Coffee truly is among life’s great pleasures for countless individuals the world over. However, thorough coffee know-how and expertise is not something possessed by everyone. By reviewing the information below, it is possible to gain the coffee fluency necessary to maximize just about anyone’s enjoyment of this extremely ubiquitous beverage.
Better quality is more expensive. You will really get your money’s worth in the world of coffee, and therefore it makes sense to purchase top-quality equipment and beans if you truly want great brews. Choosing second rate coffees or coffee makers will result in a disappointing cup of coffee.
The best coffee typically comes from a coffee press. Instant coffee is over-processed and tends to taste awful, while whole bean coffee offers the best aroma and flavor. When you grind it yourself fresh, you’ll be amazed at the difference. Using a press brings out all the best notes, too!
Make sure that no air gets into your storage container for coffee. If your coffee is not properly stored then it will lose its taste. Stay away from square bags, particularly if they have one-way valves. They only let air escape after roasting to let them cool.
Coffee tastes much better if it is fresh brewed, and is actually lower in caffeine if consumed soon after it is made. Some people are particular about using only spring water or bottled water to make it, while others seem to think tap water works just fine for making good coffee.
The price of ground coffee has increased considerably over the past year, and even if you grind it yourself, the coffee beans have also increased in price. Sometimes the less expensive coffee tastes just as good as the higher priced brands, but it may take some trial and error to find one you like.
Make sure water you use clean, fresh water in your coffee making. The coffee you make will only taste good if you use good water. Test the water before you brew the coffee.
Use your used coffee grounds in your compost pile! Coffee grounds offer many beneficial ingredients to a compost pile including pest control. Coffee grounds contain caffeine which helps prohibit the growth of fungus that can quickly destroy your vegetable garden. The next time you brew a fresh pot of joe don’t throw away those grounds; add them to your compost pile!
Get milk frothy at home without buying a pricey machine. All you have to do is heat up your milk or cream in the microwave until it is steamy. Use your hands to quickly rotate a kitchen whisk in the hot milk. Do this until you have a foamy milk. Use 2 percent, whole milk, or half-and-half for the best results.
Avoid using pre-flavored and packaged coffee beans. These beans are sprayed with extra oils that are very difficult to clean out of grinders and coffee machines. That oil stays in the machines and mixes with later batches causing strange-tasting coffee. They also tend to make the coffee smell better than it tastes.
Be sure to regularly clean out your coffee maker or pot. If you wait too long between cleanings, your coffee is more likely to have a foul taste and you may even find coffee grinds in it. A good rule of thumb is to clean it out at least once a week.
Did you know that coffee can actually enhance your workout routine? Well, it can. The reason is because of the caffeine. However, it is important to ensure that you are well-hydrated beforehand because coffee can dehydrate it. Also, avoid drinking excessive amounts. Just a four-ounce cup is really all that’s needed.
If you frequent a particular coffeehouse often, see if they will give you a discount for bringing in your own cup or mug. These cups can sometimes cost the shop a few pennies at a time, so they can save money too over time. They also get the chance to make a pro-environmental statement with you.
Do not leave coffee, in the pot, sitting on the burner for a long time. The heat from the burner can scald the coffee very quickly. This so affects the flavor of the coffee that reputable coffee shops pour out any coffee that has been sitting on a burner for 20 minutes.
Don’t drink too much coffee in the afternoon. Coffee late in the day can keep you up at night. If possible avoid drinking coffee after 3 p.m.
The ratio of coffee to water is very important. If you enjoy coffee from your regular coffee shop, you probably enjoy coffee with a more intense flavor. This means you will likely want two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water you are using to brew it with.
If you do not use your coffee maker often, make sure that you do not leave grounds or brewed coffee sitting in the machine. They will sprout mold within a few days, which can be harmful and difficult to remove. Diluted bleach solutions or white vinegar can remove mustiness and kill mold spores if necessary.
Do not forget about the quality of the water in coffee. Water is an important base for every brew. Use either purified water or bottled water, but steer clear of distilled water. In distilled water all minerals have been removed which can result in a bland tasting coffee.
If you like a mass-produced coffee brand but just cannot get a strong enough brew, then consider buying your beans directly from the maker’s website. Most serious coffee makers are happy to send serious consumers their freshest products whereas the counterparts found on retailer’s shelves tend to sit their for days, losing flavor all the while.
There is no denying the important role coffee plays in the lives of an astounding number of people. Coffee novices and long-time fans alike can benefit from a bit of additional learning on the subject. The piece above hopefully provided just the sort of information necessary to enhance anyone’s coffee drinking experience.
