Waking in the morning and having a cup of coffee is an activity enjoyed by a multitude of people the world over. Do you brew your own coffee, or do you frequent the local coffee bar? What is the best type to purchase? Continue reading to learn some knowledge on all the numerous coffee choices that exist.
The pricier the coffee, the better its quality. A higher price nets you a better quality coffee, so don’t hesitate to pay for better beans and brewers. If you buy cheap coffee, you will not like the results.
It might be wise to purchase a Keruig maker for those times when you just want one cup of coffee. They usually offer a wide variety of traditional and fun flavors to choose from. There are a number of makers and features to choose from.
French Press
For hearty flavor, try using a French press for your next coffee. Paper filters tend to absorb coffee’s flavorful oils. A French press works differently. It has a plunger, which shoves coarsely ground coffee beans to the carafe’s bottom. The oils remain in the brew, lending a richer flavor.
Containers that seal out air are the best choice when it comes to storing your coffee. Beans that are exposed to the air will become stale and lose their flavor. Get the coffee out of the bag that it came in, because once those seals have been broken, air will come in. This valve is to allow heat and steam to escape after the roasting process.
Only grind coffee beans right before you brew them. Beans start to lose flavor immediately after being ground. Don’t make it a habit of grinding beans ahead of time, or you’ll be serving up some weak coffee.
If you refrigerate your coffee, be sure the container is airtight. If it does not keep the air out you will have coffee that takes on the taste of other food. Moisture can also end up in the coffee if stored for a long time in an inappropriate container.
Iced Coffee
If you like iced coffee, brew a pot the night before you want it. Then chill it overnight. This allows your coffee to chill the proper way. Also, add cream, sugar and any other flavors just before putting it into the fridge. By doing this, you can create the perfect iced coffee.
If lowering your sugar use when drinking coffee is a priority, you will find lots of options. Agave nectar is relatively new to most grocery stores in the past few years, and the great thing about it is that it will not affect your blood sugar. Some low calorie sweeteners like stevia or splenda stay stable when added to hot liquids and can be safely be used in coffee as well.
Invest in a basic coffee grinder. Grinding coffee beans immediately prior to brewing leaves the aromatic, flavorful oils alone and your coffee tastes fresher. The majority of coffee grinders that exist feature the ability to adjust coarseness. You can find coffee grinders that are built into a coffee machine if you have limited space.
If you buy some coffee at the cafe it might be pricey, but you can do this every now and again. For a sumptuous topping, why not use flavored whipped creams, chocolate shavings or ground nutmeg. You might also spring for a delicious espresso.
Freshly roasted beans make the best coffee. Always look at the expiration and roast dates of whole beans that you buy. Typically, beans from a specialty coffee shop are fresher than those bought at a grocery store.
The freezer isn’t the best place to keep your coffee. The truth is that coffee is able to absorb the odors and flavors of nearby foodstuffs. It is best to store your coffee at room temperature in an opaque container that is airtight. Use a sealed and air-tight freezer bag if you still plan on refrigerating or freezing it.
In order to optimize bulk purchasing of beans, they must be protected. Fresh beans absorb other flavors and lose flavor when you expose them to heat or light. That is why it is a good idea to store coffee beans in an opaque, air-tight container.
You can produce frothed milk without a specialty machine. All you need to do is put it in a measuring cup or microwave-safe mug and heat it up until it steams. Using a whisk, use your palms to rub the handle forwards and back very fast. Do this until you have a foamy milk. To achieve maximum froth, use either half and half or whole milk.
Do you see coffee in a different light after reading this article? Don’t stick with the same type of coffee. Try a variety of coffees to find your favorite. This article has likely given you a reason to branch out a bit and try things that you might not have considered before.