Coffee fads: the avolatte

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Sara Walker

The Australians love their coffee. The flat white, an espresso-based drink made with microfoam (steamed milk with very fine bubbles giving it a velvety consistency), was invented in Down Under and soon became popular over here, even outstripping the cappuccino. Australia also gave us ‘deconstructed coffee’ (basically espresso, water and milk served in separate little containers, so you can mix your own drink exactly how you like it), and ‘rainbow coffee’ (a caffeine-health drink made from turmeric, beetroot and green tea matcha, served with a barista-style leaf pattern on top). There’s also ‘golden coffee’, made from turmeric on its own, which is rumoured to be an anti-inflammatory. Heard enough? Well, it doesn’t stop there, because a few days ago the Truman Cafe in Melbourne launched the ‘avolatte’, apparently the world’s greatest brunch option, incorporating avocados and coffee.

If you’re wondering how those two ingredients could possibly be combined in the same dish, we’re not sure they can! The ‘avolatte’ is basically a latte (complete with leaf design), served in a partially hollowed-out avocado shell. We’re not sure if the avocado part of the combo actually adds anything taste-wise, or if it’s just acting as a trendy cup – but either way, it looks pretty hard to drink in a non-messy manner – maybe the idea is to use a straw! The avolatte is currently trending on social media, with people around the world getting in on the act and posting pictures of their own versions.

Hmmm, well, call us old fashioned – but we prefer to drink out of a cup. With a handle. Possibly with a HobNob on the side.

To browse our extensive range of coffee supplies for your coffee business, take a look at our main website at www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk, where we have coffee beans, accessories and everything you need for your commercial coffee business, all at great wholesale prices. Sorry though – we don’t sell avocados!

Happy New Year from the Wholesale Coffee Company

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Sara Walker

Many thanks to all our customers for your support in 2015, and we wish you a happy and prosperous 2016. There’s still a holiday feel in the air, so we’ve put together this light-hearted coffee quiz for you to enjoy with the last of the mince pies. Happy New Year!

All of the world’s coffee comes from the area between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. What’s the nickname of this area? A. Java line – B. Bean belt – C. Caffeine county – D. Bean equator
How many calories in a cup of black coffee? A. 50 – B. 100 – C. 15 – D. 0
How many cups of coffee does the average person drink a day? A. 1 – B. 0 – C. 3 – D. 7
Which has a higher caffeine content, fresh ground coffee or instant coffee? A. ground – B. instant
Name the only state in the US that grows coffee. A. Hawaii – B. California – C. Nevada – D. Florida
Where does the name ‘cappuccino’ come from? A. From the brown habit of Capuchin monks – B. It means ‘breakfast cup’ in Italian – C. It’s named after a coffee bean farmer – D. It’s named after a bar where it was first brewed
What’s the only drink more popular than coffee? A. Tea – B. Water – C. Beer – D. Juice
What is an Americano made of? A. Equal parts filter coffee and milk – B. An espresso shot with cream – C. Sweetened filter coffee – D. Espresso with hot water
Where’s the best place to store ground coffee? A. The fridge – B. The freezer – C. A cool, dark place
Decaffeinated coffee is completely caffeine-free. A. True – B. False

Visit our website in 2016 for all your wholesale coffee needs – www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

Scroll down for the answers.

1 – A

2 – D

3 – C

4 – A

5 – A

6 – A

7 – B

8 – D

9 – C – coffee is sensitive to moisture, so storing it for long in a fridge or freezer could cause it to deteriorate. It’s OK if you’re using it quickly, but a cool, dry, dark place like a cupboard is better.

10. – B. All decaffeinated coffee contains a small amount of caffeine. Permitted limits are 0.3% for soluble coffee and 0.1% for ground coffee.

News from the Wholesale Coffee Company

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Sara Walker

Indonesian orangutans are in danger of extinction. We're supporting International Animal Rescue in their rescue project. — Indonesian orangutans are in danger of extinction. We’re supporting International Animal Rescue in their rescue project.

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we’ve been busy behind the scenes giving our website a new look and feel. We’ve still got all our great products available, but we’ve made it much easier for you to find your way around the website and to see any special offers we’ve got running. It’s also easier to view lots of products at a glance to compare them, and we’ve improved the filter options as well.

Charity work

We’ve always concerned about environmental and ethical issues, and as of 2015 we’re supporting with International Animal Rescue as one of our charities. The charity works worldwide, rescuing and protecting vulnerable animals as well as playing a part in conservation. Individual projects include rescuing dancing bears in India, freeing and caring for captive primates all over the world and running a sterilisation programme for stray dogs and cats to help control population problems in developing countries. Once rehabilitation is complete, animals are returned to the wild, but the charity will also provide permanently care where necessary. Our wildlife is constantly under threat from the pressure of expanding human populations, so part of the charity’s work is also to protect endangered species. They also work with developing nations to educate against cruel or inhumane treatment, and help build a better future for the world’s animals.

Current projects include a campaign against the illegal hunting of migrating birds in Malta, and work in Indonesia helping protect orangutans. Also in Indonesia, a small nocturnal primate called the slow loris is in danger of extinction, as many have been poached and sold as pets. International Animal Rescue runs a rescue and rehabilitation centre and are working to reduce and eventually stop the illegal trade.

We’re proud to be associated with International Animal Rescue, and we feel their work is a great fit for our ethical coffee provision.

To find out more about the Wholesale Coffee Company or to browse our new website, visit www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

Merry Christmas from the Wholesale Coffee Company

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Sara Walker

We’re nearly at the end of 2014, and we’d like to thank all our customers for your support throughout the year. We wish you a very Merry Christmas, and hope 2015 will be a healthy, happy and prosperous year for you all.

Fun Coffee Facts

Coffee is the second most traded global commodity after oil.

In Africa, raw coffee beans are made into a kind of sweet to chew by being flavoured with spices

As you might expect, it’s the Americans who top the charts for coffee consumption, with an estimated 450 million daily cups. Only an estimated 52% of the population drink it, though.

The US city where you expect to find the most coffee houses is Seattle.

In Italy, cappuccinos are only drunk at breakfast time. The name ‘cappuccino’ comes from the brown and cream habits worn by Capuchin monks.

Although coffee bushes fruit from their second year, it takes five years for them to grow to full maturity. Their normal lifespan is around 15 to 20 years, but some have reached 60 years.

Each coffee bush yields sufficient beans annually to make around 0.5kg of roasted coffee.

Coffee hasn’t always been popular. It was banned in Mecca in Saudi Arabia as it was believed to encourage radical thinking. When it arrived in Europe in the 16th century, the Church lobbied for coffee to be banned due to its stimulating effect. Famously, though, the then pope, Clement VII, tasted to and pronounced it delicious. After this papal blessing, coffee houses began to spring up all over Europe.

A standard cup of coffee contains around 150 milligrams of caffeine. For most people, this is a ‘therapeutic dose’, or the amount needed to have an effect.

For all your 2015 coffee needs, including coffee beans, flavoured syrups, coffee ingredients and accessories, don’t forget to visit us at www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

How to remove coffee stains from a wooden coffee table

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Sara Walker

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we love our coffee. Even we’re prepared to admit, though, that our favourite drink might have the odd downside, such as the tendency to stain certain surfaces. Here’s how to remove coffee stains from your favourite wooden coffee table.

First of all, most stains on coffee tables are from heat damage rather than from coffee. Protect the surface of your table from ‘cup rings’ by using a coaster or mat, which will also help prevent coffee drips reaching the table surface.

If the table’s been knocked and the coffee split though, take evasive action as soon as possible. Dry up the spill with an old towel, and wipe the surface of the table with a warm damp cloth with a tiny blob of washing up liquid. Rinse with clean water, and leave to dry. When dry, apply a layer or wax or polish. If you’re quick enough, this may be all you need to do.

If the coffee has soaked into the table unnoticed, though, you may have to do some DIY. If the table is antique or valuable, contact a professional wood restorer. Otherwise, wipe the table top clean and dry and lightly sand the whole table surface with a fine grain sandpaper. Wipe again to remove any dust, and apply a layer of wax or polish. Leave to dry, then apply further layers as necessary until the colour is restored.

If the table is badly damaged, it could be time to customise it. Try painting, staining or varnishing the whole table, applying a decoupage design or adding mosaic tiles to create a unique result.

When your table’s ready, don’t forget we’ve got a wide range of coffee beans available on our coffee beans page, all at great wholesale prices, and we supply coffee accessories and ingredients too.

Beef and coffee pie

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Sara Walker

There are certain flavours that coffee complements perfectly, such as chocolate, caramel and …..red meat. You may not have thought of adding coffee to savoury dishes, but it adds a richness and intensity to beef and venison dishes that guests will appreciate but be unable to identify! This is a take on a shepherd’s pie.

To serve 6, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5kgs stewing beef, cut into chunks
75g plain flour
3 carrots, peeled and cut into slices
2 red onions
2 cloves garlic
400ml red wine
Sprig of rosemary
500ml freshly-brewed black coffee
1kg floury potatoes suitable for mashing
50g butter
50ml milk
100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated

What to do:

In a cast iron lidded casserole dish, heat the oil over a medium heat. Fry the beef until sealed on all sides, then stir in the flour with a little salt and pepper. Cook for a minute, then remove the beef and set aside.
Peel and chop the onions and add them to the pan. Add the garlic, carrots and chopped rosemary, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine, and bring to the boil.
Add the beef back into the pan, and pour over the coffee. Cover and cook for two hours, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and peel and slice the potatoes. Add them to the water and boil for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain, add the butter and milk and mash. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
Carefully spoon the mash on top of the beef mixture, and top with the cheese. Put in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we stock a range of coffee beans at great wholesale prices, suitable for all uses including cooking. For more information, please visit our website at www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

Top five coffee-inspired cushions

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Sara Walker

Everyone has a special relaxing corner where they like to retreat with their mug of coffee. To make your coffee time even more enjoyable, we’ve picked out five coffee-inspired cushions to decorate your favourite comfortable chair or sofa.

1. Handmade Thai silk cushion in mocha, Le Cocon

This luxurious silk cushion from Le Cocon will make a stunning accessory for your room. In exactly the same shade as a cup of milky coffee, it’s handmade from finest Thai silk and comes with a duck feather pad included. Priced at £60, available from www.swankymaison.com.

2. Upcycled Nescafe cushion, The Little Mill House

This cushion features a Nescafe advertising design and would look great in the kitchen. The backing is a red polka dot design and is 100% cotton with a fold over opening. The cushion comes complete with a cotton feather cushion pad and costs £45 from www.littlemillhouse.co.uk.

3. Delicious coffee cushion, DigetexHOME

This cushion is reminiscent of adverts in 1950s American diners. It measures 43cm by 43cm, comes complete with a feather pad and has the design printed on both front and reverse. It costs £30 from www.digetexhome.co.uk.

4. Coffee talk cushion, Ohh Deer

Hee hee! Every coffee lover we know feels like this sometimes, and this cushion would make a great gift for anyone you know who just can’t do without their favourite drink. It’s made from soft faux suede and come complete with a fibre cushion pad insert. It measures 43 by 43cm, is handmade in the UK and machine washable (in case you spill your coffee over it). Was £34.95, now £19.95 from www.ohhdeer.com.

5. Kantha embroidery chevron cushion, In-Spaces

The timeless design and mixed browns of this pretty cushion would complement any coffee lover’s home. The contrasting bright colours of the embroidery on a base of neutral mocha silk make for a sophisticated design. Priced at £40, available from www.in-spaces.com.

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we love all things coffee. Check out our range of coffee beans, coffee ingredients and coffee accessories on our website www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

Chocolate coffee fairy cakes recipe

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Sara Walker

These tempting little cakes are an adult version of a children’s favourite. Serve them for a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, or for morning coffee.

To make 12, you’ll need:

For the cakes:

300g self raising flour
350g sugar
70g cocoa powder
250g creme fraiche
250ml vegetable oil, such as sunflower
250ml very strong cold espresso coffee
3 free range large eggs

For the buttercream filling:

110g butter, softened
370g icing sugar
60ml very strong cold espresso coffee
chocolate covered coffee beans, to decorate

What to do:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.
Put the oil, coffee and eggs into a bowl, and whisk until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder and sugar and beat until you have a smooth batter.
Divide the batter equally into the muffin cases, smoothing out each one with a knife. Bake for around 20 minutes until well risen and golden. To check if they’re done, insert a skewer into the thickest part of a muffin. If it comes out clean, with no uncooked cake mixture adhering, they’re ready. Otherwise, return the tray to the oven for a few minutes. Leave them to cool in the tin for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack until cold.
Meanwhile, make the buttercream. Put all the ingredients into a bowl, and beat until smooth. Spoon the mixture into an icing bag with a large nozzle.
Slice the top off each cake, and discard. Carefully pipe a pyramid of coffee icing on top of each cake, and finish with a chocolate-covered coffee bean.
Serve with a large mug of your favourite coffee.

Tip: the cakes can be frozen before you add the buttercream. When ready, just thaw and pick up from step 4.

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we stock a range of coffee beans suitable for all uses including cooking, all at great wholesale prices. To find out more, visit www.wholesalecoffeecompany.co.uk.

What’s new at the Wholesale Coffee Company

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Sara Walker

Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we’re always looking for great quality new products to bring you, so you’ve got the very best in coffee beans, accessories and ingredients for your cafe, restaurant or business at competitive wholesale prices. Here are a few new products we’ve added to our range recently.

Tunki coffee beans

We love these Tunki beans, a top quality 100% arabica, single origin, gourmet coffee from the Peruvian Andes. Grown at 1300 to 1800 metres above sea level, these coffee beans offer an intense, chocolaty flavour with a floral aroma and notes of treacle, citrus and red berries. If you’re looking for something special to offer your more discerning customers, Tunki is for you. For more information, visit our website.

Moouw milk powder

Need milk for your coffee business? How about Moouw milk powder, a new milk product developed specifically to match the taste of fresh milk. While powdered milk products are practical, particularly for use in areas where there’s no easy way of installing refrigeration, they’re often let down by an inferior taste and greasy aftertaste. Now Moouw milk solves this problem, with its soft creamy texture and fresh milk taste, achieved with a unique blend of skimmed milk and full fat milk powder. Made in Denmark, Moouw is the practical, tasty alternative to traditional powdered milk and it’s ideal for use in automatic coffee machines. To find out more, visit the Moouw page on our website.

Happy cups

Why happy cups? Well, these sturdy paper cups are available in a whole range of designs, from sunny yellow to retro chic, so there’s sure to be one to bring a smile to your customers’ faces on a drizzly Monday morning. Available with lids for businesses offering a takeaway service to customers. For more information, visit our coffee cups page.

Homemade coffee creams

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Sara Walker

This simple sweets are a great end to a dinner party, served with a cup of espresso. Although we know there’s no-one out there who doesn’t like coffee, dividing the mixture and making a few sweets flavoured with rose water, orange essence or peppermint will allow you to make a pretty pattern on the serving plate. Colour each flavour of sweet with a drop of appropriate food colouring so that guests can tell the difference.

To make around 24, you’ll need:

450g icing sugar
white of one freerange egg
4 tablespoons very strong black coffee, made from 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 4 tablespoons water
60g plain chocolate

Beat the egg white until frothy. Put the icing sugar in a large, separate bowl and add the coffee. Add enough of the egg white to form a stiff dough, working it in with your fingers. Dust your fingers with icing sugar, and form the mixture into 24 small balls. Put them on a baking tray or plate covered with clingfilm, flatten then with the tines of a fork and leave in a cool place (not the refrigerator) until set, which should take a few hours.

Break the chocolate into small pieces, and put it in a small, heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for short bursts. Take a coffee cream, and holding it at the side dip half of it in the melted chocolate. Put it back on the clingfilm and repeat for eleven more sweets. Fold a square of greaseproof paper in half lengthways then again widthways, and scrape the remaining chocolate into the middle of the square to form an icing bag. Cut the corner of the square off to form a piping hole, then drizzle the chocolate over the remaining sweets. Leave them to set for another hour or so, then either pack into airtight boxes or serve.

For a full range of instant coffee and coffee beans, all available at great wholesale prices, please visit our website at www.wholesalecoffeecompany.com.