Page 11 - All About Coffee by Café du Jour, the Coffee Expert

- March 07, 2025
Just enjoyed a lovely cup of coffee? Don’t just chuck the coffee grounds in the bin! What seems like waste to many people is actually a versatile and sustainable product with countless uses. From natural fertiliser to odour neutraliser and even as a scrub. Coffee grounds are worth their weight in gold. In this article you’ll discover 8 surprising ways to reuse coffee grounds. That way you save money, do your bit for a more sustainable environment and get the most out of your favourite coffee moment!
1. Coffee grounds as a natural fertiliser
Coffee grounds are a great natural fertiliser for plants. They contain valuable nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are important for healthy growth. By adding coffee grounds to the soil, you improve the soil structure and stimulate soil life.
You can sprinkle coffee grounds directly around your plants or mix them with compost for an extra nutrient boost. Acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, roses and tomatoes especially benefit
- March 03, 2025
Are you a real coffee lover looking for an intense espresso experience? Then a doppio coffee/espresso is exactly what you're after! This double espresso gives a powerful flavour, an extra caffeine kick and a rich crema. But what is a doppio exactly, how do you make one yourself, and which beans are best? In this article you'll learn everything about this delicious coffee specialty.
What is a doppio coffee?
A doppio is simply a double espresso. The word "doppio" means "double" in Italian and refers to the double amount of coffee used in the preparation. Instead of one shot of espresso of around 25 ml, with a doppio you get two shots, which results in a total of around 50 ml of strong, concentrated coffee.
This type of coffee has a more intense flavour than a single espresso and contains more caffeine. Where a regular espresso contains around 65 mg of caffeine, a doppio espresso can go up to 130 mg, depending on the coffee beans used. That makes it a favourite among lovers of strong coffee
- February 26, 2025
Are you just sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee when those annoying wasps come at you again! Nothing is more irritating than constantly swatting at the air when you just want to enjoy the lovely weather. Luckily there’s a simple and natural solution: repelling wasps with coffee. It might sound odd, but the smell of smouldering coffee keeps those buzzing intruders at bay. How it works and how you can use it yourself? Follow the tips below.
Why does coffee work against wasps?
Wasps have an extremely sharp sense of smell, and you can use that to your advantage. The smell of smouldering coffee might be pleasant and spicy to us, but for wasps it’s an absolute nightmare. They hate the smoke and the intense smell of burned coffee grounds or coffee beans and would rather stay well away.
On top of that, coffee is a natural alternative to chemical pesticides. You don’t need to use any toxic sprays and you repel the wasps in an animal-friendly way. A win-win!
How do you use coffee to repel wasps?
- February 26, 2025
A latte macchiato is no ordinary coffee; it's a true experience! With its beautifully layered look and creamy flavour, it's a favourite among coffee lovers. But how do you get that perfect distribution of milk, foam and espresso at home? No worries, with this recipe you'll make a professional latte macchiato in no time. Grab your milk frother and espresso machine, and let's get started!
What you need to make a latte macchiato
To make a perfect latte macchiato, you need a few basic essentials:
Ingredients
- 200 ml whole milk (or a plant-based version like oat milk)
- 1 shot of espresso (around 30 ml)
- Optional: a splash of syrup (e.g. vanilla or caramel)
Tools
- A milk frother or steam wand
- An espresso machine or moka pot
- A tall latte macchiato glass (for those lovely layers!)
- A spoon (to add the espresso carefully)
With this kit you're all set to get started.
Step-by-step recipe: this is how you make a latte macchiato
- Froth 200 ml of milk and pour it into a tall glass.
- Let the milk rest for a
- February 13, 2025
The Americano coffee is a delicious, simple coffee that's perfect for fans of a smooth yet full espresso experience. This delicious coffee consists of just two ingredients: espresso and hot water. The result? A mild, aromatic coffee that's less intense than an espresso but still keeps its character.
According to legend, the Americano coffee came about during the Second World War, when American soldiers in Europe used to dilute the strong espressos with water to get a flavour closer to the filter coffee from home. Since then the Americano has been a staple of coffee bars worldwide!
Want to make the perfect Americano coffee at home? Read on for the recipe and handy tips!
What you need for a perfect Americano coffee
To make a classic Americano coffee, you only need a few things:
- Espresso machine or an alternative like an Aeropress
- Fresh coffee beans (preferably medium or dark roast)
- Coffee grinder (if you're using whole beans)
- Hot water (90-96°C)
- A cup or mug
Coffee ratio
The classic ratio
- February 11, 2025
Are you a real coffee lover, and are you wondering what the difference is between a caffè macchiato and a latte macchiato? You're not the only one! These two coffee drinks may sound similar, but they differ quite a bit in flavour, preparation and presentation. Will you go for a powerful espresso with a hint of milk or a creamy milk base with a hint of coffee? In this article we dive deeper into the world of the macchiato and help you make the right choice.
What is a Caffè Macchiato?
The caffè macchiato is a classic Italian coffee drink that literally means "stained coffee". That's because a small amount of milk foam is added to a strong espresso, which gives it a "stain".
How is a caffè macchiato made?
A caffè macchiato is prepared by:
- Pulling a fresh espresso.
- Adding a small amount of milk foam (around one teaspoon).
Flavour and texture
Because the espresso takes the lead, a caffè macchiato is powerful and intense, but with a subtle softness from the milk. The milk foam makes the texture
- February 11, 2025
There's nothing like the smell of freshly ground coffee and the full flavour of a perfectly brewed espresso or cappuccino. But how do you make sure your coffee beans keep their aroma and flavour as long as possible? The way you store them has a huge influence on the shelf life of coffee beans. Light, air, heat and moisture can all cause your beans to lose their freshness faster.
In this article you'll discover the best ways to store coffee beans so you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee time and time again!
Why is the right storage of coffee beans so important?
Coffee beans are a natural product and are sensitive to environmental factors such as air, light, heat and moisture. If you don't store your beans properly, they can quickly lose their aroma and flavour. But why does this happen exactly?
- Air: Oxygen causes oxidation, which affects the flavour of coffee beans and makes them taste stale faster.
- Light: UV rays can break down the oils in the coffee beans, making them less full of
- February 11, 2025
Which coffee for a percolator? Check out our tips!
If you're a fan of authentic, full-bodied coffee, then a percolator is a fantastic way to brew your favourite cup. This classic coffee machine, often linked to the iconic Bialetti, offers an intense and flavourful coffee experience. But which coffee is best for a percolator? And is coffee from a percolator actually unhealthy?
In this article, we dive deeper into the world of percolator coffee. We'll give you the best tips for the right grind, the tastiest beans and handy maintenance advice to get the most out of your percolator. That way, you can enjoy a perfect cup every time!
What is a percolator?
A percolator is a classic coffee machine that has been used for decades to brew delicious, strong coffee. The device consists of three parts: a water reservoir at the bottom, a filter basket for the ground coffee and a collection chamber at the top where the coffee ends up.
When you place the percolator on the heat, the water in the bottom
- January 16, 2025
Research has shown that the best time to drink a cup of coffee is between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning. Between 8:00 and 9:00 there's little point, because of the cortisol peak.
Coffee is often the first thing you think of as soon as you wake up. But did you know that the time you drink your coffee can make a big difference? Choosing the right moment isn't just good for your energy levels, it can also contribute to a better night's sleep AND let you enjoy that delicious cup of coffee even more. In this article, you'll discover the best moments to drink coffee, so you can make the most of it!
The ideal time for coffee: why timing matters
Have you ever wondered why coffee sometimes works a treat and other times you barely notice the effect? It's all about timing! Your body naturally produces a hormone called cortisol, which keeps you alert and awake. These levels are highest in the morning, especially between 8:00 and 9:00. If you drink coffee exactly at that moment, the caffeine has less
- January 16, 2025
A cortado coffee is the dream of every fan who loves a soft, creamy texture without losing the intense coffee flavour. This Spanish classic is easy to make and only has two ingredients: a good espresso and steamed milk. The secret lies in the perfect balance between the rich flavour of coffee and the subtle sweetness of milk. In this recipe, you’ll discover how to make a delicious cortado yourself, perfectly tailored to your taste. Let’s get cracking with this coffee!
What is a Cortado coffee?
A cortado is a Spanish coffee specialty that takes its name from the word “cortar,” meaning “to cut.” This refers to “cutting” the intense flavour of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. The result is a balanced cup of coffee that isn’t as milky as a cappuccino, but also not as pure as an espresso.
The ratio of coffee to milk is typically 1:1, which is why the cortado is known for its rich flavour without being bitter. Unlike a cappuccino or latte, a cortado doesn’t have a foam layer. It’s


























