coffee faq's:: CoffeeBreakUSA.com

1.	When was coffee first discovered?
	Coffee was first discovered growing wild in Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago. At first, coffee cherries were eaten with animal fat as food. Over time, people learned to roast, grind, brew and drink the coffee bean inside the cherry. Once coffee was enjoyed as a beverage, traders spread its cultivation and use around the world
2.	Where are coffee beans grown?
	Coffee is grown in approximately eighty countries located on four continents between the geographical latitudes of the Tropic of Cancer (to the north) and the Tropic of Capricorn (to the south). Some major producing countries include Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uganda, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
3.	Does the country of origin make a difference to the taste of the coffee?
	Yes. The growing region has a lot to do with the taste of coffee. For a milder, balanced brew try beans from Latin America. For more exotic, fine tastes, try coffees from Africa or Indonesia. There are hundreds of different beans to try, and all will offer your taste buds some delicate and satisfying pleasures.
4.	What are the different types of coffee?
	There are about 25 major species of coffee beans within the Coffea genus, but the typical coffee drinker will probably be familiar with Arabica (species Coffea Arabica) and Robusta (species Coffea Canephora var. Robusta).
5.	What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?
	There are two commercial species of coffee plant: Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora var. Robusta. The more flavorful, Arabica has about two-thirds of the world market. Robusta holds the remaining third of the market. Its caffeine content is about twice that of Arabica, but it is considered inferior-tasting. Robusta is often used for instant coffee and in supermarket-grade blends. Generic supermarket coffee is typically a blend of good Arabica, medium quality Arabica, and Robusta. Instant coffee uses primarily processed Robusta beans.
6.	How do you pronounce.?
	Yirgacheffe (Ethiopian) : YEAR-gah-CHEFF-ay, with a slightly rolled "r" Huehuetanango/Huehuetenango (Guatemalan) : Way-way-ten-ongo Celebes : SELL-uh-beez; formerly, the Dutch name for the Indonesian island of Sulawesi Sulawesi : Soo-lah-WAY-zee; an island in Indonesia Oaxaca : Wa-HA-ka; a state of Mexico; also, that state's capital city Bourbon : Boor-BONE; an arabica cultivar named for the island of Bourbon (now called Reunion Island) east of Madagascar.
7.	Where does coffee come from?
	Coffee beans are the pits of the fruit that grows on coffee bushes. This fruit is harvested by hand, and then processed to remove the actual fruit pulp. The beans that remain are dried, and at this stage, they are referred to as "green" coffee beans.
8.	What are ‘green’ coffee beans?
	The coffee beans seen in stores are brown. That’s because they have been roasted. But the bean or ‘seed’ that lies at the center of a coffee berry on the bush is green. Some coffee lovers will buy green beans and then roast them to their liking, in a home roaster.
9.	What is the difference between shade coffee and sun coffee?
	Generally speaking, sun coffee is pruned coffee grown under a canopy of diverse species of trees, while coffee grown in the sun is cultivated in fields that often provide little or no shade cover. While sun coffee produces more coffee beans per acre, it requires chemical fertilizers and a range of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides to maintain yields. Shade coffee helps to make a shade canopy in which birds and other animals can take shelter, which in turn helps to decrease or eliminate erosion and create a natural organic environment. It also creates a much more pleasant environment in which to work.
10.	What is organic coffee?
	Organic coffee growers strive for a balance with nature by eliminating the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming replenishes and maintains soil fertility and crop health by selecting environmentally friendly solutions to the pest and disease problems that affect their crops. When a grower or processor is certified organic, a public or private organization has verified that standards defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been met.
11.	What is fair trade coffee?
	Certified Fair Trade coffee has been traded and sold according to international fair trade criteria. Farmers are guaranteed a minimum "fair trade price," for their coffee. If world price rises above this floor, farmers will be paid a premium above market price. Coffee importers provide a certain amount of credit to farmers against future sales. Importers and roasters agree to develop direct, long-term trade relationships with producer groups, bringing greater commercial stability to an extremely unstable market. The fair trade movement is based on the idea that producers in developing countries can achieve economic success provided they receive fair prices in international markets for what they produce.
12.	What does blend and single origin mean?
	A blend is a combination of coffees from different countries. Single origin coffees are from a particular country, region and specific farm or estate.
13.	How long do green coffee beans last?
	Normally, two to three years, but if stored properly, green coffee can last many years. In fact, some species are especially prized if they are aged. Store your green coffee beans at 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Some prefer to store green beans in jute or canvas bags, to allow the beans to breathe.
14.	How should coffee be stored?
	Because coffee is a magnet for odors in the air around it, make sure it is stored in an airtight container. The container should be opaque, so that light does not hit the beans, and sized to hold beans with as little extra air space as possible. A week's worth of coffee can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer. Packages of frozen coffee should be opened as infrequently as possible. Whole beans will keep up to four weeks, but ground coffee should be brewed within a week or two. Buying small amounts frequently and grinding your own beans is the best way to enjoy fresh coffee.
15.	How long does coffee stay fresh?
	Whole bean: up to 3 months in an unopened valve bag; up to 2 weeks in an open bin or tin-tie bag. Ground coffee: 24 hours. Grind just before brewing for great flavor. Drip coffee: up to 1 hour in an insulated container; 20 minutes on a burner. Press pot coffee: 20 minutes. Espresso: 20 seconds
16.	How many cups do you get from a pound of coffee?
	Serving sizes for coffee are based on a 6 oz. fine china cup, rather than an 8 oz. measuring cup or the common American 12 oz. or larger mug. A pound of coffee yields 40 full-strength 6 oz. servings approximately.
17.	What is the nutritional content of coffee?
	Regarding nutritional information for brewed coffee, there are no significant levels of carbohydrates, fats, protein, fiber, vitamins or minerals.
18.	How many calories are there in a cup of coffee?
	Virtually none. The same goes for flavored coffees.
19.	How about the fat content in coffee?
	Again, virtually none... even in flavored coffees.
20.	How is coffee roasted?
	A key determinant of a coffee's flavor is the roasting process. Green coffee beans are roasted at a relatively high temperature (410° - 450°F) for anywhere from 10-20 minutes. The longer the roast, the darker the bean, which greatly impacts the coffee's brewed flavor. When a coffee is referred to as a "dark roast", it has been roasted for a longer period of time and has developed a dark roast flavor profile, which is usually more intense.
21.	What are the advantages of roasting your own coffee?
	Everyone's taste is different. Roasting your own coffee allows you to roast beans to your particular preference and also to experiment with a wider range of coffee bean varieties. Plus, its freshness cannot be beaten.
22.	How long does it take to roast coffee?
	A typical home roast takes about 10 minutes, plus five minutes of cooling. Lighter roasts can take as little as 8 minutes, darker roasts 13 minutes or more.
23.	How expensive is it to roast your own gourmet coffee beans?
	Green coffee beans typically cost less than half as much as roasted beans, and very often one quarter as much. Home roasting not only provides vastly superior coffee, it provides substantial savings.
24.	Can a popcorn popper be used to roast coffee beans?
	Electric popcorn poppers don't have all the conveniences of home roasters but they do the job equally well, whether you like a light or a dark roast. Roasting with popcorn poppers is simple and eliminates the cost of a new roaster. This kind of roasting has other advantages, too: It lets you experience the various phases of coffee roasting – the "first crack" as moisture leaves the bean and the change in color as the bean roasts.
25.	How long does roasted coffee stay fresh?
	Dark roasts will stay fresh for several weeks but light and medium roasts begin to lose their flavor within days. To best enjoy fresh roasted coffee, consume it within a week of roasting. Apart from dark roasts, coffee is at its absolute best in the first day after roasting, with the exception of the first 4 to 6 hours. The coffee aroma is also strongest during the first day.
26.	How should roasted coffee be stored?
	Wait for the roasted coffee to cool, which also gives the beans a chance to degas themselves of their CO2. Then store roasted coffee in a well-sealed, clean, dry container -- coffee spoils when exposed to oxygen, water and heat. Mason jars are ideal. Coffee should be stored in an air-tight container because its aromatic oils are volatile . Do not keep coffee in the refrigerator or freezer. Every time the coffee is brought out into room temperature, water will condense on its surface, damaging the oils that give it its aromatic flavor.
27.	What type of roast should be used for espresso?
	For the fullest and purest coffee flavor, use a medium or medium dark roast. An espresso machine will extract too many bitter flavors when using a very dark roast. In addition, be sure to use low acid coffees.
28.	How fine should coffee beans be grinded?
	It will depend on what brewing method is used. Generally, the longer the grinds are in contact with the water, the coarser the grind should be. Auto-drip coffeemakers generally work best with a mid-sized grind. Percolators require a very large size grind, since the water is circulated through the grinds many times. Espresso need very finely ground coffee because the water is only briefly shot through the grinds.
29.	Should I use boiling water when making coffee?
	Coffee should be brewed at about 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit, just under the boiling point. Anything higher leads to a bitter taste. Boiling coffee also cooks off its delicate essences, robbing coffee of its nuances.
30.	What is acidity in coffee?
	It is not really acidy, but more like a briskness. Dark roasted coffee is less brisk because as the darkness of the roast increases, different tastes become more obvious
31.	How much caffeine is in caffeinated coffees?
	Depending on the type of bean, brewing method, and amount of coffee used, a five-ounce cup of caffeinated coffee will contain from 70 to 155 milligrams of caffeine. The Institute of Food Technologists notes that moderate amounts of caffeine - less than 600 milligrams per day - are not considered harmful to the average, healthy adult.
32.	How much caffeine is in decaffeinated coffees?
	A coffee must have at least 97% of its caffeine removed to qualify as decaffeinated coffee in the United States. Each five-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee
33.	What is the difference between water processed and direct contact decaffeination?
	The water process uses warm water under pressure to extract caffeine. The direct contact method uses water, pressure and methylene chloride to remove caffeine. Direct contact produces a more flavorful cup than the water process, and has been proven non-toxic through clinical trials. Both methods remove 96 to 98 percent of a coffee's original caffeine content
34.	Is there more caffeine in espresso than regular drip brewed coffee?
	Espresso tastes stronger but actually contains half to two-thirds the caffeine of a six ounce cup of drip coffee, approximately 50-60 milligrams vs. 100 milligrams in a regular brew.
35.	What are the most important things to know about brewing coffee?
	1. Make sure your coffee maker and decanter are clean. 2. Use enough coffee (2 Tbsp. ground coffee per 6 oz. of water). 3. Use cold filtered water and avoid chlorinated water. Distilled water is best. 4. Temperature of Coffee machine should be between 200- 210 degrees F. 5. Start with freshly drawn, filtered water that has sat for 30 seconds after boiling. 6. Stir your carafe of brewed coffee after all the liquid has passed through the filter, to homogenize the flavors. 7. Don't cook your coffee on a hot plate; put it in a thermos to keep it hot.
36.	Why doesn't my coffee taste as good as the coffee in my vicinity coffeehouse?
	Possible reasons: • unfiltered chlorinated water. • a long brew cycle (4-6 minutes is best). • too fine a grind. • coffee is not fresh, or fresh ground.
37.	Why does my coffee taste weak?
	When coffee is ground too coarsely, it will allow the water to flow through the grounds too quickly, giving you coffee that tastes weak or thin. Also if you did not use enough coffee or the coffee was brewed to fast the coffee will taste weak.
38.	What should I look out for when I compare coffee prices?
	Not all companies sell the same weight of coffee in their package, so for starters, make sure your price comparison is for an equivalent weight. When comparing coffee prices, apart from the weight, keep in mind the actual quality of what you are buying. A can of coffee may seem cheaper, but you are likely to buy a coffee that has been roasted months ago - a blend of inferior grounded Robusta beans whose flavor has long gone. Even if you buy a whole bean coffee at the supermarket or big chain coffee shop, do you know when it was roasted? This important, yet often ignored piece of information, can and will make all the difference in the quality of the coffee you consume.
39.	What’s the difference between a Caffe Latte and a Cappuccino?
	Caffe Latte is made with one or more shots of Espresso topped with steamed milk and finished with a quarter inch of steamed milk foam. Cappuccino is served in a mug or glass and is made from one or two shots of Espresso, topped with a mixture of one half steamed milk and one half steamed milk foam.
40.	Do you sell other items to enhance my coffee experience?
	Yes. Click here for details.
41.	Do your products come with warranties?
	Yes – 100% Satisfaction or your money back if you are not satisfied with the product.
42.	What forms of payment does CoffeeBreakUSA.com accept?
	We accept Paypal and all other major credit cards.
43.	Is it safe to use my credit card on CoffeeBreakUSA.com?
	Yes, it is absolutely safe to use your credit card on our site as we are a very secure site.
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44.	Does my personal information (i.e.: credit card numbers, address and name) remain confidential?
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45.	If I am dissatisfied with the product, can I return it?
	Yes. We offer a Money Back Guarantee on all products! You must call the company upon receipt of the item to register your dissatisfaction and obtain a return certification. If a product fails to meet your expectations, you may return the item to the address below. We will credit your account for the returned merchandise upon receipt. CoffeeBreakUSA 5317 Buckhead Circle Boca Raton, FL 33486 Phone: 1- 561- 620- 5848
46.	When will my order be shipped?
	All orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt, except on weekends. We will contact you if we foresee any delays with your shipment or if an item is out of stock.
47.	How is my order shipped ?
	All orders are shipped US Ground. Shipping is free for orders over $35.
48.	When can I expect my order to arrive?
	Estimated shipping times may vary according to destination, but you can generally expect order to arrive within 3 to 5 business days after being placed.
49.	What is the cost of shipping?
	Shipping is free for all orders over $35.
50.	How can I cancel my order?
	You must cancel your order prior to shipping. Call the company at: 1-561-282-6406
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51.	Can I place an international order through CoffeeBreakUSA.com?
	At present we are not accepting international orders.
52.	How is sales tax calculated?
	There is no sales tax for orders outside of Florida. Florida residents will be charged a sales tax of 6%.
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53.	Does CoffeeBreakUSA.com have an affiliate program?
	Yes. Click here for details.
54.	Can I link to CoffeeBreakUSA.com from my Web site?
	Yes. If you would like to link to CoffeeBreakUSA.com, please contact us, and we will provide you with the steps to create a graphic link to CoffeeBreakUSA.com on your site.
55.	Can I order in bulk for distribution?
	We do not take orders for bulk distribution presently.



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