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A latte art throwdown is a fierce competition where baristas compete head-to-head, pouring designs with milk into cups of espresso in front of a panel of judges. Tensions are high, coffee is hot, and everyone is vying for a shot – quite literally – at the title. Most importantly, throwdowns provide members of the coffee community with an opportunity to gather, socialize, and celebrate their favorite beverage. There are a number of different elements that factor into winning a latte art throwdown, however. Our resident latte art expert weighs in with 6 critical elements:   The Espresso: Winning a latte art throwdown hinges

Along with time and temperature, grind is yet another critical variable that can cause excellent coffee to go to waste. There are so many different kinds of coffee equipment available on the market for today’s coffee connoisseurs. From French presses to pour overs to the 10-cup automatic drip machines that have become kitchen staples across the country, there are multiple ways to get our coffee fix and multiple grinds that will ensure it’s a rewarding experience. Failing to select the correct grind for your home equipment can cause over-extraction or under extraction, which alternately results in overpowering and bitter sludge or a

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, and cacao.  Millions of people worldwide depend on this stimulant for a morning energy boost. And while caffeine does not adversely affect the vast majority of people, for some it can cause digestive problems, anxiety, and tremors, and disrupt sleeping patterns. Decaffeination was invented to remove the caffeine from coffee and tea, allowing those who cannot tolerate it to still enjoy a nice, hot beverage. The biggest challenge to decaffeination is making sure that the end product, such as coffee, retains its flavor and taste qualities that make it desirable. Because coffee beans

Hazelnut. French Vanilla

There are so many ways to brew coffee, and no single method truly outclasses another. Sure, aficionados will gush over the pour-over method or their French press – and rightfully so – but when friends and families are gathered at your home for the holidays, inevitably the auto drip coffee brewer is the quickest, most direct means of getting a hot cup of joe to Uncle Jack or Grandpa Gary. Simplicity and speed may be the primary selling points of these units, but those traits shouldn’t be considered synonymous with a mediocre cup of coffee. In fact, by following a few tried-and-true steps,

Hear that? The clock is ticking for last-minute holiday shoppers. Let it tick. You can conquer the holiday shopping season while saving yourself time, money, and stress when you purchase coffee beans online. Consider the following: Avoid the crowds: Imagine: no traffic jams, no lines, and no cumbersome bags to lug around. E-commerce is increasingly becoming the preferred method for holiday shoppers worldwide. Looking to buy something special for the java-lovers in your life? No problem. Grab your laptop or mobile device, then kick back, put your feet up, and peruse the brews that bring joy to their mornings. Mission accomplished. Better yet –