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.
No matter how attached you are to your favorite blend, don’t be afraid to try a new variety. You don’t need to invest in a large bag to try out something new. Almost all brands will offer a single pot or sampler size to allow you to try out new flavors.
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.
The human body needs at least four hours to eliminate caffeine. You should keep this in mind if you want to drink a cup of coffee before going to bed. It is best to drink a decaffeinated beverage if you need to go to sleep within the next few hours.
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.
After brewing coffee, never reheat it. Keep extra coffee in a thermos that retains heat. If you cannot do this, just make another pot of coffee.
If you grind your own coffee, be sure to only grind the amount you will be using that day. If you grind too much and just leave your coffee around, the elements will take the freshness and taste of it. Contrary to what many believe, storing coffee in the refrigerator does not leave it fresh.
Avoid purchasing beans that come in cans or in vacuum-sealed bags. Coffee beans need to be protected by valve-sealed bags to remain fresh. Besides, valve-sealed bags allow the carbon dioxide that emanates from the beans to escape, which means the beans will retain all their flavor and stay fresh longer.
Keep your coffee press from getting corroded. Regardless of how great your coffee and filtration are, repeated water passing through the press leaves a residue. The mineral buildup might start ruining the taste of your coffee. The simplest fix is run hot water with some white vinegar included every few weeks to keep your coffee tasting fresh.
Many people use bacon soda to keep smells from permeating refrigerators, but used coffee grounds have the same effect. Coffee acts like a natural sponge, and it will absorb any odors it comes in contact with. This is why you should place a small dish of them in your refrigerator to keep odors at bay.
Don’t let your coffee stay on the burner for any longer than 20 minutes after you have made it. By letting it sit there; you will find your coffee to have a harsh taste. Furthermore, leaving it on the burner for too long can burn both the pot and the coffee.
To get the broadest exposure to different coffee types, consider participating in a tasting. This is a low-cost way for you to try a wide variety of beans. Tastings also give you the opportunity to see how each bean is best brewed. Do not be afraid to ask your barista for other recommendations based on what you like or dislike.
For great coffee at home, it is essential to make sure your coffee maker has been thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. By running hot water cycles every so often and using a bit of lemon juice routinely to remove deposits, it is possible to have a fresh, tasty pot of coffee every single time.
If you have trouble staying awake and have been buying those expensive energy drinks, you should start drinking coffee instead. Each energy drink contains about 100-150 milligrams of caffeine. You can get the same effect from drinking a cup of coffee or two, and you will not have to spend as much money.
If you prefer a strong cup of coffee than you should roast your beans from 12 to 14 minutes. The bean sugar caramelizes, giving the beans a slightly oily appearance when taken out of the roaster. This will give your coffee almost a smokey taste, perfect for espressos or those who just love a strong cup of joe.
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.
The longer your coffee sits in a pot on the warmer, the worse it will taste. Fresh brewed coffee always tastes best. The longer it sits, the more bitter it becomes. This is one of the key reasons why many of the larger coffee makers will throw out coffee if it sits longer than 20 minutes.
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.
