Since it’s first induction as the world’s most popular beverage, coffee has gone through many changes and improvements. These improvements allow coffee drinkers the chance to choose between many different grades and flavors of the coffee. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just need your morning pick me up, there’s nothing to tempt the palate quite like a hot mug of smooth gourmet coffee!

To fully appreciate a cup of hot gourmet coffee, you should take a minute to familiarize yourself with the basics of gourmet coffee. The coffee bean is not really a bean; they are actually the seeds of a cherry that are found on a coffee tree. There are a couple of different ways to extract the seed; wet process and dry process. Each process will bring about the shared result of removing all of the fruit from the seed.

There are two grades of coffee: Robusta and Arabica. The Robusta makes up the coffee that contains the most caffeine, at the lowest price. Arabica (a.k.a. gourmet) coffee is the superior grade. It has half the caffeine of Robusta and has a more desirable taste. Those that enjoy this type of coffee will also tell you that gourmet coffee has a much better smell and more desirable flavors than Robusta.

Gourmet coffee is available in many of your favorite flavors, including: almond, amaretto, Irish crème, French vanilla, Swiss mocha, vanilla, chocolate, mint, peppermint, pumpkin spice and just about anything else you can imagine! Basically, if there is any flavor that you are partial to, you will be able to find.

There are gourmet coffees that are caffeinated and those that are decaffeinated. If you have a sensitive stomach, you can even find gourmet style coffee that is low in acid, making it a little more gentle. Arabica coffee ranks very high among the Specialty Coffee Association of America, which pretty much sets the standards applied to gourmet coffee drinks.

Many coffee making companies offer a gourmet style drink, including: Gevalia, Green Mountain, San Giorgio, San Francisco Bay, Kona and Javalution. The gourmet coffee beans are offered in a variety of different serving sizes. They are also offered at many different prices, depending on your personal preference. Though this type of coffee may be a bit more pricey than the Robusta, it’s the only choice for true coffee lovers!

About the author:
C V is a freelance writer, providing articles and information on all types of
coffee produces . http://www.coffee-makers-n-espresso-machines.com

By Don Arabica 

If you are looking for quality gourmet coffee, you might want to try the coffee products offered by Van Houte.  The company says it has been operating since 1919 and has been “producing superior-tasting coffees using traditional European small-batch roasting methods.” Van Houte says it has a  “long-standing dedication to European-style quality.”  Van Houte describes its self as  “One of North America’s leading gourmet coffee companies involved in nearly every aspect of the industry. We select and buy our beans, roast and package our coffees, manufacture state-of-the-art single-cup brewing equipment, and market a wide range of unique products to retail, office, café and online customers.” Van Houtte says it operates the largest coffee services network in North America serving more than 71,000 workplaces in most major cities. The company offers a wide range of unique gourmet coffees and coffeemakers.  “Whether you’re relaxing with friends and family, meeting with colleagues or enjoying a quiet moment alone, Van Houtte’s freshly brewed gourmet coffees are guaranteed to bring a little je ne sais quoi to every occasion,” Van Houte says.