House Blend

Greetings, Coffee Crew!

I have returned from my journey visiting family and friends in Minnesota.  We were blessed with nice weather, including an old-fashioned tornado while staying with my sister.  We were fortunate to experience only strong winds and heavy rain, but a turkey farm nearby was completely destroyed.  I’d be looking for turkeys in Kansas (remember the Wizard of Oz?).

I am enjoying a cup of House Blend Decaf this morning.  I roasted it yesterday (yes we were open for business) and will explain the difference in “just roasted” and “fully developed” beans.  Coffee beans need several days to fully develop the body and heavier flavors.  The lighter, citrus flavors show through in just roasted beans.  What I taste today in my House blend decaf is intense citrus notes with a lighter body that will develop in a few days.  A reminder to each of you that by the time you receive your coffee orders, the beans are just right for brewing.

Let’s compare a couple Costa Rica beans.  The Tarrazu and Tres Rios growing regions are Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) and are located near each other.  The harvesting months are November to March.  The bean and cupping characteristics are similar.  Both have good body, nice aroma and acidity.  The Tarrazu beans have a slightly higher acidity than the Tres Rios.

Your smoothie and blended drink sales are at their peak this time of year.  Do you have a specialty drink for your shop?  Have fun with it, giving samples to your customers and ask for feedback.  Spending time in the Midwest and Scandinavian culture, I was reminded of the coffee and cream drinkers.  Have you tried the Café Aulait?  This is in your Fieldhead’s training manual.  Fill half the cup with brewed coffee and add steamed milk, creating a “milky coffee”.  Try it, you’ll like it.  J

Trivia:  The Greek word “parakaleo” translates as “comfort” or “encourage”.  To encourage means to do whatever is needed to bring courage into the lives of those around us.  Wow!  Congratulations to each of you for all you do for your customers, staff, family, and friends.  Remember, we are not in business alone.  We are “bringing people together with great coffee”.

Make it a great week!

Peggy Sue Ennenga