Let’s be real—coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s that first glorious sip in the morning or a rich, flavorful brew shared with friends, coffee is part of life’s simple pleasures. But with all the buzz around organic coffee, it’s natural to wonder: Is making the switch really worth it or just another trendy flex?
Have you ever wondered how coffee was grown before the advent of modern farming?
In the beginning, coffee thrived naturally in the lush, shaded forests of Ethiopia and Yemen, growing without human intervention.
For centuries, farmers used traditional methods that respected the land, relying on natural compost and biodiversity to keep their crops healthy.
In recent years, mushroom coffee has surged in popularity due to its unique combination of traditional coffee and the purported health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Promoted as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, mushroom coffee boasts benefits such as enhanced focus, reduced stress, and improved immunity. But as this trend continues to grow, an important question arises: Do you know where your mushroom coffee comes from…
Nespresso machines have become a common fixture in homes and workplaces worldwide. They provide a convenient way to enjoy espresso or coffee at the touch of a button. When deciding between Nespresso’s Original Line and Vertuo Line, opting for the Original Line is beneficial for those who appreciate having more choices and getting better value for their investment.
The Original Line offers a system that provides a wider selection of coffee capsules from various brands, distinguishing it from the more limited Vertuo system. Here are some reasons to ditch your Vertuo machine and switch to the Original.
In today's fast-paced world, convenience often comes at a cost, one of which is the environmental impact of common products. Consider the single-use coffee pods that have become a household staple, particularly among those who own Nespresso machines. While Artizan Coffee pods for Nespresso Machines provide unprecedented convenience, they nevertheless leave a substantial environmental effect…
In our fast-paced world, convenience often comes at a cost, and one of those costs is the environmental impact of everyday products. Take, for instance, the single-use coffee capsules that have become a staple in many households, especially those with Nespresso Machines. While these Artizan Coffee capsules for Nespresso Machines offer unparalleled convenience, they also leave behind a significant environmental footprint…
Coffee has woven itself into cultures for centuries, becoming more than a beverage. It sparks conversations and provides inspiration, described by Alessandro Bucci as the "common man's gold. " In our blended world where cultures influence one another, the coffee narrative has diversified. The caffè latte and flat white showcase coffee's evolution.
Imagine a bustling café in Rome steam hissing as rich espresso aroma fills the air, blending with Italian conversations and the romanticized caffè latte finds its roots here. Now go to a Wellington, New Zealand café where surfers and office workers get their morning fix. The flat white, an Antipodean gem is served with precision. Though similar, they signify different eras and preferences. "The flat white reflects our culture," says Mia Taylor. Its strong core surrounded by velvety milk embodies the direct Australian and New Zealand coffee scenes. The creamier, milder caffè latte mirrors laidback European cafés where sipping coffee can last hours.
Your Ultimate Nespresso Guide for the Perfect Caffè Latte
Delve into the alluring world of Caffè Latte with our definitive guide centered on Nespresso machines. This article unveils the rich tapestry behind this beloved beverage, from its Italian roots to its global embrace. Navigate the vast Nespresso range, be it the vintage charm of Delonghi C190 or the modern prowess of Prodigio.
Seeking the ideal Nespresso pod for your latte? Benefit from barista insights and consumer verdicts. Pondering between the Creatista’s precision and the Latissima’s convenience? Our comprehensive analysis, enriched by expert opinions and coffee shop tales, brings clarity.
We also spotlight essential features to consider, blending functionality with aesthetics. Through user reviews, expert tips, and a holistic verdict, we ensure your Nespresso choice elevates every latte sip. Whether a coffee novice or a seasoned aficionado, this guide is your passport to the perfect Caffè Latte with Nespresso.
Delve deep into the aromatic world of coffee with our comprehensive guide comparing the iconic Caffe Latte and Flat White. Born in the heart of Rome, Caffe Latte mirrors Europe's leisurely coffee sips, offering a creamy, milder experience. On the flip side, the Flat White, hailing from the dynamic shores of New Zealand, embodies boldness with its robust espresso core and velvety milk texture. This article not only contrasts their tastes and preparation techniques but also embarks on a historic journey, tracing their roots and cultural significance. Discover the nuances of milk-to-coffee ratios, the best beans for each brew, and the intricacies of espresso machines and brewing techniques. Whether you're a seasoned barista or a coffee enthusiast, this guide promises a rich blend of knowledge, culture, and brewing mastery. Dive in to find out which coffee reigns supreme in the eternal Latte vs. Flat White debate.
We’re thrilled to have been selected by Redfin as an authority on composting. Check out the recent article we were featured in: Clean and Green: Here's How to Compost in an Apartment
Your Nespresso Lattissima One makes great coffee, but like any other machine, it can deteriorate if not properly maintained. Ensuring your Lattissima One stays clean is the key to a healthy machine and great coffee.
Have you ever noticed that your coffee tastes slightly off? Then your Nespresso Lattissima One may need descaling. Descaling is an important aspect of maintenance that only takes around 20 minutes out of your day and we can show you how to do it.
What is Descaling?
After every cup of coffee made, a mineral called calcium carbonate gets left behind and forms in the pipes. Each use results in more build-up which over time, can be damaging to the machine. Calcium carbonate deposits are more common in places that use hard water. When you descale a Nespresso Lattissima+, it will dispose of the calcium carbonate resulting in a healthier machine and better tasting coffee.
How Often Should I Descale My Nespresso Lattissima+?
Unlike other models, the Nespresso Lattissima+ offers a maintenance light that will flash orange signifying that it needs to be descaled. This orange light will appear through the cappuccino button on top of your machine. Though, like the other Nespresso models, one should aim to descale their Nespresso Lattissima+ every three months or twice a year as a minimum.
What Will I Need?
To successfully descale your Nespresso Lattissima One, you will need a descaling solution kit. The Caffeto Restore Descaler for sale here is OMRI listed for organic use it’s non-toxic, biodegradable, safe and works on most machines. The combination of its effectiveness and price make it the sensible choice when descaling your machine. Also, you will need fresh water to fill your water tank and a container to catch the flowing solution.
Steps To Descaling Your Nespresso Lattissima One
The steps required to descale a Nespresso Lattissima One are quite simple. Follow this process to ensure that your Lattissima One is clean and ready to make delicious coffee.
Preparing my Lattissima One
First of all, you need to prepare your machine. Start by turning on the machine using the on button.
Then lift the lid ensuring that there are no capsules inserted.
Empty any capsules in the used capsule container and drain the drip tray.
Fill the water tank with 500ml of water and mix in the descaling solution.
Starting the descaling process
Before you begin, take the descaling pipe situated at the back of the machine and plug the descaling pipe into the steam connector of the machine.
The machine enters the descaling mode. The descaling alert blinks orange during the entire descaling process. The Espresso button illuminates white.
Place a cup or container under the hot water outlet and the steam nozzle to catch the liquid that flows through. It is advised that the cup or container be able to hold at least 1 litre of liquid.
Then press the Espresso button to begin the process.
The water and solution will flow through the machine, alternating between both nozzles into the cup or container you have placed underneath.
The descaling process has finished when only the Espresso light is illuminated and the water tank runs empty.
Rinsing my Nespresso machine
Once completed, empty the water tank and rinse it out making sure it is devoid of any solution.
Refill the water tank with fresh water to the maximum level and press the Espresso button to start the final rinsing of the full water tank.
Once the rinsing process is finished, the machine switches off.
Dispose of the water.
Exiting descaling mode
Detach and put away the descaling pipe. Empty drip tray and used capsules container. Fill water tank with potable water.
Clean the machine with a damp cloth. you have now finished descaling the machine.
Now, your Nespresso Lattissima One has been descaled and is ready to make amazing coffees again.
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this video on how to descale a Nespresso Lattissima One:
Nespresso Lattissima One - Descaling.
Nespresso Lattissima One Features
The Lattissima One is for those who wish for a milky treat once in a while.
A Cappuccino or a Latte Macchiato? It’s as convenient as fill, froth, enjoy!
Because life should be about simple pleasures, just fill the milk jug with the amount you’d like and the Lattissima Onemachine will froth it directly into your cup.
And with its one button, you’ll be able to make any recipe you like, instantly.
When it comes to cleaning? Simply pop the jug in the dishwasher when you’re done.
This machine also features a compact design, chrome lever, subtle gloss and matte line patterns.
Why Go Organic
Organic coffee is increasing in popularity due to its health and environmental benefits. So it makes sense to use an organic descaler too. The Cafetto Restorer Descaler is an environmentally friendly descaler. It is non-toxic and biodegradable resulting in less of a negative impact on the environment. Using Artizan Coffee products will help you contribute towards the wellbeing of the environment as they are 100% organic and the first company in the world to receive the USDA organic certification for their line of Nespresso compatible capsules. By using these products you can continue drinking amazing coffee and save the environment at the same time.
If you want to combine your love of espresso with a desire to be green, you may have to make a few unexpected coffee choices.
Our addiction to single shot coffee capsules is not good for the environment, because of the energy to grow the beans, make the capsules, brew the coffee, and dispose of the waste. But there’s an upside: capsules turn out to be a more sustainable way of drinking espresso than nearly any other method of making coffee. And according to new research, recyclable aluminium pods are more environmentally friendly than all other capsules, whether they are made from plastic or compostable materials…
People drink coffee to stay awake and get more things done. But how can you get more things done if youíre waiting around for your coffee to brew. Oh sure you can go buy a cup of coffee but at some point you going to want a cup at home. With a coffee pod maker youíre only 30 seconds away from an excellent cup of coffee…
The word organic is thrown around a lot and it can get quite confusing when trying to fully understand what organic really means.
Organic coffee is coffee grown by farmers use natural, renewable resources free of artificial chemicals to grow their crops. Organic farming also helps conserve the environment through traditional, native methods that have minimum impact.
How Do I Know If My Coffee Is Organic?
For a farmer to achieve organic status, standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be met. USDA standards state that to become certified organic, coffee must:
● Be produced on land that has been free of synthetic ingredients or additives for at least three years.
● Be grown in areas with sufficient buffer between the organic coffee and the nearest conventional crop.
● Be cultivated within a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests.
● Keep careful records detailing production techniques and yields and allow internal and external random inspections of the farm by the cooperative’s technical advisors and the certifying agency inspectors.
Once certified, at least 95% of beans produced must be organic.
Why Should I Choose Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee not only benefits the consumer but the farmer and the farming community as well.
Improve the Environment
Organic coffee farming maintains the health of the land, making the soil more fertile and improving the quality and quantity of the coffee produced year after year. Organic farming also eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, which in turn, reduces the exposure of chemicals to the atmosphere, the local water supply, and the farmers.
Support Local Families
Generally, small families are the primary contributors to organic farming. This is because they are more likely to embrace and be more accustomed to traditional farming techniques and methods that naturally meet USDA requirements. By purchasing organic coffee, you are supporting these small, working families, ensuring their financial stability in small farming communities.
The Shade Growing Method
A popular traditional technique used by farmers is growing coffee in the shade. Shade-grown coffee is simply coffee that is grown under the natural canopy of trees. Growing coffee in the shade allows it to thrive in its natural environment, promoting natural pesticides such as birds and insects. The alternative, sun-grown coffee, is damaging to both the coffee, the farmer, and the environment due to the use of toxic chemicals and large amounts of deforestation required to free up land. Shade-grown farming practices have been used for centuries, it is the most natural form of growing and should be adopted by small farmers and large corporations alike.
Fairtrade and Organic Coffee
It is a common misconception that fairtrade and organic coffee are synonymous, but that is not the case. Organic coffee and the USDA’s core values focus on the environment and the use of natural resources, whereas fairtrade aligns its ideals with working to help trade, farmers, and producers.
What is Fairtrade?
The organization Fair Trade focuses on giving farmers and producers better trade conditions and a fair price for the products they produce. Therefore, standards are set in place by Fairtrade International:
● The majority members of organizations must be smallholders who do not depend on hired workers. Also, profits must be equally distributed among all producers as well as allowing members to have a voice and a vote in decision-making processes.
● Workers have the right to join an independent union to negotiate working conditions and those working conditions are equitable for all workers.
● Salaries must be higher than the regional average or the minimum wage.
● Health and safety measures must be established.
● Transparency and fair prices when trading their product.
Purchasing Fairtrade coffee helps farmers fight poverty, provides continued growth and allows them to plan for the future.
Although Fairtrade coffee and organic coffee are different, they compliment each other rather well. Small family farmers adopt organic growing techniques and small family farmers are the target of Fairtrade practices.
Nespresso Compatible Organic Coffee
Organic coffee isn’t hard to come by if you are shopping in the right place.
Large organizations such as Nespresso tend to not offer an organic option in their product line, but don’t worry, this just means that you have to look elsewhere.
There are an immeasurable amount of alternative brands of Nespresso compatible capsules, resulting in an overabundance of suitable Nespresso organic coffee to choose from.
One of the more favorable brands is Artizan Coffee. Artizan Coffee is the first company to receive both a USDA and Fairtrade certification for their line of Nespresso compatible capsules. They are strong advocates for supporting both the environment and the health and well-being of the farmers. If you want Nespresso organic capsules, Artizan coffee is a clear choice. Products such as their Sumatra: Kopepi Ketiara - Single Origin and Heavenly Project High-Altitude Blend have a rich flavor, smooth texture, and a bold taste, making it a must-have.
For some, the smell of coffee in the morning is the only wake-up call they need, for others, it may be a little too strong to bare.
Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the World, but it’s not for everyone, therefore, some require a little flavor in their brew to make it more enjoyable.
To do this, there are two options, you can either use flavored coffee beans or add flavor to your coffee.
Though it may seem like flavoring coffee is a modern invention with companies like Starbucks being at the forefront of this genius, flavoring coffee has actually been around for centuries.
In the 16th century, people in the Middle East used nuts and spices to flavor their coffee and eventually Venetian traders would bring that custom to Europe.
There are a wide variety of flavors on offer through either flavored beans or adding flavor, but which is the better option? This article will analyze their similarities and differences to see which one is better.
Flavored Coffee
Flavoring coffee beans is no simple feat. The process of flavoring beans begins in the lab where chemists use natural and synthetic ingredients to design the flavors.
Some flavors can take up to 80 ingredients to achieve their desired taste. Once a flavor is developed, it must then be diluted and coated on the roasted beans via a spraying method, hence the shiny coating you see on the bean.
Coffee flavors are categorized into different notes by using the “Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel”. This wheel was developed through a collaboration between the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the World Coffee Research (WCR) and it shows how coffee flavors are split into nine different categories. These categories include; Green/Vegetative, Sour/Fermented. Fruity, Floral, Sweet, Nutty/Cocoa, Spices, Roasted and Other. See the chart below.
This wheel is a base guideline for flavor in coffee and is widely used among producers. However, the flavors derived from the categories aren’t definitive, there is much room for diversity and development. The flavor wheel can be used as a guide, but the importance lies on what coffee drinkers want.
When choosing a flavored coffee, one must be careful of the quality of the bean being used. Often at times, the reason for adding flavor to the coffee is to mask the quality of the bean. This can result in the flavoring being too strong. Flavor is meant to accent the coffee, not overwhelm it.
Added Flavor
Added flavor refers to changing the taste of a coffee after it has already been brewed, the beans used are not previously altered. Flavors usually come in the form of a syrup or powder that are simply mixed in with the coffee to produce a different taste. There are many different flavored syrups and powders that can be used in homes, stores, and cafes. According to Amazon, the most popular syrup flavors include; Vanilla (with and without sugar), Lavender, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Caramel, and Raspberry, but there are many more flavors and tastes.
Like flavored beans, these syrups are created in a lab. Coffee syrups are a concentrated, viscous substance mainly comprising of sugar or sugar substitute with flavor. Sucrose, the main component of syrup is usually combined with glycerin or sorbitol to increase the solubility of any added ingredients used to achieve the desired flavor. When all ingredients have been added, the syrup can then be prepared by using one or more of four techniques; solution with heat, solution by agitation, addition of sucrose to a liquid medication and/or percolation. The technique of choice depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the syrup being produced. The final product of the whole process will be a tasty flavored syrup.
Effects on Your Health
Flavored Coffee
When consuming flavored coffee beans, you could be exposing yourself to some harmful chemicals. It is common for coffee beans to contain propylene glycol which is a chemical used in the production of antifreeze and can have severe adverse effects on the body. This chemical is used as a binding agent so that the flavor sticks to the beans. The majority of solvents used in the production of flavored coffee have been known to be dangerous to the respiratory system, going as far as compelling vendors to wear protective equipment when handling the beans. However, these chemicals are only lethal due to prolonged exposure, whereas consuming it via one cup of coffee in the morning will have little effect on the body. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the chemicals are completely harmless.
Added Flavor
Flavored syrup, on the other hand, lacks the intense chemicals used in its production. Finding the ingredients of a flavored syrup is simple, as bottles will display their ingredients on the label. Primarily consisting of sugar, flavored syrups generally won’t have chemically induced effects on your body, but they are unhealthy. An average bottle of flavored syrup contains around a third of your daily intake of sugar per serving, that would be equivalent to eating 31 strawberries. In today's health driven society, individuals are finding it less and less acceptable to consume so much sugar in one serving and therefore stay away from these flavored syrups. Yet, this does not mean that the sugar-free options are any better. A study conducted by the University of Texas found that rather than promoting weight-loss, the use of artificial sweeteners actually promoted weight-gain. Moreover, artificial sweeteners have scientists divided on how safe they are. Some studies have shown these sweeteners are linked to causing brain tumors, bladder cancer and others, but this data is based on exposure to large doses.
What Alternatives Can Be Used?
If the information about what goes into both flavored beans and added flavors has you concerned, you shouldn’t worry, there are natural and healthy ways you can avoid using either. If you want to add a little flavor to your coffee, it’s not necessary to use the artificially produced options. Here are some alternative ways to flavor your coffee:
Organic Cane Sugar
Organic cane sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to your coffee. Substituting regular coffee for this aids in the prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms and also prostate and breast cancer.
Raw Honey
A little added honey to your coffee can provide a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the flavor. Raw honey is natural, un-tampered with, full of antioxidants and very tasty.
Cinnamon
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to your coffee will not only fill it with flavor but also give you a plethora of health benefits. Cinnamon is proven to promote weight-loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, fight infection and lower blood-sugar levels.
Vanilla Extract
If you like adding vanilla flavoring to your coffee, use vanilla extract over an artificial substitute. Doing this can lower cholesterol and your appetite resulting in a potential for weight-loss and a healthier heart. Don’t use too much vanilla extract though, as the pure vanilla flavor may overwhelm the coffee.
Almond Milk
This is a great, dairy-free alternative to using cow milk. Using unsweetened almond milk is healthy and adds a subtle nutty flavor, perfect for complementing any roast.
Ginger
Using ginger may not be the most obvious choice when wanting to your flavor coffee, but it tastes great. Adding a few slices of ginger root or a small amount of ginger powder to your coffee will perfectly flavor your cup without overwhelming the taste of coffee. Research has that shown ginger is a natural digestive aid that can calm the stomach, reduce inflammation and the risk of prostate cancer.
Drinking Organic Coffee
As well as using a natural, organic substitute to artificial flavors and sweeteners, you could also switch to using organic coffee. Artizan Coffee products are a great choice as they are 100% organic as certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meaning that they are devoid of chemicals and pesticides usually used when growing coffee beans. Their standards are met by less than 1% of the World’s coffee meaning they are a unique brand whose values are matched by none. By consuming their coffee such as the White Rhino - Signature Blend, you are not only saving the environment, but also your health. The pesticide and chemical residue from non-organic coffee has been proven to aid in causing cancer, hormone imbalances and irritation to skin and eyes. With organic coffee, you will be avoiding all of these harmful effects.
In future, when purchasing coffee, think about what goes into the production of what you will be drinking and the effects it can have. Then, think of the alternatives and how healthy they are in comparison, use that as your guideline to coffee consumption. Artizan Coffee places health and the environment first, so you can be confident knowing that their products are good.
Nespresso machines have been around since 1976, enabling consumers to enjoy barista quality coffee from the comfort of their own home.
In 1999 they released the first of their OriginalLine machines which brewed great coffee using just a small capsule revolutionizing the home coffee industry.
Since then a plethora of companies have developed their own Nespresso compatible capsules in an attempt to benefit from Nespresso’s framework.
To tackle this rising competition, Nespresso developed a new line of machines called VertuoLine in 2014. The VertuoLine machines integrated new espresso brewing technology with a barcode scanner to ensure that only official Nespresso capsules are compatible, thereby eliminating the competition.
When deciding whether you should purchase a Nespresso OriginalLine or a VertuoLine, there are few details to consider. Although the elimination of third-party capsules can be a large aspect of the decision-making process, there are other factors that can contribute to making a choice between the two.
Cost
For many, cost is an important factor not only when purchasing a Nespresso machine, but in life. So it is understandable that the cost of owning and using a machine can determine which one you buy.
VertuoLine machines range from $199 for just the machine, or $249 for the bundle. OriginalLine machines vary from $149 - $500. Although you may be tempted to choose the VertuoLine since you receive a newer model of the machine for a potentially lower price, it’s important to factor in the price per capsule when considering how much money you want to spend. See the table below for a price comparison of the VertuoLine and OriginalLine machines:
These comparisons verify that although a VertuoLine machine may be cheaper initially, the cost of buying Nespresso brand capsules can increase the price significantly if you have a coffee every morning for the whole year.
Technology
The technology used to brew coffee varies for each machine. VertuoLine machines offer new centrifusion technology to make their coffee. Centrifusion is a term coined by Nespresso referring to the combination of centrifugal force and water infusion. When a capsule is placed in the machine, water is injected into the centre of the capsule which then spins at 7000 rpm. This rapid spinning method allows the water to fuse with the coffee dispensing it through 20 openings around the edge of the capsule and down into the cup. This creates a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee.
OriginalLine machines rely on a pump to brew coffee. The pump uses pressure to push water through the capsule extracting the coffee in the process. Some OriginalLine machines use up to 9 bars of pressure. The benefit of using a pressurized system is that the water is heated more thoroughly creating a hotter cup of coffee.
VertuoLine machines also allow the option to brew a full cup of coffee up to 17 oz, whereas OriginalLine machines do not.
Capsule Variety
Despite the many technological benefits of the VertuoLine machine, they have a big drawback… capsule variety. When purchasing a Nespresso, you are not just enjoying the machine, but the capsule experience also.
Nespresso brand capsules offer a limited number, so regardless of which machine you buy you will have the choice of 24 different capsules. However, non-Nespresso brand capsules raise that number remarkably. Freedom of choice can be a huge factor for those wanting to purchase a Nespresso machine and capsule variety definitely reflects that.
OriginalLine machines allow the use of third-party capsules whereas VertuoLine machines do not. some interpret this as a scheme by Nespresso to eliminate the competition and compel users to buy their capsules. Nespresso’s plan to do this is reminiscent of the Keurig 2.0 who implemented digital rights management (DRM) technology to their machines, denying any “unlicensed” pod access and rendering them incompatible.
Health and the Environment
Nespresso’s VertuoLine range offers little in the environmental awareness category. This line of capsule does not offer organic, Fair Trade or non-GMO options in their range whereas OriginalLine does.
The freedom of OriginalLine machines means that users can drink whatever coffee they please, being able to choose your favorite brands and flavors for your morning brew. For example, through using an OriginalLine machine, you can drink organic coffee. Artizan Coffee offers Nespresso compatible capsules that are 100% organic and USDA and Fair Trade certified. They are the number one choice for organic coffee capsules as they were the first company to be USDA and Fair Trade certified for Nespresso compatible capsules. They have a wide variety of blends and tastes suitable for any taste bud, Check out their line of coffee here.
Making a choice on which line of machine is better can be difficult, but it all boils down to personal preference. If you are willing to spend a little more money to ensure a smoother or bigger coffee, then the VertuoLine machine is perfect for you. However, if you would like a cheaper, wider variety of capsules and a hotter brew, then the OriginalLine is your machine of choice. Overall, for an avid coffee drinker, both lines of Nespresso machines are great producers of coffee and are incomparable to other brands. Regardless of what you choose, you are guaranteed a great cup of coffee.
