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Alternative Milks

18/11/2018

As I’m sure we all know, it is clear that alternatives to dairy are becoming exceedingly popular. Increasing amounts of cafes seem to be supplying milk alternatives as more and more people are now choosing not to eat or drink dairy and it is not just the people who are lactose intolerant but also those that choose a dairy free diet as part of a healthier living option. There are so many different types of milks in the fridges of supermarket these days, for example: almond, soya, coconut, oat, rice, hemp, hazelnut and cashew. So there are plenty to try and depending on its purpose, some work better than others.

Soya and almond milk are the most popular of all the alternatives for a few reasons. They are commonly the more affordable of all of them, with the more expensive being cashew and hazelnut in some brands. Also soya milk is the most comparable to cow’s milk as it is the most ‘complete’ as a source of protein, fat and carbohydrates. All of these milks can also be sold in sweetened or unsweetened versions so can suit even more people’s lifestyles and diets. They can even be used as a treat as there are flavours to choose from like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate and this can make it interesting for kids too, if you’re trying to make the change as a family.

There are a few misconceptions that come with alternative milks, especially soya milk. Quite a lot of articles contain information about how it could affect men’s hormone levels, but then there are even more contrasting articles saying that is all false. So do some research and make your own decisions because no matter what you are looking for, negative or positive, you’ll find those answers.

Here is an article stating pros and cons about six milks:
https://www.ecowatch.com/6-alternatives-to-milk-which-is-the-healthiest-1891128088.html

A huge amount of people are lactose intolerant/sensitive and don’t even know it or take it as seriously as they should if it is mild. This could be, in the long run, detrimental to your health if ignored, so why not try something new?

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Baristas, coffee and the ethics

4/11/2018

12 Comments

We all know the importance of a great tasting coffee, otherwise you wouldn’t buy it...unless you are a creature of habit and your coffee choice is the easy option rather than the tasty option. This is what so many people put up with on a daily basis. To start with, choosing the right supplier for you if you’re a company, and ensuring the taste is perfect is only one step in a successful cup of coffee. Ethical coffee, a skilled barista and a well kept, clean coffee machine all have their importance too. Ethics are the beginning and the basis of a brilliant cup of coffee, this starts right at the plantation, to the markets and from there the production process.
Our coffee supplier is proud to clearly state on the website that their coffee is ethically sourced. Most importantly their coffee workers are paid above the minimum FairTrade price and way above market price for their goods. The beans are handpicked in South America and Asia, then sent to the supplier to be profiled to ensure a great flavour. Even after they have received the coffee beans, our suppliers try and roast each different type of coffee profile to perfection to do the farmer's goods produce justice.
Most coffee is grown in countries where the workers might not often get the money they deserve for their goods as coffee is the second most traded product in the world, of which Arabica beans makes up 70%.
The three main bean producing countries are:

Brazil
Vietnam
Columbia

The main problems with coffee bean growing are unreliable market prices, as well as product yield is variable due to weather/conditions etc and plants are susceptible to disease and pests. There can also be problems with long hours, low wages and child labour, so that’s why FairTrade and fair prices are so important! Hence why our suppliers are so open about their fair practices.

Here is an article with a more in depth explanation: https://www.perfectdailygrind.com/2017/05/main-challenges-faced-coffee-producers/

But, understandably, no matter how good the coffee bean flavour is, if the barista is unsure on what to do or not trained correctly, the coffee could be ruined. A barista can show so many skills; smooth glossy milk at a perfect temperature, amazing latte art and great froth to milk ratios for each different style of coffee, for example the milk difference between a latte and a cappuccino. Latte art directly means the art of milk! The most common latte designs are the tulip, heart and rosetta and the easiest one is the Monk's Head. At Busy Brush Cafe we often turn the Monk's Head into a Bakewell tart inspired design, just to keep our regular customers entertained.

There is even a national barista championship, there are 4 regional heats across the UK with 14 places available at each so only the best will be at the championships. You never know, one of us from Busy Brush could be there someday. Well, we can always dream!

12 Comments

Alternative Milks

Baristas, coffee and the ethics

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