How to Clean Commercial Coffee Brewers

Commercial coffee makers run from pod brewers, grind and brew, to airpot and shuttle brewers. Each group has to be cleaned a certain way both daily and weekly or bi-weekly depending on its use. All cleaning should be done with the hottest water possible, which brings a word of caution for possible burns and a note this job should be done by professionals.

A prime example of this is the pod brewer. If a pod brewer is used more than twice a day, then it needs to be descaled once every three months. Regular descaling of not only the pod brewer but all commercial brewers will prolong the life of a brewer; it will also guarantee optimal brewing results for a long time.

Step one to clean a pod brewer: Fill one-fourth of the water reservoir with white vinegar, then fill with clean tap water up to the maximum line.

Step 2: Place a 32 ounce container on the cup grate to catch the vinegar/water cleaning solution.

Step 3: Activate the manual prime feature. Press and hold down the Brew button until about 9 ounces have been dispensed from the brewer.

Step 4: Repeat this set two more times, making sure there is enough solution in the reservoir each time.

Step 5: The unit will then heat up normally and the brew button will turn green, indicating that the water has reached brew temperature. One minute later the button will turn yellow. Step 6: Wait ten minutes, this allows the solution to sit in the tank at brew temperature.

Step 7: Refill the water reservoir with cool, clean, tap water to the maximum line.

Step 8: Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 using the water that you add in step 7, to purge the cleaning solution from the system.

Step 9: Refill the water reservoir to the maximum indicator line and the unit will be ready to brew coffee or tea.

Grind and Brew coffee systems require daily cleaning of the cabinet and the warmers. The outside of the machine can be cleaned with a damp cloth, a household dusting spray or a stainless steel cleaner depending on the exterior of your grind and brew system. Do not ever use any abrasive as it will mar the finish. The warmer plate will maintain its appearance if cleaned regularly with a damp cloth for coffee stains. A detergent or sanitizer may be used for heavy deposits. For weekly cleaning, the slide valve under the cabinet hood should be wiped off with a clean dry cloth. Using finger tab open the slide valve with wipe the ground coffee from the inside of the spout, seal and slide valve. Use commercial grade urn cleaner as directed by manufacturer to clean the brew basket, airpots and decanters.

Commercial brewers that brew into a decanter or airpot should wash the brew funnel, decanter or decanters by hand. Never use a dishwasher as it may cause breakage of the decanter or brew funnel. Clean all plastic and stainless steel surfaces whenever necessary with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse the items thoroughly and wipe dry. Be sure to avoid any strong cleaners which my adversely affect the plastic parts. Remove stains on stainless steel parts with a Scotchbrite pad. Never use steel wool as it will mar the finish. Remove the sprayhead with a nut or the sprayhead itself once a week to prevent lime build-up and clogging of the holes in the sprayhead. If the sprayhead has extra build-up, use a soft brush like a soft toothbrush to clean if needed.

Shuttle brewers need to be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly depending on their use. To clean, fill the shuttle with a gallon of hot water. Pour the recommended concentration of urn cleaner into the shuttle liners. Do not overload as this will attack the stainless steel. DIP-IT and Oxylite are most recommended. Scrub the liner interior with a plastic bristle brush. Remove the knurled nut at the top of the gauge glass and clean the glass with a small bottle brush. Pour out the contents of the shuttle. Remove the handle assembly of the shuttle faucet by unscrewing the plastic bonnet. Gently wash the faucet shank with a bottle brush. Clean the warmer and bottom of the shuttle surfaces. These surfaces must be clean for proper heat transfer. Polish the exterior of the brewer with a stainless steel cleaner. Use the appropriate cleaner for brass, copper or vinyl if the optional finishes are present on your commercial brewer.

CoffeeMakersShop.com offers a wide variety of quality coffee making products, grinders and espresso machines from Farberware, Hamilton Beach, Mr. Coffee, Nesco, Rancilio, Saeco and Toastess for the home and Grindmaster-Cecilware and Bunn for commercial use. We also offer tea kettles, warmers, airpots and LavAzza coffee. Let us know how we can serve you better.

Steps to Buying Coffee Online

Shopping from the comfort of your own home is something that thousands of consumers prefer to do these days. There are a few reasons why buying coffee online has become so popular. First off, it is really easy to do. There is not rigorous process involved at all. Secondly, buying coffee online is usually less expensive. If you know when and where to look there is an above average chance that you will get the price that you are looking for. Lastly, the coffee will get delivered right to your front door. You never have to worry about going to various different grocery stores in an effort to find the type of coffee that you are after.

The first step to buying coffee online is locating a website that has a good selection and that you can trust. These websites are typically the large websites that are the industry leaders in the world of coffee. In short, the best way to find a website that you can trust is to locate it by executing a simple search online. Once you have located such a site it is time to begin looking at their inventory. You should have a pretty decent idea of what you are looking for before you begin to look at the website. Once you are there start browsing around and checking out the different flavors that they have that you may enjoy.

After locating a few different types of coffee that you want to buy it is a good idea to do a little comparison shopping. What this means is that you will simply look around on other websites to see what they are charging for the coffees that you are interested in. There is a good chance that you will find the same exact product on a different website for less money. If this happens, and you feel comfortable with the website that has the lower price, you can make the purchase for cheaper. However, if you feel that the website with the lower prices is not a reputable company it is always a good idea to pay a little bit more so that you have peace of mind.

The last thing that you need to do when buying coffee online is enter your payment information and your shipping address. Make sure the website takes the type of credit card that you have. In most cases the only way to pay online is with an accepted card.

Find coffee products online to save a lot of money.

Do I Really Need A Grinder?

Most, if not all, individuals who are upgrading their coffee habits from the instant coffee packs, K-cups and other canned coffee products will discover that there are, indeed, plenty of questions related to coffee culture. One of the most common queries pertains to the need for a grinder.

Obviously, a coffee grinder grounds whole beans into smaller particles that can then be used for brewing the cup. The market is full of all types of grinders from manual to automatic and conical, blade and burr kinds. It can be difficult to choose which one is the best but we shall discuss it later on.

The question remains: Do you need a coffee grinder? The short and simple answer is a definite "yes" for many reasons.

For one thing, the manner in which the coffee beans are ground makes a world of difference in the flavour, aroma and robustness of the brew itself. It must be noted that the chemical changes necessary to bring out the full flavours of coffee largely happens during the grinding process.

For another thing, each type of coffee requires different consistencies. Too coarse or too fine ground coffee beans and you can end up with something you don't want in the coffee. Keep in mind that drip coffee makers require medium to coarse particles while espresso machines need very fine ground beans, almost like a powder. If you somehow mix up the two grinding consistencies, not only will you end up with an inferior cup of coffee but your machine can be damaged, too.

So, if you want to experience a whole different world in coffee from the oft-stale pre-ground coffee beans, go for a coffee grinder. It will be a worthy investment with each delicious cup making a sensual dance on your palate and then warming your veins each morning.

However, just because you have a coffee grinder in your home means that you can be trigger-happy with it either. Coffee experts recommend grinding the coffee beans in the required amounts for each fresh brew to enjoy the freshest flavour. Storing the grind coffee beans even in an airtight container will make it lose majority of its desirable flavour, aroma and body. You might as well throw the grind beans away, thus, wasting both good coffee and money.

Now for the matter of choosing the right type of coffee grinder, we suggest looking at the following factors.

Amount and type of coffee brewed in a day - A burr grinder is best for several espresso shots daily while a blade grinder is suitable for automatic drip coffee makers.

Time Spent on Grinding - You may want to consider a grinder when multi-tasking is the order of your mornings. Just keep in mind that you may have to experiment with the consistency of the ground coffee beans.

Ease of Cleaning - Blade grinders usually requires wiping with a damp paper towel to clean while a burr grinder may require more care like compressed air and disassembly.

In the end, the decision to purchase a coffee grinder is yours to make. But if you are a coffee lover who seeks long-term value from a kitchen appliance, then a coffee grinder must be in your near future.

Jason Hart's Mobile Coffee Cart Melbourne is a mobile coffee cart that is available for your next function or event in Melbourne. Contact Coffee Cart Hire Melbourne

The Secret of Green Tea

Green tea is believed to have many healing properties. It is made of the same Camellia Sinensis plant that all other variants of tea are made of. The stems, leaves and twigs are dried out under the sun and when ready, are brought under varying levels of oxidization processes to achieve the desired properties, including aroma and flavors. When it has undergone only a little oxidization, green tea is produced. This type of tea is very popular in many countries because of its alleged magical properties. Tea tree is a common ingredient that is used as a base in many medications to combat skin bacteria and fungi. Acne, dandruff and skin irritations are some of the ailments that it can heal.

You can only imagine how powerful this stuff actually is when you ingest it. They say that this type of tea has the power to transform from within and if you are ready to change your life, then read on. If you are stuck in a rut, feeling depressed, lifeless and overweight, chances are you have been putting too many toxins in your body. It is a simple formula. What we are is what we eat. If you have been overindulging on greasy fatty foods, taking in alcohol like there is no tomorrow and smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, your body may be trying to tell you something.

We are made as part of the beautiful creation of the universe. We are as special and as lovely as the trees, the grass, the flowers and all the animals in it. Do you ever see any of these creatures eat anything that is not natural? Synthetic food with all the coloring, flavoring, and chemicals are bad for you. This is what blocks your arteries and makes your blood vessels narrower. This is what keeps the heart in such bad shape and your cholesterol levels high. Sure they may taste good but that is only because you've been programmed to believe that.

The reality is, nothing can beat the taste of the pure and natural. Try to transform your life today with a cup of green tea. Have one for breakfast in place of your regular hotcakes with syrup and fried runny eggs. Appreciate the beauty around you and the flow of nature. It is trying to tell you something. Treat your body right and you will feel younger and better than ever. The secret is out.

Uncover more secrets about green tea at yestea.co.uk

How the K-Cups and T-Discs Work

Single cup coffee has been the latest revolution within the brewing industry. The ability to make a single cup tailored directly to one's own individual tastes has completely changed how people brew their coffee at home and at the office. They are no longer subject to the whims and tastes of the first person into work each morning. (On a personal note, it was always frustrating for me to arrive to work and find hazelnut on the pot. I have nothing against the flavor, but it is not one of my favorites. Anyhow, I digress...) The speed, efficiency, and taste targeting offered by the single cup brewers - most popular brands being Keurig and Tassimo - are a breath of fresh air to an industry that already has gained acceptance as the world's second most consumed drink after water. But how does the single cup brewer work?

Even if you have never used a single cup brewer, you are probably familiar with the K (Keurig)-Cup, having seen them at a department or grocery store - or at office coffee supply areas. It is little more than a small cylinder cup-like apparatus about the size of a golf ball. The inside of this cup is more conical with a paper filter surrounding the coffee pod. Pressurized hot water is forced through a pin hole in the top and drains out the bottom similar to the process of a standard coffee brewer. Depending on what style of Keurig brewer is purchased, the brewer itself is first filled with the amount of water desired. The K-cup is next placed into a tray with dual needles that puncture the apparatus on the top and bottom to allow for water flow. The user then needs only to close the device, put his or her favorite coffee mug underneath the nozzle, and then press the on button. Within sixty seconds or so, they will have a perfect hot cup of coffee ready for consumption.

The T-disc is the counterpart for the Tassimo system. It operates under a similar concept to the K-cup, but throws in some twenty-first century technology into the process. The t-disc includes a barcode that can be read by the brewer that tells the brewer the portion, brewing time, and best temperature for the beverage being produced. Because of this barcode "intelligent" brewer system, the Tassimo brewer does not used pressurized water. Some users believe that this leads to a higher quality beverage, but that is obviously at the eye of the holder.

While both brewers have each gained a foothold and produce wonderful coffees (and other beverages) in a more efficient and timely manner than anyone could have expected just a few years ago, the one negative to the whole process is a lack of interconnectivity. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a VHS/Betamax battle ongoing in this market, with neither system's coffee pods capable of interacting with the other. This means that users who enjoy both brands would have to buy a brewer from each company. While versions of both brewers are available at relatively reasonable rates, needing to buy both could prove to be a bit expensive.

By Felix Chesterfield III
For a list of Keurig & Tassimo products, such as Tassimo T-Discs, please contact the author. There is also a wide variety of coffee products and accessories available at Amazon.

How To Save Cash On Coffee During Current Economic Times

We all agree that the recession has affected our spending habits, which can be either positive or negative depending on your perspective of the matter. Let's just say that we have scaled down on our needs and often completely forego on the luxuries we would have thought nothing of indulging in before the Great Recession began. Our foremost priority is to build on our savings accounts one dollar at a time because the rainy days are still up ahead.

But there are a few things that we cannot give up. Coffee is on top of the list for the obvious reason that it perks up our bodies and minds to face the joys and challenges of the day ahead. So, if there are indulgences we cannot let go of, then coffee is it!

You don't have to feel guilty about your coffee indulgence, fortunately. There are many ways to enjoy your cup of preferred java on a daily basis and yet avoid overspending on your habit.

Obviously, your first step is to stop buying brewed coffee and other prepared espresso beverages from cafes! Let's do the math here. If you are buying two venti mochas a day for $4.50 each order, this will translate to $63 a week or more than $3,000 a year just for takeout coffee!

The amount does not even include the money spent on petrol to drive to and from the cafe as well as the lost productivity time lining up to get your order. Just imagine your savings if you can stop indulging in these beverages.

So, what do we suggest you do to continue indulging in your favourite cup of coffee sans the dependence on the cafes? Go for a coffee maker coupled with your choice of beans, be it for espresso, Indonesian blend or Cuban variety, among others.

You will then be able to make your own coffee right in the comfort of your own home at any time you desire. No gas expenses, no crowds and certainly no pricey blends! Keep in mind that the coffee and its various permutations you buy from a cafe can be made at home with none of the added dollars necessary to make a profit.

Well, of course, you must experiment with the machine and the blend before you can equal the quality of the cafe-bought beverage. The good news is that you may take just a couple of experimentation when you have a high quality, super-automatic machine. Even a semi-automatic coffee maker is a great tool for making excellent espresso.

We suggest the Gaggia coffee maker because of its excellent features. Just place the coffee beans in the appropriate slot and the coffee machine will do everything necessary to make the perfect espresso. It's as hands-off as you can possibly get and still enjoy your health drink. Yes, coffee has many health benefits including boosting cognitive functioning, lessening the risks for chronic degenerative diseases and even fighting dental caries.

You can also save on the costs of coffee machines by looking for package deals and bargain sales on these kitchen appliances. You will be surprised at the amount of money that will be in your bank by cutting corners on your coffee habit without necessarily giving up on the delicious flavours that the brown liquid can bring.

Jason Hart's Mobile Coffee Melbourne is a mobile coffee cart that is available for your next function or event in Melbourne. Contact Coffee Cart Hire Melbourne

Burr Coffee Grinders - The 1st Step To Perfect Coffee

So why is a Burr coffee grinder so much better at producing the perfect grind of your beans? Well, first it is important to know how a Burr coffee grinder works in comparison to the less superior (and cheaper) blade coffee grinders.

First, blade grinders has a blade that spins around much like a regular blender. The blades slice and chop the beans for however long the grinder is switched on, and it is up to the operator to decide how long to leave it running. This can result in easily over-grinding the coffee beans to the extent that you could even damage your coffee machine.

A Burr coffee grinder works by gripping and crushing the coffee beans between an outer and inner cone. The cone of the Burr coffee grinder rotates, while it's outer cone remains stationary. The cones are made of a hard material and are often ribbed to help grip the coffee beans. By using this method, the Burr coffee machine is able to control very accurately the fineness of the coffee bean grind since it depends on the distance between the cones and not on the time that the coffee grinder is doing the actual grinding.

Overall, this type of machine will provide a much more even grind throughout the beans than that of a blade grinder.

So by being able to control the grind you can easily produce course grinds that are suitable for coffee percolators, medium grinds that are suitable for coffee plungers, fine grinds that are needed for espresso coffee machines and extra fine grinds that are required for the making of Turkish coffee.

So, now onto what people consider to be the biggest drawback to owning one of these grinders - The price.

What draws so many people into buying the cheaper blade grinder option is that it is difficult to spend more than $30 if you want to own a new one.

A Burr grinder on the other hand starts at about $20 for a budget model and goes right up to well over $2000 for a top of the range model made by Mazzer.

However, it is also important to remember that many these more expensive machines include accessories like bean hoppers, grind catchers and some even come with the espresso machine built in!

However as long as you remember the following basic Burr coffee grinding advantages:
A more consistent grade of coffee grind.Far more quiet that a blade grinder when operating.The Burr cones inside the grinder will usually be far longer lasting than the blades in a blade grinder.You can usually dispense your coffee grinds directly into a coffee machine resulting in less waste.

You will know that you will have made the right choice in buying a Burr coffee grinder.

So make sure you do plenty of research before buying your Burr coffee grinder here. Also make sure you are fully aware of the main differences between Burr and blade coffee grinders.

Possible Side Effects of Green Tea

Green Tea Side Effects: They Exist But Don't Be Afraid!

Although green tea has many health benefits some serious side effects also exist.

These side effects only occur, if at all, when consumption is high, during a longer period of time. After all, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wouldn't categorize green tea as "Generally Recognized as Safe".

Most of the side effects are associated with the caffeine content in green tea.

Caffeine, the scapegoat.

Some of the negative side effects related to excessive caffeine consumption during a longer period of time are:

* Insomnia (unable to fall asleep)

* Restlessness

* Anxiety

* Irritability

* Upset stomach (gas)

* Nausea

* Headaches (from dehydration)

* Tremor (uncontrollable muscle contraction and relaxation)

* Loss of appetite

* Diarrhea

* Vomiting

* Heart palpitations (a rapidly or forcefully beating heart)

* Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

* Increased blood sugar levels

* Dizziness

* Frequent urination.

Side effects: the rest...

Other green tea side effects are:

1. Allergic reactions

People can be allergic to green tea ingredients such as the tannins or caffeine, identified through unexplained skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

These exceptional allergic reactions are similar to, say, a peanut, bee sting, or shrimp allergy.

2. Health issues

Some health issues may occur when drinking green tea, such as:

* Iron deficiency anemia. Polyphenols (mainly tannins and catechins) found in this type of tea bind to non-heme iron. Although this anti-oxidative effect is desirable in the fight against cancer, this mechanism may impair the utilization of dietary iron. In other words, polyphenols lower the iron availability and absorption from foods; tea extract decreased non-heme iron absorption by 28%.

Two independent studies involving children from different ends of the world (Great Britain and Saudi Arabia) found they may optimize their iron status by avoiding tea with (or after) meals. The interaction between tea and iron can be mitigated, however, by the addition of high sources of vitamin C or consuming tea between meals.

Conversely, a 1998 study argued that the reduction in iron absorption may be of benefit to patients with genetic haemochromatosis.

* Thiamine deficiency. Another potential side effect is that green tea reduces the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B), which can lead to a condition known as Beriberi (nowadays known primarily to alcoholics, people on fad diets, or persons undergoing long-term starvation) where one version attacks the cardiovascular system and another version attacks the neurologic system.

* Liver disorders. In rare cases, green tea extract may lead to acute liver toxicity, recognized by abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice.

* Kidney problems. Overconsumption may affect the absorption of oxalates and contribute to the development of kidney stones. Contrary to these results, Curhan et al found drinking tea (a daily serving of 240 ml) decreases the risk of developing kidney stones by 8%; a study involving more than 81,000 women.

* Stomach problems. Dubey concluded in a 1984 study that "tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, and this can be reduced by adding milk and sugar."

* Teeth stains. Tea will stain your teeth if you do not brush your teeth within 24 hours and floss regularly.

* Beware of diet teas. There are two types of diet teas: the good and the bad. Beware of the second one containing mostly stimulant laxative herbs; when consumed in large quantities these laxative herbs may lead to (chronic) diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach bleeding/cramps, fainting, dehydration and (chronic) constipation.

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Caffeine, catechins and tannic acids are substances linked to pregnancy risks such as miscarriages, low birth weights and fetal neural tube defects. Some health organizations advise pregnant women to limit their caffeine consumption to 300 mg per day.

3. Interference with medications

If you are on medication or you have a medical history always consult your medical advisor whether or not to take green tea as it may interfere or interact with certain medications such as antibiotics, sedatives, beta blockers (adenosine), blood thinners (aspirin or warfarin), anti-psychotics (MAOIs, clozapine, or lithium), some cough, cold, and weight loss products.

Tips (to prevent any side effects)

Here are some tips to limit possible negative side effects.

* Use green tea in moderate amounts.

* Brew between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit (just below boiling point) to prevent green tea changing into an acidic, astringent chemical composition otherwise contributing to acid reflux (heartburn) and an upset stomach).

* Avoid making your cup of green tea too strong; a strong cup contains more caffeine (and polyphenols) which can lead to the side effects mentioned earlier.

* Avoid drinking green tea for at least 2 hours after taking medications.

* Avoid or only consume moderate amounts of green tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Discover Where to Buy Coffee Beans and (More Importantly) Which Coffee to Buy

Specialty shops make it possible to buy coffee from many different regions across the globe. Whether it is Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee or Kona coffee from Hawaii, maybe it's even from Colombia or Ethiopia.

Regardless of the origin, if you're someone who enjoys the daily ritual of consuming this bitter-sweet nectar in some way, shape or form, then you're not alone.

Coffee drinkers are often particular about the type of coffee to buy - Every single person will have a personal preference for a particular taste or flavour when it comes to coffee. It could simply be what they're used to drinking, but for others there isn't really one flavour upon which to settle (at least not for too long.)

Personally, if someone were to buy me coffee it would be very easy for me to drink regardless of the country from which it came. These beans are all delicious and the flavour can be changed so easily in some cases. Adding honey instead of sugar is one way in which you can truly alter your daily cup's taste, providing a rich, warm body to the coffee without the sharp sting of sugar's bitterness.

You might also choose not to add milk, or to add soy or almond milk instead of dairy. This is something else which will affect the taste in subtle ways, providing either a much more sickly taste, or creating a product which blends the taste of the coffee beans and milk product to create a much smoother drink.

Another useful tip to keep in mind if you're ever asked to buy coffee is that not every company uses the same procedures, so it is unreasonable to expect two different coffees to taste even remotely similar. Perhaps that might seem a bit extreme, but it certainly emphasizes the notion that no two coffees are the same, which is a rule some coffee drinkers live by.

Some will tell you that the best coffee to buy is made from arabica beans, whilst others will contest that a blend of arabica and robusta beans provides a wonderful balance between wonderful flavours and a decent amount of caffeine.

Which coffee to buy as well as where to buy coffee depends largely on your location; Specialty shops should be able to offer a larger selection of coffees than a local grocer's or milk-bar, but they will often come with a much higher price tag.

Jamaican blue mountain coffee is often revered as a winner in the coffee world, but there are always a few surprise contenders that can creep up on you slowly but grab your attention fast.

These flavour power-houses are rare and hard to come by, with only a handful of people ever privy to these wonderful varieties of coffee to buy.

If you want to buy coffee which produces some truly wonderful flavours (instead of tasting 'just average') click here.
Previously it would have been very difficult to obtain these products, but thanks to the internet your searching efforts have been rewarded. Enjoy the delicious flavours these unique blends produce.

Making Blooming Tea The Best Way Possible

More and more people are starting to enjoy the benefits of blooming tea. If you want to experience it also, there are a few things that you'll need to know beforehand. Here are a few tips on making blooming or flowering tea.

A wide range of flowers can be included in blooming tea, such as marigold, chamomile, chrysanthemum, hibiscus and even jasmine green tea. Naturally, all these have different tastes, which makes trying each of them a very enjoyable activity.

As each of the main tea types requires a different water temperature for brewing, it is important to know the basis for the blooming tea ball you have purchased. When you know if it is green, black or white tea, you will know how best to brew the tea for the best outcome.

Water boiled to a maximum temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for flowering tea that uses black or oolong tea leaves. For loose green tea or white tea the temperature should be around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. One other matter is to make sure to use spring or distilled water so that the flavor is not tainted by chemicals in the water.

The type of container you use for making blooming tea is important. Glass containers are used most often for flowers tea so that people can see the action easily. If the container isn't made from glass, it should be made from some other type of transparent material.

Just make sure that you use a proper container when making the tea. You will likely have to pour boiling water into it. If it isn't designed for this, it will crack or even shatter upon doing so.

It's most common for you to find balls to use for flowers tea. However, there are many more shapes and designs available for you to choose from. You may even be in for a nice surprise whenever the flowers open up.

The strength of tea depends entirely on the number of tea balls used. Using more than one tea ball at a time will not only give a stronger tea, but will provide twice the pleasure as the balls bloom.

Another factor that determines how your flowering tea turns out is how long you steep it. The minimum time is three minutes to give a milder tasting tea. You can steep it up to five minutes if you want tea with a darker color and more robust flavor.

After you have finished steeping your blooming tea, it's best that you pour it into a separate container. If you don't, then the tea will just keep getting stronger and stronger while you're sitting there drinking. You can avoid this by using smaller teapots that you pour hot water into whenever you need more to drink.

Honestly, making blooming tea is a straightforward thing. Just keep the above hints in mind and the results should be great. After the first attempt at this type of tea, you will no doubt be ready to try many different types of flowers or loose green tea for yourself.

Visit http://www.bloomingteasite.com/ and find out more about the wonderful blooming tea also known as flowers tea and other different types of tea.

Caffeine in Green Tea - What's The Real Story?

There is a "kick" associated with the ingestion of caffeine containing products, including tea, coffee, cola, sports drinks, etc. This "kick" is also responsible for health hazards, including insomnia, cancer, heart palpitations, jitters, shakes and much more.

The most widely consumed psychoactive substance in history is caffeine. This includes nicotine, alcohol and illicit drugs just to name a few. It is safe when used in reasonable quantities by adults.

Green tea is considered safer than other caffeine containing products and many people are switching to it because of its health benefits and because of its lower caffeine content.

The caffeine content in this tea is much less than that contained in black or oolong tea as well as coffee and other cola and sports beverages. It produces a slow calming and soothing effect on the nervous system.

Would drinking decaffeinated green tea be a better option? Probably not because much of the health benefits of the tea are lost from the loss of the polyphenolic content during the decaffeinating process. This tea is steamed fresh green tea leaves while black and oolong tea leaves are dried with all the moisture removed. Remember, caffeine positively enhances many of the health benefits of the tea.

Lately there has been a concern over how the effects of over-the-counter caffeine tablets and black coffee compare to green tea supplements added to the diet. There have been a few deaths reported from extreme overdoses of caffeine through over-the-counter caffeine supplements and black coffee. There are approximately 25 milligrams in an 8 ounce cup of green tea. This amount is considered safe and lower than many of the other caffeine containing products.

Caffeine works in a positive way by enhancing many of the health benefits of green tea. There are many many brands of green tea in the marketplace so be sure you purchase a good quality product not the cheapest you can find. Remember, it is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage, but you can also find extracts or capsules. It is found as well in some skin care products.

This supplement appears to have many healthful properties, not the least of which is caffeine. Also, if you need that "kick" try green tea instead of cola, coffee, black tea or sports drinks. You can attain the healthful benefits without the problems associated with the other beverages noted above. This could be a pleasant way to support a healthful lifestyle.

Virginia Brown - Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister and Grandmother. Native American woman from the Wintu Tribe of Northern California. I love Zumba dancing for wonderful exercise. Come visit our site and learn more about our healthy living ideas.

http://www.stayhealthyinfo.com/

What Makes Nettle Tea So Good for You?

For anyone who has ever explored in the forest, you learn immediately to avoid stinging nettles. The heart shaped nettle leaves contain a serious punch by using virtually undetectable hairs that can cause folks who come in contact with them to have painful, red and irritated skin. However Mother Nature did not create these plants just to hurt; remarkably, simply drying out the nettle leaves (use gloves when handling them!) and turning them in to a tea brings wonderful natural health benefits that have been acknowledged for hundreds of years.

Inside, it seems like there isn't any end as to what stinging nettle tea will do for one's body. To start with, nettle tea is loaded with vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc - who needs everyday supplements after having a hot drink of nettle tea? Also if you do not experience any health problems, having the tea on a regular basis can really help you stay in great shape.

As stinging nettle tea is a diuretic (meaning it flushes out your system), it aids in the relief of bladder infections and kidney stones. It can also ease diarrhea symptoms; but just be careful, as having a large amount also acts as a laxative!

It also contains anti-inflammatory qualities that will help in a respite from joint pain and arthritis (both from drinking the tea or applying it locally to the joints - the tea, definitely not the leaves!). These properties help open sinus cavities, too, allowing an end to hay fever along with other allergies.

If you're ill, drinking the tea can aid your coughing and asthma. A number of people have even replaced their coffee with nettle tea, declaring the energy and stamina they get right after a cup kicks anything they ever got from drinking caffeine.

Woman get additional benefits from consuming it; as I've already explained, nettle tea is known as a natural diuretic, which eliminates water retention and bloating throughout menstruating. Moreover, during menstruation and after giving birth, drinking it can decrease excessive bleeding. Using the tea in the form of a wash for the hair promotes growth helping to strengthen the root; it is important to let that boiling herbal tea cool down before you tip it on your head.

Externally, nettle tea is a really winner, too. The anti-inflammatory qualities that help joint inflammation also combat eczema and zits. Kind of ironic, considering the itchy swelling the leaves cause if they get in direct contact with the skin! Additionally, the diuretic effect of the tea assists in keeping the body flushed out, which always equals healthier, radiant skin.

And fear not - drinking it is not going to cause your insides to flare up in irritation like contact with the skin will. However, as with all natural herbs, make certain you introduce it to your diet gradually to avoid an allergic reaction. If you're too nervous to embark on a nettle retrieving journey by yourself (those stings are painful!), don't worry about missing out; a nearby health food store will surely stock nettle tea in both pill or dried leaf format - after all, they have been aware of the benefits forever!

In addition, you can find easy to use, helpful information about Nettle Tea at http://www.nettleteahq.com/

Nettle Tea HQ is a site dedicated to helping everyone benefit from all that nettle tea has to offer. Drop by and say hi!

How Red (Rooibos) Tea Boosts Your Health

For the people of South Africa, red tea has long been a favorite natural remedy for various ailments. The name Rooibos is literally translated from Afrikaans as "red bush." This bush is selective as to where it grows and is found only in a small area of the Western Cape in South Africa, namely the Cederberg area. It is part of the fynbos family of this region.

In the 1930's the first rooibos plants were cultivated in Clanwilliam (a small town in the Western Cape) on the Klein Kliphuis Farm (which literally translated Small Stone House Farm).

For generations the tea has been used as a home treatment and very few questioned it's ability to relieve certain ailments. Scientific studies performed over recent years have proven many of these claims to be true. Rooibos tea is an infusion made with oxidized leaves of the rooibos plant. It contains two main flavonoids, aspalathin and nothofagin. Aspalathin is unique to rooibos while nothofagin may also be found in other plants. The aspalathin in rooibos have been shown to be more effective in getting rid of free radicals than the EGCG flavonoid found in green tea.

List of Benefits:
Decreases nervous tensionHelps to prevent allergiesRelief from digestive problems because of its antispasmodic propertiesEffective treatment for infantile colicBrings relief to asthma sufferers as it acts as a bronchodilator and antispasmodic agentCan help with dermatological conditions. A Japanese study suggested that it is beneficial for the topical treatment of acne.The tea has been proven to be beneficial to heart healthGreat beverage for diabetics since it has been proven in one study to suppress the increase of fasting glucose levels as well as increasing glucose tolerance by stimulating the glucose uptake in the muscle tissues. It also stimulates the insulin secretion from the pancreasIt has been shown to aid regeneration of liver tissue and is therefore great for those suffering from liver disease

Other Health Facts Concerning Rooibos:
Rooibos tea has about 1/10th of the tannin content of other teas. Tannin affects your body's metabolism by interfering with its ability to absorb iron and protein and can strip your body of about 1/3 of its iron levels.Rooibos tea has no side-effects and can therefore be used in unlimited quantitiesSince it contains no caffeine it can be enjoyed in the evening without concerns that it may interfere with your sleepIt contains no kilojoules (calories) which means its a great beverage for those who want to shed some weightIt contains minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodiumPregnant moms can drink Rooibos tea without concerns that it may increase nausea and heartburnSince it contains no oxalic acid, it can be safely enjoyed by people with kidney stones

Various Other Uses:

Rooibos tea is a favorite in a wide range of skin and beauty products because of its many therapeutic benefits for the skin. Traditionally Rooibos tea is enjoyed without milk and sweetened with honey or sugar. However, it does have a naturally sweet taste and a distinct nutty flavor. A "red espresso" is often enjoyed by the health conscious, which is a concentrated rooibos served in the ordinary style of espresso. A "green" rooibos tea is also available which has been shown to have more or less double the amount of anti-oxidants than the more popular red tea. It is also enjoyed as an iced tea, but a recent study conducted at the University of Stellenbosch have indicated that the brewed version of rooibos tea has more evidence of antioxidant activity than rooibos iced teas:

Not a single brand of commercially-available rooibos iced teas tested for phenolic quality (a large class of natural compounds found in colourful plants and with laboratory evidence of antioxidant activity - Wikepedia), compared favourably with a cup of brewed rooibos. Worse still, six of the eight brands tested showed not the slightest trace of aspalathin, the antioxidant unique to rooibos.

See original article for relevant links and recipes: Click here

Ula is a freelance health and wellness article writer who has 17 years experience in the health industry and holds a bachelor's degree in science. She lives near Cape Town, South Africa. Subscribe to free weekly health tips on her website here: http://healthsolutionssa.com/

Herbal Tea Can Cure Major Health Problems

A morning drink is a basic prerequisite of all the people in order to make their day vigorous. Consumption of Herbal tea will reduce major health problems also. It is made up of herbs or fusion of herbs that is beneficial for humans' body. It basically a mixture of different types of leafs, Berries, pieces of fruit, spices, bark, roots and flowers. Other then daily morning drink we also serve you with tea of green leaf, black leaf and white leaf. The main difference is just extraction of leafs and processes it in different way. One of advantages of this is it helps to cure cold and unruffled the nerves. As per Ayurveda it contains all the medical properties that will keep your mind and body active and also protect our body from other diseases. Some of major benefits from this that will tempt you for its consumption are:

1. It will give you benefit of all spices and herbs.
2. Helps to keep your mind active and fit.
3. It is considered to be pure Ayurvedic refreshing drink.
4. It does not contain any leafs and also free from black leafs.
5. It is also free from caffeine and tannin.

Some of different categories of Ayurvedic tea available with us are: tea for getting slim, for memory, for vigor, for Asthma, for BP, for good sleep, for DXN and many more. Now get medicine for your problems in the form of morning drink and make your life live healthy. It is been observed that more consumption of this will be harmful to body, but if you having herbal tea then it will not harm your body. Below given are some of herbs that will cure problems like: Licorice will protect you from reactions and throat problem, mint flavour is good for stomach and digestion system. Lavender will give your mind and body feel relax; ginger will give you relief from motions and cold.

So don't wait any more, make your day healthy and body more active with tea. Now enjoy it as per your taste. Even small children can also drink it and make their old age fit from now itself. Our aim is to cure body problems with Ayurveda in form of tea. Our product is acceptable in other countries also and results in good wellness of people. So we can only say that for all remedies only one medicine i.e., herbal tea.

Herbal tea is a mixture of hot water and dried fruits, flowers or herbs, such as Chamomile tea. Herbal tea is not brewed from the same leaves as black tea or green teas.

Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe Contest Winner

Following June's iced tea cocktails-themed tea recipe contest contest judges Colleen Graham of About.com Cocktails, Chris Cason of Tavalon and I were all impressed with two recipe contest entries from from The Manor Casual Bistro in Edmonton, Alberta. Although it was a close call between them, in the end The Model Tea won. Chris said:

"Mixing this cocktail was an adventure, since I hadn't tried some of the ingredients (such as the super-sweet Donnafugata Ben Rye Zibibbo Dessert Wine). The amaro (one of my favs, since it adds such a unique herb flavor) worked well to bring out the tea flavor much more than the first drink. And as the ice melted, the tea flavor became more pronounced - brilliant! The coup de grace was the basil garnish - perhaps I am just a sucker for basil, but it brought the whole sweet, herb-y mix together perfectly."

I couldn't agree more and Colleen concurred that this was a great drink. Congrats to The Manor Casual Bistro for winning the iced tea cocktail recipe contest with such an innovative and delicious iced tea cocktail recipe!

In related news, Chris just got married (Congrats, Chris!!!) and will be on his honeymoon for the next few weeks, so we're putting the tea recipe contest on hold until August.

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Coffee: So Many Choices

If you are like me then you cannot function without your morning cup of coffee. That said, it is becoming harder and harder to determine exactly what type of coffee I want and how I want to make it. There are so many options out there regarding flavors as well as coffee machines that it can take a few minutes just to figure out what you are in the mood for. The good news is that by understanding exactly what you are after you will be able to make a quick determination. By having knowledge about different types of coffees you will always make a good decision that will help get your day off to a good start.

The most obvious choice that people have to make regarding their coffee is what flavor they want. There are literally hundreds of different flavors out there by all different kinds of manufacturers. The thing that most people do is buy a variety of flavors if they are making the coffee at home. They can simply look at the flavors they have and make a determination. People that buy their coffee on the road can typically choose from the flavors available at the point of purchase or choose to put flavored creamer in the coffee. The flavored creamer is nice because you can add as much or as little as you want in an effort to change the strength of the flavoring.

Another choice that can be made in regard to coffee is in regard to if you want to use K Cups or if you prefer the more traditional scoops of coffee grounds. There is a bit of difference here in the fact that K Cups are much easier to clean up. However, critics of these cups say that you do not get the same amount of flavor as you would with the alternative because the filtering process is much different. Another advantage to these K Cups is that you can buy small amounts of various different flavors. This means that you can try different flavors out one cup at a time instead of one can at a time. There are advantages to using typical coffee grounds, however. In many cases these grounds are very fresh and provide the cleanest tasting cup of coffee that you can get. In addition, they are also able to be re used if you want to make a weaker pot of coffee later in the day.

Shop for K cups online to save a lot of money.

Jasmine Tea Benefits - Health Effects Unique to Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea is tea that has been scented with jasmine blossoms. Originating in China and still popular there, jasmine tea is one of the most popular styles of flavor tea worldwide.

How jasmine tea is made:

The base tea used is typically a green tea, although sometimes a white tea or a pouchong (bao zhong), which is a lighter oolong, is used. Rarely, black, oolong, or Pu-erh will be used as a base. The traditional production process for jasmine tea is time-intensive and involves many steps: the tea leaves are layered with jasmine flowers, and allowed to sit in an enclosed area until the floral scent permeates the leaves These flowers are then removed and replaced with new flowers, at which point the process is repeated. In more expensive varieties, this process will be repeated as many as 7 times. This process is time-intensive and costly, and modern "shortcut" methods have been invented that involve. Connoisseurs often consider these shortcut methods to yield an inferior product.

Jasmine tea contains tea as well as other natural chemicals:

A key idea for the purpose of this article is that the health effects of jasmine tea depend not only on chemical substances in the tea leaves, but also on chemicals present in the jasmine flowers. These additional chemicals are responsible for the unique health benefits of this blend, that cannot be found in other teas. But first I will give a brief overview of the health benefits associated with the base tea.

Health benefits of all teas:

Tea is a healthy beverage, and jasmine tea is no exception. Tea leaves contain a class of compounds called catechins, which function as antioxidants and have been pointed to as having a number of positive effects on health. The health benefits of tea are often over-hyped, especially when green tea or oolong is promoted as a weight-loss product. However, science has provided some evidence supporting a number of the health effects of tea, such as a modest reduction in the risk of heart disease for people who drink 3-5 cups of tea daily. There are also other supposed benefits, including anti-microbial effects, and of course, the temporary but noticeable boost in energy and concentration associated with caffeine. Tea also contains L-theanine, which is thought to play a role in relaxation.

Health benefits specific to jasmine:

Jasmine has been less thoroughly studied on its own. However, there are a few studies suggesting it may have benefits in health. Jasmine is widely used in aromatherapy, and one scientific study has validated its use in this respect, finding that the mere scent of Jasmine, even if you do not drink tea containing it, and even if the smell is so mild that you are not consciously aware of it, has a measurable relaxing effect on the body. As relaxation and reduction of stress has positive overall effects on the body, this benefit is not to be laughed at. There is also some evidence that jasmine has antibacterial properties, which would add to the potential antibacterial properties of the base tea.

In summary:

Jasmine tea is a scented tea which can be produced by various base teas. Jasmine has not been thoroughly studied on its own, in terms of its health effects, but there is some evidence that the aroma of jasmine has a relaxing effect on the mind and body, which is known to have positive overall effects on health; jasmine also shows some promise of antibacterial effects. These effects could potentially combine with the health benefits of the base tea, producing an overall healthful drink.

Alex Zorach is the creator of RateTea.net, an interactive website where anyone can rate and review teas. This site has a database of teas classified by brand, style, and region, with a wealth of information about different varieties of tea, and a number of health-related articles as well. Visit RateTea's page on jasmine tea to read and share reviews of jasmine tea, and locate different sources of buying jasmine tea.