Don’t you want the best tasting cup of coffee when you wake up in the morning? Are you satisfied with the coffee you drink regularly? Perhaps it’s time to look into more options when it comes to making that fresh cup of joe. All you need is some more information regarding your choices.
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!
For best coffee flavor, buy whole beans. Then, grind only the amount that you plan on using. You will find that your coffee has a stronger flavor. You will also use less product to make that fabulous taste. Additionally, you can create custom blends using different beans, so that you can impress your friends.
There are so many types of coffee from which to choose. Some like a mild flavor while others enjoy a deep dark brew. There are a ton of coffees out there that have flavors; the possibilities are endless. However, the most popular type of coffee is one that is flavored with cream or milk, rather than flavored with syrups or spices.
Look at where your coffee originated. Where the coffee was grown makes a big deal to the overall flavor. For instance, Latin American countries tend to grow beans that have a milder taste. If you are looking for more of an exotic taste, you’ll want to consider coffees from Africa.
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.
If you normally drink coffee at home but are getting tired of the same-old tastes, keep an eye open when you pass by coffee shops and houses. Coffee shops have new flavors and drinks they release and test out all the time, particularly seasonally. Summer’s offerings happen frequently, and many even have “happy hour” discounts during deader hours of the day.
A great tip to remember if you’re after the best-tasting cup of coffee is not to let your coffee sit for an extended period of time. Coffee will only stay fresh for about ten minutes so you should be prepared to drink your coffee right after it’s been brewed.
When measuring out coffee grounds and water, consider how many cups you want to make. Measuring cups hold eight ounces, as opposed to the six ounces that a standard cup holds. Ideally, you should using two tbs. of coffee with six oz. of water. The use of measuring cups can cause your coffee to be too watered down.
If something tastes “off” in your morning brew, remember that unpleasant water will result in unpleasant coffee. If you do not like the taste of your tap water, use a filter. A filtering pitcher is another good way to get better water, or you could simply invest in a coffee-specific supply of bottled water.
Before you decide on a drive-thru establishment that you want to purchase from each morning, try them all to get an idea of the one you like the most. The last thing that you will want to do is settle for a mediocre coffee, if there is a place that you would enjoy better.
Not all coffee should be stored in the freezer because doing so could result in less tasty coffee. Instead, you should divide your weekly stash of beans into equal amounts and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. The future week amounts can be stored in the freezer.
Make it a habit to only grind enough coffee for your immediate use. When you grind a whole bag of coffee, you are speeding up the flavor shelf life. Those grounds will lose flavor within a couple of days, where the fresh beans would have held out a little longer.
Ask your favorite coffee shop how they make the coffee. This will of course give you some great ideas about brewing your own coffee, but make sure that you ask good questions. Ask about technique, but also ask where the coffee comes from and how it is grown and harvested. You want to make sure you’re having the best coffee, after all!
If you grind your own coffee, bean storage is critical. You can use an airtight container for shorter term storage. For longer storage, like if you have bought in bulk, put in an airtight container and freeze. Keeping air away from your beans will keep them fresh and help preserve the flavor.
If your home coffee brewing is going over your budget, think about stretching out your premium brews by mixing in a little lower quality coffee. The taste will not be too far off, and you can stretch out your pricier grounds a lot longer. In the end, you should be able to get back on budget without sacrificing great taste.
A great tip for those who want to make their own coffee is to use water that is just below boiling temperature. If your water is in the range of 195-205 degrees F, your coffee will end up tasting much better than if it was at a full boil.
There are many different ways that you can make drinks with coffee, outside of the standard morning cup. Pouring coffee into a mug and adding Irish Cream and Grand Mariner can really make for a nice warm drink on a cold day. Add whipped cream to the top to give it that extra fun kick.
Now that you’ve read this article, you should have a better idea as to how to shake things up a little. Go out and find your next cup of coffee the way you like it! It’s time! Be sure you remember what you’ve read as you explore your options.
