A full-bodied espresso should take about 30 seconds to make ‑ so that you are left with a small cup of aromatic and flavourful velvety-smooth coffee. The quality and taste of your espresso will depend on several factors: the types of beans that were used, where they originate from, how they were grown, how they were roasted, their age and the quality of the water used. But then espresso wouldn’t be what it is without a powerful, good quality espresso machine.

Pressure ‑espresso machines in action

Espresso, which means ‘express’ in Italian, was introduced into the machine age in the 19^th century. It made its grand entrance into the coffee scene in 1855 at the Paris Exhibition. Other brewing methods that were used at the time included percolation and plunger pots.

An espresso machine requires about three or four times more ground coffee beans than standard un-pressurised brewing methods do. As food scientist Harold Mcgee says: ‘espresso is an expression of the power of the machine to force the most and the best from a traditional ingredient and make it into something new.’

Espresso requires a very high pressure and it’s thanks to the machine age that we are able to enjoy its rich texture and flavour today. Water has to be forced through the ground coffee very quickly and by so doing, a large amount of the coffee’s oil is extracted. This emulsifies ‘into tiny droplets that create a velvety texture and a lingering flavour in the drink,’ says McGee.

Where it goes wrong

Water is driven through finely ground coffee at 200 degrees Celsius, using an electrical pump, a piston or a spring. A poor quality espresso machine doesn’t develop enough pressure – resulting in a slower brewing process so the espresso takes longer than 30 seconds to make.

Besides, an inadequate machine will rely on a too-hot steam to drive the process. The result, says McGee ‘is a relatively thin and harsh’ espresso. Such an espresso won’t offer the ‘prolonged release of coffee flavour in the mouth, long after the last sip.’

If there aren’t signs of a crema (or creamy foam) on the surface of your espresso, you’re probably not drinking the best espresso in town.

You’ve likely heard or even said the phrase, ‘Mmm, this is a great cup of coffee!’ The morning cup of coffee has become the ultimate pick-me-up for people on their way into work and is enjoyed by individuals worldwide. You may have drunk a thousand cups but have you ever thought what your coffee is really worth? In the interested of the great caffeine high we take a look at some of the most expensive coffees in the world – as well as the cheapest – to find out what really does make a great cup of coffee.

The most expensive coffee in the world

Did you know that the most expensive coffee in the world is actually made from the excrement of an Indonesian civet? These weasel-like animals eat the red coffee berries and the beans found in the jungles in which they live. The beans and berries’ enzymes are broken down and so are sweeter than when they went in but because they are not very well digested they are released in the excrement. This washed excrement is ground to make the world’s most expensive coffee – kopi luwak.

Cheap coffees

With world coffee prices hitting a new low consumers have yet to see the price of coffee in supermarkets come down, just proving that cheap beans don’t necessarily mean cheap coffee. Coffee, unlike many of the world’s recourses, is actually over-supplied and that is why it is so cheap to import in its raw state. The reason you don’t see the price change in your store-bought coffee is because of the long market chain the coffee passes through before it actually reaches our stores.

What you’re buying

If you like to buy your morning cuppa from your local café you may want to check what coffee they are actually using and the price it actually costs versus what they charge. While most good coffee houses roast their coffee from beans, some stores have switched to instant coffee because of the economic downturn. Instant coffee is especially used in more complicated coffee mixes or shakes. You may want to switch to brewing your own coffee as you will save cash in the long run.

And there you have it. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of kopi luwak, the most expensive coffee isn’t necessarily the best coffee.

Caffeine changes behaviour – in fact, according to food scientist Harold McGee, it is the most widely consumed behaviour-modification chemical in the world. As an alkaloid, it affects the body in many ways, including stimulating the nervous system. In moderate doses, it can relieve drowsiness and improve reaction times. But when the dose is too high, it can cause one to become restless and nervous ‑ and can result in insomnia. Habitual consumption may even lead to osteoporosis.

Coffee and health

Despite some of the negative aspects of habitually consuming too much caffeine, one does receive a large does of antioxidants from coffee. And the more antioxidants the body receives, the better – because antioxidants are what stop free radicals from causing damage to cells.

McGee says that when it comes to drinking coffee, medium roasts have the highest antioxidant activity (while also giving more body than darker roasts) and that coffee is now recognised as the major source of antioxidant compounds in the American diet.

Caffeine levels

Coffee beans contain up to two per cent caffeine – and ‘arabica’ coffee beans contain less caffeine than ‘robusta’ coffees. On that note, McGee points in his book that that ‘arabica’ coffee trees, which are native to Ethiopia and the Sudan, deliver beans which have a more complex and balanced flavour than the robustas.

Brewed coffee has a caffeine content of 65 to 175 milligrams per serving compared to espresso which contains 80 to 175. Instant coffee is made up of four per cent caffeine.

Once consumed, maximum levels of caffeine can be measured in the blood from 15 minutes to two hours later. From there, caffeine levels decline to half the original high levels within seven hours.

Decaffeinated coffee

Decaffeinated coffee contains as little as 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

While there have been concerns about traces of solvents being found in coffee beans after the decaffeination process – the commonest solvent, methylene chloride, is now considered ‘safe.’

Carbon dioxide, which is non-toxic, is used more often to extract the caffeine out of coffee beans today.

If you are drinking iced coffee on a regular basis you may want to examine which ones you are drinking. With so many variations of blended coffee shakes on the market you will want to know exactly what is in each drink as each calorie does indeed count. The menu at your local coffee house can be confusing to say the least, so when you order your frappe or latte know what you’re talking about!

Iced coffee and iced lattes

Iced coffee is brewed coffee which is then cooled with ice in the fridge and served, while an iced latte is made with a shot of espresso, cold milk and ice. If you want the healthier option or your lactose intolerant go for the iced coffee as it doesn’t contain any milk.

Frappes

Called a Frappuccino at Starbucks, a frappe is an iced coffee drink made with an instant coffee and milk/powder based concoction. A typical Greek frappe is topped with foam or can be served with whipped cream upon request. Frappes are available in a variety of flavours which are simply added by use of syrups or powders.

Vietnamese café frappe or iced coffee

A Vietnamese iced coffee or frappe is a blended iced-coffee drink made from Vietnamese-grown dark coffee which is normally brewed in a special drip filter. Vietnamese coffee is sometimes made with condense milk so make sure you check with the waitress first if you are watching your weight.

Each coffee house tends to blend their iced drinks differently so if you are not sure about something don’t be afraid to ask before you order. While one coffee house may add milk and foam to your favourite frappe, another one’s may come standard with whipped cream. Some coffee houses also like change the names of items so always double check that you are getting what you think you paid for!

If you can’t face the day without a coffee fix, your genes could be to blame. It seems those who drink a lot of coffee have a gene that helps the liver break it down. So, craving a cup of tea or coffee in the morning may be due to your biology rather than personal taste. People with the caffeine gene – ‘caffeine addicts’ – need more coffee than others to get the same buzz. The gene could also explain why some people just can’t resist chocolate.

Two caffeine genes

Scientists from the US National Cancer Institute, the Harvard School of Public Health and other research institutions have discovered two gene variations that affect the metabolism of caffeine, and that, in turn, affect how much caffeine people consume. Study leader Marilyn C. Cornelis, PhD, says that people with these variations are more likely to drink coffee and tea, and to drink more of it.

It’s about avoiding withdrawal

The genes researchers have discovered are called CYP1A2 and AHR. All people have both of these genes, but it was found that people with a higher-consumption variant of either gene take in about 40 milligrams more caffeine than people with lower-consumption genes. That’s the equivalent of a third of a cup of coffee or half a cup of tea.

Cornelis says that her own father drinks ‘at least 10 cups’ of coffee daily, and may himself carry these gene variations. ‘He’s not trying to achieve pleasurable effects,’ she told WebMD. ‘Rather, he’s trying to maintain levels as a means to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Without a cup he’d wake up in the middle of the night with a headache.’

And chocolate?

These genes affect any food or drink containing caffeine. So, if you just can’t get enough chocolate, it may have more to do with your genetic makeup than a lack of willpower.

You may have bought the best, imported coffee beans and you know the perfect way to prepare your favourite cup but have you ever thought of what you’re drinking it out of? Believe it or not your coffee cup, or mug, can make or break your morning pick-me-up. Be it paper, porcelain or plastic, you will want to examine your options when it comes to choosing your coffee cup.

The material

Coffee can come in the paper cups from take-away coffee houses like Starbucks or you can serve it in your very own porcelain coffee cup and saucer. If you’re looking for a travel mug, try and avoid plastic as some plastics, when heated, release toxic chemicals. Make sure the material of your mug is made to carry hot beverages as certain glass mugs can shatter or stainless steel mugs can become very hot and so are difficult to hold.

The size

The size of your mug is very important and can completely change your morning coffee experience. While a big mug is nice to cup your hands around on a cold morning it may not fit under your coffee percolator and so will just give you endless troubles. If you use a travel mug make sure you buy one that fits snugly into your car’s drinks holders. If you’re trying to cut down on your coffee intake or you like it strong go for a smaller cup and saucer.

The little things

There are some small things to remember when choosing your perfect coffee cup. A smooth rim will always make drinking your coffee more pleasurable while travel mugs should always have a tight seal. Your mug should always be a colour that ties in with the rest of your kitchen but avoid dark colours as you want to see exactly how much coffee and milk you are adding. Choose your coffee cup in a regular shape that is easy to clean and a dishwasher proof material for the least amount of hassles.

When ordering your favourite morning coffee it can be a hard choice deciding between a latte, a cappuccino or an iced coffee. There are so many different types of coffees available on the menu at your nearest coffee house. Take a look at which coffee you should order this morning as you consider your day ahead and avoid coffees with high milk, sugar and fat content if you wish to cut back on time spent at the gym.

The simple stuff

An espresso is a simple shot of coffee with no milk. This undiluted coffee gives a kick and if you have to add heaps of sugar to make it drinkable it is not the best option for you – rather go for an Americano which is an espresso diluted with hot water and served black. These drinks have no added milk and so the fat content is not raised in any way.

Lattes and cappuccinos

Café lattes and cappuccinos are made with lots of milk and thus have a higher fat content than a straight espresso or an Americano or even a macchiato (4 parts espresso, 1 part milk, served in an espresso glass). For a healthier version go for low fat milk or skimmed milk and ask for no cream, which often comes with these types of coffee. You can also ask for these coffees decaffeinated if you want the taste without the buzz. Also stay away from flavoured lattes as they contain sugary, artificial syrups.

Cold coffees

Cold coffees like Frappuccinos and coffee shakes contain blends of milk, sugar, syrups, flavourants and sometimes even cream. These drinks have a very high fat content and are similar to milkshakes. If you’re looking for an iced coffee go for an iced latte which is a simple blend of an espresso, milk and ice or a frappe which is generally just coffee, ice and water.

Try making your own coffee at home in a percolator. That way you will know exactly what you are getting. Ultimately, the less sugar and milk you add to your coffee the healthier it is!

For many of us, regular fixes of caffeine are the only thing that get us through a stressful day. Around the world, over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day! Not counting the millions who have a cup with breakfast, coffee culture is also alive in Britain, with about 20 million people frequenting coffee shops on any given day – that’s almost a third of the population. This popular beverage has a long and colourful history – follow us into the past to find out where it came from.

Origins

The energy-giving properties of coffee are thought to have first been discovered by Ethiopian goat herders in the ninth century, who noticed that their animals became extremely energetic after eating the berries of a local tree. From Africa, coffee was introduced to Arabia and, in 200 years, this caffeine-rich drink had gained popularity all over Europe.

Coffee, religion and politics

This migration of the coffee bean from Arabia to Europe was by no means smooth. In the 15^th century, monks of a mystical Islamic sect known as Sufis cultivated coffee trees at their monasteries in Yemen. From there, coffee spread to rest of the Arabian Peninsula, but not after fierce debate raged as to whether it could be considered an intoxicant, which Muslims are not allowed to consume.

In the early 17^th century, when coffee reached Venice, which traded with Turkey and Arab nations, and because of its association with Islam, the beverage caused a stir. Some called it the ‘bitter invention of Satan’ and the controversy was so great that the Pope had to soothe his followers by declaring it safe for Christians to drink.

In 1645, the first coffeehouse in Europe was opened in Italy and the popularity of the caffeine-infused beverage quickly spread to the rest of Europe, with the first English coffeehouse being opened in Oxford just six years later. Tea remained popular in the country because it was easier to prepare than coffee and because of Britain’s vast tea imports from her colonies.

The Enlightenment was born in the thousands of coffeehouses where men gathered every day to discuss the politics of the day, ultimately leading to the French Revolution. In the New World, the beverage gained popularity in America because of the Boston Tea Party, which saw American colonists refusing to accept Britain’s high tea taxes. As a result, many in the colony chose to drink coffee instead of tea.

Three hundred years later, coffee has spread all over the world, and it is the most popular drink after water and tea. So the next time you take a caffeine-infused sip of your favourite blend, take a moment to consider the history in which each tiny bean is steeped.

There is nothing like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning. You can barely keep your eyes open and your brain is not yet fully functional but you are literally being led by the nose to the kitchen and your taste buds anticipate that first mouthful of liquid ecstasy. Now, if you are on a tight budget, you will have to make do with a mug of instant coffee. Which is not that bad in comparison to filter coffee. Or is it?

Because the doctor said so

What if I told you that your morning cuppa contained more than just caffeine and that it actually had some health benefits to it? It is true, coffee addicts around the world have finally been vindicated. In comparison to ‘health conscious’ coffee avoiders, it seems that coffee drinkers are less likely to contract Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.

The bad news

There are conditions and side-effects associated with drinking too much coffee. There may be a link between increased coffee drinking and miscarriage, adverse foetal growth and premature delivery. Studies have yet to be concluded.

Although a cup of coffee (6oz) only has 7 calories, if you add one teaspoon of sugar and creamer, you can bring that number up as high as 70 or more calories. Coffee is a diuretic and also contains acids that aggravate heartburn.

The trick is moderation. Two to three cups a day is acceptable. Any more and you are courting… well, not quite disaster, but definitely unpleasant effects on your health.

So what’s the difference?

Most of the research available has been concluded using freshly brewed coffee. But since instant coffee contains all the same minerals and nutrients as filter coffee – minus the aroma which is not something that can be freeze-dried – it also has most of the same effects and benefits of filter coffee.

There is no difference between instant and filter coffee. Except for the taste. To get you started in the morning, you can choose from instant coffee, coffee bags, one cup coffee, iced coffee drinks, or fresh roast beans coffees of single or blended origins.

Whatever you decide, pay attention to brands that adhere to fair trade practices and are organic. That way your daily addiction will benefit not only you, but small scale farmers and the environment, too.

Starbucks has announced its plan to serve coffee in its new ‘Trenta’ [read gigantic] cup size in the US. American punters will soon be able to buy just under a litre of coffee in one cup. The company says this is in keeping with consumer demand, and the coffee giant assures us that, in the interest of its customers’ health, only iced coffee and other low-caffeine beverages will come in a… bucket.

More than you can stomach

Canada’s National Post recently published a graphic that illustrates just how big Trenta really is – bigger than the average stomach. The biggest serving size offered by Starbucks up to now was the ‘Venti’, at just over half a litre. The Trenta is a full 325 ml (around about the size of a soft drink) bigger, meaning it contains 16 ml more than what the average stomach can hold.

What’s the big deal?

Starbucks is not the first American company to offer ridiculously oversized beverages. The Double Big Gulp sold by retail chain 7-ll holds nearly 2 litres of sugary, carbonated caffeine. The Trenta is a first when it comes to a coffee chain, though.

Not eager to come under fire for fuelling America’s obesity crisis, Starbucks has announced that the ‘sweetened’ versions of the iced coffee, iced tea and iced tea lemonade they’ll soon be super-duper-sizing will contain only 230 calories. By comparison, Starbucks’ Venti Caramel Brulee Latte packs 430 calories, while a Venti Eggnog Latte is a whopping 610 calories.

New meaning to ‘caffeine buzz’

While a diet version of a Trenta-sized serving isn’t too worrying when it comes to calories, even the ‘healthiest’ beverage in this size contains enough caffeine to have everyone but the most extreme coffee drinker climbing the walls. A ‘heavy user’ of caffeine is defined as someone who takes in 500-600mg of the stuff in a day. A Trenta drinker will take in around 400mg of caffeine – in one sitting.

There’s no news of Trenta hitting the UK yet but, unfortunately, it’s likely just a matter of time before it does.