A very Merry Christmas to all our customers, and wishing all the very very best for the New Year.
Friday, 15 December 2017
Thursday, 14 December 2017
If you are looking for a great tasting, freshly roasted to
order, reasonably priced coffee for Christmas read on - Promoting our Classic
‘Special Arabica Blend’ a mixture of 100% Arabica beans from Central and
Southern America as well as Africa. The Southern American beans gives this
blend and ideal base from which to make an excellent cup ideal for espresso
added to which is the sweet and lingering taste of our Central American beans
and finally a small percentage of African put in to give this coffee that extra
earthy edge. Also available in 1 Kg bags, remember free delivery in the Poole/Bournemouth area (code
cr11).
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Christmas is fast approaching so if you want to buy your
loved ones a piece of coffee equipment here are a choice of milk frothers for
that perfect latte or cappuccino.
Krups
- £109.95
Add the perfect finishing touch to your coffee time after time with the
Krups XL200044 frother. It features three distinct settings: cappuccino, caffe latte
and hot chocolate, so all you have to do is switch on and wait for perfectly
frothed milk.
The non-stick brushed aluminium jug comes with measurement lines to cut
down on guesswork and the satin finish handle balances comfort with
functionality, with a 300ml capacity.
One of my most favourite ever
purchases!
21 May 2017
Age:35-44
Location:Findon, UK
Excellent
Have had this item a few months now & keep
meaning to come and leave a review. I'm a real one for using reviews to make a
decision but am a bit rubbish at leaving them, however I feel so strongly about
how amazing this milk frother is that I had to make time!
I never thought I could love an item that froths
milk quite so much but every single time I use it, I thank myself for
investing!
It's a delight to use, easy, looks great and
produces consistent delicious results. It works well with skimmed milk although
nothing quite beats whole milk, and we've enjoy many cappacinnos, lattes &
hot chocolates with it.
Yes it's a little pricey but the old 'you get what
you pay for' rings very true, it's a quality piece of kit that will not
disappoint. Order one now! :)
Lavazza - £29.00 -
£39.99
The perfect partner for your coffee maker, the
Lavazza MilkUp Milk Frother lets you whip up smooth, professional-quality
lattes, cappuccinos and hot chocolates at home.
With a timeless, luxury design to match its
Italian heritage, the MilkUp quickly froths milk to the perfect consistency at
the touch of a button. You can use the ridged stirrer inside the jug to create
silky frothed milk for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos or milk shakes, or opt
for the smooth one for a gently aerated texture.
It can even warm the milk for you - simply press
the button once to let the MilkUp heat automatically, or hold the button down
for a few seconds if you'd prefer cold frothed milk. Operation is almost silent
thanks to induction technology and as soon as the milk is ready to pour, the
frother will beep. Plus, everything except the base can be cleaned safely in
your dishwasher for an effortless clean-up.
Excellent product
21 November 2017
Age:45-54
Location:Edinburgh, UK
Excellent
I have used this frother almost every day and I
really think it's a great product. The froth for cappuccino is fantastic and I
use the machine regularly for hot chocolate. No more lumps! It's very easy to
clean, and only needs a quick rinse after heating milk and more of a wipe after
making hot chocolate.
Dualit - £54.00
Fancy perfect frothed milk in 70 seconds? The Dualit milk frother is
capable of creating perfectly frothed and heated milk at the touch of a button.
It’s great for making milky lattes, foamy cappuccinos, luxurious hot
chocolates or simply livening up an instant coffee. The removable whisk, sealed
drive and non-stick coating make for smooth functionality and simple cleaning.
Complete with non-slip rubber feet and automatic switch off, it won't
spill if used without the lid so you can test the temperature. This milk
frother can be placed on its base at any rotary angle or taken straight to the
table where it will keep milk warm. Sufficient capacity for two cappuccinos,
hot chocolates or lattés - 200ml (frothing); 320ml (heating milk)
Glad I found this
18 October 2017
Age:55-64
Location:Norfolk
Excellent
If you want a frothy milky coffee just like
'professional ' one then look no further, I have been on the hunt for something
like this for years, yes I drink more coffee and yes I use more milk but mmmmm
it's worth it
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
Great Coffee ideas for Christmas
Coffee flavoured coffee’s - Why not try Ma Bolton’s syrups at
www.mabolton.co.uk and with caer urfa
coffee www.caerurfacoffee.co.uk
try something different for Christmas.
We would recommend our Caer Urfa Special Arabica Coffee
Blend with Ma Bolton’s ‘Salted Caramel Syrup’.
Monday, 4 December 2017
Friday, 24 November 2017
www.caerurfacoffee.co.uk
We at Caer Urfa always like a good solid positive story, here EARTHWATCH AND STARBUCKS have partnered up with worthy results all round especially for the benefit for the local farmers and communities.
(Article taken from Earthwatch case study)
(Article taken from Earthwatch case study)
EARTHWATCH AND STARBUCKS PARTNERSHIPS
STARBUCKS: HELPING GROW A BETTER CUP IN COSTA RICA
The partnership between Earthwatch and Starbucks supports scientific field research and employee engagement and promotes sustainable farming practices in a premier coffee-growing region, to support scientific research and employee engagement. Together, they’ve promoted sustainable farming practices in one of the world’s premier coffee-growing regions.
The partnership between Earthwatch and Starbucks supports scientific field research and employee engagement and promotes sustainable farming practices in a premier coffee-growing region, to support scientific research and employee engagement. Together, they’ve promoted sustainable farming practices in one of the world’s premier coffee-growing regions.
RIPE RESULTS: OUTCOMES FROM THE FIELD CENTRE AT COOPETARRAZÚ COSTA RICA
How did they get involved?
In 2007, the partnership evolved to develop new tools and practices to encourage and facilitate more sustainable coffee cultivation practices, while linking together the consumer, buyer, and producer dimensions of the supply chain.
In collaboration with Coopetarrazú, a 2,500-farmer cooperative in the Los Santos region of Costa Rica, Earthwatch and Starbucks have worked with farmers to increase the use of practices and tools that benefit both the farmers and the natural environment.
More than 400 people, working in teams of Starbucks partners (employees), Starbucks customers, and Earthwatch volunteers, have taken part in the research.
How did they get involved?
In 2007, the partnership evolved to develop new tools and practices to encourage and facilitate more sustainable coffee cultivation practices, while linking together the consumer, buyer, and producer dimensions of the supply chain.
In collaboration with Coopetarrazú, a 2,500-farmer cooperative in the Los Santos region of Costa Rica, Earthwatch and Starbucks have worked with farmers to increase the use of practices and tools that benefit both the farmers and the natural environment.
More than 400 people, working in teams of Starbucks partners (employees), Starbucks customers, and Earthwatch volunteers, have taken part in the research.
What is involved?
Participants learn about key relationships between sustainable practices and quality coffee. Research has demonstrated that farmers can increase coffee yields by up to 25% by reducing the use of fertilizers and reducing soil acidity – creating financial returns of up to $1,200 for farmers and improved environmental outcomes.
Participants learn about key relationships between sustainable practices and quality coffee. Research has demonstrated that farmers can increase coffee yields by up to 25% by reducing the use of fertilizers and reducing soil acidity – creating financial returns of up to $1,200 for farmers and improved environmental outcomes.
Tuesday, 24 October 2017
Some good news for the millions
of fans of Colombian Coffee.Farmers who fled war in the Colombian Andes are
returning to revive their abandoned land, cultivating coffee trees that are
boosting global supplies of the highest-quality Arabica beans.
Colombia's five-decade civil war,
the longest in the Americas, displaced millions and disrupted farming for
decades in areas that produce coffee for the most exacting consumer. A peace
deal between the government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) in late 2016 paved the way for many to return to their homes
and farms, including thousands of coffee growers
The revival of coffee farming in
the former conflict zones could help boost Colombia's coffee output by 40
percent. That would raise global supplies of mild Arabica beans by about 13
percent. The additional supply could reduce the cost of the raw material for
the world's top roasters, many of whom are seeking to secure increased supply
from Colombia.
About 950 coffee-growing families
of the 1,600 families, who left during the war, have returned to the San Carlos
area, according to data from the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC). The
supply from this region, 205 miles North West of Bogota, could expand further
as farmers plant more of their land and more people return to the region to
provide the needed labour.
The area now has about 800
hectares of coffee farms, double the low of 400 hectares during the war.
Among those who returned was
Libardo Garcia, who moved back to his 12-hectare (30 acres) farm in 2015 after
fleeing in 2001."All the coffee trees were dead when we came back,"
said Garcia, who has since planted 8,000 trees on two hectares of steeply
sloped land.
Arabica is the highest quality
coffee bean, and Colombia is the world's top producer of mild Arabica. To make
that variety, beans are separated from the cherry then dried to increase
quality. Arabica makes up about 60 percent of global coffee supplies, with
lower-quality Robusta beans accounting for the rest.
Monday, 23 October 2017
El Salvador Finca Suiza - Reduced from £5.95 to £4.75 while stocks last.
Description: For over 50 years the Menendez families of the Santa Ana region of El Salvador have been growing great coffee on their farm, Finca Suiza, in the Northwest region of the country. Abundant rainfall, high elevation, volcanic soil and careful attention to detail secured Suiza coffee a 2nd place finish in last years Cup of Excellence competition and the prestigious Presidential award.
Reduced from £5.95 to £4.75 while stocks last.
Flavor profile: A rich sweet and bright clean finish with a creamy, vanilla body contributes to the smooth cup and the long lingering finish.
Roast profile: Medium
Characteristics:
Processing system: Washed & Sun-dried
Variety: Bourbón
Altitude: 1620 masl
Variety: Bourbón
Altitude: 1620 masl
Sunday, 22 October 2017
Last week, before they ceased to be legal tender, I found four old pound coins in the change drawer of the car. Knowing time was short I tried to use them in the local supermarket only to have them refused so I ended up having to change them at the bank. However the following idea is a brilliant one and had I known I would have kept them. Poppy Sellers will accept them. So with £450M still in circulation imagine what that would do for our veterans?
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
Tuesday, 17 October 2017
Monday, 16 October 2017
Caer Urfa Coffee Competition - Answers - the winner to be announced later today
Question
1
What
language did the word 'coffee' evolve from?
The answer is: Arabic
Interesting Information:
·
'Qahhwa' was the name the Arabs
chose for this splendid drink meaning 'wine of the bean'. What could be more
appropriate?
Question
2
Who
was the inventor of instant coffee in 1901?
The answer is: either David Strang / Satori
Kato both will be accepted
Interesting Information:
·
In 1890, Mr. David Strang
from Invercargill, New Zealand invented instant coffee through a method he
called "dry hot-air processing". His coffee was sold with the brand
name of Strang's Coffee. 1901 Satori Kato created his
version of instant coffee. He was a Japanese American chemist from Chicago.
Melitta Bentz, from Dresden, Germany, invented the first coffee filter, which
was patented on June 20, 1908. Dr. Ernest Illy is credited with creating the
first automatic espresso machine back in 1933. Achilles Gaggia, from Italy,
invented a high pressure espresso machine in 1946.
Question
3
In
the 17th century, France met and was charmed by coffee. Who was responsible for
the introduction of the beverage in France?
The answer is: Jean de Thevenot
Interesting Information:
·
Jean de Thevenot was born in
1633. Apart from being a frequent traveler to areas of today's Eastern Europe
and Near East, he was a linguist and a botanist. He had friends in high places,
such as monsieur De La Croix, King Louis' interpreter, with whom he shared his
"discovery" of coffee.
Question
4
Grown
primarily in a two-mile strip of land on an island, this uncommon ground is
commonly worshipped as "kona." From which "big island" does
this coffee waft?
The answer is: Hawaii
Interesting Information:
·
Despite Hawaii's ability to
produce coffee year around, there is a limited acreage and a smaller harvest.
Kona coffee has the highest amount of caffeine of any bean and is often mixed
with other beans due to the limited quantity produced.
Question
5
The
international growth of coffee consumption is usually attributed to Arab
influence spreading it throughout the Ottoman Empire to Europe, thence to
Indonesia and the Americas during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In
what country are coffee plants thought to have originated?
The answer is: Ethiopia
Interesting Information:
·
The first clear record of
coffee drinking comes from the Sufi monasteries of Yemen in the middle of the
15th century, but the original plants were in the highlands of Ethiopia.
Because coffee drinking formed an important part of religious rituals in the
region, its use as a secular drink was banned in Ethiopia until early in the
20th century. In the 17th century, Sultan Murad IV banned coffee and
coffeehouses in the Ottoman Empire (using the Islamic ban on intoxicating
drinks as a pretext) because coffeehouses were a site of political discussion,
much of it critical of the current government. One result of this ban was the
emigration of coffee makers to other parts of Europe, where they found a
welcoming market for the new product.
Question
6
What
European people were responsible for introducing coffee to the European market?
The answer is: Dutch
Interesting Information:
·
The Dutch did more than just
that they smuggled seeds out and had them planted on the island of Java. That
enterprise went so well for the Dutch that till this day coffee is often
referred to as Java or "having a hot cup of Java".
Question
7
What
color is a ripe coffee bean?
The answer is: red
Interesting Information:
·
The coffee bean is actually a
portion of a larger whole known as a cherry when it still is attached onto the
tree. The berry starts out a rich green color and as it ripens it turns a
brilliant red hence the name cherry being given to its description.
Question
8
In
1907, one country was recorded as producing 97% of the total world production
of coffee. Which country was it?
The answer is: Brazil
Interesting Information:
·
Brazil is still one of the
largest producers of coffee beans. As of early 2008, Brazil still grows 25% of
the world's production. The majority of Brazilian coffee beans are of the
Arabica variety, rather than the Robusta. Robusta beans are grown at a lower
altitude and have a higher caffeine content. Arabica beans, which are
considered to be superior, have a lower caffeine content, but tend to be more
acidic.
Question
9
Coffee
is greatly affected by the area in which it is grown and some varieties are
more exceptional than others. With that in mind where would the blend called
'Blue Mountain' hail from?
The answer is: Jamaica
Interesting Information:
·
You come to appreciate just
what goes into a name when you come upon the fact that Jamaican Blue Mountain
coffee is an internationally protected label. Even on Jamaica there are
requirements and the altitude of the trees must be grown between elevations of
3,000 and 5,500 feet. That's the kind of a regulation you want when you're
paying thirty US dollars a pound!
Question
10
We
all know that coffee is made from coffee beans. What kind of plant produces
coffee beans?
The answer is: Evergreen shrubs
·
Interesting Information:All
coffee plants are shrubs which may grow to 5 m (15 ft) if unpruned, but are
generally smaller. They have glossy dark green leaves, and clusters of white
flowers. They produce berries about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter. Unripe berries
are green, changing to yellow then red, and blacken when dried. Each berry
usually contains two seeds.
Sunday, 15 October 2017
Remember our great offer 1kg of our Arabica Special Blend for £15, available for individuals, restaurants, bars, hotels, coffee mornings etc.
A mixture of 100% Arabica beans harvested from Central and Southern American as well as Africa. The Southern American beans gives this blend an ideal base from which to make an excellent cup ideal for espresso added to which is the sweet and lingering taste of our Central American beans and finally a small percentage of African put in to give this coffee that extra earthy edge.
Why not check out our other great coffees we have to offer - just go to our web site at www.caerurfacoffee.co.uk
A mixture of 100% Arabica beans harvested from Central and Southern American as well as Africa. The Southern American beans gives this blend an ideal base from which to make an excellent cup ideal for espresso added to which is the sweet and lingering taste of our Central American beans and finally a small percentage of African put in to give this coffee that extra earthy edge.
Why not check out our other great coffees we have to offer - just go to our web site at www.caerurfacoffee.co.uk
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
Part 3
Altitude
The altitude
that the bushes/shrubs are grown at makes a difference to the resulting coffee.
Arabica is usually grown at over 1000 metres above sea level where as
Robusta is usually grown at much lower altitudes. It’s said grown at higher
altitudes tends to develop a better characteristic tasting coffee. Other important
considerations are soil and shade which also has an effect on the coffee.
Processing Methods
Once the
cherries are picked, they need processing in order to separate the coffee beans
from the outer skin, mucilage, silver skin and parchment.
There are
three main processes for doing this, wet or washed process, semi dry (pulp natural or honey process) or natural / dry process. The way the
coffee is processed makes a difference to the resulting cup of coffee.
Processing continued
It’s not
finished yet – The final steps in coffee processing involve removing the last
layers of dry skin and remaining fruit residue from the now-dry coffee. These
steps come under the dry milling process and include hulling, polishing
(optional), cleaning and sorting then
finally grading.
Roasting
Coffee beans
are imported in their green state, then in the case of caer urfa coffee we buy
from a very reputable merchant where we would roast in small batches and to
order. We are known as small batch roasters, micro roasters or artisan coffee
roasters.
The
difference between a specialist micro roaster and the bulk roaster – the bulk
or industrial roaster puts more emphasis on price than quality. The micro
coffee roaster is about getting the very best that coffee has to offer, and
having huge roasters and roasting beans in large volumes isn’t conducive to
getting the very best from the coffee beans.
Therefore the very best way to buy coffee beans in our opinion is
directly from the roaster.
www.caerurfacoffee.co.uk
The pulped natural process involves removing the
skin. Credit: CeCafe
Tuesday, 10 October 2017
Part 2
Varietals
When it
comes to Arabica, there are lots of different plants that are known in the
industry as varietals. These are different breeds of Arabica, just as there are
different breeds of dogs and cats, some of which are natural, and some of which
have been cultivated.
Some of the varietals
include: Bourbon, Typica, Catimor, Beisha, Catuai and many more, all with
different characteristics.
Origin
The origin
is where the coffee beans have come from, and they come from dozens of
countries which fall within what is regarded as the “coffee belt”,
between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Coffee origins include Brazil,
Ethiopia, India, Columbia, Vietnam, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bolivia,
Zambia, Indonesia and lots more.
Single Origin
When you see the word ‘single origin’ its coffee grown within a
single known geographic origin, sometimes, this is a single farm, or a specific
collection of beans from a coffee growing region or single country. The name of the coffee is then usually
the place it was grown to whatever degree available. Single-origins are viewed
by some as a way to get a specific taste, and some independent coffee shops
have found that this gives them a way to add value over large chains.
Monday, 9 October 2017
Part 1
Coffee Beans or Seeds.
We call them Coffee beans but actually they are
seeds. They’re seeds, from the fruit of coffee plants, and while all beans
are seeds, only seeds which are a member of a particular family (Fabaceae, Leguminosae)
are actually beans.
Coffee Trees / Plants
Coffee cherries grow on small trees and shrubs of
the Coffea Genus. You may be interested to know that there are 124 species of
the “Coffea” genus, which is a member of the Rubiacea family. Other plants in
the Rubiacea family include shrubs, trees and herbs, and there are lots of
them!
There is also species called Liberica which can grow
to 20 metres tall but most of the coffee beans that we buy will be Arabica or
Robusta or a blend of the two.
Arabica & Robusta
The majority of coffee beans used for speciality single
origin coffees are Arabica while Robusta is often mixed with Arabica beans to
produce an espresso blend.
Instant coffee is more often than not a blend
of Arabica and Robusta. There are some brands of instant which are 100%
Arabica, but unless you’re buying a coffee which is specifically advertised as
so, it’s likely to be a blend.
Arabica grows at much higher elevations, especially
the trees which grow the better quality beans. It’s a far more varied coffee
taste profile thanks to the many different tree varieties, where it’s grown,
the soil and how it’s processed.
Robusta is hardier, less susceptible to disease
such as leaf rust, can be grown at much lower elevations and it is generally
cheaper to produce. In terms of taste, Robusta is generally acknowledged as
having a very strong taste that is too much on its own for most palates.
However when blended with Arabica it can give a nice kick and helps to produce
a good espresso crema. It can contain up to double the level of caffeine than
Arabica.
Thursday, 5 October 2017
Starbucks
plans for the Cold Coffee Market
Have you heard of such a thing – next
there will be a space station in the galaxy – Starbucks have released cold
coffee on tap.
Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard
Schultz recognized the rapid and ongoing escalation of the multimillion dollar cold
coffee market. Unveiled last year Starbucks have revitalised the hot coffee beverage
with their ‘cold bar’ concept. They have already in 2015 tapped into the cold
coffee market by brewing coffee over ice, this next project unveiled in select
Starbucks stores throughout the United States, takes it onto another level with
the ‘nitro cold brew’.
The drink — in which coffee is kegged,
kept cold and infused with nitrogen as it is tapped to create a Guinness-like
texture.
It’s apparently not new Stumptown
coffee roasters from Seattle took the lead in introducing a
canned version of the beverage, a step that took Guinness decades to initiate.
“For over 40 years we have perfected the
craft of roasting and brewing the finest hot coffee, and while we have always
offered our customers new options in cold coffee, nothing will compare to the
pace of flavour, craft and brewing innovation we will see in the next few
years,” Schultz said. “The opportunity to create an entirely new cold coffee
experience is limitless and our customers are already telling us that they want
to meet us on this journey as cold coffee is now becoming a go-to drink.”
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
The Oomph Coffee Maker Review
As seen on Dragons Den this week Matthew Deasy went head to head with the Dragons - his product ‘The Oomph’.
Matthew has a background in coffee products and was looking for £40k for a 5% stake in the business.
The Oomph it’s different, it’s a coffee maker and travel mug in one. It is a unique coffee gadget that can brew three times faster than standard coffee machines.
So why are people going crazy for the Oomph here are some pointers:
1: Taste.
We as roasters agree how you make a coffee is important but also important is the coffee you put into the machine, a good quality product freshly roasted is best but that said this is what one reviewer made of it:
The first time I tasted coffee from the Oomph, I was hugely impressed with the taste and the mouth feel. It just seemed to have a more rounded taste and also a bigger mouth feel to what I’m used to tasting.
2: Convenience.
Making coffee with the Oomph is very convenient you plunge it, and then go – as The Oomph doubles as a travel mug. You can just open the lid and drink directly from the coffee maker, or decant it into a cup, delivering a hot brew of coffee for up to three quarters of an hour.
3: The grind.
The Oomph is able to handle a wide range of grind sizes. Idea for those out there who haven’t got a grinder easily at hand and buy pre ground coffee in a variety grinds.
4: Substantial.
This is a rugged, chunky, substantial coffee maker. It’s clear that it is made to perform and to last. Although I’m sure it could be made lighter, and cheaper, this would result in a flimsy and less substantial product. The majority of the material used is something called Tritan, a food grade BPA free heavy grade plastic that I’m sure doesn’t come cheap!
5: Volume.
It can hold 13 fluid ounces of brewed coffee, enough to make a couple of cups of very enjoyable coffee without having to make a second brew.
6: Re-brew.
It’s also said the Oomph is the first brewer which enables re-brewing. If you taste the coffee and you’re not happy with the extraction, you can twist to open the catch, and pull up the plunger and give it another plunge, to extract more.
Buy from Amazon from £36.90
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