187
« on: October 13, 2009, 08:00:57 PM »
I love coffee more than most things. I generally need a cup of decent shit before I can have a conversation with someone and not come off as super grumpy or consider myself up. Even if I get up early a.m. and don't have coffee till the afternoon, this holds true.
There's a time for good and bad coffee, and I believe the home or trusted establishments are for good and diners are for bad. I hate coffee shops and only go to 2 in the city and never for socializing. I stick with my local Italian Pgh roasters for my beans and grind them right before I use my french press. Leaving ground beans out, especially in the open, is not good and will oxidize your beans, which means flavor loss (so does freezing) but not everybody will notice or care. This only matters for really fresh beans anyway, and getting a pound ground at the shop is cool if you don't have a grinder or don't notice the difference.
I'm an espresso snob, and the stove-top jam is tight once you get the hang of it.
I've had DD beans and they're what I'd recommend if you're into drinking more than a pot a day and not rich.
Also, light roasts have the most caffeine and dark the least, despite the stronger flavor. It's whatever you're drinking it for. Unroasted or green beans have caffeine levels so high that it's dangerous to eat more than a couple of beans.
And chicory is a flavorful filler, but caffeine levels would depend more on the level of the roast. End post.