Gourmet Coffee
Gourmet coffee brings to mind fancy after dinner cordials with a gourmet coffee and a decadent piece of cake. That scenario might have been true ten or fifteen years ago, but not anymore. Coffee has become one of the most popular drinks in the world and not just for breakfast either.
For many years the only coffee choices available were regular and decaf, unless you went to a restaurant that offered espresso and cappuccinos or to a coffee shop that carried gourmet coffees. Now, the average consumer can purchase gourmet coffees to brew at home for a lot less cost than what the coffee shops charge.
What is Gourmet Coffee?
Gourmet coffee is coffee to which flavors have been added to enhance the taste or complement other flavors. The basics of the coffee are still in the coffee, such as the caffeine content, aroma and texture but now there are hints of other flavors as well. Hazelnut, Irish Crème, Chocolate Mint and many more flavors are now available in the gourmet coffee section of the local grocer.
Another type of coffee that is considered gourmet has nothing to do with added flavors, but where the coffee is grown. There are areas that are considered to be perfect for coffee growing and they are able to command a premium price for their coffees.
Doka Costa Rica Estate coffee is considered a gourmet coffee. It is grown on the fertile slopes of the Alajuela Peas Volcano. This land is considered to be ideal for growing a rich, delicious coffee. This coffee is not available in grocery stores or gourmet shops, it must be ordered straight from the estate.
Jamaica Blue Mountain is another gourmet coffee that doesn’t have added flavorings to make it gourmet. This coffee bean is rare due to uncertain weather conditions in the area it is grown. This coffee bean is so wonderful it is used as the basis for Tia Maria, the famous coffee liqueur.
Purchasing Gourmet Coffee
Where to purchase gourmet coffee depends on what type of gourmet coffee is desired. Coffee that has been enhanced with flavorings can be purchased in many places. The local grocery store, coffee shops and the Internet are all good places to find gourmet flavored coffee.
When buying gourmet flavored coffee from the local grocer make sure it is fresh. Look for signs of age such as cracked or dried out beans. To be sure that the coffee is the freshest possible purchase gourmet coffee from coffee shops. Due to the amount of coffee they use, chances are better that it will be fresh.
Gourmet coffee is no longer reserved for special occasions. Now, a piping hot cup of hazelnut coffee or Jamaican Blue Mountain can bring the sun up in a new and glorious way.
