Coffee Archives - Page 3 of 7 - BostonbeaN Coffee

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.