Coffee has gotten a bad rap in the last decade, but that hasn't stopped millions of people from flocking to overpriced coffee shops. And, there's nothing wrong with that. However, people should know more about the coffee they drink than they currently do. The article below has the information you need to become the coffee aficionado you long to be.
If you are concerned about your coffee staying fresh for a good amount of time, try not to buy so much of it at one time. Many people buy coffee in bulk, but the reality is that the coffee will start to diminish in quality by the time all of it is consumed.
If you are looking for a great way to turn basic, boring drip coffee into a special treat look no further than your own fridge and pantry. Hot chocolate mix or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be great ways to sweeten up a cup of coffee and make it something special.
Do not leave your coffee open any longer than necessary. While preparing your coffee, don't open the can or bag until you are ready to scoop. Immediately after scooping, close the coffee container. This will keep your coffee fresher longer. It also keeps the flavor and aroma from evaporating in the air.
Trying drinking your coffee while it is at the hottest temperature possible. This is when coffee is at its best. If you allow coffee to cool and then you reheat it, you will not get the same flavor from it that you would from drinking it while it was still fresh.
Making a great cup of coffee really depends on your coffee maker. It does not have to be the most expensive model to produce a great cup of coffee, but it does have to brew the coffee properly. Look for a coffee maker who will extract all the best elements out of every single bean.
Consider investing in a coffee grinder if you want incredible flavor. Doing so, you will be able to grind your beans as you need them. You will be amazed at the difference between coffee brewed from fresh beans and that made from a canned or bagged grind. You owe it to yourself.
Cold brew your coffee using grounds, water, a filter, and milk before going to bed. Trying to quickly cool a hot cup of coffee in the morning by putting it in the refrigerator or freezer can lead to a watered-down beverage. The best coffee is one that is created slowly. Therefore, preparing the night before is important.
The best coffee makers actually extract the essence of the bean. Drip coffee makers do not do this. Find an inexpensive French press and taste the difference. A French press will extract the oils from the bean and put them in your cup as opposed to a drip coffee maker which will leave them in the filter.
Don't be afraid to spice up your coffee grounds. You can add lots of different things to develop different flavors, like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. If you're afraid of adding too much, you could even add a pinch after the brewing cycle instead. You'll be surprised at the flavor combinations you can create!
Many people feel like there is something wrong with giving children coffee every now and then, but it is okay as long as the coffee has no caffeine in it. The caffeine content is the main reason that coffee is not considered to be a suitable beverage for children to drink.
Packaging is important when it comes to coffee. It you buy coffee beans, pay attention to the packaging they come in. Make sure you buy beans with quality packaging. Also pay attention to how long it took to package these beans and how long they've been sitting on a shelf. Little facts like these can make a big difference in taste.
Eliminate the expense of coffee shop lattes by making your own at home. With practice you can even teach yourself to create the fancy designs produced by the baristas at your favorite local coffee shop. All you need to perfect your design is patience and practice. Pour the milk into the cup slowly and finish with melted chocolate.
To create good iced coffee, try putting the French press in the fridge at night. The greatly reduces the temperature of the machine before you use it. This, combined with ice-cold water helps give your coffee a fresh, clean taste.
Even though avid coffee drinkers prefer fresh brewed coffee, some people use instant coffee granules to make a quick cup rather than a whole pot. The flavor of the instant coffee is different than brewed coffee, and most people think it is inferior. It is quite convenient though, and some consider that convenience worthwhile.
If you are a person who loves to take your time drinking your morning coffee, you may be disappointed by how quickly it cools down. And, leaving the pot on the burner will scald the coffee, ruining its flavor. To keep your java hot, try one of the coffee makers that brew directly into a thermal pot or carafe. These do not use direct heat, so your coffee tastes good even an hour later.
Stay away from those open coffee bins at the supermarket. You have no idea how long the coffee has been there, or how fresh it is. It is highly possible that you might end up with stale coffee that makes a mediocre cup of coffee. Try instead to get your coffee straight from the roaster, who knows how fresh the coffee is.
When it comes to coffee, brewing time has a lot to do with the way the coffee tastes. For a full-flavored cup of coffee the brew time should be between four and five minutes. Brewing your coffee for less time will cause it to taste weak. Brewing it longer can cause it to taste especially bitter.
Now that all that is said and done, you are closer to being an expert on coffee. Continue researching the wonderful world of coffee, and it won't cease to reward you. The wonderful aroma and taste of the perfect coffee will continue to please you for the rest of your life.