Whole Bean

9 03 2010

Roasted coffee beans that have not been ground. Whole beans has the advantage of staying fresh longer than ground coffee. Whole bean is commonly sold for it’s utility as much as its freshness as it can be ground to different sizes for different brewing methods.



Wet

9 03 2010

The most common usage of this verb in Vancouver is when ordering a wet cappuccino. The drink is made by first pouring the espresso shot(s) and then adding 1/3 steamed milk topped with the last third micro foam. A wet cappuccino is considered a regular cappuccino.

Author’s note:
In my opinion, a foamy latte is often confused with a wet cappuccino.



Wet Process

2 03 2010

In the wet process, ripe cherries are first immersed in water where any floating (coffee) cherries are removed as defective. The remaining cherries are then pressed by machine against a perforated surface, allowing only the seed to pass through the holes. The remaining pulp is then removed by placing the beans into a fermentation tank to loosen the pulp before it is washed away with water. After the pulp is removed, the coffee beans are then dried by a combination of sun drying and machine drying. Machine drying is common practice, especially in damp climates where mildew can cause problems.

Author’s note:
Wet processed coffee beans are sometimes called washed coffee, in reference to the washing that separates the pulp from the beans.



Water Purification

2 03 2010

All coffee brewing benefit from water purification. Water purificationĀ  improves the taste, odour and appearance of brewed coffee. Effective filters remove contaminates, excess chlorine, particulate matter and other impurities.



Toddy

23 02 2010

Is the trademarked term referencing a cold, brewed-coffee method. It has become part of the lexicon, as a generalized term. The generic term for toddy is cold, brewed coffee.

Some coffee establishments call it cold, brewed-coffee concentrate.



Tamping

23 02 2010

Tamping coffee grounds is necessary to produce a consistent spread of water over the entire espresso shot. Tamping is needed to prevent the channelling of the water flowing from the porta-filter through the roast. If the spent grounds do not come out in the shape of a round, puck shape then the water from your unit is not reaching your espresso evening. Proper tamping requires a consistent force of up to about 30 lbs.



Tamper

16 02 2010

A short, disc-like object that is usually two or three inches in length. It is commonly made of metal or plastic, and the handle part can be wrapped in wood. Tampers are often hand-held accessories or attached to espresso grinders.

Author’s note:
Attached tampers allow baristas to handle the tamping operation with one-handed flair, but is slightly harder to get proper compression and hand tamping is preferred. Commercial machines like the La Marzocco Swift Espresso Grinder can dispense beans and tamp the grounds automatically.



Swiss Water Process

16 02 2010

The Swiss Water Process is a 100 per cent, chemical-free coffee decaffeination process. Most decaffeination processes use chemical solvents, such as methylene chloride (MC). The Swiss water process uses only water to remove caffeine, producing a water processed decaf coffee.



Storage

9 02 2010

Whole bean coffee tastes best within the first week after it’s roasted. If it’s ground, coffee goes stale quite fast. After it is ground keep it in an air-tight container, in a cupboard or pantry, away from heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Do not store your coffee in the fridge or freezer it will reduce the quality of the roast and evaporate the oils that contain most of the roast’s flavour.



Steaming Pitcher

9 02 2010

A stainless steel container used in conjunction with the steam wand to make frothed milk.

Author’s note:
The best steaming pitcher are small containers where one drink is made per container. This will cut down on cost but also to stylize the drink by customer request.