The croissants have arrived! No need to travel all the way to Europe to enjoy exquisite croissants!

We carry Italian croissants filled with pastry cream, chocolate, marmalade or just plain. Just store in the freezer, bake 25 minutes at 375° F and enjoy the freshness with your family and friends.
Bindi on: Myitalianshopping.com

Enjoying Decaf Coffee without Chemical Concerns

There are 3 common processes for extracting caffeine from green coffee that has not been roasted yet: organic solvents (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate), water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Many cosumers are unaware that most coffees are processed with solvents. Some of our coffees are decaffeinated safely by either: (1) The Swiss Water^® Process used by Danesi, or (2) the carbon dioxide method (the same substance used to make beverages fizzy) used by Lavazza.

I am sensitive to caffeine, and I love the taste of fine espresso, especially in cappuccino. A while ago, somebody shared with me their concern about decaf coffee processed with chemicals and its unknown long-term health related side effects.

My first reaction was to reduce my consumption of decaf coffee. Then, one day I found out about barley espresso pods and I started to make my morning cappuccino with barley espresso pods. As a result, I have had the opportunity to discover barley espresso and its health benefits. The only problem with barley cappuccino was that its taste is very mild, still pretty good, but not truly like coffee.

Since I started to sell Danesi and Lavazza coffees, I have found out about a safe and simple method for removing the caffeine from coffee beans. The Swiss Water^® Process, used by Danesi and the carbon dioxide method (which uses the same substance used to make beverages fizzy) used by Lavazza . The Swiss Water^® Process method simply uses water and a special filter to extract caffeine and the carbon dioxide method uses water, pressurized gas, and temperature to facilitate the extraction of caffeine.

This insert is taken from the “Lavazza Espresso Manual,” edited by the Lavazza Training Centre:

Decaffeination with carbon dioxide (CO₂)

As opposed to the first decaffeinated methods, which eliminate caffeine but also some of the flavor, the process using carbon dioxide – which in the same substance used to make beverages fizzy (e.g. sparkling water and soft drinks) – makes it possible to maintain all the aromatic characteristics of coffee. This is the method Lavazza uses, because it is not only highly selective but also avoids the use of any “chemical” solvent. During the first phase of the process, the beans are moistened with steam and/or water until they reach a humidity level of 30-50%. They are then placed in an extraction cylinder, in contact with gas and a liquid. Thus, it spreads out like a gas, but since it also has the solvent properties of a liquid, it facilitates the extraction of caffeine. At operating pressure and temperature conditions, the carbon dioxide begins the selective extraction of the caffeine, which will then be separated from the alkaloid by water. The cycle ends with a process to dry the coffee, which is now completely free of caffeine.

For more information visit: Swiss Water^® Process website.

Related available Products:

Danesi and Lavazza: on myitalianshopping.com

Danesi: on Grancaffevuotto.com

See related articles:

4. The Barley Espresso and Cappuccino Experience

The Barley Espresso and Cappuccino Experience

What’s going on in Italy?

On my last trip in Italy for the CIBUS Expo in Rome, wherever there were coffee shops, there was a special Barley Espresso Machine. As a matter of fact, Italians have rediscovered the hot roasted barley drink and started to popularize this drink in “Caffes’” and “Bars”.

Why do Italians love Barley Espresso? First, there is a long list of health benefits to drinking Barley Espresso. But I discovered another cause as I spoke with our limousine driver on our return trip to the airport. Italian often enjoy Espresso socially which leads to consuming a lot of Espresso! Our limo driver said that at a certain point, he has to give up the espresso shots and switch to a shot of Barley Espresso. Since in Italian society it would be an offense to refuse the invitation to drink espresso together, Barley Espresso provides a healthy way to remain social. The barley espresso is the newest addition to the healthy lifestyle in Italy. Organic Barley Espresso in E.S.E. pods is the healthiest espresso alternative!

Organic barley espresso pods are light in taste and, most importantly, completely caffeine free. This barley-based espresso drink is a pleasant espresso alternative any time of the day. The barley espresso production process is similar to that of espresso coffee roasting. The beans are roasted and ground like traditional espresso beans. Barley espresso is an all-natural beverage that promotes wellness while still providing a great, mild espresso taste.

Barley has many nutritional benefits:

• Barley consists of approximately 80% carbohydrates and boasts a low glycemic index.
• 10 % of Barley’s content is in protein, minerals, and B group vitamins.
• Barley is naturally low fat with only 1% lipid content.
• Vitamin E and A give an antioxidant boost to the body.
• Thocotryenol works as an inhibitor against the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol in the body.
• Barley is rich in antioxidants. Its nutritional qualities help to reduce cholesterol and prevent diseases such as diabetes and colon cancer.

• Barley espresso also aids in the prevention of obesity by providing a feeling of “fullness”.
• The phosphorus content in barley espresso aids the good function of body cells and the tissue of the nervous system. It also helps to strengthen teeth and bones.
• The potassium content in barley helps to keep nerve impulses alert and also promotes a healthy vascular system (i.e. blood pressure).

In Italy, many people grow up with the drink called “Orzoro^®”, which translated means “golden barley”. Today, this product is produced and sold by the Nestle^® Company. Another famous roasted barley brand produced by Star^® is Orzo Bimbo^®, which translated means “Baby Barley.” It is a very traditional and healthy drink that has existed for decades in Italy. Today, most initial buyers of this product are Italians that became fond of the drink in Italy before moving to the United States. We believe that barley espresso in E.S.E. pod will soon become a popular drink in the U.S., just as many other Italian products such as espresso coffee and cappuccino are now American favorites.

Related available Barley Espresso Pods:

• Organic Barley Espresso E.S.E. pod Palombini
• Barley Espresso E.S.E. pod Biancaffe’

Where to Buy:
Palombini Biorzo: Myitalianshopping.com
Biancaffe' Barley or Palombini Biorzo: Grancaffevuotto.com

My Italian Shopping Could Use a New Abbreviated Brand Name: What do you think? We want your ideas!

Since the beginning, I liked the My Italian Shopping brand name and it was also available as a domain name. But usually a long brand name does not work very well.

What do you think about a new MyItalshop brand name and domain name? Any new ideas?

What products should My Italian Shopping carry? Let’s debate on our new blog!

To answer to this questions and to better serve consumers with its future products, Raffaele Vuotto, the founder of My Italian Shopping has organized this new My Italian Shopping Blog:

Since I started to plan for this business, I began to think how much fun it would be to open an online store that sells Italian products. We will carry products that showcase the Italian culture, creativity, and lifestyle. Our products will be imported and sold to the American market through a convenient online store.

As soon as I started to plan for this business, I realized that selecting the products, listening, promoting, and selling are the most important steps. The biggest challenge presented by an online store is that unlike a traditional store where you can directly see and touch your product, an online store requires vision and faith. I realized the importance of affordability and consumer education. I have put this blog together as a way to communicate the character and value of My Italian Shopping products and their use to prospective customers. The most important job that I have is addressing the needs of my customers.

Since the Grand Opening newsletter, I have received many congratulations from my friends, and I really thank all of you! I also thank all of you who have given some improvement suggestions for the web store.

I really believe that a web store should create a strong connection and sense of community among its customers. Yes, the bottom line is selling and satisfied clients! But what about the many disoriented customers out there that have so many unanswered questions and need more help? We are here to help consumers make new, smart, and exciting choices! Let’s start…

This new Blog is going to support these services:

• Inform about the products, their qualities and features
• Address comments from Consumers
• Share experiences and opinions about the products
• Showcase company and product news
• Better connect consumer needs to producers
• Introduce and test new products in the US Market

Thank you all again for your precious support!