It is probably common knowledge that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia. The “red” cherries which the sheep ate and become very active were taken home and tasted and what was known as the devil’s fruit become coffee as the world knows it today. However, this is just one of the stories which revolve around …
Would you like to have tea or coffee? Just what are the specific coffee benefits? You must have heard this offer of choice a thousand times, be it guests at your house or while visiting someone or from the stewardess in the flight. The general idea in many countries continues to be that tea …
Trying to get a blender to explain what his or her job involves is never easy. Not because they are secretive, far from it. They’re almost relieved to have a chance to tell their story. It’s just that the intricacies of blending are complex that strange analogies have to be employed: orchestras, football teams, …
Cappuccino began in Italy where it is still a delight of the morning routine. The Italians can tell a tourist from a native though because only a tourist will order a cappuccino after noon. It is considered a morning beverage in Italy, but in other regions of the world it is served throughout the …
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and …
Caffeine, like chocolate, often receives bad publicity. Whilst in some instances, and in excess, these can have negative effects on our body, they can also be quite beneficial. I am not disputing that some people are more sensitive to the negative effects of either caffeine or chocolate. For example, excess caffeine can create anxiety, …
Driving along the spectacular Antrim coast you can just tell that this is good whiskey-making country. Soft pasture land, small rivers, natural harbours and a people who know that good things take time. It’s a land where legend and fact become easily blurred, where folk tales take on the mantle of truth. Who knows …
Brewing a great cup of coffee depends on a number of things such as the quality of the coffee bean, the quality of the water being used, the type of brewing being done, and the grind of the coffee. Now quality of bean and water is something you can easily take care. Just use …
Most distilleries are stubborn individuals. Christine Ila is an exception though. “If we seriously wanted to change Mortlach could we do it?” she asks. “No, you’d get a corrupted spirit. We always have to keep within the parameters of what the distillery character is.” It’s a polite way of responding to criticisms that the …
Beer brewing in Europe continues to be a serious traditional business. For thousands of years, Europe has been a leader in brewing this popular beverage. Many countries have perfected distinctive beers; some are like mythological ambrosia. Maintaining the quality of centuries-old recipes, many brewers realize that their strength lies in maintaining tradition over promoting …