Coffee is undoubtedly one of the world's best-loved beverages and something that can be the subject of serious debate and disagreement. In order to determine what constitutes your perfect cup of coffee, a bit of knowledge and education is key. Apply the tips and information contained below, and you will have what it takes to become a coffee aficionado.
To make a good coffee, always start with fresh beans. They should look kind of oily, and they should be potent. Try to avoid very dry beans, any grocery store beans, and any beans that have been exposed to air for a long time. Your best bet is to either roast beans yourself or buy them from a local roaster.
A French press brews coffee with a rich and robust flavor. Flavor is compromised by the paper coffee filters used in drip-style coffee brewers. A French press works differently. It has a plunger, which shoves coarsely ground coffee beans to the carafe's bottom. Therefore, the oils stay in the brew, creating a fuller flavor.
Keep your coffee stored in containers that do not allow air to enter. Air will cause the coffee to start losing its flavor and will become stale. One-way valve bags are only effective until they are opened. After that the contents should be transferred to an airtight container. They really are just for letting out air after you've roasted the beans.
Have you ever tried drinking ice cold coffee or cappuccino? This is a good way to get the caffeine you need while drinking a refreshing beverage. You can either use instant coffee, mix it in cold water and add some ice or put some coffee grounds in a fine filter and place it in a glass of cold water.
Buy your coffee directly from the roaster. You can do this easily online these days. A lot of places are willing to ship directly to you. Your coffee will arrive within a couple of days. This is the way to get the freshest roast coffee to drink every morning with breakfast.
Buy whole coffee beans and grind the coffee yourself. Coffee that is freshly ground is much more flavorful and aromatic than pre-ground coffee. Each day, only grind the amount of coffee that you need for that day. If you have any extra, place the leftover grinds in an airtight container in the fridge.
Do not freeze all of your coffee in one large container. This is a good way for your coffee to become spoiled easily. Every time you thaw out coffee, it will have some moisture in it. Refreezing it constantly will kill the quality. Use small storage bags to freeze it in batches.
If you like to grind your own coffee, try adding a few nuts to the grinder along with the beans. Many people enjoy the interesting flavor nuts provide to a cup of coffee. Some great nuts to try include: almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts. You can even experiment with nutty combinations!
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.
There is no need for you to freeze your coffee. You may not realize it, but coffee can take on the smell and flavors of food it is near. Your best choice is to store coffee in an opaque, airtight container in an area at or near room temperature. If you simply must refrigerate or freeze it, be sure to put it in an airtight freezer bag.
Do not buy purchase coffee that has packaged beans and is pre-flavored. These coffees are made using oil that is hard to clean out of a coffee pot. They will also affect future pots of coffee that you make, giving each subsequent cup a funny taste. Furthermore, the flavors these coffees are made with tend not to taste good anyway.
To control the strength of your coffee, watch the size of your grind. In this case, coffee is a lot like garlic. The tinier you dice (or grind) it, the more potent the flavor you'll get when cooking or brewing. If you are looking for a milder flavor, then keep your grind rather large.
If you tend to eat cookies with your coffee in the morning or night, try dipping one into the other. Cookies taste great when combined with coffee, and can give you the injection of flavor that you desire. Make sure that when you dip, you have a napkin or towel nearby to avoid a mess.
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.
If you frequent a particular coffeehouse often, see if they will give you a discount for bringing in your own cup or mug. These cups can sometimes cost the shop a few pennies at a time, so they can save money too over time. They also get the chance to make a pro-environmental statement with you.
The kind of coffee you enjoy drinking depends on the region in which is brewed. If you prefer coffee that has a mild flavor, go with coffees from Latin America countries, like Brazil. If you like those with an exotic taste, you should drink coffee from African or Asian countries.
People all over the globe have loved coffee in all of its variations for centuries. However, not everyone possesses a great deal of knowledge about different varieties, brewing techniques and other relevant subjects. By applying the guidance found above, it is possible to develop into a true coffee expert.
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