From the wonderful island nation of Jamaica, there lies the 7, 500 feet Blue Mountain. The Blue Mountain is located between Kingston (south) and Port Maria (North). These three mountains are the highest peaks in the Caribbean. That's why; the climate is cool and the soil is abundantly rich. For this reason, the Blue Mountain is also the ideal home of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: The Introduction
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the most desired cup of coffe in the world. In fact, many people want to taste the delight of this Blue Mountain due to its mild flavor. That means, the flavor is not too strong and this is probably the reason why its beans are also used for Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur (an alcoholic drink).
What's great about this stuff is; the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica is really the one who guards the coffee farm during the cultivation period. Based on a source, there are three types of coffee plants in the Jamaica Mountains. Those plants that are cultivated at elevations between 3,000-5,500 feet are called Jamaica Blue Mountain while those that grown at 1,500-3,000 feet elevations are known as Jamaican High Mountain. Jamaica Supreme is the plant that is located below 1,500 foot elevation.
The Screening Theory and the Rate of Blue Mountain
It was believed that the higher the altitude, the better-tasting cup of coffee is produced. Indeed, “various dimensions are used to sort the beans by size.” But due to small geographical location, the supply of Blue Mountain Coffee is still limited. That's why; it remains very expensive. On the average, it's $26 - $40 to a pound. In eBay, a 16oz of Blue Mountain Coffee beans costs $39.95 but it’s good for fifty cups already. Even if it’s expensive, I think it's really worth the price.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hawaiian Kona Coffee - Healthy Coffee Research Part 1
While watching the newest coffee ad on TV, I had this sudden surge of interest to make a research on most popular cup of coffee in the world. I am aware that there are many delicious types of coffee beans in the world. I found out three of the best coffee in the world: Hawaiian Kona Coffee, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and Kopi Luwak.
Hawaiian Kona Coffee came from the well-cultivated slopes of Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the North and South Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii. During the nineteenth century, Samuel Reverend Ruggles introduced this crop to the tropical region of Kona before it became a huge item in the coffee world market on 1899. Recently, there are at least six hundred farms of Kona Coffee worldwide and an average Kona farm has an area of five acres or 20,000m².
There are two types of Hawaiian Kona Coffee. According to Wikipedia, the Type 1 refers to the two beans per cherry and one surface is flat surface while the other side is oval. Examples of these are: Kona Extra Fancy, Kona Fancy, Kona Number 1 and Kona Prime. The Type 2 Kona bean has a round shape per cherry or also called as peaberry. Examples of this coffee types type are: Peaberry Number 1 and Peaberry Prime.
When the Kona plant grows, it produces small white flowers that cover its tree. These white flowers are called as Kona Snow. Truth is, the Kona plant will start to bloom during February and March. The green berries will appear in April and in late August, the red fruit or “the cherry” will be fully developed and ready for harvesting. For the record, a Kona Tree can produce 20-30 pounds of cherry.
The Fermentation Period of Hawaiian Kona
The process of fermentation largely depend on the temperature, usually twelve hours if the elevation is low and if the elevation is high, the fermentation process will take twenty-four hours. Drying the Kona coffee beans will take seven to fourteen days and the optimal moisture level must be between ten to thirteen percent. In fact, one pound of roasted Kona coffee requires seven to nine pounds of cherry and by the way, a hundred pounds of cherry can yield at least twelve pounds of roasted coffee.
Hawaiian Kona Coffee came from the well-cultivated slopes of Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the North and South Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii. During the nineteenth century, Samuel Reverend Ruggles introduced this crop to the tropical region of Kona before it became a huge item in the coffee world market on 1899. Recently, there are at least six hundred farms of Kona Coffee worldwide and an average Kona farm has an area of five acres or 20,000m².
There are two types of Hawaiian Kona Coffee. According to Wikipedia, the Type 1 refers to the two beans per cherry and one surface is flat surface while the other side is oval. Examples of these are: Kona Extra Fancy, Kona Fancy, Kona Number 1 and Kona Prime. The Type 2 Kona bean has a round shape per cherry or also called as peaberry. Examples of this coffee types type are: Peaberry Number 1 and Peaberry Prime.
When the Kona plant grows, it produces small white flowers that cover its tree. These white flowers are called as Kona Snow. Truth is, the Kona plant will start to bloom during February and March. The green berries will appear in April and in late August, the red fruit or “the cherry” will be fully developed and ready for harvesting. For the record, a Kona Tree can produce 20-30 pounds of cherry.
The Fermentation Period of Hawaiian Kona
The process of fermentation largely depend on the temperature, usually twelve hours if the elevation is low and if the elevation is high, the fermentation process will take twenty-four hours. Drying the Kona coffee beans will take seven to fourteen days and the optimal moisture level must be between ten to thirteen percent. In fact, one pound of roasted Kona coffee requires seven to nine pounds of cherry and by the way, a hundred pounds of cherry can yield at least twelve pounds of roasted coffee.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Benefits of Green Tea on Weight Loss
Everyone nowadays seems to be battling against being overweight. Different methods including diets and exercise programs show up everywhere, from television to newspapers to the internet. But most of us prefer a method that is easy, affordable, and effective, like the simple act of drinking green tea. But are the benefits of green tea on weight loss for real?
Based on the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies published in January 2005, the benefits of green tea on weight loss is due to the high levels of catechin polyphenols, a compound that burns fat when mixed with other chemicals including caffeine. Polyphenols is a substance that acts as antioxidants, which destroys free radicals hence fight the risk of cancer. Daily green tea intake containing 690 mg catechins for 12 weeks reduces body fat, which suggests that the ingestion of catechins might be useful in the prevention and improvement of lifestyle-related diseases, mainly obesity.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies, people who drank green tea extract daily lost more body fat after three months than that of those none-drinkers. The researchers then concluded that the benefits of green tea on weight loss are caused by catechins found in it which aided in fat oxidation. Moreover, another Japanese study determined that by drinking 5 cups of green tea per day, subjects burned 70-80 more calories than those in the control group. It has been proven to aid in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Several research studies that show that green tea aids in maintaining low levels of blood sugar. Therefore, the benefits of green tea does not evolve on weight loss alone, but also potentially prevents the onset of diabetes. Moreover green tea is good in prevention and illimination of unwanted fat and prevents fat absorption.
But comparing green tea with some other tea like black tea never dies down. Studies also found out that the benefits of green tea on weight loss is far better than the black tea. Why? Black tea undergo fermentation, while green tea do not. Fermentation destroys some of the polyphenols which is the most beneficial antioxidant found in tea. You have to drink a lot more black tea than green to get the same tea weight loss benefit.
Although drinking more green tea has its ability to help us keep slim, a healthy diet and exercise plan is still necessary. And because any diet includes drinking plenty of water, you may substitute a glass or two per day with green tea, and see for yourself the benefits of green tea on weight loss for real!
Based on the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies published in January 2005, the benefits of green tea on weight loss is due to the high levels of catechin polyphenols, a compound that burns fat when mixed with other chemicals including caffeine. Polyphenols is a substance that acts as antioxidants, which destroys free radicals hence fight the risk of cancer. Daily green tea intake containing 690 mg catechins for 12 weeks reduces body fat, which suggests that the ingestion of catechins might be useful in the prevention and improvement of lifestyle-related diseases, mainly obesity.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies, people who drank green tea extract daily lost more body fat after three months than that of those none-drinkers. The researchers then concluded that the benefits of green tea on weight loss are caused by catechins found in it which aided in fat oxidation. Moreover, another Japanese study determined that by drinking 5 cups of green tea per day, subjects burned 70-80 more calories than those in the control group. It has been proven to aid in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Several research studies that show that green tea aids in maintaining low levels of blood sugar. Therefore, the benefits of green tea does not evolve on weight loss alone, but also potentially prevents the onset of diabetes. Moreover green tea is good in prevention and illimination of unwanted fat and prevents fat absorption.
But comparing green tea with some other tea like black tea never dies down. Studies also found out that the benefits of green tea on weight loss is far better than the black tea. Why? Black tea undergo fermentation, while green tea do not. Fermentation destroys some of the polyphenols which is the most beneficial antioxidant found in tea. You have to drink a lot more black tea than green to get the same tea weight loss benefit.
Although drinking more green tea has its ability to help us keep slim, a healthy diet and exercise plan is still necessary. And because any diet includes drinking plenty of water, you may substitute a glass or two per day with green tea, and see for yourself the benefits of green tea on weight loss for real!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Benefits of Green Tea - Précis
Next to water, tea is the second most-consumed beverage. There are so many benefits of green tea that for so many years since its discovery, it is being rated to be the most special among other teas. Needless to say, the benefits of green tea is the main reason why it is the most popular tea. In ancient times, green tea can be considered to be a medicine for all. It has been used to cure so many sickness from headaches to blood regulation.
As time passed, the wonders of green tea traveled from its place of origin to other Asian nations and even to western countries. From China it reached America and Germany. As it came to be known to new places, new benefits of green tea kept sprouting too. Many claims or assumptions of what it can do keep coming out. With or without proofs these claims are being regarded to be true by many. Among some of the said benefits of green tea are the following.
Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. According to one research by University of Purdue a compound in green tea stops the growth of cancer cells. Another result of a study in 1994 published by Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that it reduces the risk of having esophageal cancer in Chinese man and women for about 60%.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene and Food Poisoning Prevention. Because of the bacteria-killing capability of green tea, it is said that it prevents dental plaque. Just as it keeps the teeth bacteria free, green tea also makes the food free from bacteria that can be poisonous.
Weight Loss and Aging Prevention. Another benefit of green tea is that it increases fat oxidation which results to faster metabolism. A research published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 1999, reveals that a combination of both caffeine and green tea burns more calorie. It also contains antioxidants which is responsible for stopping aging.
Memory Enhancement. Green tea protects the part of the brain called hippocampus. This part of the brain holds the memory. By protecting it, damages are being prevented and thus good condition of brain is maintained through the years.
Strengthens Immune System. Because of the antioxidants the green tea have, it protects the body from any harmful bacteria caused by pollutions. Tea extracts kill organism that can cause diseases.
Aside from five benefits that was enumerated, many other benefits of green tea are being presented. Scientifically approved or not, the benefits of green tea are evident to tea lovers. In a general sense, a glass of a green is far more healthy than a cup of coffee.
As time passed, the wonders of green tea traveled from its place of origin to other Asian nations and even to western countries. From China it reached America and Germany. As it came to be known to new places, new benefits of green tea kept sprouting too. Many claims or assumptions of what it can do keep coming out. With or without proofs these claims are being regarded to be true by many. Among some of the said benefits of green tea are the following.
Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. According to one research by University of Purdue a compound in green tea stops the growth of cancer cells. Another result of a study in 1994 published by Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that it reduces the risk of having esophageal cancer in Chinese man and women for about 60%.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene and Food Poisoning Prevention. Because of the bacteria-killing capability of green tea, it is said that it prevents dental plaque. Just as it keeps the teeth bacteria free, green tea also makes the food free from bacteria that can be poisonous.
Weight Loss and Aging Prevention. Another benefit of green tea is that it increases fat oxidation which results to faster metabolism. A research published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 1999, reveals that a combination of both caffeine and green tea burns more calorie. It also contains antioxidants which is responsible for stopping aging.
Memory Enhancement. Green tea protects the part of the brain called hippocampus. This part of the brain holds the memory. By protecting it, damages are being prevented and thus good condition of brain is maintained through the years.
Strengthens Immune System. Because of the antioxidants the green tea have, it protects the body from any harmful bacteria caused by pollutions. Tea extracts kill organism that can cause diseases.
Aside from five benefits that was enumerated, many other benefits of green tea are being presented. Scientifically approved or not, the benefits of green tea are evident to tea lovers. In a general sense, a glass of a green is far more healthy than a cup of coffee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
