Good old coffee is a drink that many people love and drink every single day. That kick of caffeine goes a long way in helping people get through their days, and there are all kinds of coffee to suit any taste. Keep reading for some coffee tips to make the most of any cup of coffee.
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 you have any guests that are drinking your coffee? Think about decorating your lattes. With a little bit of practice, you will be able to produce pretty patterns and designs to give your coffee that special touch. Mix milk with melted chocolate, then practice when you make coffee.
Do not throw away your old coffee grounds. If you have a garden, you can use your coffee grounds as fertilizer for your plants and flowers while keeping the pest away. You can also use old coffee grounds to scrub dirty dishes or clean your kitchen counter instead of using chemicals.
You can re-use your coffee grounds for many items. Coffee grounds are great for getting rid of smells like garlic and onion on your hands. You can also use them on dishes that refuse to get clean with regular washing. Coffee grounds can even be used in the garden to take care of pests that threaten your plants.
If you really want the freshest coffee with a gourmet taste, avoid pre-packaged coffee that sits on the grocer’s shelves. Purchase your coffee beans directly from the roaster through their website. Most roaster’s will have the coffee on your doorstep in just a couple days. This enables you to enjoy the beans when they are at their most flavorful.
If regular coffee no longer provides you enough caffeine, consider brewing espresso. This does mean you will need a different piece of equipment, as your regular coffee maker likely cannot do it. Espresso machines are typically expensive though, and the intensity of the caffeine levels is too much for some. Try espresso a few times somewhere else before making this commitment for your home.
A great tip to remember if you love brewing coffee is to make sure you clean your kitchen equipment now and then. If you don’t clean your coffee pot often, it won’t take long for the particles to build up and you’ll soon start to notice a very bitter taste with your coffee.
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.
Coffee starts to lose flavor about six hours after it is initially roasted. This is why you should do everything you can to keep your coffee from getting a lot of air. When you store your coffee, use an airtight container so you can keep the quality of each cup at a high level.
If you’re giving up caffeine, you don’t need to do it all at once. One way to approach this is to use a mixture of caffeinated and de-caffeinated beans. If you prefer ground coffee, just mix equal parts regular and decaf for use in the coffee maker.
Do you have health problems such as high blood pressure? If yes, you should stay away from any beverage that contains caffeine. Try drinking some decaf if you miss the taste of coffee and talk to your doctor about how much caffeine you should drink. Staying away from caffeine for a while should help you get your blood pressure under control.
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.
Even if you do not have a coffee grinder at home, you can purchase whole beans and grind them at the supermarket. Most stores that sell whole bean coffee also have a machine that you can use to grind your coffee as you purchase it. This is a great way to choose the grind you prefer.
Pay attention to the soil the coffee beans were grown in. If you grind your own coffee, beans are important. The soil used to grow the beans you are using can make a huge difference in taste. Do a bit of research if you have particular tastes when it comes to coffee.
Cappuccino is a popular coffee based drink that many people enjoy. It does not have a lot of caffeine, and comes in several delicious flavors. It is quite sweet, and is high in calories unless you choose the low-fat version. Many convenience stores and gas stations have cappuccino machines so you can enjoy a cup on the road.
The water temperature is extremely important for brewing a great tasting cup of coffee. If you are not satisfied by the coffee your automatic machine is producing, check the temperature of the water after it is heated. It should be between 195 – 205 degrees Fahrenheit to produce the best tasting cup of coffee.
Now that this article is complete, you know more about what you can do to always be sure your coffee is as fresh as it can be, and as delicious as possible. Apply the tips to your own coffee activities, and you will no doubt enjoy your coffee for years to come.
