All posts by Joe

Matcha

Matcha is a variety of green tea that has been consumed for centuries and exploded in popularity in recent years.

It is electric green in color that resembles the color of wasabi. So it’s no surprise that it’s is most associated with Japan even though the origins are traced back to China.

The brilliant green is not the consequence of artificial coloring, but a result of chlorophyll during the production process. read more

Cascara

Cascara is the dried cherry from which coffee beans are extracted.

Even though it has been used for years to make cascara tea in Bolivia, it has always been regarded as just a by product of harvesting and producing coffee beans.

But in recent years, it has made it’s way into cafe bars and niche food products in supermarket shelves. read more

Portafilter

The portafilter is the handle tool that contains the basket that baristas use to pack coffee grounds and attached to the espresso machine to brew coffee.

Also referred to as the braccio, it is one of the most important elements of making a proper espresso and the variety of coffee beverages associated with it.

To ensure that espresso are brewed exactly as how the cafe desires, line markings are often carved into the basket as measuring indicator so that coffee grounds fill up to the line. read more