta coffee bean.

Gourmet coffee can also be referred to as premium or specialty coffee. What separates it from supermarket brands are the gourmet coffee beans. These beans get their unique flavor from the place in which they are grown. Most coffee experts agree that the best beans grow in the rich soil on the slopes of volcanic mountains. A high altitude and moist climate are also factors in producing the best gourmet coffee beans. These beans actually get their distinctive taste and aroma from these special growing conditions, drawing out the best of the soil and environment in which they are planted. What that means to you is a superior taste.

Fresh Gourmet Coffee – Flavour You Can Count On

PeteLikesIt — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:25:56 +0000

There is something special about coffee. Is it that unique flavour and aroma, or the little kick it gives you, or perhaps just the social atmosphere in which you drink it, that makes fresh coffee one of the most popular beverages in the world?

Coffee has become such an important commodity that it even has its own futures market among the ‘soft commodities’. You can buy and sell coffee contracts and your results will be according to the daily coffee price movements. So there must be a lot of coffee out there.

Coffee is easy to buys these days. You see get it from coffee shops and supermarkets everywhere. But the key to good gourmet coffee is “freshness”. Coffee is not like wine – it does not improve with age. So the sooner you use the coffee beans after they have been roasted, the better quality coffee you’ll be drinking.

Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. Fresh gourmet coffee costs a little more than the price you’ll pay at the supermarket, but the difference in quality is noticeable. Moreover, the better gourmet coffee is made from high quality Arabica beans that have been hand-picked. Commercial grade coffee, on the other hand, comes from the cheaper Robusta coffee bean, which has an inferior taste and texture.

The other downside of commercial grade robusta coffee, is that you sometimes get foreign substances such as twigs and leaves that end up in the finished product. This of course, distorts the flavour.

Gourmet coffee distinguishes itself from regular coffee because of the added flavour hints it contains. With your coffee experience you may also choose a hint of mint, bacon, caramel or many other interesting flavours, which give gourmet coffee its uniqueness.

In addition, arabica beans are sourced from various parts of the world and the climate and altitude of each coffee growing region produces its own uniquely flavoured coffee bean. This gives the consumer more choices.

The final element in fresh gourmet coffee production is the roasting process. The duration of the roasting process makes all the difference. Boca Java gourmet coffee is freshly roasted just before shipping. This gives it an edge in flavour and texture.

The best cup of gourmet coffee is from freshly ground beans. If you get a coffee grinder and a good quality coffee maker, then select the gourmet coffee that you like most, get freshly roasted coffee beans and go to work, you’ll have yourself a fresh gourmet coffee that will make you sigh.

Boca Coffee – Which One is Your Favourite?

PeteLikesIt — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:39:40 +0000

Boca Java Gourmet Coffee has become the subject matter of popular coffee forum posts.

Here are some samples from The Coffee House forum that I found recently:

10-01-2008

Mine is Tropical Tricks and Treats, which is only available at Halloween.
Second choice is Surfin’ Sufari. Yum!
Riveria Roast for Breakfast Coffee and Surfin’ Safari for Iced Coffee in the afternoon!
My favorite Boca coffee is the Breakfast Blend. I order it every month.
Mine is Boca Sunrise, but I also enjoy Pumpkin Paradise each fall! Very rich.
My favorite is Banana Fosters Float.
I enjoy Chocolate Cherry Celebration the most. It’s a wonderful treat.
Yummy for white chocolate raspberry for fall and winter.
yummy for white chocolate raspberry
I like Palm Beach Passion and Boca Mocha Java!
Mine is Sumatran Sunset mixed with French Roast 50/50 mix. Nice robust flavor.

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

Coffee Roasts – What Do They Mean

PeteLikesIt — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:26:15 +0000

The assigning of names to coffee roasts can seem a bit illogical if not confusing at times, but when coffee roast names first began to emerge within the coffee industry, their application was based, to a small degree, on fact. For example, both the French and Italians had (and still have) a tendency to roast their coffee very dark, thus the emergence of the French and Italian Roasts. But, in today’s marketplace, standard coffee roast names (if you can call them standard) seem to be giving way to individual roasters offering catchy, private label, brand names that don’t really communicate to the consumer what the actual roast style is. And to throw more confusion into the mix, often times the roast style names vary by geographic region. An American roast in one region of the U.S. may not be of the same degree of roast as in another region, or the same degree of roast in one region may have a totally different name in another region. Are we confused yet?

The variety of names used to describe coffee roasts include: French, Italian, Viennese, Turkish, American, regular, regular city, half-city, full city, cinnamon, light-cinnamon, just to name a few. It all seems soooooo confusing – how does one make sense of it all? Simply by associating the flavor of the coffee, with the color and/or appearance of the coffee beans, rather than relying on the roast name alone.

High-grown Arabica beans are chock full of complex, aromatic flavors that are just waiting to be released by the roasting process. Other than the origin of the bean, the degree of roast is the next most important factor in the flavor of a high-quality, gourmet coffee. The degree of roast is determined by the roaster, based on the origin and type of bean. Roasters try to emphasize those qualities of the bean that they feel are most desirable. But since everyone has different perceptions and tastes, including roasters, coffee roasts can vary to a large degree even when using the same coffee beans. Thus, the end result is that you wind up with a variety of very different tasting coffees.

When choosing a coffee roast, there really is no such thing as the “best” roast. Many factors affect one’s choice in a coffee roast, the most important being your own personal taste preferences. What time of day you intend on drinking your cup of joe, or what type of food you will be eating it with, are other important considerations. A good rule of thumb is to follow the sunlight in your day – lighter roasts go well in the morning with breakfast, medium roasts in the afternoon, and darker roasts in the evening, especially after a rich, spicy meal. But again, your own personal taste preferences will prevail!

Light Roasts

Light roast coffees are of course light brown in color and the beans’ surface is dry. Light roasts often preserve a coffee’s origin or flavor characteristics specific to that coffee’s growing region. Light roast coffees tend to emphasize the more subtle, complex flavors of a coffee, often floral and citrusy or fruity notes that denote a high acidity. These roasts are light-bodied, somewhat sour, and are characterized as “snappy.”

Light Cinnamon – the beans are very light in color and dry with no coffee oils visible on the surface. The coffee usually has little body and there are noticeable sour notes. There’s also a baked or bready taste to the coffee.
Cinnamon – the beans are still light brown and dry with no coffee oils visible. The hints of toasted grain remain and there are distinct sour, acidic notes.
New England or Half City – the beans are a little darker than the cinnamon. The taste is still sour but not bready. This style is not as frequently used as other roast styles, but is common in the eastern U.S..
American or Light – the beans are medium light brown in color. This is the roast used mainly in the eastern U.S. and is the roast style most often used for cupping or professional coffee tasting.

Medium Roasts

Medium roast coffees are a dark brown color and may have some oily spots on the surface of the beans. The acidity factor, or sour-citrusy flavors are decreased in this roast and the more caramel-like, spicy and or nutty notes are accentuated. Most coffees reach their peak of flavor and complexity with this roast, and it is probably the most common roast used by today’s roasters.

Medium or City – the beans are a medium brown color. This roast style is most common in the western U.S. and is the recommended degree of roast for tasting the different origin flavors in a coffee.
Full City – the beans are medium dark brown in color and show some coffee oils on the surface. This is also a good roast for tasting origin characteristics of the coffee. The taste is slightly bittersweet with caramel and/or chocolate undertones.
Light French, Viennese, Light Espresso or Continental – the beans are a dark brown color and are shiny with light surface oil. There’s less acidity in this roast and the taste is more bittersweet. There are caramel-like flavors with burnt undertones. This roast is often used for espresso.

Dark Roasts

Dark roast coffees have slightly less caffeine and are less acidic than lighter roast coffees. In dark roasts, the oils within the beans have been driven to the surface making the beans appear quite shiny. Some of the more subtle, complex flavors of lighter roast coffees are significantly reduced and/or destroyed with dark roasts. These flavors are replaced by more pungent, bittersweet sometimes tangy, dark roasted flavors that include chocolate and caramel notes.

French, Espresso, Turkish or Dark – the beans are dark brown in color and they are somewhat shiny with surface oil. They have burnt undertones and their acidity is quite diminished. This is the most popular roast for espresso.
Italian, Dark French or Heavy – the beans are a very dark brown color and the surface is very shiny or oily. There’s a stronger burnt flavor to the bean and the acidity is almost gone.

Spanish – this is the darkest roast of all. The beans are nearly black and very shiny. Burnt undertones dominate and the flavor has been reduced to a few weak, sweet notes. The taste can sometimes be flat, and the body of the coffee thin.

This plethora of roast names just scratches the surface, and often times some of the darker roasts included in the light and medium categories could easily fall into the subsequent category. There’s a very fine line that separates one roast category from another – and again, it’s all very subjective, and we can only approximate the categories and the roast names that fall within them.

So if you’re still not sure which coffee roast to choose, take the plunge! Purchase a few coffee samplers from your favorite gourmet coffee retailer and start testing. Look for the degree of roast that brings out the best flavor and aromatic characteristics of the coffee bean. Also keep in mind the type of brewing method you will be using on your coffee – select darker roasts for espresso, and light to medium roasts for your automatic drip.

While there are many factors to consider when selecting the “best” coffee roast, once you understand the differences in the degrees of roast, and the flavor characteristics associated with each roast style, and you try to ignore those catchy brand names, you will have a much easier time choosing that perfect roast.

Boca Coffee – Which One is Your Favourite?

Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets

PeteLikesIt — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:20:35 +0000

I found this article on EzineArticles, about Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets

Are you planning to surprise a friend with a delightful gift? Do you want your gift to have personal touches that will reflect the personality of your friend? Find out what he or she likes and search for a gift basket that he or she will surely love! So you think she loves coffee? No problem; give her a gourmet coffee gift basket.

Gourmet gifts have been so popular over the years that many varieties are available, including gourmet coffee. Hence, if you’re thinking of giving someone a basket of fresh roasted coffee and other gourmet coffee treats, there’ll be no hassle at all. You can buy gourmet coffee gift baskets in different brands and types—flavored coffee, organic, or decaf coffee. Your gourmet coffee gift basket may also include coffee flavorings and mixes like coffee syrups.

With gourmet coffee gift baskets, you have wide choice regarding the gift that you give. You also have the liberty to include what other coffee treats you want in there. Whether you want holiday coffee flavors or other coffee compliments like coffee and espresso makers, teapots, French presses and filters, gourmet candy and cakes, or home coffee grinders.

Choosing a gourmet coffee gift basket need not be hard on your part; there are many manufacturers and distributors of such gift items. You just have to know the right information about such gift baskets and have the right resources. The internet alone offers hundreds of gourmet gift basket sites that offer gourmet coffee gift baskets and information about them; you will find store locations, shipping costs and agreements, basket arrangements and prices, etc. Magazines and printed materials about gourmet gifts will also offer the same information.

Boca Java are specialists in professionally presented Gourmet Gift Baskets, Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets, Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets, Affordable Gourmet Gift Baskets and more.

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

Boca Java – The Pursuit of Excellence

PeteLikesIt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:30:08 +0000

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

Boca Java was conceived and established out of the simple pursuit of the perfect cup of gourmet coffee.

Boca Java hand select the top 2 percent of Arabica coffee beans from the finest growers worldwide. They then use a “small-batch” technique that delivers perfectly timed roasting for consistent quality.

Quality gourmet coffee begins with their innovative roast-to-order process. According to industry standards, coffee is considered “Roaster Fresh” for approximately 45 days after roasting. So to ensure you get the best cup of coffee, they don’t start roasting until you place your order. They also label each bag with the date your coffee was roasted and each bag contains a certificate to that effect.

Boca Java offer some of the best quality gourmet coffee in the industry and once customers try their coffee, they tend to become customers for life. Their coffee is that good. Boca Java customers will never look at their store bought coffee quite the same way ever again.

Gourmet coffee is unlike “regular” coffee, in that it is roasted in such a way that unique flavours, such as mint, caramel or bacon are added in the roasting process. Boca Java have perfected this art and as a consequence, craft the widest variety of unique roasts, blends and aromas.

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

Boca Java’s Jamaican Blue Mountain Gourmet Coffee

Coffee Connoisseur — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:46:02 +0000

Genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain Mavis Bank coffee is internationally known as the rarest and most expensive of coffees. Although the rarity of Blue Mountain has contributed to great mystique surrounding this unique coffee, it is the rich taste and distinct aroma that makes it truly exceptional. Only fifteen percent of the coffee grown in Jamaica is authentic Mavis Bank Blue Mountain Coffee.

This coffee is named for the distinctive mountain ridge which crowns Jamaica. The conditions in Jamaica are ideally suited to growing coffee, as the island has a temperate climate and rich soil. These conditions can create a superior bean when a coffee plant is well tended, as people have known for centuries, ever since coffee was first introduced to Jamaica. Over time, coffee from the Blue Mountain region became particularly renowned, and today it is a protected certification mark, meaning that coffee produced in the Blue Mountains and certified by the Coffee Board of Jamaica is the only coffee that may be labeled as ?Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

Grown on the rough and rugged Blue Mountains in Jamaica, Blue Mountain coffee has been a select and elite coffee for over two centuries. It’s unique and rich flavor is also the reason it is a rare and sought after blend. In order to achieve its superiority to other coffees, Jamaican Blue Mountain is grown at higher elevations than other coffees in the world. The Blue Mountains climb to over 7,400 feet, and their drainage, rainfall, rich soil, and cool climate produce an extremely smooth and rich coffee.

Blue Mountain Coffee is a connoisseur’s delight made from the best local blue-green beans. Blue mountain coffee is recognized as one of the most prized coffees world wide and is in high demand. The Jamaican government has certified this as official 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

Because of the region where it is grown, Jamaican Blue Mountain is not mass produced. The low sales volumes certainly have little to do with flavor, as coffee lovers for years have boasted about this prestigious label. The lower sales level is credited to the cost of the coffee. You see, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is grown in rugged conditions under very strict supervision and guidelines which are closely guarded throughout the process. Only coffee approved and tested to meet the high-quality standards of the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board can be certified as Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee “cherry”; two seeds normally grow within each cherry. On the tree, the beans are covered by the silverskin (a vestigial remainder of the fruit’s development, also called the spermoderm). The silverskin is covered by a parchment skin (the endocarp), which is covered by a slimy layer (the parenchyma), surrounded by a thin layer of pulp (the mesocarp), all covered by an outer skin (the exocarp). These layers must be removed prior to roasting, though some silverskin often remains attached.

Jamaican Blue Mountain is one of the world’s most controversial coffees. The best Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is characterized by a nutty aroma, bright acidity and a unique beef-bouillon like flavor. However, lack of attention to quality has led to some mediocre, over-priced product. Some confusion exists about where the boundaries for growing this coffee actually lie, and often coffees of lesser quality are packaged under its name. Jamaican High Mountain is a term that applies to coffees of lesser quality that are grown at a lower altitude than Jamaican Blue Mountain. Jamaica High Mountain and Jamaica Blue Mountain coffees are produced using the wet-process.

Jamaican Blue Mountain is a coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, between Kingston and Port Maria. Rising to 7,500 feet, the Blue Mountains are some of the highest in the Caribbean. The climate of the region is cool and misty with high rainfall and rich soil. This combination of climate and soil is considered ideal for coffee. Jamaica Blue Mountain is noted for its mild flavour and lack of bitterness and over the last several decades has developed a reputation as one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world.

Those who are lucky enough to savor the flavor of true Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, can easily identify it as a choice coffee fit for a king. Buyers of the whole bean can also identify the prestigious blend by its signature wooden barrels, complete with certification and stamp of approval only earned by true Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

Jamaica Blue Mountain is subtly complex with a smooth texture, generous aroma, nuanced flavors, and perfectly balanced body and acidity. There are stringent regulations around what coffees can be called Jamaican Blue Mountain. The coffee producing area of the Blue Mountains is tiny, and just a few Estates now produce the old-style quality and mild, aromatic flavor which made this origin so famous. It’s the combination of the unique regional conditions – rich soil, lofty altitude and cool mists – along with meticulous quality control in processing that makes this such a prized coffee.

There are many trade names which coffee is called. Most all the trade market names reflect the plantation where the coffee is grown. However, no one sells green coffee by a trade name world wide. It is more like Jamaican High Mountain means it was grown on a High Mountain other than the Blue Mountain in Jamaica. There are hundreds of Brazilian Bourbon Santos’s. All these coffees are mixed together in warehouses. In general, subtle differences and individual identity are lost. On the other hand, the subtle differences and individual identity are not all that important.

The Coffee Industry Board, a quasi government body located in Kingston (The capital of Jamaica) overseas the Island’s coffee industry. It regulates which companies meet the stringent standards required before a company can promote its product as Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. There are only four pulperies in Jamaica that are allowed to buy cherries and process them as Blue Mountain Coffee.

The Coffee Industry Board is the only body allowed to export Blue Mountain Coffee; it purchases beans and exports them on behalf of all the farmers and factories. The Board also regulates which growing areas can qualify as Blue Mountain Coffee. This limits the growing acreage to 15,000 acres, all of which are above 2,000 – 5,000 feet above sea level. Coffees grown outside these areas are called “Low Land” or “High Mountain” coffee. In order to preserve the quality and reputation of the Blue Mountain Coffee label, the Coffee Industry Board must make regular inspections of the factories and facilities.

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

How to Make That Perfect Cup of Coffee

Coffee Connoisseur — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:37:56 +0000

Anyone can consistently brew the perfect cup of coffee. You don’t have to worry about hit and miss if you follow these simple rules. If you truly want to make the best cup of coffee that money can buy, the first step is to take your coffee making experience seriously. The rest will just happen.

Here are the rules to follow:

1. Make sure your coffee making equipment is spotlessly clean.
If you don’t thoroughly wash your equipment after use, coffee sediment and oils will settle in your device and will grow stale. Over time, they will build up and result in a bitter, rusty taste in your brewed coffee.

2. Select only the freshest, best quality beans available.
Many of us have purchased supermarket brands of pre-ground or whole bean coffees. Trouble is, you don’t know how long those beans have been sitting in that container. Since ground coffee beans hate exposure to air, the quality of your purchase is very precarious. You’re far better off purchasing from specialty gourmet coffee providers such as Boca Java, who pride themselves in the fact that they don’t even start roasting your coffee beans until they receive your online order.

3. Purchase only enough coffee for your needs.
In other words, if you’re only a 1 cup per day person, you’re not doing yourself a favour by stockpiling because you’ve seen a sale somewhere. Coffee Beans are a perishable item and will lose flavour if not stored properly or used quickly after roasting.

4. Use the best possible water available.
This is really the key to it all. Think about it! Coffee is about 99% water, so you want the water to taste good. You don’t want any chlorine or other treated tap water odours to interfere with your coffee experience. Do your best to make sure it has been filtered, or use rainwater if it’s clean.

5. Grind your coffee beans just before you make your coffee.
There’s nothing like that freshly ground aroma. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, you can easily order one online from Boca Java.

6. Select the proper grind for your type of brewing method.
Percolators, drip filters and plungers all require different grinding times. The Boca Java website has information on optimum grinding times, to help you here, but here are some general rules.
(i) for coffee percolators, you only need a coarse grind – about 5-10 seconds.
(ii) for drip filter and French press methods – a medium grind of about 10 seconds.
(iii) for vacuum and Neapolitan flip methods and plungers, you want a fine blend, so grind for about 15 seconds.
(iv) finally, for espresso machines, you need an extra fine grind of 25-30 seconds.

7. Measure the coffee used according to the size of your coffee cup.
This is critical. One six-ounce cup of coffee needs two tablespoons of coffee beans. If you’re not using this much, then you haven’t been making full strength coffee and missing out on the robust flavours.

8. Store Coffee in an Airtight Container
The less exposure to air and condensation your coffee gets, the better. Even in an airtight container, make sure you use your coffee within 2-3 months.

9. Don’t Use Boiling Water for Your Drip Filter Coffee
Make sure the water is very hot, but just off the boiling point.

10. Stir Your Coffee Before Serving
You don’t want the coffee particles all in one place. Stirring will disperse them evenly throughout the cup and provide a more consistent taste to your drinking experience.

11. Store any freshly made coffee in a preheated air pot or thermos.
This will preserve the quality of your coffee and retain it’s temperature

Boca Java provides the finest gourmet coffees available and ensures the complete coffee experience.

TRY BOCA JAVA’S DISTINCTIVE FLAVOURS

Gourmet Coffee – What’s So Special About It?

Coffee Connoisseur — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:31:49 +0000

Since it’s discovery, coffee has been one of the most sought-after drinks on the planet, mainly for it’s aromatic flavour and pick-me-up qualities.

Until recently, coffee vendors offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cuppaccino, vienna and variations of these. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was basically still coffee with milk and sugar.

But today’s coffee consumer has become far more sophisticated. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to satisfy even the most fastidious consumer. No longer are gourmet coffees only set aside for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees stocked in their cupboards for any occasion.

So What is Gourmet Coffee Anyway?

Gourmet coffee is simply ordinary coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enrich its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still there, but with a hint of, let’s say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantilising possibility. Add to that, the subtle differences in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected parts of the world with varying climates and elevation and you have the perfect combination for gourmet coffee.

This is what gives gourmet coffee its distinction.

Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint buscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you’re enjoying both, without actually eating the food.

Where Can I Buy Gourmet Coffee?

Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to choose your selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extended range.

Gourmet coffee has become a very popular gift idea. They’re great for housewarming parties and are a very smart business gift. Many vendors, such as Boca Java, offer gift presentations which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal.

The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been assessed by an authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it’s good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name.

One of the most expensive gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to hurricanes. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any repute will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu.

The term “gourmet coffee” not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that surrounds that type of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour… to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

Coffee and Your Health

Coffee Connoisseur — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:22:52 +0000

Coffee has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for at least a thousand years. Apart from it’s wonderful aroma, the attraction of coffee lies in its properties as a stimulant.

In many people, coffee enhances alertness, concentration and mental and physical performance. This is due to its caffeine content. The average cup of instant coffee contains about 60mg caffeine while filter coffee contains about 85mg. For those who are sensitive to caffeine and prefer decaf blends, the decaffeinated beverage contains only 3mg.

Some have worried that coffee is not good to consume during pregnancy, but there is no sound evidence to suggest that modest consumption of coffee has any effects on the wellbeing of an unborn infant. There is also no evidnece that coffee increases the risk of breast, ovary, pancreas or kidney cancer in women.

There is also evidence that coffee protects against colon cancer and some preliminary evidence that it protects against male breast cancer. Some even use coffee for colonic irrigation.

There is no evidence that coffee increases the risk of heart disease. Some have reported heart palpitations and a rise in blood pressure after coffee consumption, but there is no persistent hypertensive effect in the long term.

Others have claimed that drinking coffee promotes indigestion, but this is not the case in the majority of people, although it has been known to produce heartburn in people with gastro-oesophageal reflux problems. But there is no evidence that coffee increases the risk of peptic ulcers and there is some evidence that it protects against gallstones.

Evidence is growing that coffee might protect against developing Parkinson’s disease and possibly Alzheimer’s. Diabetes is still under investigation. Because coffee is a diuretic, it is important to drink enough fluid to replace what is lost.

Coffee is rich in anti-oxidants, far moreso than other common beverages. This is due to compounds formed during coffee bean roasting. Anti-oxidants prevent free radicals from multiplying and are a major deterrent of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

In recent years the gourmet coffee industry has come of age. Discerning consumers have come to expect distinctive coffee tastes and aromas with all the passion of fine wine connoisseurs.

Coffee lovers all over the world are discovering the experience of the finest gourmet coffees which can be ordered with a few mouse-clicks on the internet and delivered to your door or workplace shortly after. Boca Java gourmet coffee and teas are fast becoming one of the main players in the online coffee market.

Click here for $20 off your order of $100 or more from Boca Java

Boca Java Gourmet Coffee » Gourmet Coffee

What Is Gourmet Coffee?

So How Do We Define Gourmet Coffee?

Related Articles

Fresh Gourmet Coffee – Flavour You Can Count On

Related Articles

Boca Coffee – Which One is Your Favourite?

Related Articles

Coffee Roasts – What Do They Mean

Related Articles

Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets

Related Articles

Boca Java – The Pursuit of Excellence

Related Articles

Boca Java’s Jamaican Blue Mountain Gourmet Coffee

Related Articles

How to Make That Perfect Cup of Coffee

Related Articles

Gourmet Coffee – What’s So Special About It?

Related Articles

Coffee and Your Health

Related Articles