Filicori Zecchini Whole Bean Sampler

Green coffee beans are usually shipped in 132lb bags, (60 Kilograms) and world-wide production statistics are compiled on the number of bags.

World production for 2012 includes 88,818 bags of Arabica and 62,440 of Robusta.

To give you perspective on worldwide coffee production and the rarity of some highly prized regional coffees like Hawaiian Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain that make up a tiny fraction of all coffees, here are statistics for 2012 compiled by the US Department of Agriculture.

Brazil leads the world in total production again in 2012 with 40,200 bags of Arabica and 15,700 of Robusta for a total of 55,900 bags or 7,378,800 lb.

Vietnam is second for total production with 850 bags of Arabica and 24,150 of Robusta for a total of 25,000 bags or 3,300,000 lb.

 

The United States, mostly Hawaii, (100/0) and Mexico (4,500/200) make up North American production of 4,600 bags of Arabica and 200 bags of Robusta.

Central America produces 14,605 bags of Arabica and 10 bags of Robusta from: Costa Rica (1,600/0), El Salvador (1,475/0), Guatemala (3,840/10), Honduras (5,800/0), Nicaragua (1,800/0) and Panama (90/0).

 

South American countries including Bolivia (4/150), Brazil (40,200/15,700), Colombia (7,500/0), Ecuador (415/190), Paraguay (25/0), Peru (4,800/0) and Venezuela (880/0) combined to produce 53,970 bags of Arabica and 15,890 bags of Robusta.

Caribbean countries produce 920 bags of Arabica from: Cuba (125), Dominican Republic (475), Haiti (300) and Jamaica (20).

 

Middle East coffee comes from Yemen at 150 bags of Arabica.

Papua New Guinea, 1,100 bags of Arabica and 50 bags of Robusta, represents Oceania’s total production.

South Asia contributes 1,650 bags of Arabica and 3,685 bags of Robusta from: India (1,640/3,660) and Sri Lanka (10/25).

 

Southeast Asia contributes 2,580 bags of Arabica and 35,025 bags of Robusta from: Indonesia (1,700/8,000), Laos (0/575), Malaysia (0/1,000), Philippines (30/400), Thailand (0/900) and Vietnam (850/24,150).

 

Sub-Saharan Africa contributes 9,243 bags of Arabica and 7,580 bags of Robusta from: Angola (0/30), Burundi (225/0), Cameroon (100/700), Central African Republic (0/15), Kinshasa (200/165), Cote d'Ivoire (0/1,800), Ethiopia (6,500/0), Ghana (0/90), Guinea (0/425), Kenya (850/0), Liberia (0/5), Madagascar (25/500), Malawi (25/0), Nigeria (0/30), Rwanda (250/0), Sierra Leone (0/70), Tanzania (500/300), Togo (0/650), Uganda (650/2,800), Zambia 10/0) and Zimbabwe (8/0).

 

As you’re enjoying the last rays of summer, consider that in a few years you could be lathering on the coffee to prevent skin cancer. Findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science suggests that chemicals commonly found in coffee have the ability to absorb UV radiation when applied directly to the skin. Researchers at Rutgers University genetically engineered mice to suppress the same enzyme that caffeine does in humans and have found that they were slower to develop skin cancer. Because of its ability to suppress ATR, the enzyme responsible for turning damaged skin cells cancerous, scientists have suggested that caffeine could be added to sunscreens to boost protection levels.

In a strange twist, caffeine molecules may also help you develop a nice tan in addition to protecting your skin from tumors and cancer. Caffeine has actually been shown to stimulate pigment cells, urging them to produce more color. So, a safer tan may not be too far on the horizon.

If you're tired of the same old drinks, break out of the rut with a creative latte. This month's recipe is perfect for the adventurous latte lovers out there.

Ingredients
- 3 shots of espresso
- 6 oz of milk
- ½ oz of Monin Dark Chocolate Syrup
- ½ oz of Monin Caramel Syrup
- ¼ oz of Monin Hazelnut Syrup
- Ice

Preparation
In a tall 16oz glass, combine the espresso, syrup and milk. Stir the contents and add ice. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy!

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, may the luck...and drinks, of the Irish be with you. Given the upcoming festivities, now is as good a time as any to take a look at the history of one of the most (in)famous, drinks in the world—the Irish Coffee.

In true Celtic fashion, think Leprechauns and pots of gold, the origins of the Irish Coffee begins with a local folklore...Legend has it that the drink was invented in a cafe at the now-defunct Foynes Airport. In 1943, on a particularly nasty winter evening, a flight bound for Botwood, Newfoundland made the critical decision to return to Foynes after several hours in the air. Consider that 1943 was during WWII and commercial air travel was really in its infancy—think well-heeled men and women on a flying-boat voyage. The circumstances of the diverted flight were trying at best and left passengers a little bit more than peeved.

Upon making the decision to head back to Foynes, the captain reportedly sent a Morse-code message to the control tower, alerting ground operations personnel of the impending return. At the terminal, preparations were made to welcome back the crew and passengers. I know, you're skeptical already; but keep in mind, this was the 1940s...flying was a glitzy affair.

Back to the regularly scheduled story...Head chef Joe Sheridan of the airport restaurant was hastily asked to make something to warm the passengers and lift their spirits. He decided to...well...add a little spirit to their drinks. After all what could keep you warmer and happier than a hot coffee and some good old Irish whiskey? As the night progressed and everybody had been served, one of the passengers approached Sheridan to thank him for the hospitality. Making small talk, the passenger asked if Brazilian coffee had been used to prepare the drink...To which Sheridan responded "No, that was Irish Coffee." The rest is history.

From that night forward, Irish Coffee was served to all passengers going through Foynes Airport. The tradition continues to this day; dignitaries arriving at Shannon Airport are still welcomed with a warm cup of Irish Coffee. Want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style? Try this authentic Irish Coffee Recipe:

Joe Sheridan's Original Irish Coffee

• 30ml Irish Whiskey
• Freshly brewed coffee
• 2 teaspooons of  sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh whipping cream or double cream

Preparation
Preheat an Irish Coffee Mug using hot water. Try our Stout, Classic or Pedestal version of the mug. Pour freshly brewed coffee into the mug; add sugar and whiskey. Top with cream.

With nearly a century of experience, Filicori Zecchini is a pillar of the Italian espresso scene. This isn't a company that simply adheres to the Italian espresso tradition; it can be argued that Filicori Zecchini actually had an active hand in creating said traditions. Europeans and residents of the Middle East have made Filicori Zecchini's award winning blends a staple for years, indulging in the famed espresso at the company's flagship cafes as well as in the home. Now, Filicori Zecchini has made its specialty coffees available to the US, where Americans are sure to be enchanted with its exceptional blends.

The Credentials
Filicori Zecchini was established in Bologna, Italy in 1919. With the aftermath of World War I as a backdrop, Aldo Filicori and Luigi Zecchini set out to perfect the art of Italian espresso. What the two created has endured the test of time; Filicori Zecchini has remained true to its heritage to this day and still operates under the leadership of the original founding family.

As one of Italy's oldest roasters, Filicori Zecchini is also among the most revered. It is one of the few to companies to earn the prestigious Italian Espresso National Institute certification. Among other things, the Institute requires that the espresso be a blend of several origins and deliver thick, caramel-colored crema. The aroma must have overtones of chocolate, fruit, flowers and toast; the scent has to linger for several seconds to a minute before dissipating. The blend also has to be well rounded in order to earn certification. Many of Filicori Zecchini's premier espressos have earned the distinction of being certified by the Italian Espresso National Institute.

Coffee and Espresso
Whole bean espresso is the heart and soul of most roasters and Filicori Zecchini is no exception. Its premium blends are created from carefully selected Indian, Brazilian and other South American beans. Filicori Zecchini individually roasts each origin separately to preserve the flavor profiles of each region and protect the integrity of the espresso. What you get, as a result, are blends where all the flavor characteristics of each coffee are intact and distinguishable from one another. Along with multiple origins, Filicori Zecchini also combines Arabica and Robusta beans to give its espresso impressive crema.

There are four Filicori Zecchini whole bean espressos to choose from: Blend N.1, Gran Crema Delicato, Gran Crema Forte and Kave Decaffeinato. Of the four, Gran Crema Delicato is the most refined and subdued; Blend N.1 is the boldest, making it ideal for cutting through the milk in cappuccinos and lattes. Gran Crema Delicato has light notes of chocolate, vanilla and toasted grains, making it a fine choice for after-dinner espresso. Blend N.1, on the other hand, is an unabashedly bold espresso that is perfect for early mornings; it can also work to balance milk-based beverages. Gran Crema Forte is Filicori Zecchini's middle-of-the-road blend; complex aromas and a medium acidity makes this a great anytime espresso. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, Kave Decaffeinato is a solid choice. It's full-flavored and aromatic without the caffeine content to keep you up at night.

For drip coffee drinkers, Gran Crema Delicato and Gran Crema Forte are also available as ground coffee. Filicori Zecchini also offers a pre-ground version of its flagship Kave blend, a dark roast with surprisingly sweet nuances. If you're looking for convenience, check out Filtro, a bold and balanced drip coffee that comes in individually packaged bags.

Whole Latte Love is the very first company to offer these outstanding Espresso Italiano Certified espressos from Filicori Zecchini in the United States and we couldn't be more excited! With individually roasted origins and amazing crema, flavors and aromas, these blends are sure to top your list of favorite espressos. Try them and you will never want the incredible, lingering aftertaste to end. Watch our video to see us brew shots and learn more about the characteristics of each of these blends.