Q1: Coffee, not bread is the new staff of life. Can you tell us what makes one bean pricier than another?
The price for coffee reflects rarity rather than quality. Coffee beans proudly keep the name of the country and area that they come from (Columbian, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona). If no country is mentioned on the label, it’s probably of a lesser quality. There are 2 main kinds of beans, arabica or robusta. Arabica is grown on steep slopes in higher altitudes and is considered superior quality as it seems to have a richer flavor. Robusta beans cost less as they are grown on lower slopes. Commercial blends and instant coffee use these.
Q 2: How does the roasting affect the bean’s flavor?
The taste of coffee is highly subjective. Regular roast is lighter and perhaps reveals more of the true bean flavor; Dark French roast (which cafes mostly brew) dispenses more dense flavor. A roast can be too dark and can overpower the bean flavor or even lead to a burned taste.
Q 3: Is there anything else we should know about buying coffee?
– Most importantly, how fresh is it? It should been roasted within the week that you drink it as the flavor rapidly deteriorates after roasting.
– To use word “fresh” means: just roasted, properly stored and packed air-tight.
– Ground coffee loses flavor more rapidly than whole beans.
– Storing in your freezer is best.
– Don’t forget too that coffee is 99% water and how the water interacts with it matters.
Q4: Does it matter what kind of a pot we use?
Drip pots make better coffee than percolators as the water pours over the beans only once. Also your pot, filters, plunger, and all parts must be cleaned regularly as they retain residues which may not be visible to your eye. Soak your pot in boiling water for least 5 min. and lightly scrub it (try not to use soap) and rinse well.
Coffee retains most potent flavor for only about 20 min after brewing, so sit down immediately and have a cup.
Q 5: So many of us splurge on the coffee made in our favorite cafes, is there anyway we can get those beans to brew at home? Yes, and you can even have them delivered to your door!
Made-to-measure coffee has brought java lovers to Café Union, a Montreal institution since 1910. This wholesaler roasts the coffee right here, so you can choose one or custom blend your own from amongst the espresso, melange maison (regular and strong), french press, Kenya, Panama, Columbia Supremo, Fair Trade, decaf and Swiss washed decaf. Those who like flavors can buy Bavarian chocolate, Irish cream or hazelnut vanilla or one of the 30 flavored syrups (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, etc.) to add in.
Coffee related products like iced cappuccino, or chai latte concentrate now line the shelves. Free delivery is offered for 5 pounds or more. They sell espresso machines (Saeco, Rancilio, Pavoni, Breville, Quick Mill, Jura La Spaziale) and teapots, too. Repairs to these machines are available.
Location: 148 Jean Talon St. West at Waverly St.
Phone: 514-273-5555
Hours: Mon-Fri 8- 5:30, Sat 9-3
www.cafe-union.com
The Coffee Gourmet Centre can deliver to you its trendy coffee beans in over 40 flavours (Yrgacheffe from Ethiopia, Italian espresso, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona, Costa Rican, Moka Java, Panamanian, etc.) and also pure Swiss water process decaf. You can also add to your order a wide selection of tea leaves: estate, white, green leaf, herbal.
Also available are gourmet goodies (Greaves jams, dips, balsamic vinegars, extra virgin olive oils) as they stock them for their custom gift baskets for all occasions. If you order over a kilo of coffee, you get free delivery on the Island, or you can pick up your order at one of their depots. Ask about the fund raising program for your school or organization using coffee and hot chocolate.
Location: 3966 Cool St. Suite 201,Verdun
Phone: 514-369-0368
www.cafegourmet.ca
A coffee or tea addict’s dream might be to have his favourite brew at a reduced price, delivered right to his door. Brossard Freres, open over 50 years, provides this service for a minimum order of 10 lbs. There are at least 20 kinds – regular coffee ($5.90 lb.), decaf ($6.90), flavours like amaretto, rum brandy, chocolate mint ($7.80), and ground for percolators, filter, Turkish, Melitta, Bodum, or espresso, but you can buy as little as one pound if you come in person. About a half dozen loose leaf (herbal too) teas are $7.90 per lb. Delivery is the next day. Can you smell it brewing already?
Location: 10848 Moisan Ave, St. Leonard
Phone: 514-321-4121
Hours: Mon-Fri 7-5
www.cafebrossard.com
