Will This Recession Bring Back Home Brewing?
One of the traits of this economic slow-down is that people are reveling in saving money. This trend is impacting our morning brew as well. No longer is it as fashionable to carry around cups with logos from hip coffeehouses, chains or not. The big boy in this, Seattle-based Starbucks has announced layoffs in response to the slowdown in their stores.
Some coffee shop owners say their clientele are becoming more choosy, going for basic coffees instead of the more expensive lattes, mochas and chai drinks.
What is happening though is many people are discovering the elegance of home brewing. A quick survey of sponsors of TheCoffeeDrinker.com indicates that sales of coffee beans have increased over the last couple of months as customers plan to brew their own coffee to save money.
Just because you don’t want to spend money for an overpriced cup at the national coffeehouse doesn’t mean you have to give up quality or flavor. There are online sources for beans (see the resources box on the left-sidebar) that deliver to your door without sacrificing quality. In fact, selecting the right online store can actually give you higher quality while exposing you to a variety you may not knew existed.
For those who want to start with a very nice bean from a Central American roaster should check out Cafe Britt. Their award-winning coffees are second to none and have won customers for life. Usually, people who first taste Cafe Britt while vacationing in Costa Rica find their website in short order so they can have that taste at home.
You already know that coffee tastes better when it is brewed as soon after roasting as possible. Boca Java makes a roast-to-order coffee that you can get in packages as small as two ounces. You really can taste the freshness.
So while you may be cutting back on your trips through the coffee drive through, don’t take the pleasure of fine coffee away. Brew it yourself, at home or the office, and open up a whole new world.
J. Lance Curtis
The Coffee Drinker
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6 Responses to “Will This Recession Bring Back Home Brewing?”
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Coffee at home is exactly what I am doing these days. Where I used to stop at my local espresso shop, order my customary quad french vanilla latte, now I make a brew at home, throw it in the travel mug, and go. For the same amount of cash me and hubby would spend on 2 of those coffee drinks, we can make 4 or more at home, depending on the bean, and what we want put in. I’ll have to check out that Cafe Britt, thanks for the tip.
Happy brewing.
I actually have stopped going out for coffee (unless the middle of the day thermos ran out cravings come on!) because of the added expense. I save about $3 a day or $15 a week. This really adds up and to tell you the truth, for that amount of money or less, I can still get good coffee that makes more cups than I used to pay for.
Your post is right on! With this economy, our family and people I know are really cutting back on spending- especially on “luxury” items such as going out for coffee. Brewing coffee at home is a great way to relax in the morning while saving money. While our budget does not permit buying gourmet coffee for the home on a regular basis, I will check out some of the brands you mentioned. Just like wine, coffee is just too good to take quality for granted.
I think if this recession leads to more home brewed coffee, it will take coffee back to its roots. Instead of hurrying down the street with your cup of fancy coffee, you can be relaxing at home, enjoying some peace and quiet along with a cup of coffee you can make any way you wish. Gourmet or not, sitting at your kitchen table or on your front porch with a nice hot cup of coffee might not solve the recession, but it will take your mind off it for a while, and brewing your own will make you feel better about the price.
Well, you have a point, but I still haven’t changed my habits. I go to Starbucks regularly (4-5 times a week). On the other hand, I probably still do that because the state of the economy hasn’t affected me. Yet. If it does, home brewed coffee sounds good to me.
I think drinking Coffee would give some relexfor the mind in the recession period. When all familly members drink coffee together it will help in getting out of recession. We can drink coffee at home without going anywhere else in front of TV.