Keurig

Ask the experts and many of them will tell you the same thing: the single-serve coffee category is hotter than freshly brewed java. Fueled by convenience, the time-saving system that lets users prepare drinks by the cup is gaining popularity worldwide. Yet, since their inception, single-serve cups and capsules have had to dodge the criticism that they’re inherently bad for the environment.

Since single-serve capsules are discarded after each use, the brewing method is not as green as preparing drinks with ground coffee or espresso. And, we’re talking about a lot of cups and capsules. According to the National Coffee Association, single-serve coffee is the fastest-growing sector of the home market, as well as the second most popular brewing method after conventional drip coffee makers.

So, what’s an environmentally conscious coffee lover to do? Must eco-concerns be set aside in favor of fast, convenient, and reliable drinks by the cup? Fortunately, leading single-serve manufacturers are addressing the issue head on. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), the maker of K-Cups for Keurig, conducted a life cycle analysis to assess the environmental impact of its single-serve packs. Highlights of the study are as follows:

• "The most significant environmental impacts are associated with materials production/packaging, the use phase, and the coffee cultivation phase for the impact categories examined."
• "End-of-Life (EoL) is a small part of the K-Cup® pack life cycle, representing only 5% of GHG emissions. EoL represents only 1% of the energy demand, and 1% of the acidification potential."
• "The K-Cup® brewing system uses less energy in an office environment than a traditional batch brewing system. This translates into reduced environmental impact in all impact categories over the entire life cycle."

According to the study, even though the end-of-life cycle -- when a K-Cup is used and discarded -- is the most visible, it actually only accounts for only 5% of the potential global warming output. Nevertheless, GMCR has put together a program to allow workplace customers in the contiguous U.S. to collect and return spent K-Cups for composting and energy from waste processing. The Grounds to Grow On program is estimated to have recovered 4.1 million K-Cup packs and composted over 85,000 pounds of ground coffee in the same year. The plastic from spent K-Cups saved approximately 139 kilowatt hours.

Want to take matters into your own hands, give the Keurig My K-Cup filter basket a try. It is a reusable filter that lets you brew with any ground pre-ground coffee you choose. No hassle, no mess, and no waste.

At Nespresso, the talk centers around recycling as well as developing more sustainable aluminum for their single-serve capsules. In the U.S., the company has capsule collection systems in place in cities with Nespresso boutiques including: New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Nespresso has also launched the AluCycle, partnering with mining, refining, retrieval, recycling organizations to improve the sustainability of aluminum. The company has also teamed up with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to promote environmentally sound aluminum practices.

Taking its commitment one step further, Nespresso has equipped some of its single-serve machines with an ECO button, which will automatically turn the machine off after 30 minutes of inactivity to conserve energy. The feature is available on the latest generation of the CitiZ machines. As an added bonus, purchase any Nespresso single-serve machine over $199 from now until June 17, 2013 and you can register for a $50 Nespresso Club credit good for free capsules.

Illy iperEspresso fans can take heart in knowing that their capsules are made from recycled plastic. The company is working on a method to allow consumers to open, clean, and recycle their capsules.

While single-serve systems may not be as eco-friendly as other more traditional brewing methods, the leading manufacturers are taking notes and continually making improvements to their products. Don’t write them off just yet.

Like heirlooms, treasured recipes get passed down from generation to generation, building memories at every turn. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re asking you to share your family’s favorite coffee or espresso-related recipe for a chance to win a Keurig B31 Mini Plus in Platinum, a box of Green Mountain Nantucket Blend K-Cups, two Whole Latte Love Latte Cups.

You can submit a drink or food recipe, so long as one of the ingredients is coffee or espresso. Enter here by noon (EST) on May 6, 2013 and we’ll put your submission up for an open vote. Our fans will determine who wins this contest! Voting ends on May 9 noon (EST) just two days after recipe submissions are due.

Anyone with a college experience similar to mine will be in for a number of late nights and early mornings. Now, whether you’re in a dorm, or in an apartment, getting that first cup of coffee can be essential to keeping you alert and productive for the rest of the day. I know that time and money are kind of a big deal for most college students, and I know you’re going to want to find a fast and affordable source of coffee. Don’t worry; we’re here to help.

When it comes to quick, convenient coffee, single-serve machines work very well. No mess, no hassle, and you never need to worry about brewing too much. If you’re worried about price, don’t be. We have a number of affordable single serve options like the Keurig B31 Mini Plus, and if you do go with a Keurig, you might want to check out the My K-Cup Filter Basket, an innovative accessory that allows you to use your own pre-ground coffee in your machine in addition to K-Cups.

While a single serve machine is likely to become a much worshiped and permanent fixture in your place of residence, necessity will sometimes require that your coffee be mobile and when that’s the case, few things work better than the Bodum French Press Travel Set. Not only is it an actual French press for brewing coffee, it’s a stainless steel mug that you can take anywhere, how’s that for dual functionality?

Now the coffee. It’s true that you could go to any local grocery store and probably find some super cheap drip with remarkably clever names like “Brewer’s Choice” or “Happy Mountain Coffee,” and sure it’s kitschy and character building. But, when you don’t feel like drinking something that tastes like diesel fuel every morning, that’s when you check out our coffee instead. Even without a really expensive machine, good coffee is still good coffee.

You might be thinking though that you’re limited to pre-ground, well think again. The Bodum Bistro Blade Grinder is a compact and affordable option for budget conscious bean lovers and is available in four colors.

No matter where you go, or what your major may be, remember that back to school doesn’t have to mean back to bad coffee!

It's summertime and the living's easy, shouldn't your coffee be simple too? Simplicity is the name of the game with Keurig and we're happy to introduce some new K-Cups this season to keep you caffeinated with minimal hassle. These K-Cups are compatible with all Keurig machines, the Breville BKC700XL as well as the Cuisinart SS-700.

Fans of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, whose restaurants, shows and cookbooks have been American staples since the 80s, can now enjoy his original coffee creations at home. Keurig has partnered with Puck to offer two memorable K-Cups, Breakfast in Bed and Jamaica Me Crazy. For a traditional cup of Joe that's anything but ordinary, try Wolfgang Puck Breakfast in Bed. This medium-roast, single-serve coffee is well balanced and smooth, making it perfect for those laid-back summer days. If you're dreaming of a tropical getaway, on the other hand, Jamaica Me Crazy may the perfect ticket. This flavored coffee puts an island twist on regular java. It is distinguished by a remarkable coconut flavor and pleasing aromas.

Not to be outdone, Timothy's and Gloria Jean's Coffees have flavored K-Cups of their own. The first is the exotic Timothy's Kahlua Orginal K-Cups. This light-roast Arabica coffee sets itself apart with enticing flavors of rum, caramel and vanilla. Timothy's Kahlua K-Cups are great for late afternoon drinks or entertaining guests, as the flavors beg to be savored. For more conventional fare, try Gloria Jean's Cappuccino Coffee K-Cups. This is a creamy, medium-roast flavored coffee with cinnamon-y undertones. It has a well-rounded body and balanced acidity. The Kahlua and Cappuccino K-Cups are both certified Kosher.

If you just need a quick jolt to keep you going during the dog days of summer, Keurig's new Revv Coffee K-Cups promises to deliver just that. Said to capture “energy in its purest form,” Revv is a striking dark coffee that is undeniably bold. Since it was launched, the Revv blend has been praised by countless customers for being smooth and never bitter. The new Green Mountain Extra Bold Espresso Blend is also another great option for fans of strong coffee. It's a dark-roast blend of certified organic and fair trade coffee. Green Mountain Extra Bold Espresso presents a nice palate consisting of chocolate and vanilla flavors accented by a smoky, fruity undertone.

All of Keurig's new K-Cups are available in boxes of 18. But, if you find a flavor that's to your liking, make sure you stock up as they have a very good chance of selling out! No matter if you're brewing at home or looking for a single-serve coffee solution for the office, K-Cups are a great value and offer the convenience of truly hassle-free beverages.

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.

The Keurig B70 K-Cup Brewer is quick, easy, and efficient with a number of programmable features. It will let you make a fresh drink every time, instead of having to brew a full pot of coffee when you really only want one cup. Be sure to read my blogs to find out why I’m so passionate about this machine.

The first coffee was rumored to have been consumed in Ethiopia around 850 AD. Today, other than water, coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Over 400 billion cups are consumed every year. Thirty-five percent of the world’s coffee is consumed in the United States. The coffee industry employs over 25 million people.

Here is a quick look at the inventions that have made coffee consumption so popular:

• In 1901, "instant" coffee was invented by Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato
• 1908 The coffee filter and filter paper were patented by Melitta Bentz Company
• 1933 First automatic espresso machine was invented by Dr. Ernest Illy
• 1937 The filter bag was created by Melitta Bentz Company
• 1946 The modern day espresso machine was created by Achilles Gaggia
• 1962 Vacuum packaging was created by Melitta Bentz Company

Today, many manufactures use single-serve options for brewing coffee that have filters built in. Popular brands include: Nespresso, Illy, Gaggia, Keurig and Tassimo, to name a few. The average American can create the desired drink in seconds, with the perfect amount of coffee, temperature and no cleanup. The development of single-serve systems can trace its roots back to the humble paper filter.

Many single serve options, consists of a “filter” that contains an exact amount of coffee, ground specifically to create a unique coffee drink. The packaging prevents oxygen, light and moisture from degrading the coffee. Each cup of coffee produced is of the highest quality and freshness. Several well-known coffee roasters, such as Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, have created branded single-serve coffee options.

Illy has evolved into a world renowned manufacturer of coffee. Illy coffee is available in medium or dark roasts; regular or decaffeinated; whole bean, fine and medium grinds; as well as E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) pods and iperEspresso capsules.

Illy’s introduction of the iperEspresso System has revolutionized the preparation of espresso. This patented two-part process replaces the traditional manner in which espresso was extracted. In the first stage called “iper-infusion,” hot water under high pressure creates optimal brewing conditions within the iperChamber to enhance the extraction of coffee flavor and aroma and increase its richness and complexity. In the second stage, “emulsification,” coffee is forced through the patented e-valve at the bottom of the capsule, mixing with air to produce a velvety, long-lived crema. Illy’s iperEspresso capsules are compatible with the FrancisFrancis X7 and Gaggia for Illy Single-Serve Espresso Machines.

he modern-day espresso machine was created by Gaggia in 1946. It has experienced subtle changes since its inception. The technology and use of commercial components have not changed. Consumers who want to achieve an authentic espresso or milk-based drink from home are rarely disappointed. The machines offer the option to use ground coffee or pods. Recently, Gaggia introduced a new pressurized portafilter basket that takes the guesswork out of creating perfect crema. This filter basket is compatible with all the semi-automatic Gaggia Espresso machines currently on the market. Additionally, the popular Gaggia Baby series introduced a new model that has dual boilers, perfect for temperature stability and creating milk based drinks with ease.

As you can see several inventions, introduced to coffee drinkers over 75 years ago, still have an impact on how we enjoy this beverage. It will be exciting to see how the coffee drinking experience continues to evolve in the next decade.

I always thought that my street was pretty liberal and open-minded; but based on the faces and reactions, you would think that she had just opened the liquor cabinet and poured herself a double.

The fact of the matter is, despite the preconceived ideas that my friends might have had, the benefits of coffee, in moderation, for children are proven. Research by Dr. Tomas DePaulis at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies has actually shown that children who drink coffee are much more alert; show a marked boost in concentration, and may do better on school tests. Studies have also shown that coffee has helped children with Attention Deficit Disorder stay more focused and on-task.

Dr. DePaulis shared his research and discussed childhood depression with WebMD. In the interview he said, "There recently was a study from Brazil finding that children who drink coffee with milk each day are less likely to have depression than other children, in fact, no studies show that coffee in reasonable amounts is, in any way, harmful to children."

Just as an end note, Jordan has never missed being on the Honor Roll and she is as happy as a 15-year-girl could be.

What is the youngest age that you think children should start drinking coffee?

How have your kids reacted when they have had coffee to drink?