It is a busy weekend for Unity Koffee this weekend.  It seems like a nice autumn weekend for everyone to be out and moving around.

 

Oct 8th

 

On Oct 8th join Unity Koffee at Michael's Fresh Market at 1300 E. 47th St Chicago Il from 10:00am - 3:00pm.  The "Coffeeman" will be sampling our Unity Chai Latte.  Please stop over say HI and sample some chai to warm you up.   Along with our product being available on Oct 8th at Michaels, you will also find all your grocery needs in this wonderful family owned store.  It is a touch of "old world open market" to make your shopping experience special.

Michaels Website - http://www.michaelsfreshmarket.net/index.html

Michaels Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaels-Fresh-Market/209978869031917

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Oct 9th
On Oct 9th join the "Coffeeman" from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Marian Catholic Oktoberfest,  Ashland and Joe Orr Rd, Chicago Height, Il.  Over a 100 vendors will be available selling holiday gifts. 

Marion Catholic Oktoberfest -  http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/chicago-heights/article_adca635d-6397-5daf-9e0d-6f77b025c173.html

Hope everyone can come out and visit.

Taste of Haiti Benefit

It is hard to believe summer has come to an end. As we head into autumn that means cooler weather and vendor shows. Unity Koffee's first vendor show this fall is with "A Taste of Haiti". At Friendship United Methodist Church 305 East Boughton Road Bolingbrook, Il. From 1:00pm - 5:00 pm. This benefit support the children of Kay Betleem (homeless children in Jeremie, Haiti). We can't think of a better way to start off the season.  

Come out and enjoy the fun. Mama Edie will be there to tell you stories of the culture and history of Haiti. Haitian drumming will be provided by Drumming Master Baba. Face painting, food and art will be available forall to enjoy. Don't forget to stop at Unity Koffee booth to say hi to the "Coffeeman" and for a taste of coffee, chai or tea. 

 

Visit Bethlehem Homes Website - http://www.bethlehemhm.com/

 

Visit Bethlehem Home Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bethlehem-Home/248714166831?sk=wall

 

Visit Unitykoffee.com for upcoming events in your area.

Beat the Heat with Healthy Iced Tea's

As everyone knows its sizzling hot across most of the United States.  It's our hope that everyone is taking the necessary precautions to stay as cool as you can under the circumstances.  During times like these along with drinking as much water as you can, consider a refreshing glass of tea over ice.  As stated in some of our earlier blogs, Novus offers a wide selection of very unique caffeine free teas that are good for you and awesome over ice.  To cool you off and calm you down, might I suggest the Citrus Chamomile over Ice.  For those of you who crave a fruit taste, there is my personal favorite, Wild Encounter.  This tea is filled with berries, kiwi, hibiscus flowers and rose hips. Its like drinking a light natural fruit drink.  Besides these there is also Egyptian Mint and Persian Pomegranate which are both delicious and refreshing.  In addition to light drinks such as these, please don't neglect the water in this heat we all experiencing.

Stay hydrated no matter what.

unitykoffee.com

Coffee Storage

There are so many opinions about the proper storage of coffee. As far as storage location goes; cool, dark, dry places are always best for coffee. Places such as pantries and cabinets work just fine. Many people like to keep their coffee in refrigerators and freezers, this is ok provide that no moisture is allowed in which would ruin the coffee. Counter tops are ok provided you use opaque, airtight storage goods. Remember that heat can destroy flavor as much as moisture so never store near a stove or direct sunlight.  The key things to remember are to avoid air, moisture, heat, and light.   Following these simple rules will insure the freshness cup for your coffee.

Visit Unitykoffee.com for a fresh cup of coffee.

Looking a refreshing iced coffee drink without the high cost?

With the intense heat of summer upon us, here is an great way to get your coffee or latte fix without the heat.

Iced Mocha's.

Ingredients

1 1/2  cups cold coffee (your left over coffee from your pot will work just fine)

2 cups Milk

1/4 cup chocolate syrup (Hershey's works good)

1/4 cup sugar ( adjust up or down to your taste)

Directions

1. Pour coffee into ice cube trays, freeze until solid or overnight.

2. In blender, combine coffee ice-cubes, milk, chocolate syrup and sugar

3. Blend until smooth

4. Pour into glasses and serve

Another variation can be to pour the milk, chocolate syrup and sugar mixture over the coffee ice-cubes.

Lets not forget you can always top it with whip cream and chocolate shavings to make it a real treat.

Keep cool this summer with an Iced Mocha.  YUM!

Happy July 4th to everyone

Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the world with a right to his own person, which includes the liberty of moving and using it at his own will. This is what is called personal liberty, and is given him by the Author - Thomas Jefferson
From everyone at Unity Koffee, we wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Coffee FAQ

Everyone has questions about coffee. Here are some of the most common:

How were coffee beans discovered?

The most told legend goes that Kaldi, a goat herder, was seeking his flock and found them dancing wildly. The goats were eating a plant’s leave and berries, and Kaldi ate some, and soon felt a surge of energy. A monk noticed this energy, and asked Kaldi about it, who related to the monk what he discovered. The monk picked the plants and brought them back to his monetary, where they were used to keep the monks awake for late night prayer and study.

How coffee beans were actually discovered is unknown, but they originated in the Ethiopia highlands.

Where did “cup of joe” come from?

It’s been said the term was named from Admiral Josephus Daniels, who was appointed as Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson. Daniels introduced a number of reforms, including banning alcohol on ships. Sailors were left with coffee, which became known as “joe” in “honor” of the secretary.

 Other theories:

1. “Joe” is a shortening of “jamoke,” a combination of java and mocha.
2. “Joe” is a common man’s name, and coffee is the common man’s drink.

Why does coffee come in a can?

The process began in the 1870s, and since air was not purged before sealing, the products were fresher. The process, with vacuum packing tinned, became common place in the 1900s.

What’s the best way to keep coffee hot?

The best way is to brew a fresh batch each time you want a cup. For shorter time periods, use an insulated thermos.

Why does coffee has a bitter taste?

Good quality beans will have a little bitterness, but it should balance with other aspects. If the coffee sat for too long on a warmer, then it’s been ill-prepared and will be bitter.

Chicago coffee company Unity Koffee offers premium coffee at affordable prices. Try one of their blends by visiting www.UnityKoffee.com. 

Novus Citrus Chamomile

Since the early periods of civilization, the calming qualities of chamomile have been well known.  This is a tea that I drink often.  After a stressful l day of fighting the coffee wars or whatever the days battle maybe.  This tea id perfect to put you in a relaxing mood making it easy to unwind and rest.   This chamomile is of course caffeine and glutton free.  It contains ;  lemongrass chamomile, malva, marigold and rose flowers.   The lemongrass add a citrus twist that gives this tea an amazing flavor.

Please join me, The Coffeeman, for a cup of Citrus Chamomile tea at UnityKoffee.com

Novus Persian Pomegranate

    This tea captures the unique flavor of one of the world's oldest known fruit.  Pomegranate has a long history of use as food and medicine in Asia and South America.  The unique flavor pomegranate tea contains;  pomegranate juice, hibiscus, apple, blackberry leaves, orange peel, roasted chicory root, natural pomegranate flavor, rose petal and licorice root.

Try something new.  Try Persian Pomegranate at Unitykoffee.com

Novus Wild Encounter Tea

Novus is taking the enjoyment of tea to astronomical levels.  For those of you who enjoy the freshness of loose tea, yet don't care to buy it in bulk, Novus came up with the perfect solution.  The loose tea is packaged in nylon single serve bags allowing you to prepare it as you would any tea.  Just steep the tea in hot water.  This time of year many of use enjoy cold.  Wild Encounter is perfect summertime drink for those of us who enjoy a herbal fruit infusion.  This tea is both caffeine and gluten free.  It has both a sweet and tart taste.  Within the single serve bag it contains:  Hibiscus flowers, apple pieces, rose hips, elderberries, strawberry pieces, kiwi pieces, raspberry pieces, sunflower blossoms, rose petals, blue cornflowers and fruit flavors.

Please join us for a cup of tea at Unitykoffee.com.  IT IS SIMPLY DELISIOUS!!!

How to roast coffee - Part 3

French Roast

Roasted just slightly longer then City Roast will bring you to the French Roast level.  The beans will be slightly darker with more oil present.  This level creates a deep heavy flavor.  Roasting time is 12 minutes.

Espresso Roast

Flirting with the edge of ruin brings you to Espresso Roast.  Simply put, coffee is roasted to its extreme limits.  The beans are nearly black with heavy oils.  Seconds longer and the coffee is destroyed.  You must have a watchful eye on the beans when the clock starts ticking past 12 minutes.

As you can see it takes seconds to make a perfect roasted bean to a terrible roasted bean.   It is the reason many people do not roast their own.  They find the coffee they like and stick with it.  We hope Unity Koffee is one of your favorites.  "The Coffeeman's" , the owner of Unity Koffee,  motto is... "I sell no coffee I would  not drink myself!"     

Please vist us at Unitykoffee.com for a cup of coffee roasted just the way you like it! 

How to roast coffee - Part 2

Vienna Roast

This level of characterized by a slightly deeper color than American Roast.  Small spots of oil will be present on the bean surface.  This level slightly intensifies and brings out flavors that remains hidden at the America Roast level.  This roast level is the most difficult to master, too long in the roaster produces too much oil, too early and no oil will appear. 

Roasting time at this level is 10 -11 minutes.

City Roast
This is the level that most people call Dark Roast.  It should have a deep brown color and heavy oil on the beans surface.  Coffee does not become bitter when roasted darker.  Bitterness in coffee is usually from the poor quality beans or improper roasting.  Dark Roasted should have a heavy, rich flavor.  Never burnt or bitter. 

Roasting time at this level is 11 - 12 minutes

Visit Unitykoffee.com for a cup of coffee!

How to Roast Coffee - Part 1

Here is a little lesson on how to roast coffee.  Over the next three blogs you will see it does not take a great deal of time to roast green coffee beans.  The knowledge of knowing a good coffee bean from a bad coffee bean is the first step.  The second is developing the skill of knowing and understanding the beans and their roasting level.  Learning how to roast takes years to perfect.

Green coffee bean

This is where it all begins for every cup of coffee.   All beans start out as "green" or "unroasted" beans that are selected in one of two ways.  Traditionally beans are picked by hand and the berries  are selected at the peak of ripeness.  The less labor intensive way, the crops are stripped of all the  beans regardless of the ripeness.  After picking the beans, they go through either a dry or wet process method for roasting preparations.

Dry process is the best method to prepare the bean for roasting.  Most African coffee is dried in this manner and is becoming the desired method.   Wet process is a fermentation type process, which yields a milder coffee then the dry process.

Ok, let's start roasting!

Light Roast

This is the roast level that the average coffee drinker has when they go into their local restaurant.  It's also called American Roast because it's the traditional of American styled coffee.   This roast level is the point where coffee beans have achieved their medium brown color without the coffee's natural oils appearing on the surface.  This is also the roast level used for flavored coffee. 

Roasting time at this level is 9 - 10 minutes.

Please visit Unitykoffee.com

Nicaraguan SHG Organic Fair Trade

Fairly new to the coffee export world, Nicaragua has busted on to the seen with a coffee that has many experts raving about it's quality.  The SHG represents the highest grown coffees in Nicaragua without the high acidity associated with many central American coffees.  It features a mild body, light acidity and outstanding aroma.

If you feel it is time to try a new coffee this is a perfect coffee.  Visit Unitykoffee.com and see what everyone is raving about!

Enjoy your weekend!

Colombian Supremo

Colombian coffees are the ones most familiar to the American coffee drinkers.  It's the coffee you find when you go to your local restaurant in most instances.  It's also a staple on grocery  shelves throughout America.

Though most people are familiar with Colombian coffee, all Colombian coffees are not created equal.  Colombian Supremo is the highest grade of Colombian coffee beans.  This is the coffee that off the shelf brands are trying to imitate but can't quite duplicate.  Supremo beans create a medium bodied, sweet tasting coffee with a rich flavor and aroma.

Try a cup of Unity Colombian Supremo at Unitykoffee.com

Tanzanian Peaberry

   A peaberry coffee bean, which are also called caracol coffee beans or caracolillo, is the result of a coffee cherry producing one oval or pea shaped bean instead of the normal two half beans that are round on one side and flat on the other.   Peaberry coffee beans make up one to nine percent of a coffee crop.  These beans are separated from the rest of the coffee beans and are sold as a premium or gourmet coffee.

Peaberry is normally associated with the Tanzanian coffee bean.  Grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this coffee is recommended for those who prefer a mild, less acidic cup of coffee with a nutty full body flavor.   The berries maybe small but the flavor of the bean is concentrated to give many coffee drinkers the smooth taste they are looking for.


Visit Unitykoffee.com and join us for a cupof coffee.

Novus Tea - For the experienced and novice tea drinkers

Looking for a new tea or just starting out as a tea drinker?  Novus tea is the tea for you. Novus takes their name from the Latin word "new".  Their concept is also new.  The Novus tea bags are made of translucent nylon bag shaped into a pyramid.  This design allows the loose tea to expand, which allows the flavorful tea to steep into the hot water freely.  One of our favorite features of the tea bag is it contains no staples,  so you can easily pop you cup along with the tea bag into the microwave to reheat. It is also mess free. No loose tea to deal with or cleaning dirty tea strainers.

All the Novus blend have their own unique flavorful taste. One crowd pleaser is Wild Encounter. It is a caffeine free tea with the following teas and berries: Hibiscus flowers, apple, rosehips, elderberry, strawberries, kiwi, passion fruit, raspberries and much more.  Not only can this tea be served hot but it can also be served over a glass of ice for a nice summer beverage. If you are not sure what tea to try for the first time, this would be an excellent choice.

Another personal favorite with Unity Koffee is Egyptian Mint. For those days when you are feeling under the weather, this is a nice tea to make the tummy feel better or help relax your head when it is feeling a little achy. Peppermint always makes a person feel better.

Of course you cannot forget the soothing qualities of Chamomile tea. Novus Citrus Chamomile tea is caffeine-free tea. Along with the chamomile flowers there is a hint of lemongrass for that subtle citrus flavor.

Got to Unitykoffee.com  to see the flavors we offer in Novus Teas. We are sure you will find one that will appeal to you.

*** Novus teas are gluten free

Our Chai Latte Tea is a Crowd Favorite

The word Chai simply means "tea". Chai Tea Latte is our take on this centuries old beverage that is believed to have originated in India. Our Chai contains as assortment of exotic spices (ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves), carefully blended with non-fat dry milk, creamers, sugar and black tea. This combination produces an exotic, instant product the can be enjoyed hot or cold.

The first step to making our Chai is to always start with a hot liquid such as milk or water. Once the Chai is dissolved in the liquid it is ready to drink as is. If you prefer a cold beverage, either chill the Chai in the refrigerator or pour over a glass of ice for a refreshing cold drink. With the coast of Chai around $2.50 or more at your local coffee shop, ours is a delicious bargain at $6.50 for an 8oz bag.

Some of our customers also use our Chai Tea Latte in their Unity Koffee for an added special flavor that a regular coffee creamer does not provide. Give it a try for a rich, frothy cup of coffee.

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe - Brief History

Legend has it that an Ethiopian goat herder discovered coffee in 850 AD when his flock was restless one night. He discovered that his flock had been eating cherries off coffee trees that grew wild in the area. The red berries gave the sheep a great deal of unexpected energy. The goat herder believed he found something in the red berries, which he shared with a local monastery. After telling the monks his story they scoffed at what he told them and discarded the beans in the fire. Instead of the beans burning they began to roast. The smell of roasting beans filled the air and the monks soon realized the find that they had. Believing hot water would preserve the bean, they placed the bean in boiling hot water for the evening meal. After drinking the bean and water mixture, the monks found a new sense of energy similar to what the goat herder described in his claim.

The story of the goat herder and monks at the monastery makes Ethiopia the birthplace of coffee. Regardless of the stories surrounding the discovery of Yigacheffe, this coffee is the most flavored coffee grown in southern Ethiopia. It's a mild fruit like coffee with floral undertones. If you like a rich, pleasant tasting cup of coffee, absent of the "bite", then Yirgacheffee is for you.

Try out Ethiopian Yirgacheffee at www.UnityKoffee.com for a rich cup of coffee.

Unique Craft Ideas for Coffee Beans

Have you ever given any thought to some of the things you can make with coffee beans? The staff at Unity Koffee has found and heard of many great ideas, and here are some of our favorites:

Crafts for the kids

We’ve recently discovered a great idea for flavored coffee beans, which was a bean bag. It’s simple to make, as all it calls for is filling a piece of scrap fabric with coffee beans. Another simple idea is to make a noise maker by filling a can with beans, and sealing it up with a piece of plastic. These two simple crafts for children cost little to no money, and will result in much entertainment.

Home décor

Using coffee beans to make Christmas ornaments has become commonplace. One of the most popular ways is to paint a Styrofoam ball dark brown and glue to it rows of coffee beans until completely covered. Another great piece of décor, and one that will add a great smell to your home, is to stick rows of coffee beans to a candle.

Artwork

This can be enjoyed by kids or adults. Find cheap pieces of canvas and simply hot glue to them the beans. You can create virtually any scene you want. However, if this is something you will do with the kids, make sure they are careful around the glue gun and that it’s not used without your assistance.

Jewelry

This is one for the hardcore coffee fan. Get some bead making kits or tools and use the beans instead of the beads. Most will allow you to create any sort of combination, so inject your style when making a coffee bean necklace or set of earrings. These types of jewelry also smell better than other accessories.

Wedding favors

If you’re soon to celebrate the biggest day of your life, do it with a cup of joe … or bag of beans. Coffee beans make for great wedding favors, as they’re unique, easy to make and are inexpensive. Simply take the beans and put them into small bags, and adorn them with whatever pattern you desire.

What have you made with coffee beans? Let us know by visiting www.UnityKoffee.com. 

A Good Cup of Coffee Means Good Health

Drinking coffee and tea isn’t just a good way to wake up, but a great way to keep in good health. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found drinking coffee helps greatly in warding off prostate cancer, AsiaOne Health reported today. According to AsiaOne:

Men who drank six or more cups per day had a 60 per cent lower risk of developing the most lethal type of prostate cancer and a 20 per cent lower risk of forming any type of prostate cancer compared to men who did not drink coffee, it said.
 Even just one to three cups per day was linked to a 30 per cent lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer.

The health benefits of coffee have been long known. Besides warding off coffee risks, premium coffee drinkers are:

• Less likely to have Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and dementia
• Less susceptible to certain cancers, heart rhythm problems and strokes
• More unlikely to suffer symptomatic gallstone disease
• More likely to have better short term recall
• Reported to suffer from cardiovascular disease

So, be sure to drink up. If you’re looking for great decaf coffee or coffee beans in Wisconsin, Illinois or Minnesota, give Unity Koffee a try by visiting us at www.UnityKoffee.com. 

What Customers Have to Say About Unity Koffee

Our main goal at Unity Koffee is to provide Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota cappuccino, coffee and tea drinkers with the best product possible. We know we’re doing our job as a coffee company when we get testimonials like this one from Brian H. of Wisconsin:

“I've been a Unity coffee customer for 2-3 months now. I've very pleased to not only say that I've enjoyed the product, but also that I'm a first time ‘grind my own coffee’ person.  I love the different sizes and blends that I can get, and that I can only grind what I need. It's easy to maintain, easy to store, and the product is good!”

We’d love to put your testimonial on www.UnityKoffee.com. Visit us today to discover our products.