Here’s the Scoop On How Grind Size Affects Your Coffee

Coffee grind size can mean the difference between a lackluster cup of coffee and a perfect one. Even if you use the best coffee beans and the most expensive coffee maker, you won’t get a great cup of coffee if the grind is too coarse or too fine.

The Different Types of Coffee Grinds

There are three primary coffee grinds: coarse, medium and fine. The type of grind you use should be based on your brewing method.

  1. Coarse grinds: Coarse grinds are best for brewing methods that use longer brewing times, like a French press. The longer brewing time allows the coffee to extract fully without being over-extracted.
  2. Medium grinds: Medium grinds are best for brewing methods that use medium brewing times, like a drip coffee maker. The medium brewing time extracts the coffee fully without over-extraction.
  3. Fine grinds: Fine grinds are best for brewing methods that use shorter brewing times, like an espresso machine. The shorter brewing time doesn’t allow the coffee to extract fully, so the grind needs to be fine to get a good cup of coffee.

The Effect of Grind Size on Coffee Flavor

Coarse Grinds

If your grind is too coarse, your coffee will be under-extracted and taste weak. Finding the perfect grind size for your brew method is essential to making great coffee.

Medium Grinds

Medium grinds are the perfect size for most coffee brewing methods. They provide the ideal balance of surface area and extraction, resulting in a cup of coffee that is flavorful and well-balanced.

Fine Grinds

If you use too fine of a grind, the coffee can taste bitter and over-extracted. The water will extract too much of the coffee’s oils and solubles, resulting in a cup of coffee lacking balance.

different types of coffee grinds

BostonbeaN Provides the Best Coffee Brewing Machines

The ideal grind size for coffee is somewhere in the middle—not too coarse or too fine. Finding the perfect grind size is a challenge for many coffee brewers. That’s why you may need experts and the best coffee brewing machines.

At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we supply your office break room with touchless coffee brewing machines that perfectly grind the beans to enhance your coffee-drinking experience. Whether you need snacks or beverages, we have everything you need to fuel your office staff throughout the workday — and beyond when needed!

Do You Know Your Daily Caffeine Intake? Here’s Why You Should

March is National Caffeine Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the beloved stimulant that keeps us going and going like the Energizer Bunny. It’s a time to reflect on our caffeine habits, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea, and maybe even try out some caffeine-free options.

We all love a good cup of Joe, so let’s raise a steaming hot mug to caffeine, and all the pep and zip it brings to our lives! At the same time, being aware of your daily caffeine intake is a smart idea.

Why You Should Know Your Daily Caffeine Intake

Knowing your daily caffeine intake is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and energized life! It’s like the speed limit for your caffeine consumption, helping you avoid overindulging and going on a wild and jittery ride that could potentially harm your health.

By monitoring your caffeine intake, you can ensure that you’re getting just the right amount of pep and zip to keep you awake and alert, without overdoing it.

hot cup of coffee with coffee beans

Sources of Hidden Caffeine

We expect to find caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks and soft drinks, sure, but did you know it also hides in other products where you might not suspect it? Check out this surprising list of common foods and products where caffeine can sometimes be found:

  • Chocolate bars
  • Yogurt
  • Ice creams
  • Pain relievers
  • Weight loss supplements
  • Certain breakfast foods and snacks
  • Protein bars

Is Decaf Really Caffeine-free?

Decaf coffee, despite its advertised “caffeine-free” or “reduced caffeine” nature, still holds remnants of the stimulant. The decaffeination process, while efficient in reducing caffeine levels, does not completely eradicate it.

hot coffee from a french press

The quantity of caffeine present in decaf coffee can be inconsistent, but on average, a serving of 8 ounces generally holds anywhere from 2 to 5 milligrams, as opposed to a standard 8-ounce serving of regular coffee containing 95 milligrams.

So, while decaf coffee may be a suitable choice for those seeking to regulate their caffeine consumption, bear in mind that it still retains a negligible amount of caffeine.

And, if you think that light roast coffee has less caffeine, you might be mistaken. The roast level of coffee (light, medium, or dark) doesn’t directly affect the caffeine content of coffee beans. Caffeine content is determined by the type of coffee plant, its growing conditions and the roasting process.

At BostonbeaN, we will happily help you consider the caffeine levels of our products to better determine your office’s complete coffee needs.

A Little History on the Phrase “Cup of Joe”

Why is coffee sometimes referred to as a “cup of Joe”? No one knows for sure, but “cup of Joe” endures, whether you take your coffee black or as a cold brew–or even if you prefer a fancier version, like espresso, latte, or cappuccino.

There may be many theories about where the phrase comes from, but there’s no question that the 66% of Americans who drink coffee every day know exactly what it means.

mocha latte

Here are four theories on the history of this euphemism.

  • The Navy: Josephus Daniel was the U.S. Secretary of the Navy between 1913 to 1921. At the time, the Navy was a bit of a party branch. Booze was free-flowing, and recruits were rowdy. So Secretary Joe banned all alcohol on ships in 1914, and sailors were stuck with coffee. They called it a “cup of Joe” as a disparaging reference to the secretary. However, many people dispute this theory as “cup of Joe” isn’t documented in military communication until the 1930s. 
  • The Trademark: In 1898, Joe Martinson ran Martinson Coffee in New York City. He was a big personality who brewed a unique blend. They called it “cup of Joe” as a marketing ploy. Later, they trademarked the phrase, and it started catching on with all coffee lovers. 

cup of joe from bostonbean coffee company

  • The Word Combination: Java and Mocha were common terms for coffee for centuries. Java refers to the island nation that grows coffee, and Mocha is a city in Yemen that is also a common coffee-growing area. Eventually, people combined the names and ultimately abbreviated it to “Joe.” 
  • The Average Joe: Perhaps the most straightforward explanation is the true one. “Average Joe” describes the ordinary individual who indulged in coffee in the 1930s and 1940s. “G.I. Joe” was also a popular reference to military veterans during that time. From there, “Joe” may have also transferred to the favorite drink of the every “average” man: coffee.

BostonbeaN Coffee Company is the coffee solution for all Boston-area offices, no matter their size. Our coffee machines cater to all tastes, whether a plain cup of Joe or a flavored latte. Contact us today to see how our machines can provide high-quality coffee to all of your employees.

Gourmet Coffee vs. Regular Coffee — Is There Really a Difference?

Did you know that coffee is one of the most popular agricultural commodities in the world, with an export value of over $6 billion? Despite the popularity of coffee and its somewhat mixed reputation from those who love it and those who do not, there is a type that has become known as a gourmet bean.

Coffee beans are usually harvested at different stages depending on their taste and the type of roast you want. In general, beans from a fully ripened cherry will have a darker flavor and aroma than a less ripe bean.

Gourmet Coffee Vs. Regular Coffee

Coffee lovers know what makes coffee a gourmet blend. Essentially, it all boils down to the bean. Gourmet coffee is 100 percent Arabica beans, which have been carefully nurtured and grown in ideal conditions. These top-quality beans are usually organically cultivated and sustainably sourced, making them the tastiest as well as better for the environment.

Arabica beans become so enjoyable for coffee because they’re rich in flavor and have complex aromas. They also tend to be much less acidic than other coffee beans, making them easier on the stomach. Overall, gourmet coffee is a premium choice that many people appreciate for its quality and taste.

gourmet coffee

Celebrate National Gourmet Coffee Day

If you’re looking to celebrate National Gourmet Coffee Day on Jan. 18, you can show your love for the blend with a few creative tips.

  • Host a coffee-themed get-together with your friends and family. You can share favorite brews, swap stories about past experiences with gourmet coffee, or simply catch up over a hot cup of joe.
  • Become a risk taker and try a new flavor. You’d be surprised by how many unique flavors of gourmet coffee exist. From hazelnut to pumpkin spice, there are so many exciting options out there to explore. You might even consider having a flavor tasting with your friends. 

Help Your Employees Explore Their Love of Coffee

At BostonBeaN, we’re ready to help you deck out your workplace break room with the perfect coffee machine for those morning perk-ups and afternoon pick-me-ups. We encourage you to browse our various machines to find the right match. In the meantime, check out our blog about fabulous food to pair with your coffee to get that perfect combination of food and drink.

Did You Know the Flavor of Your Coffee Comes Down to the Color of the Bean?

If you read our previous blog (and we’re SURE you did), you know that coffee beans are not beans at all. Coffee beans are actually seeds. They start out green, then change in color as they roast. The temperature and length of time they roast determine their color and flavor. Most coffee connoisseurs refer to the resulting coffee as light, medium or dark. But what else do we know about these elusive seed “beans” and how they impact our favorite cup of brew? Let’s find out more.

How Does the Color of the Bean Determine the Flavor of Your Coffee?

The color of a coffee bean can give you an early indication of the flavor before you even start grinding or brewing. The lighter the color of the coffee bean, the lighter the color of the coffee, and the milder the taste. Light brown beans produce light brews of a beige color.

flavored coffee beans

Conversely, the darker the bean, the darker the color of the coffee, and the bolder the taste. Dark roast beans can look black and will produce a black or near-black cup brew. Medium-roasted coffee sits like Switzerland in the middle of the spectrum. These reddish-brown beans produce a medium-brown cup of coffee.

How Does the Roast Change the Flavor?

In general, the longer a bean roasts, the stronger the flavor. During the roasting process, coffee beans release oils that impact the flavor and color of the resulting coffee. While a dark roast offers the boldest, most intense flavors, to the surprise of many coffee connoisseurs, it has the least amount of caffeine of all the roast levels. But roasters must be mindful not to burn their coffee beans in an attempt to extract maximum flavor. As expected, light roasts deliver the mildest flavors, and medium roasts are, well, right in the middle.

coffee beans

No matter what roast you prefer, the BostonbeaN team can provide all the brewing options and more for your office, including:

With BostonbeaN on your team, your employees will always have plenty of options to fuel the workday.

Spice Up Your Holiday Coffee with These Festive Ingredients

‘Tis the season to enjoy festive holiday flavors. Even if you’re fully committed to that hot cup of java with two sugars and a touch of cream at home or at work, you can still expand your horizons and let your tastebuds explore the impact of holiday spices on your traditional brew.

What’s extra fun about holiday flavors is that many can be stacked to create even more joy. Each flavor is impressive on its own but hits a new high when combined with others. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the flavor profile that best suits you. Here are a few choices to get you started:

Peppermint

Expect visions of candy canes and childhood holiday memories to come flooding back when you add peppermint to your coffee. A quick dash of peppermint extract (be careful! It’s strong) turns your plain coffee into a holiday party.

holiday spice coffee

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice

This trio of spices straddles fall and winter. Each can be added to your coffee beans or infused with your coffee grounds. Any of the three will add a sweet and spicy flavor to your coffee or tea; allspice is the secret sauce behind the wildly popular pumpkin spice flavoring that kicks off the fall season. If you prefer post-drip engagement, you can add the spices or sticks (like cinnamon) directly into your mug for stirring before consumption.

Whipped Cream and Marshmallows

The perfect layering choices, whipped cream and marshmallows, add a touch of cream and sugar to your beverage. Marshmallows scream childhood, but nothing beats the fun of a whipped cream mustache on a cold, wintry day. When additional flavors are added, like peppermint or spice, your beverage becomes that much more festive and fun.

Chocolate

Although we think chocolate is a perfect addition every day, some only indulge in this special treat during the holidays. Couple it with peppermint and whipped cream, and turn your office cubicle into a winter wonderland.

chocolate drizzle coffee

Orange Zest

Citrus pairs fabulously with the trio of spices or the sweetness of chocolate to create more holiday joy in your coffee mug. It levels up tea to joyous holiday status as well.

Keeping employees engaged during the holiday season can be a challenge. BostonbeaN can help you make their season bright with an office full of beverage and snack supplies. No matter what type of coffee suits your tastes, we can deliver a variety of roast options and flavors to satisfy everyone’s cravings, during the holidays and all year long.

BostonbeaN Introduces POUR’D to Their Line of Office Brewers

Boston fans intuitively know it takes more than one superstar to win a championship. At BostonbeaN, we’re always looking for the next rising star to add to our lineup of office brewers.

We found one right in our own backyard!

We took notice when the Specialty Coffee Expo (largest coffee event in North America) descended on Boston in April this year, and POUR’D by Marco took top honors as Best New Product. Right then, we knew we needed to find a way to add their innovative brewing system to our already impressive lineup, so our customers could score another win with their employees.

And now, less than 6 months later, we’ve made it happen.

By partnering with local roaster barismo, customers like you can now offer your employees a variety of quick, easy, and consistent cold brew coffee beverages from a single POUR’D tap.

coffee brewing system

Powered by barismo’s flavorful roasted blend of coffee concentrate, your employees can get consistent cold-brewed coffee, hot-draft cold-brewed coffee, and iced mochas or lattes from a single system.

How is it even possible?

The sleek system that fits under your counter uses an innovative 3-button dispenser tap to give employees exactly what they’re looking for—a quick shot of cold brew to make the perfect iced mocha or latte, or a full cup of delicious coffee goodness, hot or cold.

The POUR’D system’s beauty is in its flexibility. And accuracy. As a result, users are already raving about its speedy delivery system and ease of use. Plus, its simple, daily cleaning flush makes maintenance a snap.

Want to see this new system in action? Feel free to visit our showroom in Woburn and the BostonbeaN team will be happy to give you a demo.

Is that your only option?

drinking coffee in office

Of course not! BostonbeaN always carries a variety of coffee and tea options, from touchless machines to espresso-based beverage systems, so customers can create their own perfectly personalized beverage and snack stations to best suit the specific needs and wants of employees.

Which systems should you choose?

When you’re sporting an all-star lineup, it’s sometimes hard to make a choice. That’s why we have a team of experts ready to help you select the best systems that best fit your needs. Let our team review and recommend the best options for your Boston office. Contact the BostonbeaN team today.

Through Conversation and Literature, Coffee and Words Are a Natural Combination

Coffee talk is a thing. Why? Because conversations just seem to flow better when a tasty cup of coffee is on the table. Think about the times and the places we all enjoy coffee. To name a few:

● When you’re in the break room talking about your weekend adventures with your coworkers

● While you’re gathered around a campfire, swapping fishing stories with your friends

● During the enjoyment of your after-dinner dessert, romanticizing your vacation plans with your better half

drinking coffee by a campfire

Because of coffee’s ubiquity as a storytelling sidekick, it’s no wonder coffee appears not only in TV shows and movies, but also in many literary conversations. Integrating coffee into scenes makes stories relatable, as most readers know firsthand the feeling of the cup in their hand. They can imagine the aromas described and understand the importance of the “coffee conversation” for the character.

No doubt authors can relate, too. Indeed, the inspiration of a strong cup of coffee may have accompanied many late-night finishes of our favorite books and poems.

The Malloys found their way, that afternoon, to the Broadway Automat. They shouted with pleasure at the magical coffee spigots and the glass doors that sprang open. “O City of Broken Dreams,” a short story by John Cheever

Glen Selvy stuck his head around the edge of the partition to say good night. Lightborne asked him in for coffee, which was perking on a GE hotplate in a corner of the room. Selvy checked his watch and sat in a huge, dusty armchair … [Lightborne] poured three cups. “Running Dog” by Don DeLillo

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons… “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot

What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee? “The Warden” by Anthony Trollope

coffee and reading a book

And finally, a few quotes from the writing legends on the power of coffee.

“I could settle down into a state of equable low spirits and resign myself to coffee.” ― Charles Dickens

“Don’t look at me in that tone of voice.” ― Dorothy Parker (on having to interact with people before she’s had coffee)

“Coffee is a lot more than just a drink. It’s something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself.” ― Gertrude Stein

Now, who’s ready for some coffee?

At BostonbeaN, our focus is on providing the highest level of service to our clients and delivering on the promises we make to ensure our customers are provided with the best office coffee and breakroom experience. Are you ready to make BostonbeaN part of your story?

Best Coffee Moments in TV and Movies

Thanks to the ubiquity of coffee (and ideal opportunity for product placement), our favorite beverage has found its way onto the silver screen, appearing in virtually every genre of TV and film, from contemporary urban scenes to Westerns.

This versatile beverage, suitable for a sip any time of day, has enjoyed more than 15 minutes of fame over the years. How many of these eight iconic coffee scenes from major motion pictures do you remember?

“Elf”

Naïve and lovable Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) exuberantly bursts into a typical New York diner to congratulate them for earning the distinction of being home to the “World’s Best Cup of Coffee.”

“Meet the Robinsons”

Watch how teacher Lucille Krunklehorn (Laurie Metcalf) uses her caffeine patch invention to help her push through after not sleeping for eight days “with no side effects.”

“Sudden Impact”

Tough-as-nails cop Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) walks into his local coffee shop, and his usual waitress catches his attention by pouring sugar into his typically black coffee. Callahan leaves, then reappears through the back door to confront several would-be robbers. With the last man standing at gunpoint, Eastwood utters his most famous line: “Go ahead… make my day.”

“Airplane 2”

Passengers react reasonably calmly when flight attendant Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty) shares distressing news about the status of the flight. Mayhem and chaos only ensue when she adds, “We’re also out of coffee.”

“Miss Congeniality”

After getting a call from her captain, Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) pops the siren on her car, races to a scene, and flashes her FBI badge, just to cut to the front of a long line to place the team’s coffee order, much to the chagrin of patrons in line.

“Groundhog Day”

Realizing that his day just keeps repeating, Phil (Bill Murray) fills his table at the diner with endless treats and drinks his coffee directly from a carafe.

“L.A. Story”

As a typical L.A. group of movers and shakers led by Steve Martin orders coffee after a meal, the diversity of their personalized orders remains memorable.

“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid”

Remember Rigby Reardon (Steve Martin) pouring an entire bag of ground coffee into a pan and adding two eggs?

Now, who’s craving a cup of their favorite brew? Ensure your office is always fully loaded with the best coffee from BostonbeaN. We don’t make Hollywood movies, but we do supply the Boston metro area with water, tea, break room supplies, and of course, the world’s best cup of coffee. Find out more.

Celebrate National Coffee Day at Work With These Fun Ideas

Mark your calendars for Sept. 29 to celebrate National Coffee Day. This event was first created and promoted in Japan in 1983 by the All-Japan Coffee Association. Americans got on board with their own National Coffee Day some 20 years later.

In the United States, National Coffee Day was first celebrated in 2005, but it took off as a holiday in 2009, when the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans used the Coffee Day event as a kickoff to their inaugural New Orleans Coffee Festival. It wasn’t until 2013 that the National Coffee Association began officially celebrating the event.

cup of coffee

What can you do to celebrate this holiday beyond having a cup of the same ol’ Joe? Check out these five ideas to liven up National Coffee Day at work:

  1. Sample a new drink. Yes, we know you love your vanilla latte, but if there’s one day you should explore something new, it’s on coffee’s holiday.
  2. What’s My Drink? Get the team together for a matching game, where employees must match each person to their favorite coffee drink. The one who gets the most matches correct gets a brand new coffee mug.
  3. Swap With a Colleague. Everyone is passionate about their own favorite beverage. National Coffee day is the time to get the team together and swap favorites with a colleague. Draw names, and make someone else your favorite brew. See how many teammates you can convert to your unique concoction of coffee goodness.
  4. Create a Contest. Play trivia, fantasy sports, have a ping pong tournament, or any other team sport event where the winning team gets to have their favorite coffee beverage served exclusively for a full day in the office.
  5. Name Your Company Coffeehouse. Allow your team to get creative with names for your internal coffeehouse. Vote for a favorite and create a logo to post at the coffee stations. Go all out and have mugs made for employees as well.

group of people in office drinking coffee on national coffee day

Naturally, for the team at BostonbeaN, every day is coffee day! Yet, coffee is just one of the many vital supplies that BostonbeaN carries to help get your office team through the workday. We supply hassle-free food and snacks, breakroom supplies, and touchless coffee and water machines to keep your employees energized and engaged from opening to closing.

It’s cheaper to retain good talent than to hire new. Let them know you care by reaching out today to keep supplies stocked with their BostonbeaN favorites.