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Cold brew is not only a refreshing treat, the preparation of the coffee specialty differs significantly from that of other coffee drinks.

Pleasure on hot days – cold brew

Many coffee drinkers are terrified of cold coffee, after all, many people associate the ceremony of drinking coffee with an aromatic, fragrant cup of hot coffee. Cold coffee is often equated with old, stale coffee. Cold coffee in the form of an iced coffee or a cold brew is also a special treat, especially during the hot season. Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same thing. Both taste refreshing and contain caffeine, but the preparation is very different from each other. Which variant has the edge is not just a question of taste, after all, cold brew has many positive properties.

The origins of cold brew – a trendy drink with a long history

Who would have thought it, although cold brew is a current trend drink, this special way of preparing coffee is quite old. As early as the 17th century, the Dutch came up with the idea of ​​preparing coffee cold. They wanted to be independent of heat sources when preparing coffee and store and sell the drink better. In 2015, cold brew experienced a revival. The trend continues and especially in the summer heat, cold brew is a delicious alternative to iced coffee.

How to prepare a cold brew

The translation of the name already provides information on the correct preparation of a cold brew. Cold Brew means “cold brewing”. However, the term “brewing” is misleading, after all, the cold brew is not made with hot water, but with cold. For the production of one liter of cold brew you need at least 60 grams – some also take up to 200 grams – of ground coffee and patience. The preparation is very simple: the coffee powder is mixed with the cold water and then has to steep for at least 12-24 hours. After this procedure, the brew only needs to be filtered. The trend drink is ready.

For many, the coffee-to-go is an integral part of the morning. Whether at the train station or in the nearest kiosk – coffee to go is now available almost everywhere.

The coffee-to-go: coffee enjoyment in the 21st century

Everyone is probably familiar with the following situation: you’re running late, don’t have time for breakfast or a coffee and you’re stressed out and setting off. However, many do not want to do without a stimulating coffee, after all it is simply part of the morning ritual and at the same time awakens tired spirits. Fortunately, on almost every street corner there is the opportunity to buy a coffee-to-go and thus drink the coffee on the go.

The history of the coffee-to-go

The history of the coffee-to-go begins in the USA and is closely related to the development of the paper cup. This was developed by Lawrence Luellen as early as 1907 and was considered to be particularly hygienic, especially in times of the Spanish flu. In the beginning, people didn’t drink coffee from paper cups, they drank water. It was only many years later that the kiosk chain 7-Eleven began selling hot drinks to take away, after all, most people could not afford coffee as a luxury item until after World War II. The coffee-to-go was born. Instead of continuing to rely on paper cups, plastic cups were preferred. The plastic cup was supplemented with a matching lid. Incidentally, this was invented by the well-known coffee chain Starbucks.
The coffee-to-go only found its way to Europe many years later. Around 1990 the trend swept over to Germany. Initially only filter coffee was offered in this country, but over time more and more coffee specialties were added. You can now drink almost any coffee as a coffee-to-go. Here, too, the USA is regarded as a pioneer. Many trends that are already widespread in the States are also very popular here. While numerous fads disappear from the market after a short time, others prevail. It’s the same with coffee-to-go. There is probably no longer a train station or a kiosk that does not offer coffee to go.

In addition to coffee pods, coffee capsules are also very trendy. But this one is criticized because the capsules produce a lot of waste.

A controversial trend in the coffee market – the coffee capsules

Fast, uncomplicated coffee is trendy. No wonder, after all, fewer and fewer people are taking the time to have a relaxed breakfast in the morning. Instead, it has to be quick at this time of the day. The portion coffee machines are just what they need here and are therefore real bestsellers. Whether with pad or coffee capsules, the desired product only has to be inserted and after a few seconds the coffee will bubble into the cup. There is no need for time-consuming preparation or follow-up work. The stylish coffee machines are particularly popular in single households, but they are also very popular as a supplement to the classic filter machine. However, the capsule machines have come under criticism for various reasons. Is this criticism justified?

The history of coffee capsules

The history of coffee capsules is closely related to the food company Nestlé and the associated label Nespresso. After the Second World War, the filter coffee machine dominated German households for a long time. But the first portion coffee machines were developed as early as 1970. Nestle also experimented with the first capsules from 1970 and applied for a patent for them. The market launch took place in 1980. Initially, sales were rather sluggish. It was not until the 1990s that the coffee capsule became more and more popular. The reason for this was not least the intensive advertising campaigns with George Clooney, among others. Since then, coffee from the capsule has been a worldwide success. For a long time, Nestlé was unrivalled. Only when the patents expired did a battle for market leadership in the coffee capsules area develop.

This is how the coffee capsule works

Coffee capsules only work with special coffee machines. Usually only one capsule of the same brand fits into the corresponding coffee machine. To enjoy the coffee, hot water is pressed into the capsule at high pressure. The coffee is brewed in the capsule itself. As soon as the maximum pressure is reached, the aluminum capsule ruptures and the drink flows into the cup. Due to the different capsule sizes from 40 to 110 milliliters, different portions are possible. Of course, the coffee capsules are available in many different flavors

Coffee is the classic pick-me-up. No wonder many experts advise against drinking coffee in the evening. But does this recommendation really make sense?

Does coffee cause sleepless nights?

For many people, a cup of coffee in the morning is a perfect way to start the day. No wonder, after all, a freshly brewed coffee simply tastes delicious and is also considered a practical pick-me-up. Many connoisseurs also like to drink coffee in the afternoon to overcome the midday slump or as a supplement to cakes and biscuits. However, many people refuse coffee in the evening, because everyone knows the warning that you cannot sleep well after a coffee.

Some coffee drinkers have experienced themselves that after drinking coffee they were practically insomniac and lay awake for a long time. Nevertheless, there are always people who can sleep well after a coffee and do not feel any effect. So why is it that coffee has such different effects? And is the myth that coffee makes you sleepless in the evening really true?

Caffeine – the pick-me-up in coffee

Caffeine is part of the coffee bean. Depending on the type of coffee bean, the coffee contains more or less caffeine. For example, the two most popular coffee beans, Arabica and Robusta, differ significantly in their caffeine content. While the Arabica bean, with a caffeine content of 1.1 to 1.7%, is considered gentle on the heart, the Robusta is a real pick-me-up. Here the caffeine content is between 2 and 4.5%. Extracted caffeine is a white powder that tastes bitter but is completely odorless. Thus, the caffeine content, along with numerous other aromas, contributes to the typical taste of the coffee.
Why the coffee bean contains caffeine is controversial. It is often assumed that it is a natural protection against eating, after all, a raw coffee bean tastes quite bitter. Thus, animals or insects avoid the coffee bean. Chemically, caffeine is an alkaloid, i.e. an organic compound. Caffeine affects both the human and the animal organism. Due to the stimulating effect, the pick-me-up belongs to the group of stimulants. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, it is also found in smaller doses in cocoa, tea and guarana. Energy drinks and cola also rely on the stimulating caffeine. However, coffee is still the classic pick-me-up.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant

Caffeine has a noticeable effect on the body. We ourselves usually notice it from a faster heart rate and increased blood pressure. The blood vessels in the body dilate, but in the brain they constrict. The central nervous system and the entire metabolism are also stimulated by the stimulant caffeine. As a result, we are more awake, active and focused. Since everyone has an individual caffeine tolerance, an overdose can quickly occur. Then the body reacts with headaches or nervousness and the positive effects turn negative.

The rumor still persists that strong, bitter coffee has a higher caffeine content than a mild beverage. However, this is not the case as the method of preparation does not affect the caffeine content. Only the caffeine contained in the coffee powder influences the stimulant factor of the coffee. Since different coffee specialties are prepared with a different amount of powder, this is the reason for the different caffeine content.

A coffee in the evening?

Coffee is indeed a stimulant. This effect only sets in after half an hour, because then the caffeine has arrived in the bloodstream. It takes the body about five hours for the body to break down half of the caffeine. So it’s no wonder that late coffee has an impact on the quality of sleep. In fact, the stimulant even influences the body’s biorhythm. The natural need for sleep is shifted backwards and can thus permanently disrupt the natural rhythm. If you want to prevent this effect, you should stop drinking coffee – or drink decaffeinated coffee – five hours before you want to fall asleep.

By the way, there are people who can sleep perfectly even after drinking coffee. It has not yet been researched why these people react little or not at all to the caffeine. So, try the effect caffeine has on your body.

Energy drinks and coffee are known for their stimulating effects as both drinks contain caffeine. But which drink provides more energy?

Pick-me-up with caffeine: energy drink and coffee

At first glance, energy drinks and coffee don’t seem to have much in common. One drink is cold, sweet as sugar and is preferably drunk quickly from cans. The other drink is usually comfortably warm, aromatic in taste and sometimes part of a relaxed ceremony. While energy drinks are particularly popular with young people, adults of all ages enjoy a good cup of coffee. However, one thing connects both drinks – the caffeine they contain. In addition, both drinks are absolutely trendy and score with a large number of variations. In addition, both energy suppliers are often viewed critically, as they are already consumed by young people as a stimulant and are therefore a reflection of our society, which is characterized by stress and pressure to perform.

The energy drink – flashy, caffeinated and dangerous?

Energy drinks are beverages that have a stimulating effect due to their ingredients. They come from Japan and were used here during the Second World War to improve the pilots’ vision thanks to the taurine they contain. The drink came to Europe at the end of the 1980s and was particularly popular in the techno scene. Since then, the sugar bombs have been an integral part of the beverage market. However, while coffee is the most popular drink among Germans, only a small group consumes energy drinks on a regular basis. Due to their colorful marketing and the promised increase in performance, young people in particular rely on energy drinks.
A coffee drink usually consists of coffee beans, water and, depending on taste, milk and sugar. The energy drink contains water, sugar, carbon dioxide, caffeine, taurine and many other additives. The effect of many ingredients is controversial. For example, experts disagree about the effect of taurine. While some studies state that taurine may have performance-enhancing effects, others state the complete opposite. Energy drinks have also come under criticism because they are often drunk with alcohol. The stimulating effect influences the self-assessment. An overdose of caffeine or alcohol can quickly occur. There is also the danger of judging yourself to be more alert than you really are, which sometimes provokes accidents.

Energy drink and caffeine – a comparison

But which drink actually contains more caffeine and how does it affect the body? If you convert the amount of caffeine to a liquid amount of 100 ml, normal filter coffee contains about 45 milligrams of caffeine, the energy drink contains about 30 to 40 milligrams. Due to the other ingredients, however, the effect of caffeine differs. A 250ml can of energy drink contains almost 30 grams of sugar. Sugar is not only a short-term source of energy, it also releases happiness hormones. The effect of the caffeine sets in after just 10 minutes – blood pressure and pulse rise.
In contrast to the effect of the caffeine in coffee, the performance-enhancing effect of the energy drink wears off after just one hour. Many consumers report feeling tired afterwards. The increased sugar is processed and the performance drops again. A coffee that is drunk without sugar keeps you awake and active a little longer, until the stimulating effect wears off here too. Due to the many additives in an energy drink, it is difficult to assess the effect. In some cases, there was even serious damage to health or even death. The sweet taste in particular encourages people to drink more, so that young people in particular quickly consume more caffeine than is healthy.

Chamomile tea is not only tasty, it is also beneficial. Explore the many ways to actively improve your well-being with fresh chamomile tea.

Chamomile tea – the natural medicinal plant

Almost every household lacks chamomile tea. The tasty tea is particularly popular to treat colds or to recharge your batteries on cold days. But what makes the plant so special? Chamomile tea contains, among other things, anti-inflammatory effects and improves the digestive system. But there are also other areas in which chamomile flowers prove to be very helpful.

Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect

One of the most important properties of the medicinal plant is that it has an anti-inflammatory effect. In particular, it has positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Since it is also antibacterial and has an antispasmodic effect, there are several ways to use chamomile tea beneficially. The natural product should not only be drunk. In order to ensure the full effect in the individual areas of application, the medicinal plant must be used accordingly. There is no need to buy any special products like dried flower or anything like that. Good chamomile tea is enough to enjoy the many benefits of the plant:
Treat inflammation in the throat or gums with regular gargling of chamomile tea. The herbal tea must not be too hot, otherwise it will unnecessarily burden the inflamed areas. Do not swallow the tea afterwards, but spit it out.
To relieve discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, enjoy a cup of chamomile tea in the morning. To unfold the full effect, let the tea steep for at least five minutes. The tea also helps with mild constipation and cramps.
To relieve cold symptoms, use the tea for inhalation. Pour boiling water over the chamomile tea and let it steep for eight minutes. Then inhale the steam deeply – let it cool down sufficiently beforehand to avoid burns.

Also suitable for external treatment

The healing effect of the plants is due, among other things, to essential oils. Above all, the so-called bisabolo. This is a precursor to chamazulene. The oil is used in natural cosmetics as an extract. There are a number of ready-made creams and lotions that are often suitable for treating dry or inflamed skin. These funds are mixed with the extract of chamomile flowers. The withdrawn bisabolo is blue in its natural form. High-quality creams can be recognized, among other things, by the fact that they have a slight blue tinge.

It is possible to get the healing properties of the oils from chamomile tea as well. Small wounds can be cleaned and disinfected with cool tea, dry and inflamed facial skin can be treated with a facial tonic made from chamomile tea. It is not necessary to add other ingredients. Simply brush the skin with the cooled tea. Then apply a rich moisturizing cream.

Use certified teas

Not every chamomile tea offers the same quality. High-quality products rely on ingredients from natural, organic and sustainable cultivation. This ensures that the tea retains its pure ingredients in high concentration. Cheap teas, for example, are heated unnecessarily or treated with additives to extend their shelf life. There are also different types of chamomile tea. The so-called real chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is considered by connoisseurs to be particularly tasty and healthy.

It is possible to grow chamomile plants in your own garden or on the balcony with little effort. These are wild plants that do not require any special care. To brew the delicious tea, pinch off the chamomile flowers right at the top of the stalk and set aside to dry. Depending on the size of the flowers, this can take up to two weeks. Then put the chamomile blossoms in a tea strainer and pour boiling water over them.

When dosing coffee, you always have to look very closely. Measuring spoons can easily distort the taste. We will show you what you have to be aware of.

The dosage affects the taste

The taste and wholesomeness of a freshly prepared coffee depends on many factors – including the dosage. How much brewing time do I give the coffee and of course what is the quality of the beans used? However, what many coffee lovers like to overlook: The dosage of the coffee powder also has a significant influence on the coffee quality: If there is too little powder, the coffee quickly tastes bland and not aromatic, but too much powder can make it taste bitter and sour. We have therefore put together some tips on how to dose your coffee correctly.

Measuring spoons are too imprecise

If you buy fresh beans for your coffee in a roastery, if you are lucky you will also get a measuring spoon with it. That’s well intentioned, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be an advantage – at least for the taste of our coffee beans. Because here the mistake is in the details: Depending on the type of coffee, the size, structure and density of the beans vary. This means that a scoop of one type of coffee can contain many more grams of coffee powder than the same scoop of another type. So if you want to be on the safe side, you should weigh the coffee powder instead of measuring it with a spoon. Because: When it comes to coffee powder, the volume is unfortunately no help. It can therefore be weighed neither by spoon nor by cup.

Dose coffee correctly: Always pay attention to the weight

So we see that good coffee quality depends, among other things, on weight. The best and most accurate way to determine the coffee powder is with a conventional kitchen scale.

Now, of course, it depends on which type of coffee you have chosen and which method of preparation you prefer – whether filter coffee, stamp jug, coffee from the fully automatic machine or from the coffee machine. Mild coffee also likes to tolerate a stronger dosage in order to develop the full taste with all aromas. Stronger varieties should be dosed rather cautiously at the beginning. However, the rule here is: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You can find your preferred starch and bean relatively quickly. So nothing stands in the way of perfect coffee enjoyment.

In many countries, an espresso after a meal is part of a sumptuous meal. Is this a tradition or does the espresso have really positive effects?

The espresso after the meal

Everyone has probably experienced the situation before. After an extensive meal at your favorite Italian restaurant, an espresso is offered at the end. And indeed, after enjoying the little coffee, the food is no longer so heavy in the stomach and you just feel better again. The feeling of sluggishness that tends to set in after a meal seems to have vanished. But what about this tradition, which is extensively celebrated in many countries? Or is it just an imagined effect? Scientists debate the effects of espresso on digestion and well-being.

Espresso? What is that, actually?

Small, black and strong – these are the attributes that are immediately attributed to the small coffee. Many coffee drinkers swear by the short cup of coffee, for others the specialty is too strong. Opinions are already divided here, but as we all know, there is no arguing about taste. Everyone agrees on the origin of the espresso.
The espresso comes from Italy, more precisely from Milan and was drunk here for the first time around 1900.
In the meantime it has conquered the world and is an integral part of every coffee menu. The preparation of this Italian coffee specialty is an art in itself, especially when it is made with a portafilter machine.
For a perfect espresso, hot water is pressed through freshly ground coffee powder under high pressure. The hallmark of a successful drink is the fine crema. Depending on the coffee bean used, the espresso is more digestible or stronger. The typical Italian variant is made from dark roasted beans with a Robusta share of 50%. The version with lightly roasted Arabica beans, on the other hand, is more digestible. By the way, it’s a myth that an espresso contains more caffeine than other coffees. Only the concentration is higher due to the lower liquid content.

This is how an espresso works after a meal

An espresso after a meal is a special treat that is celebrated not only in Italy but in many other European countries. This is not only due to the typical taste, the pleasantly warm feeling is also good. But these are not the only reasons for a little coffee after dinner. The special effect of the espresso is related to the caffeine it contains. Caffeine is said to have a stimulating effect. In the human body, the metabolism and the central nervous system are stimulated – pulse and blood pressure rise. Normally, after eating, the body deals with digestion, all other functions are shut down, so that a certain tiredness sets in. The espresso works to avoid this tiredness thanks to the caffeine content. However, the positive effects do not end there.
The caffeine in espresso also affects digestion. It can stimulate intestinal activity and thus trigger the emptying of the intestine. However, digestion in the stomach is not affected, as is often falsely claimed. In addition, espresso has a positive effect on gastric acid production. The bitter substances contained play an important role here. These regulate the production of gastric acid and prevent over-acidification of the stomach. In addition, a cup of coffee after a meal helps to bring the oral flora back into balance. The polyphenols contained in coffee fight bacteria and plaque. Thus, enjoying coffee after a meal has numerous positive effects.

Is cocoa found only in chocolate? Is cocoa really unhealthy? What exactly is cocoa?

What exactly is cocoa?

Cocoa describes a variety of things. At the very beginning is the cocoa tree. This ripens particularly in sunny areas and bears the so-called cocoa pods. Once these have matured, they can be opened. Inside are the pulp and seeds. We know the latter in this country as cocoa beans. At the beginning, however, the seeds look very different – rather soft, light and white in colour.
Only the fermentation ensures that these transform into our classic brown cocoa beans. During this fermentation process, certain substances are released that later provide the chocolate flavor we crave when the beans are roasted. After that, a wide range of products such as cocoa drinks, chocolate or even cosmetics can now be manufactured.

Where is cocoa grown?

Similar to the coffee plant, the cocoa tree also needs a very special environment in order to thrive perfectly and blossom fully. The tropical heat around the equator is best suited for this. More than 40 countries around the world are now dedicated to the cultivation of cocoa. There are numerous growing areas, particularly in Asia, Latin America and Africa. However, around 75 percent of the total harvest comes from South Africa. The following countries are among the areas with the strongest cultivation areas:
Peru
Ivory Coast
Indonesia
Nigeria
Nicaragua
Papa New Guinea
Ghana
Brazil
Incidentally, the cocoa tree must never stand in direct sunlight. Therefore, the plants are often grown in the protection of the rainforest or planted together with mixed cultures such as coconut palms or citrus fruits, which cast shadows over the cocoa trees with their leaves.

These types of cocoa exist

Incidentally, there are four major types of cocoa beans, between which a distinction is made:
criollo
Trinity
Forastero
Arriba
The Forastero cocoa is generally considered to be the most well-known variety and is the most cultivated worldwide. But the other cocoas can also be found in the trade and offer various advantages depending on preference and taste. Incidentally, the seeds of the cocoa tree contain a large number of healthy ingredients. However, most of these are lost during drying (fermentation) and subsequent roasting. First of all, however, it should be said that the remaining ingredients also make cocoa a real super food.

How healthy is cocoa now?

As is almost always the case with cocoa, “It depends”. Cocoa can be divided into two categories. On the one hand there is the natural cocoa, which as pure cocoa powder has up to 350 calories per 100 grams. These are caused in particular by the fat content in raw cocoa. On the other side is the industrially produced cocoa. Here the calorie content can vary greatly and depends on the extent to which the powder has been de-oiled and sugared. With a cocoa content of mostly less than 25 percent and a high amount of sugar, this variant often has twice the number of calories as natural cocoa.

There are many variations of chai tea. It is always aromatic and very tasty. But how is it properly prepared? Learn more here.

Chai Tea – Indian specialty

Chai tea has been a classic drink in India for centuries. The aromatic tea with milk is served here for all occasions. Meanwhile, the rest of the world enjoys this tasty hot drink. There are always new variations, and chai tea is an integral part of any beverage list. But what makes Indian Chai tea so special?

Masala Chai – what’s in it?

In its pure form, chai tea is black tea that is refined with a blend of spices. It is therefore a spice tea. The term Chai Tea is a Western interpretation of the name. The term Cha originally comes from North Chinese and means tea. At that time it was spread along the most important trade route, the Silk Road. In this way, the original term cha became the word chai (pronounced chai) or cay.

Chai also stands for tea in India. The tea is therefore also correctly called Masala Chai. Because masala means “mixture” in the Hindu language. The spice mixture is not clearly defined. Cloves, cumin and other spices find their way into the mix. The following flavor carriers are used particularly frequently:
cardamom
blackberry leaves
Cinammon
star anise
cloves
Ginger
The tea mixture should be stored in an airtight container. Otherwise, some of the spices will quickly lose their fine aroma and the tea will then no longer have the typical spicy taste.

Enjoy modern interpretations of chai tea

In India, chai tea is almost always made from black tea. However, the constantly growing tea culture outside the country is happy to experiment with taste. So today there are a variety of interesting tea blends. Green tea, black tea, rooibos tea and tea blends from different varieties add variety to the teacups. Since the black tea blends are often very tart in the base note, these variants are very well suited to switching from a strong spiciness to a slightly milder taste.
Chai tea with rooibos is a good alternative for people who want to enjoy tea in the evening or are sensitive to caffeine. For those who like it really exotic, there are seasoning mixes with fruit or aromatic vanilla. A dash of milk is a must if you want to enjoy Chai tea in the traditional way. There are a number of variations of this today. With the help of fluffy milk foam, the classic drink becomes the popular Chai Tea Latte.

Observe the correct brewing time

The brewing time of the chai tea is determined by the base mixture. Green tea has a different brewing time than black tea. Especially with these two types of tea you should keep an eye on the brewing time. If this is too long, the tea can taste bitter very quickly. Rooibos tea tastes perfect after about five minutes, but can steep longer if necessary without an unpleasant taste developing. When buying chai teas, be sure to pay attention to the information on the brewing time. Just try a little with your own mixtures.
The tea can also be refined with various flavors in the form of syrup or special milk. Almond milk and coconut milk are popular additions among vegans. A dash of vanilla flavor turns the tea into a whole new drink. A good balance between sweet and tart is the best basis.

Enjoy chai tea at any time of the day

A black tea-based chai tea is a great morning pick-me-up. A chai tea with a herbal tea base helps to relax and switch off after a long day. If you want to recharge your batteries, you can use a green chai tea with lemon extract. The varied chai tea or latte is therefore always a good choice.