Thursday, December 4, 2008

Coffee ? Changes Over the Years ? Changes for the Better

By Marc Warren

Brewing coffee has truly evolved over time. Years ago there was only the percolator. It did produce coffee but lack so much in the way of flavor.

Boiled water pouring over the coffee granules over and over again could not possibly produce the best cup of coffee. But in the beginning it was the only choice.

The drip coffee maker was later invented and making coffee took on a whole new meaning. Now a pot of coffee was a process of merely a few minutes and the results were delicious. For over 30 years now this method of making coffee continues to be the most popular and preferred.

The drip method still maintains the same basic concept but has been improved on over the years. The coffee makers allow the drinker to decide to what degree his coffee will be brewed. There are also premeasured packets of coffee packaged inside the filter for easier use and cleanup.

In the '90s, espresso makers became the rage, with the importation of European culture and the application of American ingenuity to lower the cost without ruining the flavor. Hot water is forced under pressure through finely ground dark roast and in a few minutes, out pours a delicious, aromatic drink.

Add steamed, frothy milk and you have a cappuccino or latte, depending on the ratio of milk to coffee. A definite improvement and the variety of espresso makers makes for delightful experiments in chemistry.

One hot new rage is odd in its look but the results are great. A glass with a built in filter at its bottom and a stick running up the middle and capped off with a lever. This interesting contraption, called the French plunger, introduces another European coffee drink to homes everywhere.

The coffee grounds go directly into the glass and are topped by water that has been brought to a boil. This French plunger presses the coffee grounds against the filter as the coffee brews in the boiling water. The result is a strong, rich drink that can be enjoyed straight from the brewing glass.

One of the more esoteric brew methods uses the vacuum brewer: two glass or metal bowls, one atop the other. Heat causes water to rise into the upper, similar to the percolator principle. Remove the heat and as the liquid cools slightly a partial vacuum is created, drawing the hot water through the grounds and into the lower chamber. - 16083

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