Andy

Coffee Fun Facts: How Well Do You Know Your Cup?

Andy — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:55:00 -0400

Your relationship with coffee may be longer lasting and more serious than the one you had with the last person you dated, but how well do you really know your cup? You know what they say: coffee is more than just a drink; and we bet it could still surprise you with a couple of things you never knew about it. We thought we’d give you a fun and light read today so we put together some interesting trivia about your beloved beverage.

1. According to legends, you owe some Ethiopian goats for leading the discovery of your favorite drink

Apparently a bunch of goats from Ethiopia in the 1500s chowed down coffee cherries ang got so hyper they didn’t sleep. Their herder noticed the goat’s energy spiked after eating from the bush and raised his concern (and probably his curiousity) with local monks who then went on to do an experiment with the fruit and made drinks from it. Well, the caffeine kept them up, too, allowing them stay alert through long evening prayers. Of course, they shared this discovery with other monks, and soon the rest of the world fell in love with the drink.

2. Coffee’s powers are at best four hours after you wake up

Actually, it has more to do with you and your body than with the coffee, but if you are to get the most out of your cup, you might want to postpone your morning caffeine consumption and wait ‘til about four hours into consciousness. This is because your body and brain are naturally alert when you wake up, thanks to your cortisol levels which are highest in the morning. So if you add caffeine to that, imagine the drop a few hours later.

Many people wonder about the differences between caffeine in matcha and coffee, especially when deciding which to drink. While both contain caffeine, coffee generally provides a faster, more intense energy boost compared to the slower, more tempered lift you get from matcha. If you're after a bold, immediate jolt to kick off your day, coffee makes a stronger case.
If for some reason, that doesn't work, you can always grab a bag of High Voltage to get there sooner.

3. You’ll find the world’s most expensive coffee in cat poop

Rich people do a lot of weird things, eat a lot of weird food, and apparently their taste in coffee is, well, not any less strange. Kopi Luwak, which is sold at about $35 to $100 a cup, is the most expensive coffee in the world. It’s definitely no ordinary cup of joe, because it’s made of beans that were plucked out of cat poop. To be fair, this unique method, produces a smoother cup of coffee. Civet cats, which are naturally found in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, are fed coffee beans, which are partially digested and eventually pooped out. This creature has digestive enzymes that change the structure of proteins in the coffee beans, removing some of the coffee’s acidity and making it taste better.

4. Coffee tastes less awesome than it should, thanks to your saliva

So it turns out, you’re not experiencing coffee’s full potential because your saliva gets in the way. Notice how coffee always smells better than it tastes? There’s a whole nerdy scientific explanation for it, but here’s the less complicated version: basically, 300 of the 631 chemicals that combine to form its complex aroma are wiped out by saliva so the flavor is changed and the taste is hampered before it even reaches your throat. Sad, huh? Here's more info on that study

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Single-Origin Coffee: Exploring the World’s Flavors

Andy — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:27:00 -0400

Not all coffee is created equal, and if your relationship with coffee is more serious than the one you had with your ex, you will definitely agree. In fact, you must already know that the best ones come from the most exotic regions and could probably even tell from which part of the world a particular coffee comes from just by the smell of the beans being brewed. These are called "Single-Origin" - read on to see why this type of coffee is an extra special treat!

Yes, the world is blessed with many riches and treasures, but counties like Sumatra, Kenya, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia are favored just a little bit more because they are gifted with rich soil that grows the highest quality coffee.

A lot of factors influence the taste of your cup--from the plant variety, to the chemical characteristics of the soil, the weather, precipitation, sun exposure, the altitude at which the coffee grows, and of course the process that the beans go through after they’re picked. Each country has a different complex combination of these key variables, which makes the final products distinct from each other.

Here’s a quick overview of how beans from these countries are produced and how they differ in flavor and profile.

Kenya

Kenyan coffee has an exceptional flavor and is usually a favorite among coffee connoisseurs. Unlike other beans, Kenyan coffee is grown without shade, and this, combined with the variety, the processing and drying method leaves it with a savory and sweet flavor, and a sharp, fruity acidity (often compared to tomatoes and black currant). Kenyan coffee is also full-bodied and has a rich fragrance.

Try Bones Coffee Company’s Kenyan Single-Origin Craft Coffee. This AA grade coffee is the highest quality to come out of Kenya. Featuring a pleasantly bright acidity, citrus & berry undertones and a winey finish.

Guatemala

The high-quality coffee from Guatemala is grown in mountainous areas, where the beans develop a rich, intense flavor, thanks to its volcanic soil which nourishes the crop. It is often sweet with a medium to full body, hints of chocolate flavor and sometimes smokey notes; and generally has bright, pleasant acidity.

Try Bones Coffee Company’s Guatemala Single-Origin Craft Coffee. Sourced from highlands of Antigua, Guatemala, this single-origin coffee is medium-bodied with nutty undertones and a smooth finish.

Sumatra

Sumatran coffee is one that you either hate or love. Grown in Southeast Asia, it has flavors that are very distinct due to the unique processing method that most Sumatran farmers use: the wet hulling. Because of the way they are harvested, which required extended drying time, coffee from this region has flavors and aromas that are muted, often described as earthy, spicy, mossy, or mushroomy. It’s often full bodied, and has low acidity.

Try Bones Coffee Company’s Sumatra Single-Origin Premium Coffee, a full-bodied dark roast with rich, earthy notes and a complex sweetness resulting in a smooth, low acidity sipping experience.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has one of the finest coffees in the world. Grown mostly in small farms, the cherries go through a state-of-the-art processing facilities called beneficios right after harvest. Its beans are well rounded, smooth, soft, and has rich walnutty notes. It has the perfect balance of medium body and sharp acidity so it’s neither too sweet nor too bland.

Try Costa Rica Single-Origin Craft Coffee by Bones Coffee Company. Grown in the mountains of Tarrazú in southeast Costa Rica, this delicious single-origin coffee is smooth, full-bodied, and packed with a rich, unique flavor making this one of the most popular coffees in the world.

Colombia

Colombia is one of the biggest arabica beans producers in the world and thanks to its tropical temperatures and high altitude, its coffee has been recognized around the globe as having the highest quality and most distinctive flavor. Its topography plays a huge part in producing the perfect coffee bean whose blend is a combination of low acidity, medium body, and a delicate, aromatic sweetness with a nutty undertone.

Try Colombia Single-Origin Gourmet Coffee by Bones Coffee Company. Sourced from the Huila region of Colombia, this single-origin coffee offers a medium body with bright acidity, with notes of citrus and a smooth finish.

This single-origin coffee makes an exceptional gift. Pair these regional beans with artisanal mugs or grinders to create the perfect gifts for coffee lovers who appreciate quality and origin stories.

Want to try a variety of the best Single-Origin coffee around? Give our World Tour Sample Pack a try!

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Whole Bean vs. Ground Coffee: 3 Things to Consider

Andy — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:52:00 -0400

For people who are passionate about their coffee, the choice between ground and whole-bean coffee is an important one. This decision greatly influences the overall coffee experience. That said, the right choice entails more than simply determining “which is better?” The choice lies in understanding what best suits you and your coffee consumption habits.

Coffee aficionados often prefer the robust simplicity of whole beans. Ideally, whole-bean coffees should be ground just before brewing, yielding a cup overflowing with rich flavor and nuanced complexity. The oils coating the coffee beans are the source of coffee’s taste and aroma.

When you grind the fresh coffee beans, they begin to lose their freshness and flavor, which is why pre-ground coffee is often deemed inferior to whole-bean coffee.

Nonetheless, buying pre-ground coffee offers accessibility and convenience that whole-bean coffee cannot. While whole-bean coffee may taste superior, ground coffee can quickly deliver the caffeine fix you need.

If you’re still undecided and seeking guidance on the choice between whole beans vs buying ground coffee, consider the following factors.

The Various Brewing Methods

Pre-ground coffee might be your best bet if you favor the drip brew method, common in many coffee makers and manual pour-overs. It provides the ideal grind size for most coffee makers.

Using an incorrect grind size can spoil your coffee’s flavor—too coarse, and you’ll end up with a weak brew; too fine, and your coffee will be bitter. Pre-ground coffee eliminates the guesswork in determining the correct size of your coffee grounds.

On the other hand, grinding fresh beans when brewing coffee gives you full control over the brewing process. You can alter the grind size and choose the best beans for quality coffee taste, whether you prefer a fine Turkish grind for a heavy Turkish brew or a coarse grind for French Press coffee.

Your Time and Patience

Choosing whole-bean coffee means you’re committing to the entire coffee brewing process, from adjusting the grind size to suit your brewing method to measuring the correct amount of beans, grinding, and cleaning your coffee grinder. If you have the time and patience, this effort can be rewarding.

But if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer not to bother with the process, buy ground coffee since you can let the machine handle the work while you prepare for your day. This way, you’ll get your preferred grind size each time.

Your Consumption Habits

Ground coffee loses its freshness faster than whole beans. The more coffee is exposed to oxygen, the quicker it goes stale. Once ground, coffee starts to lose its complex flavors and may completely lose its flavor after two to three weeks due to the increased surface area.

If you consume coffee frequently and can finish a pack of coffee in less than three weeks, pre-ground coffee should suffice.

On the flip side, if you’re a one-cup-a-day person, whole-bean coffee is the better choice, allowing you to savor the experience of grinding your own coffee.

Roasted coffee beans are a particularly great option for coffee lovers who want the full experience of preparing their brew. If you’re inclined to try whole-bean coffee, you might want to invest in our awesome coffee grinder!

Pre-Ground Coffee Vs Bean Coffee: Which Is Better for You?

Which is better for you, whole-bean or ground coffee, largely depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Consider these points to decide:

Whole-Bean Coffee

Preferred by coffee enthusiasts due to the robust and complex flavor it offers when freshly ground
A good choice for less frequent coffee drinkers, as whole beans keep their freshness for a longer period
Ideal for those who enjoy the full coffee brewing process, including grinding the beans and adjusting the grind size to suit the brewing method
Requires investing in a coffee grinder and takes more time to prepare

Ground Coffee

Provides convenience and accessibility as it eliminates the step of grinding the beans
The best option for frequent coffee drinkers who finish a pack within two to three weeks, as ground coffee loses freshness quicker
Most suitable for the drip brewing method as it provides the ideal grind size
Ideal for those on a tight schedule, wanting a quick coffee preparation process

So whether you like the complexities of whole-bean coffee or the convenience of ground coffee, the choice is yours! If you’re intrigued to try the whole-bean experience, why not explore our range of beans and invest in your own coffee grinder?

If it’s the ease of ground coffee you’re after, check out our high-quality pre-ground options. Elevate your coffee-drinking experience today with Bones Coffee Company!

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How to Make Nitro Coffee at Home

Andy — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:51:00 -0400

Coffee lovers never seem to run out of new creative ways to enjoy their favorite beverage, giving birth to one exciting coffee trend after another. Nitro coffee is one of them, and while it’s been around for a while now, it’s been gaining a lot of attention recently, with coffee shops specializing in nitro coffee popping up everywhere.

But what exactly is nitro coffee? This unique beverage is made by infusing cold brew with nitrogen which gives it a rich, creamy head reminiscent of Guinness beer. Nitrogen bubbles are finer than carbon dioxide bubbles so when injected into the coffee, the result is a texture that’s thick and foamy, with a luxurious mouthfeel. Nitrogen is also naturally sweet making it a healthier substitute for sugar.

If you haven’t tried a cup yourself, you’re probably curious. And if you have tried it and loved it, wouldn’t you want to know how to make it at home? Maybe you’re looking to save a couple of dollars a cup, or you just want to show off the next time you invite friends over. Whatever your motivation is for wanting to DIY this interesting coffee drink, we are happy to tell you that it is actually possible.

Here are to ways to make your own nitro coffee at home:

Using a cream whipper

Make sure you have your tools: a cream whipper, two nitrous oxide (N2O) cartridges, and a jar
First, you’re gonna need cold brew coffee. Since you’re going for a home-made drink, why not DIY it, all the way? Here’s a complete guide to creating your own cold brew coffee.
Once you’ve got your cold brew, pour the desired amount of coffee into your cream whipper and seal. Then, charge with two nitrous oxide charger, shake for 30 seconds, and then discharge the gas, open the canister, and pour it into a jar or a glass with ice.
Enjoy your nitro coffee.

Using a soda siphon

Again, you gotta start with cold brew.
Dilute your cold brew with water, using a 1:1 ratio. When it’s ready, load it up on your soda siphon. When you pour the coffee into your siphon, make sure you don’t fill it to the brim. For example, if your siphon has a liter capacity, put a little less than a liter.
Read the instruction that comes with your soda siphon on how to load the charger into the siphon. Listen for bubbling sounds, and if you don’t hear too much gas escaping, you’re good to go.
Shake it several times gently to mix it well.
Let it sit in the fridge to let the mixture to settle and the bubbles to disperse evenly throughout your coffee.
When you’re sure that the bubbles have had enough time to settle, pour into a glass.
Enjoy your nitro coffee (made better with the delicious, fun flavors you can find here!)

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Coffee Diet: Can Your Daily Cup Lead to Weight Loss?

Andy — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:50:00 -0400

Coffee lovers looking to tip the scales in their favor might find the concept of a “coffee diet” intriguing. With coffee already an integral part of your daily routine, leveraging it as a tool to lose weight could be an effortless addition to your routine.

Understanding the Coffee Diet

But what exactly is the coffee diet? Also known as the “coffee cleanse,” this new way to detox and achieve weight loss involves upping your coffee intake or drinking coffee after every low-calorie meal as part of a low-calorie diet.

There are also studies suggesting that it has to be coffee with a high phenol content. Phenols are the antioxidants found in your coffee drinks, and according to studies, the higher the phenol content, the more health benefits and slimming effects you get.

Before you get too excited over this coffee diet, however, you have to know what this game plan is and what it’s not. That way, you know what to expect, how to approach it, how to make it work for you in terms of weight loss, and be able to tell if it’s actually worth a try.

To help you out, here are some important things you should know about how your favorite Bones Coffee affects your nourishment, your eating habits, and your weight loss journey.

Boosting Metabolism with Coffee

First of all, coffee is a calorie-free beverage, so you can drink as much as you want without worrying about calorie intake. Unless, of course, you like your cup of joe with sugar and milk, then it may not be as guilt-free as you imagined.

In general, though, black coffee can boost your metabolism. According to studies, caffeine can increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is the rate at which you burn calories at rest, by 3% to 11%. The same studies show that larger doses of caffeine have a greater effect, which is beneficial for weight loss.

Caffeine also stimulates the nervous system, increasing the blood levels of the epinephrine hormone (a.k.a. adrenaline), which travels through the blood to the fat tissues and signals them to break down fats and contribute to a calorie deficit.

Controlling Appetite with Coffee

Coffee can suppress appetite, and thus, it helps you eat less and stick to whatever diet plan you’re into. The reduced food cravings make you take in fewer calories, so apart from the fact that it aids with the faster burning of fat, it also functions like your supportive buddy who discourages you from eating another croissant. Your body, in turn, won’t have to worry about burning excess fats and helps maintain your calorie intake. Since caffeine can have such active effects on metabolism and appetite, it’s natural for some people to wonder about potential downsides, like the old myth that coffee stunts growth. In truth, there’s no scientific evidence supporting that belief—why coffee doesn't stunt your growth comes down to the fact that caffeine doesn’t interfere with bone development or overall height when consumed moderately. Likewise, others often ask, 'Does drinking decaf coffee dehydrate you?' Research shows decaf has only a mild diuretic effect, meaning it’s unlikely to cause dehydration when enjoyed in reasonable amounts.

The Real Deal

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a cup of coffee a day may help you burn an extra nine calories per hour. However, nine calories is not a lot. Even if you multiply it by 24 hours, it won’t be enough for you to notice any significant difference in your body weight, especially if the calorie intake you take in is still more than you burn, which is a crucial aspect of weight loss.

Also, our body can develop tolerance to caffeine intake over time, so caffeine intake can boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning until we become tolerant to the effects and it stops working.

In reality, while the coffee diet can help you lose weight minimally, the result may not be long-term, and it may not help you lose weight as fast as proper diet and exercise would. So if you really want a diet that works, combine your coffee-drinking habits with a sensible eating plan and a regular workout.

*Remember, we’re not doctors! Check with your doctor before trying any diet.

Whether you try the coffee diet or not, you’ll need some delicious coffee to start your day. Check out our High Voltage to get the jolt you need!

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