Coffee Archives - BostonbeaN Coffee

Unmasking the Brew: Debunking Common Coffee Myths

You may think you know your coffee, but can you discern fact from fiction? Coffee has been around for such a long time and has become such an integral part of everyday life that many myths abound. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common misconceptions about coffee, from its supposed detrimental health effects to the caffeine content of gourmet vs regular coffee. Prepare to have your illusions shattered as we uncover the truth behind the beans.

5 Popular Coffee Myths Debunked

1. Decaf Coffee Is Caffeine-Free

Well, not exactly. The standard for labeling coffee as decaffeinated is that 97% of the caffeine has to be removed, so that leaves 1-3%, or about 7 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. Not a lot, but enough to notice if you’re sensitive to it.

2. Coffee Helps You Sober Up

This is one myth that can have deadly consequences. Caffeine will make you more alert, but it doesn’t do anything to alter the alcohol content in your bloodstream, and even though you might feel more awake, you’re still impaired. The same is true for a cold shower. Time is the only way to get sober.

3. Coffee Stunts Your Growth

How many of us heard this when we were kids? Truth is, science has found no evidence that coffee can affect growth. This myth has been traced back to a 1920s ad campaign that went viral. However, kids have less tolerance to caffeine than adults, and consuming it could cause anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems, so it’s probably best for them to abstain.

4. Coffee Dehydrates You

This one probably got started because coffee gives many people the urge to go to the bathroom. Actually, whether you’re drinking coffee or tea, your beverage is almost entirely made up of water, so it contributes to healthy daily hydration, bathroom trips aside.

5. Espresso Has More Caffeine vs. Drip Coffee

Espresso is made from the same beans as regular coffee, it’s just more concentrated. So you’re getting the same amount of caffeine in a small shot as you would a bigger cup, it’s just a matter of volume. Now if you drank a mug of espresso, you’d be getting a lot more.

Contact BostonbeaN Coffee Company for more fun facts about coffee or to order our custom coffee, tea, and pantry services for your Boston area workplace.

Here’s the 411 on Single-Origin Coffee

The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the climate and the soil in the country where the beans are grown. More coffee roasters are choosing to offer single-origin coffee to enjoy at home and in the break room. At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we provide the coffee and machines to bring this option to your employees.

Single-origin coffee

Single-origin coffee is not as simple as the name implies. It is a blanket term that can be very specific, or very general. In the most general terms, it means that the coffee comes from one country or a coffee-producing area and is not blended. But it can also mean one farm or cooperative and be much more specific.

All regions of every country do not have the same conditions for growing coffee. Soil and altitude also play an important role. They produce a distinctive taste in the coffee beans. The more specific the definition of single-origin, the more consistent you can expect the product to be.

Single-Origin Coffee-Growing Areas

Ethiopia
Ethiopian coffee beans are usually grown in the shade. They produce Arabica beans, which are an important part of their culture. Depending on where the beans are grown, they have citrus and floral notes or nuances of dark chocolate with strawberries.
Brazil
Brazilian coffee beans are often used to create espresso due to their low acidity and dark roast. They are not as fruity as other beans and taste more of chocolate, caramel, spice, and nuts. Brazil is a large country. Differences in single-origin depend on region.
Honduras
Produced in the highlands, these dark beans are low in acid and smooth in taste. Look for notes of lemon, walnuts and chocolate, and a smooth cup of java.

Single-Origin vs. Blended Coffee

With single-origin coffee, you can pinpoint where your coffee is produced. It may be seasonal, more expensive and harder to get, but you know exactly where it comes from. Blended coffee is a more consistent product, and there is an art to delicious blended coffee.

Enjoying a satisfying cup of coffee is not only dependent upon the origin of the bean. Water temperature, brewing method and grind size all factor in, creating differences in flavor between espresso or pressed coffee and cold brew.

Bring the excitement of single-origin coffee to your break room. Give BostonbeaN Coffee Company a call to discuss your needs today.

How Does an Espresso Machine Perform Its Magic?

Gathering in the break room gives your employees a way to unwind and spend time with coworkers while sipping a cup of coffee or tea. Why not consider adding a machine that turns your coffee break into something unique?

Drinking espresso is more than just sipping coffee; it is an adventure. Americans are excited about this European staple that combines depth of color and flavor to take coffee to a whole new level. Your employees deserve the best and BostonbeaN can provide it.

Espresso

An espresso is not just a drink, it is a process of brewing coffee. Finely ground, darkly roasted coffee beans and high pressure water create a super-charged shot. The sensory experience is enjoyed by your smell, your taste, the feeling in your mouth and even the sound of the machine. An unforgettable sensation.

Cappuccino and Latte

You can’t talk about espresso and not discuss a cappuccino and a latte. Espresso gives them the depth of flavor. A cappuccino is an espresso with steamed milk and foam in thirds, and a latte is a shot of espresso with two parts of steamed milk and a little foam.

Bringing delights to your break room is as simple as providing your employees with one of these Nespresso machines:

Momento 100

Momento 100 provides the latest technology in its machine that is easy to operate and maintain. Designed for businesses, it has everything your employees want. Hot water and five coffee recipes are offered: Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Americano and Large Americano. With a simple touch of the screen, the magic begins.

Momento 200

Momento 200 provides everything that the 100 offers times two. Two employees can make a coffee drink simultaneously. Cut down the wait time and let the break time begin.

Momento Zenius

Momento Zenius provides what the 100 and 200 models offer in a smaller version for a staff under 30. Three drinks are offered: Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo.

Let us provide the coffee drinks that make your break room a place where your employees want to recharge. Call BostonbeaN Coffee Company today to hear about the many brewing and coffee options we provide.

Sip Forward: Exploring the Exciting 2024 Coffee Trends and Leaving the Past “Brew-hind”

The winds of change are blowing through break rooms across the country as 2024 promises a whole new world of coffee trends. At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of coffee culture, and we’ll make sure your break room coffee is as exciting as a new year deserves.

Specialty Coffees

“Unique” and “single origin” are words used to describe the specialty coffee of 2024. Coffee from a single destination such as Ethiopia or Guatemala is gaining traction. Coffee lovers are looking for distinctive flavor and want to have an experience with every cup.

Alternative Brewing Methods

Many break rooms are adding innovative brewing methods to their beverage choices. By adding advanced coffee brewing machines and finding ways to extract more flavor from coffee favorites, you can make coffee unique and upscale. Whether you prefer a steaming cup of coffee or cold brew in a box, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for coffee lovers the world over.

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

For vegans and those who prefer a plant alternative to traditional coffee creamers and milk, the market will be expanding in 2024 to offer more alternatives to just almond and oat milk. One of the newest is pistachio milk, and expect to see lots of other flavored options as well.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

As more and more people become eco-friendly, the coffee industry is following suit. You can expect to see more coffee coming from small producers who offer living wages and don’t use pesticides. Producing the least amount of waste is also a major consideration.

Innovative Flavors and Ingredients

The addition of delicious and innovative flavor to coffee continues to be a strong option. Growing in popularity are the strong contenders of salted caramel, gingerbread and maple. Among the most innovative flavors are spices like turmeric added to cinnamon, ginger, cardamom or nutmeg — heart healthy and heart-warming.

Technology Integration

It isn’t just about the coffee you offer your employees. It’s about the technology the coffee brewer offers as well as innovation. Fresh, sustainable beans as well as machines with options score high in 2024.

Check out the options we offer at BostonbeaN Coffee Company to bring all the latest 2024 coffee trends to your employees.

Move Over Pumpkin Spice — Peppermint Is Coming in Hot!

National Peppermint Latte Day is Dec. 3! The chill in the air means the holidays are right around the corner, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than by enjoying a perfect combination of coffee and candy cane flavors.

What’s a Latte?

Want to create a fantastic peppermint latte? It’s key to know how to get started. The base of any latte is one or two espresso shots, followed by the addition of steamed milk and a bit of foam. Lattes are super-customizable, making them the perfect way to get the espresso that you want — blended with the flavor that you love.

Peppermint Perfection

People have loved peppermint for ages — and for good reason! Ancient Egyptian history shows the use of peppermint for medicinal purposes dating back as far as 1550 B.C. Ancient Greeks used peppermint to cure hiccups, and modern medicine continues to use the herb to treat indigestion, colds, toothaches, sore throats and more.

Peppermint With a Twist

If you’ve got an in-office espresso machine, you’re on the right track to creating the perfect midday peppermint latte. Whether you’re looking for the eco-friendly Nespresso Momento 100 or the 13-setting Nespresso Gemini, the team at BostonbeaN is here to help you find the right Nespresso solution for your business.

After you add steamed milk to your espresso, consider adding one (or more!) of the following options to add the taste of the holidays to your latte:

Whipped cream
White, milk or dark chocolate
Peppermint extract or peppermint candies
Whipped cream topped with crushed peppermint candies or chocolates
Chocolate syrup

Don’t forget to set up peppermint latte stirring sticks (candy canes) next to the espresso machine.

BostonbeanN Coffee: Everything You Need for the Perfect Cup of Joe

At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we’re passionate about what we do. Whether you’re looking for the perfect espresso shots for the office or you want to give your employees a daily pick-me-up with fresh food, packaged snacks, and other hot and cold beverages, we’ve got you covered! Reach out to us today to learn more.

Savoring the Last Sips of Summer: Unique Coffee Creations for a Smooth Transition

As the invigorating autumn air starts to envelop Boston, it’s time to celebrate with some unique coffee creations. BostonbeaN offers a wide range of flavored coffee selections that can help you and your friends savor the last moments of summer while awaiting the fall season.

1. Spiced Iced Coffee

Imagine sipping on a refreshing iced coffee that carries a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Cold beverages like this are the epitome of a seasonal bridge, combining the coolness of summer with the warmth of fall. To make this, brew a pot of BostonbeaN’s Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee and let it cool. Add ice and a sprinkle of nutmeg to finish.

2. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew

Take your regular cold brew up a notch by infusing it with a touch of pumpkin spice. Combine course grounds of BostonbeaN’s Pumpkin Spice coffee with water, then let it steep overnight, or for around 12 hours. Strain and store in the fridge for a refreshing yet seasonally appropriate drink that’s perfect for the gap between seasons.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Mocha

If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, try a Chocolate Raspberry Mocha with POUR’D by Marco. Use BostonbeaN’s Chocolate Raspberry coffee as the base, add some steamed milk, and top it off with whipped cream and a drizzle of raspberry syrup.

4. Blueberry Vanilla Fusion

For those who love to brew specialty drinks in the office, BostonbeaN’s Native Blueberry and French Vanilla can be combined to create a Blueberry Vanilla Fusion. This coffee drink captures the essence of summer with its blueberry notes while introducing the comforting aroma of vanilla, a staple in many fall desserts.

5. Creme Brulee Hazelnut Latte

If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, try a Creme Brulee Hazelnut Latte. Combine BostonbeaN’s Creme Brulee and Hazelnut coffees, add steamed milk, and finish with a caramel drizzle. This luxurious drink will make you feel like you’re savoring the best of both seasons.

6. Vanilla Fudge Swirl Cold Foam

Try a Vanilla Fudge Swirl Cold Foam made with BostonbeaN’s Vanilla Fudge Swirl coffee. Top it with cold foam and a generous sprinkling of cocoa powder for a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting.

BostonbeaN’s flavored coffee selections are the perfect way to enjoy the waning days of summer while eagerly anticipating the cozy vibes of fall. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, spicy or indulgent, there’s a coffee creation that will tickle your taste buds and make this seasonal shift a delightful experience. Cheers to savoring the last sips of summer and welcoming the beauty of autumn — through coffee, of course! Contact BostonbeaN for all your coffee and break room needs today.

BostonbeaN Is Now Tapping into Cold Brew in a Box From Wandering Bear

Calling all coffee enthusiasts! We certainly have some exciting news for you. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy cafe-quality coffee right in your own home or office, you’re in luck — Wandering Bear has developed an innovative cold brew that’s a real game-changer for how you’ll enjoy your next cup of joe. Find out why Wandering Bear’s cold brew is the perfect addition to your office.

Cold Brew Perfection

People all around the country have recently caught the cold brew craze because of its delicious taste, smoothness and convenience. With Wandering Bear’s revolutionary ready-to-drink cold brew, you can enjoy the perfect cup of cold brew every time without worrying about sacrificing flavor or freshness. Why is the Wandering Bear brand the ultimate cold brew choice? Below are a few reasons why you see it popping up in offices everywhere.

The coffee is already prepared, has a smooth texture and is delicious.
Only organic coffee from Peru, Mexico, and Nicaragua
No additives or extra sugar
Different flavors available to appease your taste buds (Decaf, Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Straight Black)

The convenience of having a ready-to-pour, delicious cold brew like Wandering Bear’s is unparalleled. With just the push of a button, you get to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee without having to wait in line or worry about making it yourself.

BostonbeaN Helps People Get Their Cold Brew Fix

BostonbeaN has plenty of cold brew choices to keep everyone happy at the workplace. In addition to Wandering Bear, consider our Barismo cold brew ready to drink from kegs. We deliver and manage the kegs, ensuring they are always cold and fresh. Or check out our POUR’D system. With just the push of a button, you can enjoy cold brewed coffee, hot draft, and iced lattes delivered to you.

Ready To Take Your Cold Brew Experience to the Next Level?

To enhance your cold brew experience, give Wandering Bear on tap a try! Its convenience, freshness, and smooth taste make it a perfect addition to any office. Give your staff the satisfaction of a cafe-level coffee experience, right in their own office.

Have You Caught the Cold-Brew Craze?

Coffee has always been an indispensable part of the office environment. Generations of office workers have started their day — and kept energized until quitting time — with endless cups of joe.

How much productivity would have been lost without its perky boost? Only the bean counters know for sure.

While many people still enjoy their traditional hot coffee or tea, there’s a new trend in town that’s taking the workplace by storm: the “cold-brew craze.” Many coffee aficionados are abandoning their old love to embrace this new and flavorful way to enjoy their favorite drink.

Learn what cold brew is, how it’s different from the traditional hot brewing process or iced coffee, and why every office needs a cold brew machine.

Cold Brew 101

The biggest difference between the main types of coffee — hot, iced and cold brew — is the process by which they are made.

Fast Extraction Process

Hot coffee uses high-temperature water poured directly over ground coffee beans to quickly extract the compounds that give it its flavor, color, texture and caffeine content.
Iced coffee is simply hot-brewed coffee (usually brewed at double strength) poured over ice, usually after being chilled in a cooler to keep the ice from melting and diluting the coffee.

Slow Extraction Process

Cold brew coffee uses a slow extraction process. The coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for up to 24 hours. This process uses a coarser bean grind to prevent making the coffee bitter.
The extraction of the flavor compounds takes longer but it is also more thorough, allowing the water to seep deep inside the beans to discover the hidden flavors and aromas that are left untouched with quick-brew processes.
This slow extraction gives cold-brew coffee its distinctive smooth, mellow taste with sweet and chocolatey notes. Incidentally, it also has a higher caffeine content which, along with the flavor, may be part of the reason so many office workers are choosing it over traditional coffee.

Cold Brew Coffee & Tea For Boston-Area Offices

BostonbeaN Coffee Company has you covered with our award-winning POUR’D line of office brewers offering push-button convenience and our popular Kegerator under-counter cold storage service.

We also just added a new line-up of Wandering Bear cold brew in Ready-to-Drink (RTD) boxes that are recyclable. This organic, sugar-free and dairy-free cold brew serves up a smooth yet strong brew with big energy – two espressos per cup! It comes in six delicious flavors: vanilla, mocha, hazelnut, caramel, decaf and straight black.

If your employees have caught the cold brew craze, a cold brew machine or RTD box in your office is a must. For certain size offices, we will provide a demo with a kegerator and a keg of cold brew so the whole office gets a chance to try the coffee. Contact BostonbeaN today to schedule your hot or cold brew coffee demo today.

Ideas to Honor Mother Earth on Earth Day (and Every Other Day!) in the Workplace

Earth Day is April 22, 2023. What better way to honor Mother Earth than by making some eco-friendly changes in the workplace? Boston is home to thousands of employers. Imagine the difference it would make if every employer did just one thing on this list!

1. Turn Off the Lights

It’s understandable that offices have cleaning companies come in at night. But that doesn’t mean the lights have to stay on 24/7. Invest in motion sensor lights throughout the office so energy isn’t wasted when no one is using the space.

2. Invest in an Eco-friendly Coffee System

Your team’s treasured morning coffee routine is an easy way to go green. Invest in an eco-friendly coffee system such as POUR’D. Each bag-in-the-box of cold brew concentrate yields up to 9 gallons of ready-to-drink hot or cold coffee beverages. There is very little waste, and yet your employees have the option to create specialty coffee beverages in the office. Even the box is recyclable!

3. Install Blinds

If you’re in an office building with lots of huge windows, the Boston summer sun will heat up your workplace quickly. Install blinds to reduce the need for air conditioning.

4. Support Suppliers With Eco-Friendly Values

Take time to find and partner with eco-friendly vendors and suppliers who have sustainability policies in place. This will have an even broader positive impact on Mother Earth.

5. Install Bike Racks

Installing bike racks at the workplace may encourage employees to bike to work, reducing carbon emissions from commuting. If this idea isn’t feasible, at least provide employees with a safe place to store their bicycles indoors during their shift.

6. Switch to Eco-friendly Packaging Materials

By adopting sustainable packaging practices, your company can improve your carbon footprint, plus meet the expectations of customers who share your eco-friendly values.

At BostonbeaN, we offer eco-friendly breakroom supplies, as well as biodegradable pods for our coffee and tea machines. Bottleless water machines such as the ION and Bevi also eliminate single-use waste by offering plastic-free options for fresh, filtered water throughout the workday. Contact us to get started.

Get These Elements Right to Brew the Ultimate Cup of Coffee

Does your coffee leave you cold? Are you ready to go from a basic cup of joe to the best brew you’ve ever tasted? The ability to brew great coffee is already in your hands. You just need to add the right elements to make the ultimate cup of coffee.

Elements of the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Precise water-to-coffee ratio

The water-to-coffee ratio determines the strength of the brew. The National Coffee Association suggests using the “golden ratio” of 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

Perfect water temperature

Hotter isn’t always better when it comes to coffee, but heat is definitely important. Using water that is too cold will result in under-extracted (wimpy) coffee, while using excessively hot water will reduce the quality of the coffee’s flavor. To get the best out of your coffee, aim for 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal source of water

Coffee is about 98% water, so it’s no surprise that great coffee can only come from great water. The best water is free from odors or funky flavors, and 50-100 parts per million (ppm) purity with the pH value of about 6.5 to 7.5.
Ideal extraction time

Extraction time begins the moment you start the extraction process and continues until the coffee finishes. The ideal amount of time for coffee to be in contact with the water varies depending on the type of system you’re using. For example, a drip system requires about 5 minutes of contact, and it’s 2-4 minutes for a French press. While espresso only requires 20-30 seconds of contact, cold brew should steep overnight (about 12 hours).
Grind size

The grind you choose depends largely on the brewing method you use – the longer the brewing time, the coarser the grind. Use a coarse grind in your French press, for example, and fine grinds in your espresso machine. When in doubt, choose medium grind.
Freshness

While roasted coffee has a long shelf life, it does lose its flavors and aromas over time. However, with proper packaging in vacuum-sealed or valve-sealed bags, the shelf life can be extended with no loss of quality.

Type of brewer

The type of brewer you use is critical, in that brewing the same coffee in different brewers can return vastly different results. Bean-to-Cup Machines convert whole beans into fresh-brewed coffee – just one machine takes care of everything, from grinding and pressing to brewing and pouring coffee and specialty beverages.

POUR’D is highly versatile, allowing you to make cold-brewed coffee, hot draft cold-brewed coffee, and iced mochas or lattes. Touchless brewers, like the Top Brewer, make it easy to brew delicious coffee. The Fresh Cup also includes a flow meter to make the perfect cup of coffee every time.

For more information on the elements of brewing the ultimate cup of coffee, contact BostonbeaN. Our machines brew a consistently perfect cup, every time.