Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, rivaling tea as the morning beverage of choice for millions of people. Whether the preference is organic shade-grown specialty blends or the average ground beans in a can, there is no doubt that true coffee lovers will go to great lengths to get their “fix.” Read on for some interesting tips and insights about this passion-inducing liquid that we can’t seem to live without.
If you tend to drink a lot of coffee, you should invest in a quality coffee machine and make your own coffee at home. Go to a coffee shop only occasionally, for instance on weekends or when you go out with some friends. This should help you save a lot.
Do you need to exercise? You should drink a cup of strong coffee an hour before you go for your run or head to the gym. The caffeine will give you the energy you need to work out efficiently. However, it is very important that you drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout session.
If you like iced coffee, brew a pot the night before you want it. Then chill it overnight. This creates chilled coffee when you’re ready to add ice, instead of producing watered down coffee instead. Also, you can add different types of milk and creams, depending on your liking. This technique can make you a great iced coffee the next morning.
Do not keep your coffee in the refrigerator unless it is in a container that is absolutely airtight. This is important because moisture can cause coffee to become moldy. It is best to keep your coffee in the cabinet where it will stay warm, dry and at its best quality.
For better coffee, try using a French press. Coffee made in a French press is often more aromatic and flavorful. This kind of press helps more of the coffee’s oils go into the coffee itself instead of getting trapped in a coffee pot filter. The more oil you have, the better your coffee will taste.
Make sure you use the right proportion of water to coffee when brewing at home. Without enough water, the flavor will be overpowering. It is also important to realize that if there is too much water, your coffee will not have enough flavor. It is considered best practice to use 16 ounces of water to each 8 ounces of coffee you plan to brew.
Do not reheat coffee if you desire to have it again. Use a thermal mug instead. This will keep your coffee warmer longer. If you can’t do this, then just brew another pot for better flavor.
For those individuals who do not want to consume caffeinated drinks, but love the flavor of coffee, they can enjoy decaffeinated coffee. Some people do not have a problem with a little caffeine, and half-caffeine coffee is a good choice for them. There is no appreciable difference in the flavor between full and half-caffeine coffee.
Take advantage of any repeat customer program that your local coffee house runs. Even a single-unit independent place might have a punchcard system where you get a free cup of coffee for every five that you buy. Never throw these away, even for places you do not frequent much. They can still add up to free cups of joe over time.
Invest in a good-quality coffee grinder. A good grinder grinds coffee beans efficiently and consistently to ensure even extraction. The reason for efficiency is to ensure that not much heat is generated during grinding. Too much heat being generated during the grinding process can negatively affect the taste of the coffee. .
Do not use hot water to make your coffee. Many people think this is the best way to make their coffee hot; the truth is that the only thing this does is diminish its flavor. You should be using water that is not only cold, but charcoal filtered if possible.
If you do go to a coffeehouse for a cup of joe and work away from home, be careful how you place your laptop. You do not want to spill your drink on it, nor do you want anyone reading your screen over your shoulder. Also be mindful of what you say on the phone. Your competition could be in there too.
Do you add any artificial sweeteners to your coffee? These products can alter the flavor of your coffee and make it taste blend. Try drinking your coffee black or using a small quantity of raw sugar for a better flavor. If you absolutely must sweeten your coffee, limit the amount of sweetener you use to no more than half a packet.
Are you trying to cut out sugar, but still crave sweet tasting coffee? Try adding some warm milk to your coffee. The warm milk is sweet naturally and it’ll also replace cream. Adding warm milk to coffee is a better choice, health-wise, than adding sugar or cream.
In order to maintain flavor in a fresh pot of coffee, remove it from the heat before ten minutes have passed. Coffee gets a bitter taste if left on the burner after that. If you are concerned about keeping the coffee heated, use a thermos to contain the beverage.
If you want a cool iced coffee, try keeping your favorite French press in the refrigerator. This will reduce the temperature of the machine before its next use. You can do this with cold water, and your coffee will be wonderful.
Do you like milk or cream in your coffee? Milk can be added to coffee in any number of delicious ways. Cold milk is a common choice. However, you may enjoy the different textures made by warm milk or a frothing machine. Different types of milk will also offer different flavor profiles.
As you see, coffee is indeed an important element in the world’s daily dietary consumption. Use some of the insights here to enrich the experience of your morning cup of “joe” and to expand your knowledge and enjoyment of a product that employs millions of workers across the globe.
