How to Store Coffee
It goes without saying… if you want a great cup of coffee, you’ve got to start with great beans…and properly storing them maximizes freshness and flavor. The National Coffee Association, offers this advice for storing coffee:
Keep beans airtight and cool
- Your beans’ greatest enemies are air, moisture, heat, and light.
- To preserve your beans’ fresh roasted flavor as long as possible, store them in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature. Coffee beans can be beautiful, but avoid clear canisters which will allow light to compromise the taste of your coffee.
- Keep your beans in a dark and cool location. A cabinet near the oven is often too warm, and so is a spot on the kitchen counter that gets strong afternoon sun.
- Coffee's retail packaging is generally not ideal for long-term storage. If possible, invest in storage canisters with an airtight seal.
Buy the right amount
- Coffee begins to lose freshness almost immediately after roasting. Try to buy smaller batches of freshly roasted coffee more frequently - enough for one or two weeks.
- Exposure to air is bad for your beans. If you prefer to keep your beans in an accessible and/or attractive container, it may be a good good idea to divide your coffee supply into several smaller portions, with the larger, unused portion in an air-tight container.
- This is especially important when buying pre-ground coffee, because of the increased exposure to oxygen. If you buy whole beans, grind the amount you need immediately before brewing.
Freezing your beans?
- Freshness is critical to a quality cup of coffee. Experts agree that coffee should be consumed as quickly as possible after it is roasted, especially once the original packaging seal has been broken.
- While there are different views on whether or not coffee should be frozen or refrigerated, the main consideration is that coffee absorbs moisture – and odors, and tastes – from the air around it, since it is hygroscopic (bonus vocabulary word for all the coffee geeks out there).
- Most home storage containers still let in small amounts of oxygen, which is why food stored a long time in the freezer can suffer freezer burn. Therefore, if you do refrigerate or freeze your beans, be sure to use a truly airtight container.
- If you choose to freeze your coffee, quickly remove as much as you need for no more than a week at a time, and return the rest to the freezer before any condensation forms on the frozen coffee.
- Freezing your beans does not change the basic brewing process.
For more valuable information from the National Coffee Association, click here.
The Most Expensive Tea from the Oldest Trees - Now Available
The folks at California Tea House say, “for those new to the world of tea, this is an exciting opportunity of which you should not partake”. With only a few Ancient trees left in existence and their leaves saved and sold only to government and royalty, Ancient Pu'erh should be curated for those that can appreciate a cup so rare. California Tea House, a boutique of the finest tea located in Los Angeles, got their hands on a small batch through a very gratuitous, insider connection. For true pu'erh aficionados, this is a rare, special treat that they are proud to share with you.
Ancient Pu'erh comes from Kun Lu Royal tea farm famous for its historic trees used to make royal tribute tea for Chinese emperors. If you are ready to enjoy an epic tale, who better to tell that story than a cup from the trees that have survived centuries.
The ancient trees have witnessed the change in tea production and how tea has become a quantity over quality commodity. When the first ripe pu'erh was created in 1973, it became easy to mass produce teas that fast-forward years of natural fermentation. Forced to age before their time, those young leaves from cultivated shrubs show a rebellious nature having a flavor hard to accept even despite the health benefits.
Undergoing the traditional, natural and unforced fermentation process, Ancient Pu'erh tea leaves reveal mellow and smooth notes of wood, honeysuckle, tobacco, walnuts and vanilla. They have a flavor very rich and complex, yet light and exhilarating. Being the only tea type produced from ancient trees, pu'erh not only has an exceptional character, but many effects on health and body all backed up by science. Famous for aiding digestion, lowering bad cholesterol, aiding weight loss more efficiently than green tea1, reducing body mass index and improving the lipid profile2, pu'erh has been a favorite tea choice after meal for many avid tea drinkers. Being able to reduce heaviness in the stomach after a rich meal, it is a must needed addition to any tea cabinet during feasting holidays.
Ancient Pu'erh is a tea of transformations and unshaken character of nature hidden deep within the layers of flavor. California Tea House is proud to have this tea as a part of their exclusives list and hope it will broaden your tea horizons if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a bag before it runs out. Shop and learn more about California Tea House premium teas at their online tea store. $68 for 4 oz. / $19 for .5 oz.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099746
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818050/
SOURCE California Tea House
RE:CYCLE—Win a Bike Made from Nespresso Pods
Brandmovers and Nespresso have launched the Nespresso #MySmallStepsSweepstakes in association with the 2019 limited-edition release of the Nespresso RE:CYCLE Vélosophy bike, made from recycled Nespresso capsules.
ENTER TO WIN: Brandmovers and Nespresso are inviting consumers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to enter for a chance to win a Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bike and other prizes by sharing what small steps they’re taking to live more sustainably. Consumers can enter from September 9 to October 28 by posting their recycling photos and stories on Instagram using #MySmallStepsSweepstakes, or via the online form at https://mysmallsteps.brandmovers.co.
The #MySmallStepsSweepstakes is designed to drive consumer awareness of Nespresso's recycling initiatives and the use of Nespresso's free capsule recycling service as a way to reduce environmental waste. Nespresso has the capacity to recycle 100% of single-use aluminum coffee capsules sold, yet as of 2018 only 32% of capsules are returned to the company for recycling.
There are 8 Grand Prizes (a Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bike, ARV $1,433.00). Additionally, consumers have the opportunity to win 20 First Prizes (Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Machine, ARV $250.00) and 100 Second Prizes (1 Nespresso Recycling Receptacle and one Nespresso Caran d' Ache 849 Ballpoint Pen, ARV $70.00).
For more information including sweepstakes rules, visit the Nespresso #MySmallStepsSweepstakes website at https://mysmallsteps.brandmovers.co.
RE:CYCLE, produced in partnership with Swedish lifestyle bike brand Vélosophy, demonstrates Nespresso's commitment to sustainability and the creative potential of recycled aluminum capsules. Learn more at: https://www.nestle-nespresso.com/media/mediareleases/nespresso-takes-recycling-up-a-gear-with-bicycle-made-from-capsules.
The a2 Milk Company Debuts New Product Line in the U.S.
Mornings in America just got a little better now that The a2 Milk® Company has announced the launch of a2 Milk Coffee Creamers, capitalizing on the surging popularity of a2 Milk among American consumers.
The first new product offering since coming to the U.S. from Australia in 2015, a2 Milk Coffee Creamers come in two deliciously smooth flavors – Sweet Cream and Creamy Vanilla – both made with only 5 simple, natural ingredients including real a2 Milk and cream. Mornings and coffee breaks will never be the same.
a2 Milk Coffee Creamers join the company’s innovative a2 Milk products, which offer real, nutritious dairy milk that is easier on digestion and may help some avoid discomfort. a2 Milk Coffee Creamers will soon be available in over 1,000 grocery stores across the U.S including Sprouts Farmers Market, ShopRite, Hy-Vee and Earth Fare.
“This is truly an exciting moment for The a2 Milk Company,” said Blake Waltrip, CEO of The a2 Milk Company U.S. “Every day, we hear from people across the country who are able to drink milk again, thanks to a2 Milk. Now we’re broadening ways for coffee drinkers to enjoy real dairy by adding our a2 Milk Coffee Creamers to their morning routine. Coffee creamer was one of our top requested products by our consumers.”
The announcement of this highly anticipated new product follows the company’s recent milestone of reaching national geographic distribution in the U.S. after signing on with Kroger.
The company’s total U.S. milk distribution is over 13,100 stores operated by 80 major grocers across the country. a2 Milk is available at leading retailers including select Costco and Walmart locations, Ahold, Albertsons/Safeway, Food Lion, The Fresh Market, HEB, Kroger, Market Basket, Meijer, Publix, ShopRite, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, Wegmans, and Whole Foods Market.
Published research suggests that a2 Milk may help avoid stomach discomfort in some people because the milk comes from cows that naturally produce only the natural A2 protein and no A1.
The a2 Milk Company works with local U.S. dairy farmers to identify cows that only naturally produce the A2 protein type and process their milk separately, making it possible for some with sensitivities to enjoy real cows’ milk. The a2 Milk Company pays its farmers a premium to help them improve their profitability and reinvest in their farms. All of the company’s U.S. farms are certified by Validus for animal welfare standards.
For more information on The a2 Milk Company, its products and location availability, please visit a2milk.com.
89 Percent of Americans Get their Cup of Joe from Home
A new survey from Reddi-wip, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. and the leader in the refrigerated aerosol whipped topping category*, found that despite the booming $45.4 billion coffee shop industry in the U.S., Americans are still getting their caffeine fix at home.
Reddi-wip polled more than 1,000 Americans ahead of International Coffee Day on September 29, to understand more about their coffee consumption habits. The research found that in an average week, 89 percent of Americans get their coffee from home, citing convenience, cost and customizability as primary decision-making factors.
When it comes to how Americans take their coffee, 79 percent drink their coffee with add-ins, like coffee creamer, sugar, etc. over drinking it black. While customization is already popular among coffee drinkers, Reddi-wip is now giving coffee lovers a new way to customize their coffee with its new Barista line of cream-based products – Nitro Creamer and Sweet Foam – to give consumers a coffeehouse experience any time of day, without the coffee shop lines or price.
Supporting statistics from the survey include:
- The Average Joe: 89 percent of Americans get their coffee from home during an average week and when thinking about why they prepare coffee at home:
- Convenient Caffeination: 72 percent state it's because it's more convenient
- Money Management: 70 percent state it's because they're saving money
- Part of the Routine: 67 percent state it's because it's part of their routine
- Creative Customization: 64 percent state it's because they can make it exactly how they like it
- Sensational Smells: 60 percent state it's because they like the smell of coffee in their home
- Coffeehouse Creations: 68 percent wish they could create their favorite coffee-shop drinks at home
- Experimentation in the Kitchen: When thinking about the coffee they make at home, 48 percent would rate themselves an "F" (five or below out of 10) on how experimental they are in the kitchen and only 28 percent would rate themselves as an "A" (9-10) or "B" (8)
- Morning Glory: 87 percent of those surveyed look forward to making coffee in the morning
- Keep on Keeping on: More than half (55 percent) of Americans wish they made their coffee at home more often and Millennials wish they made coffee at home more often than other generations (68 percent vs. 46 percent)
- Add-ins Galore: 79 percent of Americans prefer their coffee with add-ins over drinking it black and Millennials are more likely to drink their coffee with add-ins than other generations (83 percent vs. 75 percent)
- Therapeutic Touch: 73 percent of respondents find making coffee therapeutic
The versatile, easy-to-use Reddi-wip Barista series began shipping to retailers in May and will be hitting shelves this month at Walmart and Publix stores nationwide, along with online availability through Amazon Fresh. The suggested retail price is $3.99 for a thirteen-ounce can.
Reddi-wip Nitro Creamer can be used in place of a traditional coffee creamer. It delivers sweetness and cream and infuses coffee with a rich, velvety texture that is usually associated with coffeehouse drinks. It can be used in both cold and hot coffee beverages as well as non-coffee beverages like root beer or orange soda floats.
Reddi-wip Sweet Foam can be used alone or with Nitro Creamer or other traditional coffee creamers. Sweet Foam adds a slightly sweet, finishing touch but the foam settles on top of the beverage as opposed to dispersing throughout. When used in conjunction with another creamer, Sweet Foam creates an even sweeter coffee experience, making it perfect for lattes, caramel macchiatos and more.
Unlike other traditional creamers, the Reddi-wip Barista Series is dairy-based, not oil-based.
Visit https://www.reddiwip.com/ to learn more about the full line of Reddi-wip offerings and https://www.reddiwip.com/product-categories/barista for more details on the Barista line.
Survey: Reddi-wip commissioned a 10-minute, online survey among a nationally representative sample of 1,051 U.S. adults ages 18+ who drink coffee at least once a week. The margin of error for this sample is +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level. The survey was fielded by Edelman Intelligence between July 10, 2019 and July 15, 2019.
*Source: IRI MA POS TSV Syndicated Categories TUS MULO + C, 52 w/e June 23, 2019.
Reuse Tea Bags
Don't toss that teabag! After the first cup of tea is brewed, the teabag will start to lose flavor and strength--but do not fret. You can get extra use out of those used teabags and here are a few ideas to guide you:
- Use teabags on your puffy eyes. Warm or cold teabags can help refresh your eyes whether they're achy, tired or puffy.
- Reduce plantar warts. Plantar warts can be treated with teabags because of the tannin in the tea. On the affected area, place a warm wet teabag for 10-20 minutes, and then leave it to dry naturally. If you repeat this for a couple of days, hopefully the wart will go.
- Give yourself a facial. Facials can be expensive, but you can make one at home... using tea. Place a brewed tea bag into a bowl of hot water. Then position your head over the bowl, and then put a towel over your head to keep the steam in. It will leave your face glowing and radiant!
- Soothe burns and nicks from razors by applying a wet teabag to the skin.
- If you have sunburn, a bruise, stings or bites, or a cold sore you can put a damp tea bag onto the area and it will help to soothe the skin.
- Polish wood surfaces. Weak tea can be used to restore a nice shine to your wood floors and furniture. Steep a couple of used tea bags in warm water to make the weak tea. Then apply it to your wood surfaces with a soft rag or microfiber cloth. Give it a good buff, and your wood will be shining in no time!
- If you have a big, dirty, greasy dish that seems impossible to clean, leave it overnight with hot water and a few brewed teabags. They will help break down the grease.
- Clean dark leather shoes by wiping a wet, brewed teabag onto the surface of the shoe.
- Control odors around the house with teabags. Put some used teabags in a bowl and place inside a smelly fridge. Leave overnight, remove the teabags and be left with the much nicer smell of tea!
- Start A Fire. You can use your old tea bags to make firestarters for your campfires! Squeeze the water out of your tea bags and allow them to dry thoroughly. Next, dip the dried tea bags in melted wax (like soy candle wax). Arrange the wax-dipped bags on a piece of tin foil or parchment paper. Once the wax has hardened, they’re ready to use! They light quickly, burn brightly, and will help you get a campfire going in no time.
