Mastering the Perfect Cup of Tea with Zojirushi’s VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50

If you’re like us – you love to drink tea all year round, either iced or hot. But, in the colder months – and especially around the holidays, a nice cup of steaming hot tea goes a long way for comfort and to set the mood for the season. And whether you want to feel warm and cozy, clear a sore throat, or need a boost of energy, tea is sure to be a type of tea that works perfectly for your needs.

But did you know that different teas are best brewed at different temperatures? If you don’t brew at the right temperature, the tea could become bitter or not have the fragrance it should and will not be as tasty. Zojirushi water boilers have different temperature settings ideal for various teas so that you can brew your tea to perfection.

That’s why we are so excited to introduce our newest water boiler in our Zojirushi lineup: the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50This water boiler has 4 different temperature settings that can be selected to brew different types of teas at their ideal temperature and even uses our Super VE (Vacuum-Electric) hybrid technology to save energy.

Here’s a closer look at our newest product’s features, followed by a detailed guide on mastering the art of tea with this water boiler.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: The VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50 

Advanced Design: This appliance is available in two sizes that hold up to 4 or 5 liters of water at a time. The easy-to-read orange LCD control panel always shows actual water temperature, and its wide window water level gauge includes a red ball indicator to show you the water level. The inner sleeve also features distinct water level lines, so you know exactly how much you’re pouring in at all times. Lastly, the base of the water boiler features a built-in swivel that comes in handy when dispensing water.

Super VE Hybrid Technology: Featuring Super VE hybrid technology, the vacuum insulated sleeve on the inside of the water boiler helps keeping water at the selected temperature (160°F, 175°F, 195°F, 208°F) using less electricity, and can even keep water warm without using any electricity when using the “VACUUM” keep warm function. The energy-saving timer function can also be timed from 6-16 hours so that your water is hot and ready for you when you need it, without using energy while not in use.

Saves Time & Energy: Zojirushi water boilers are all designed to boil the water first before keeping it warm at the selected temperature. This was designed for safety, as well as to reduce the chlorine in water. If using bottled or purified water, this step can be omitted by using the Quick Temp Mode, which skips the boiling process and heats to the select temperature (160°F, 175°F, or 195°F), reducing time and energy.

Safe & Easy to Clean: This water boiler’s lid completely detaches to make the cleaning and filling process seamless. The interior is made with nonstick coated stainless steel, and as always, all surfaces that come in contact with food or water are BPA-free. For safety, this machine automatically shuts off to prevent boiling when dry, and features an automatic dispense lock to prevent accidental dispensing. In-lid and in-spout guards also prevent dripping when the machine is not in use.

Bonus for Coffee Lovers:  If you love your coffee just as much as you love your tea (or prefer it instead) – this water boiler’s Café Drip mode dispenses at a slower pace to create the perfect pour for drip coffee, as well.

Zojirushi’s Guide to Brewing Tea using the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50

Brewing tea is truly an art, and the Japanese have been mastering this practice for centuries. If you brew a cup that is too cold, you might end up with a watery, dull cup of tea, and if too strong, the tea will become unpleasant. Fortunately, the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50 heats your water to the four temperatures shown below at the click of a button, so all you need to do is click, dispense, and enjoy.160°F: Gyokuro. This specialty tea requires a lower water temperature to ensure optimal extraction.

175°F: Matcha, Green Tea, and white tea. At this temperature, the water is simmering but not boiling. If the water is too hot, you risk burning the tea leaves, which will result in a very bitter cup of tea.

195°F: Oolong. This water is almost, but not quite boiling. Oolong tea falls between green and black tea and can be darker, bolder, or more delicate like green tea.

208°F: Black tea and herbal tea. Water at this temperature is at a full boil. Herbal teas specifically can be steeped for longer periods of time, because they do not contain caffeine.

There are a few things to keep in mind for optimal performance. Check the unit at least once every 3 months for scale build-up. Minerals like calcium will accumulate on the interior surface and if not cleaned will cause issues with dispensing. You also don’t want to taste bits of scale in your tea. If you see scale built-up inside, learn how to take care of it by watching this helpful video:

What kind of tea do you like drinking best? Did you learn something new from our ultimate guide to brewing tea? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Fall Favorite Recipes

We love the fall for its seasonal ingredients (hello, pumpkin!), and the hearty dishes we can make with them that make this season extra cozy and special.  Today, we’ll be sharing the recipes we’re most excited about, and how you can easily make them with the help of your Zojirushi appliances. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive look at our product of the month, the Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20, and see how to upgrade your cooking skills with its multi-functional capabilities. Let’s get to it!

Pumpkin Dishes

Pumpkin is without a doubt one of the most popular ingredients for fall cooking. It’s healthy, hearty, and can be served sweet or savory. Here are our top choices on Zojirushi pumpkin delights:

Pumpkin Bread

A flavorful bread made with robust fall spices, pumpkin puree, and toasted crunchy walnuts. It’s the perfect fall treat for breakfast, coffee, or dessert. Bake it with one touch with a wide range of our bread makers. If you want to make this loaf perfectly, make sure to follow close attention to the directions. Loaf got you stuck? Try wiggling the wingnuts under the baking pan. Doing so will move the kneading blade, releasing any baked dough that is causing it to be stuck and the loaf should slide right out! Just don’t wiggle it too much or the loaf might get a big hole.

Harvest Pumpkin Roll

This is a sweet pastry that features pumpkin puree and maple syrup. Sticky, warm, and the perfect treat for any occasion. To get the fluffiest rolls, remember to use fresh ingredients. This is especially important for yeast because it’s a living organism. Once the yeast is opened, store it in the fridge to maintain freshness and use it as quickly as possible.

Pumpkin and Ricotta Cannelloni

A savory Italian appetizer that will make your heart sing. This is a dish that you can make in your Zojirushi breadmaker. Expert tip: Use a digital kitchen scale to measure your ingredients instead of measuring cups. Measuring by weight is always accurate and consistent so you will always enjoy perfectly baked goods every time!

 

Soups Stews, and Grills

There’s nothing more comforting than indulging in a savory, hot soup to warm up during the colder months. This month, we’re introducing our latest multi-functional Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20, which can make delicious stews, and more!

 

The versatile skillet has two cooking pans: a deep pan with a divider for Yin Yang hot pot, and a dual surface griddle pan for grilling meats and vegetables. Both pans are titanium and ceramic enhanced nonstick coated, with a 1,300 watt heating system for quick heating. It also has a tempered glass lid to monitor the cooking process, and a detachable power cord for easy storing. Learn more on our product video: Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20

Impressive, right? Below are a few hot pot soups you can make this month with the help of the Yin Yang Hot Pot:

  • Sichuan Hot Pot: A popular Chinese dish that is spicy and numbing. Throw in your favorite fall veggies and enjoy.
  • Kimchi Hot Pot: Kimchi is a fermented Korean dish with a kick and is delicious when served warm for the fall. Add pork belly, tofu, and spices for an all-in-one meal.
  • Daikon Pork Layered Hot Pot: This easy recipe features dashi, soy, pork, and mushroom. A perfect fall combination.

Ready to try the grilling feature? Here are our top choices:

  • Japanese Barbequed Lamb: Eat as you go with this savory grilled dish. Toss in the vegetables first, then the marinated lamb.
  • Grilled Veggie Open Faced Sandwich: A vegetarian alternative to enjoy this fall. Featuring veggies marinated in red wine, honey and olive oil for a balanced flavor profile.  
  • Fancy Grilled Lobster Tails: This dish features tender lobster tails with lemon zest and butter sauce along with fluffy potatoes topped with sour cream and bacon

Did you try any of these recipes or have a favorite? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan #FallDishes #Pumpkin #Hotpot

 

 

 

Zojirushi’s Colorful Flip-Open Mugs are the Perfect Back-to-School Companions

Stainless Mug SM-SR36E/48E/60E

As the summer wraps up, you know what that means – back to school! There are so many things to prepare, as the new school year begins, including keeping your student hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. With Zojirushi’s Stainless Flip-Open Mugs (SM-SR36E/48E/60E, SM-WR36E/48E/60E), your child will love taking a sip every chance they get, especially when they’re filled with tasty drinks. Today we share why our product of the month is an essential back-to-school item, as well as tips to maintain this mug to last for many school years to come. Let’s dive right in!

Meet Our Product of the Month

Stainless Mug SM-WR36E/48E/60E

  • Choose from 9 different colors: Yes, you heard that right! Start the school year off in style with any one of our attractive colors, including Mint, White, Silky Black, Matte Gold, and Pearl Pink for the SM-SR36E/48E/60E. If you’re looking for even more color options, the SM-WR36E/48E/60E comes in Mint, Cantaloup, Light Blue, and Dark Gray. The color choices help differentiate your child’s bottle from their siblings, your morning coffee, or even their classmates.

    Ultra-lightweight and compact design

  • Pick your size: The compact and ultra-lightweight mugs come in three different sizes, conveniently fitting in any backpack or schoolbag. Weighing between 6-9 oz. empty, these mugs are light as air. They come in  20, 16, and 12 oz. sizes so there is one that is just right for everyone. We find that the small bottles are great for younger children, while the larger bottles are perfect for on-the-go hydration on long school days or after-school sports.

Air vent on the mouthpiece allows beverages to flow out smoothly without gushing or overflowing

  • Designed for easy drinking: The 2-step lid releases at the click of a button and helps prevent excess condensation on the stopper from being flung as the lid opens. This protects other items in the child’s locker or backpack, as well as their desks as they move from class to class. Additionally, the air vent in the mouthpiece ensures that the flow of beverages will always be smooth, and the mouthpiece also completely disassembles for easy cleaning. It’s a win-win: no messes while drinking, no messes while cleaning!
  • Safety Lock: Flip-open lids are convenient, but not when they accidentally open in your bag and spill your drink all over. Zojirushi’s flip-open lids have a safety lock, so even if something pushes against the open button, it will keep it from opening. The tight fitted lid also prevents spills and helps keep your drink hotter or colder.
  • Superior vacuum insulation technology: Our mugs are made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel and will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. This is especially important if your child has afterschool activities and are craving a cold drink to quench their thirst. If they enjoy warmer beverages, for example before their choir debut, this mug will also support those temperature needs.

Pro Tips on Using and Maintaining Your Stainless Mug with a Flip-Open Lid

  • Wide mouth opening: The large opening makes pouring drinks into the mug super easy and fits full-size ice cubes. This is great for busy parents who value every second when getting the kids ready in the morning.
  • Nonstick interior: Makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze, while also keeping out stains and odors. And what’s more, all areas of our mugs that come into contact with your beverage are BPA-free.

    Stopper disassembles for thorough cleaning

  • Keep Clean: Zojirushi lids are designed to disassemble for easy and thorough cleaning. The parts should be cleaned after every use with a soft sponge and a mild dish detergent. Then, they should be allowed to air dry fully before reassembling. This will keep the lid as hygienic as possible and ready for use!
  • Open the Lid All the Way: The flip-open lid has a spring at the hinge, allowing the lid to open completely, and then stay in-place, so it doesn’t close on your nose when drinking. If you’re holding your bottle towards the top when opening the lid, your hand can be obstructing the lid from opening completely, so stay clear of the opening lid.

Green Tea White Virgin Sangria

Delicious Drinks to Add Flavor to the School Year

One of the best ways to prep your child for the school day is by making sure they’re hydrated, whether they’re studying diligently in the classroom or participating in their extracurricular activities. Of course, water is our number one recommendation, but if your child needs more creative ways to stay hydrated, these easy and nutritious recipes will have them reaching for their Zojirushi stainless mug to refresh themselves throughout the day.

  • Green Tea White Virgin Sangria: A fruity and delicious drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family and a great way to keep your child cool on a warm day.
  • Cold Buster Soothie: Go back to the basics with a little warm water, lemon juice and honey to add a soothing touch to any day as we ease into autumn.
  • Fresh Fruit Tea: Use your child’s favorite fruits, whatever you have on hand that’s in season, or any of our recommendations. This versatile tea has a sweet and delicious aroma, that’s a fun and festive way to work on your child’s hydration.

Did you try any of these recipes for back to school? Which mug is your favorite color? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan #ZoRice

 

The Perfect Way to Keep Drinks Ice Cold for Your Summer Party

Summer is our favorite time to catch up with our family and friends while sitting and enjoying the weather outdoors. For the importance of both hospitality and hydration, serving ice cold beverages is essential for these get togethers.

Our product of the month, the Stainless Steel Vacuum Carafe SH-RA15/19, is a durable carafe that will work overtime to keep your drinks cold for up to 10 hours. This will allow you to focus on entertaining and spending quality time with your loved ones, and not refilling the ice bucket. Nothing beats cooling down and relaxing from the August heat with an ice-cold drink in hand.

This carafe is able to retain the beverage’s temperatures for so long because it features Zojirushi’s iconic vacuum insulation technology. What does vacuum insulation mean? It means that air between 2 walls is removed, to create a vacuum. When there is a vacuum, heat can’t escape through conduction, keeping hot contents hot and cold contents cold.

Did you know that our company name in Japanese is Zojirushi Mahobin? Mahobin means “magic bottle” or “vacuum insulated bottle”!

If you’re curious to learn more about this feature, then learn more here: Design Explained – Our Superior Vacuum Insulation

More About our Famous Carafe

Our product of the month also features a one-touch pour design that makes serving easy, a convenient screw-off lid for zero-hassle pouring, and a 2.5” wide opening that makes cleaning it a breeze and attaching brewing attachments super simple.

The model SH-RA15 holds up to 1.5L (6 cups), and model SH-RA19 holds up to 1.9L (8 cups). Both come in two colors: Stainless (-XA) and Brown (-TA).

One-touch pour for easy serving

Convenient screw-off lid

2-1/2” extra wide opening

Summer Sips

Here are some of our favorite summer coolers that you can make and store in your new carafe, for your next get together:

Iced Black Tea

  • Iced Black Tea: A simple classic that will wake you up on a sunny afternoon and keep you energized for your daytime activities. Customize it by adding sugar or milk and remember to clean out the carafe after each use.
  • Strawberry Limeade: A refreshing, fruity mocktail that features strawberry, mint, and lime. So delicious and light!

    Shaka Plantation Tea

  • Salted Watermelon Juice: Nothing says summer like a glass of hydrating watermelon juice! Salt adds a savory component and brings out the flavor of watermelon.
  • Shaka Plantation Tea: This Hawaiian pineapple juice and tea drink will quench your thirst on any day, and the added pineapple slices act as an extra tasty snack!

Snacks on the Go:

If you’re looking to make and store snacks for your guests in advance, consider looking into our food jars.

These containers feature the same vacuum insulation as our carafe, to keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold for many hours.

Zo tip: Preheating or pre-chilling your carafe or food jar before filling it with your beverage or food will ensure the temperature won’t drop (or rise) when you fill them. In turn, keeping it hotter or colder for longer. Is the vacuum insulation too good that your food or beverage is too hot to eat or drink? In that case, allow it to cool a bit before putting it in the food jar or carafe.

Browse our top food jar recipes here and shop our full line-up at the Zojirushi Shop.

Do you have a favorite summer recipe from the above or a signature recipe of your own? Be sure to share with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan #StainlessSteel #VacuumInsulation

Bake it Your Way with Zojirushi’s Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is spending time with our loved ones while enjoying freshly baked goods. We are excited to share more about our Product of the Month, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20) because as the name implies, you can access all your favorite baked goods from the comfort of your own home.

With just one appliance, you can make many delish treats, including various loaves, doughs, cakes, and even noodles and jams. Plus, you can enjoy various types of breads using the different settings such as white, wheat, multi-grain, gluten-free, and vegan — just to name a few. With this breadmaker, becoming a pro-baker is just a press of a button away. Keep reading to learn more about what makes our product of the month so special.

Meet Your Personal Baker

This Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20) is a versatile appliance that comes with many different features and an expanded healthy menu course options that include: Multigrain, Whole Wheat, Rapid Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, Salt Free, Sugar Free and Vegan.

This breadmaker was built with functionality and design in mind. The dual heaters on the bottom and top lid of the breadmaker promote even baking and browning. The double kneading blades knead the dough with superior results and are removable for easy cleaning. The baking pan is nonstick coated, making it easy to wash and maintain, and the large LCD display makes navigating the menu a simple task, even when making complicated baked goods.

Not all baked goods are created equal. The breadmaker was designed to take your individual preferences into consideration, it allows you to control how dark you’d like your crust (light, medium, dark). Additionally, aside from preset functions, you can also save up to three customizable memory settings for your own special recipes.

The appliance makes 2-pound loaves with ease, and with the rapid course functions, you will be able to bake a loaf of White or Whole Wheat bread in only 2 hours and 25 minutes. While the European setting bakes light and savory breads.

Each Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20) comes with a liquid measuring cup, nested measuring cups, a measuring spoon, and a full-color recipe book with fifty delicious baking ideas. Our website has additional recipe ideas for the curious baker, along with helpful instructional videos should you need help setting up or using your appliance.

Home Baking Your Way

Now that we’ve gotten to know the Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breakmaker a little better, let’s talk about some fun recipe ideas you can try for this summer.

This breadmaker will be the perfect all-in-one baking companion that the whole family can enjoy, from making bread and spreads for outdoor picnics, delicious sandwich breads for your on-the-go adventures, to DIY pizza nights for fun family nights in. Here are some of our favorite recipes:

Bacon Pain d’Epi with Coffee Spread

Show your talented baking skills off at your next summer gathering with this decadent bacon and coffee-filled artisan bread. Not only is it nice to look at and delicious to eat, but it is a super fun activity for kids learning to roll and weave dough!

The dough requires only water, lemon juice, flour, salt, and yeast, and pressing the “DOUGH” button on the breadmaker and it will do the rest of the work for you. Keep in mind, yeast is a living organism. For it to make your bread fluffy, it’s important to use fresh ingredients (not only the yeast but everything else). Once opened, try to use the yeast up as quickly as possible, and refrigerate anything left over to maintain freshness.

Don’t forget to let the bread cool before you enjoy!

Gluten Free Green Tea Bread and Mango Jam

You can truly get creative while sticking to your dietary preferences with the Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus. This Green Tea Bread is a great gluten-free option that has a tiny hint of sweetness with a subtle note of delight from the green tea. Select the “GLUTEN FREE” setting on the breadmaker, set the crust control to your preference, press START, and Voila!

Zo Tip: As you’re making loaves in the breadmaker, there may be times that the bread might get a little stuck in the bread pan. Try gently wiggling the wing nuts under the pan. This will move the kneading blades slightly, releasing them from the bread. Don’t forget to wear oven mitts and not turn the wingnuts too much though, or you might get a big hole in your bread!

Did you know, you can also make Mango Jam in your breadmaker? Our exotic mango jam recipe is dense with a unique texture, packed with a powerful tropic flavor that will pair perfectly with any bread, pancake, scone, or yogurt. It is perfect for lunches, snacks, picnics, or to accompany your breakfast spread!

Gluten Free Smoked Salmon Salad Pizza

Feeling more confident with your home bakery and ready to take it to the next level? This gluten-free smoked salmon pizza has a soft and crispy crust, with healthy and tasty ingredients such as brown rice flour and olive oil. Remember, using a measuring cup to measure dry ingredients will always cause variations in weight, which is not ideal. All of Zojirushi’s recipes will include weight measurements for all ingredients. Using a digital scale will ensure accurate measurements, but it’s also convenient because you don’t have to worry about remembering how many cups of flour you put in the pan.

How did your home baking creations come out? What do you love most about the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20)? Let us know by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi