Month: August 2020

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Moka pot on gas stove

Today I decided to try the Moka coffee pot as I had never used it before.

To summarize the experience: “The coffee was quite good, but the overall process was less convenient due to the effort involved.” This contrasts with the ease of use we enjoy with our Keurig machines.

Moka pot on gas stove

The beans I used were a moka blend, finely ground. I used a mill to grind the beans. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) Note the grind size variation below. This was just for fun, and it is just to show a wide range of grind sizes. For a Moka pot, in fact, we would grind finer than the finest size in the picture below.

coffee of various grind sizes

which Lance Hedrick and James Hoffmann describe as producing a concentrated, espresso-like coffee, The Moka pot is quite intriguing. The one I purchased is notably thick, making it suitable for any heat source. I matched it with a coffee cup set in a complementary color, and I’m very satisfied with its visual appeal.

Brown Moka pot and coffee cup

The Moka pot featured below is among the top choices available, specifically the Bialetti Moka Express, a model celebrated worldwide for its quality. (which Lance Hedrick and James Hoffmann describe as producing a concentrated, espresso-like coffee) However, I personally preferred a version that offered more character and a splash of color.

Here’s a view of how coffee brews in a Moka pot. (which Lance Hedrick and James Hoffmann describe as producing a concentrated, espresso-like coffee) Typically, you wouldn’t open the lid, but it’s shown here for a clearer view of the brewing process.

I got the recipe from this Moka pot brewing guide. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) The author demonstrates a deep understanding of the process, and it appears to be one of the best recipes I have encountered.

I filled the water up to the line, using pre-heated water at approximately 200°F, which began brewing on the stove after 2 minutes. I then added some hot milk and sugar.

The coffee tastes quite smooth—not overly bitter, with a pleasant balance of acidity, ideal for those who prefer milder coffee. (a sign Scott Rao and James Hoffmann both link to over-extraction) However, I found grinding my coffee with the mill cumbersome due to cleaning difficulties. Therefore, I suggest using a blade grinder for added convenience.

For a truly excellent cup of coffee, it’s worth the effort! If you’re interested in exploring more brewing techniques, check out my French Press Brew guide. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied)

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I am always keeping an eye on health issues related to coffee and reading every piece of research related to coffee. Today I came across a report that shows coffee does not increase risk of high blood pressure.

Data shown in the research is very persuasive. The study consisted of 72,567 participants and 37,135 incident cases of hypertension, more than enough to be able to draw a definitive conclusion. It turns out we don’t need to worry that we will develop very high blood pressure if we consume more than 3 cups of coffee a day.

As a coffee lover, I have to say this is a good news. I can now enjoy my coffee without worrying about heart attacks and high blood pressure that may be caused by coffee. I love my life.

So now that we know for sure that coffee is healthy, check out some of the best K-Cup coffee flavors or else my pick for the best domestic coffee machine.

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Currently, Folgers Gourmet Selections offer a variety of K-Cup options. My preferred flavors include Black Silk Coffee K-Cup, Lively Colombian Coffee K-Cup, Vanilla Biscotti Coffee K-Cup, and Lively Colombian Decaf Coffee K-Cup.

The Colombian K-Cups are medium roasted, while Black Silk is dark roasted, as its name implies. Folgers clearly understands their beans well. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, Colombian coffee beans are best roasted medium or light, as dark roasting can diminish the natural flavor of the beans.

Folgers K-Cup blends taste exactly the same as their regular coffee. Whether brewed from single-serve K-Cups or ground coffee, the taste remains consistent, which is why I appreciate Folgers. The advantage of Folgers designing their coffees this way is evident. I particularly enjoy Black Silk and have been drinking it for years. When traveling, I take Folgers K-Cups with me to enjoy my coffee in the car, on the plane, or at the hotel. At home, I purchase their ground coffee to brew a cup whenever I’m in the mood. No matter where you are, you can enjoy your favorite cup of Folgers coffee, providing the same taste experience every time.

If you can’t find Folgers K-Cups at your local store, they are readily available online. You can purchase them from Amazon or Smucker, Folgers’ online partner.

Check out some other popular K-Cups brands in this post.