Let’s face it, most of us are not morning people. We need that little extra kick to get us through the door and ready for work. That is where your beloved coffee comes in. Learn how to make the best tasting cup of coffee you can to start your day off right by reading the following article.
If sugar is an issue, use Stevia instead. This product is naturally derived from plants and is a great artificial sweetener. You can find it at health food stores and supermarkets.
Do not keep your coffee in the refrigerator unless it is in a container that is absolutely airtight. This is important because moisture can cause coffee to become moldy. It is best to keep your coffee in the cabinet where it will stay warm, dry and at its best quality.
Rinse off your coffee filter before placing it inside of the coffee maker. The coffee filters may have fibers or plastic on them when you take them out of the plastic packaging. If you leave these items on the filter, they will end up in your coffee when it brews.
Buying coffee at a cafe is expensive, but it can be a fun experience on occasion. You can choose from a variety of flavors and toppings, such as whipped cream or chocolate.
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!
Don’t reheat your coffee if you’re saving some for later. Use a thermal mug to keep the coffee warm. If this is not an option, you can always brew another pot to maximize the overall taste.
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.
After purchasing coffee it is important to properly store it for it to retain its freshness. If you will be using your coffee within a week, store it in an airtight plastic or glass container out of direct sunlight and away from heat. If it will be longer than a week before you will use it up, consider placing the coffee in the freezer.
If you are making a cup of iced coffee, it is a good idea to use some hot coffee to melt the sugar before you start. This will stop the grains of sugar from lingering at the bottom of the cup. Each sip will taste just as sweet as the last.
When brewing your coffee, use bottled or filtered water. Doing so, you will obtain maximum flavor for your brew. However, you do not want to use water that is too soft. The flavor will not be extracted as well. Look for a nice balance. Compare the flavor of your coffee with different brands or types of water.
If you are tired of the same traditional coffee every single day to wake you up, add some chocolate to your coffee. This can be a delicious change of pace to start your day with. One of the best ways to increase energy is to use a dark chocolate coffee in your morning brew.
A big mistake that many people make when brewing coffee is not using the proper amount of coffee. The proper ratio of ground coffee to water is six ounces of water for every two tablespoons of coffee. Any less coffee and you will have a weak and unsatisfying brew that tastes more like water than coffee.
If you can never seem to finish your cup of coffee in your home because of an active infant, find a coffee drive-thru several minutes away. Put your child in the back seat, buy your coffee, and take a leisurely drive while you enjoy your beverage.
Experiment with varying levels of grind for your coffee. Finely ground coffee often results in a strong flavor, but you can weaken flavor with a more coarse grind. The best time to grind is right before you actually brew. Grinding earlier than that can result in stale tasting coffee once brewed later.
Be sure to clean your coffee machine. Many people just keep making coffee over and over again, but you have got to make sure you clean it regularly. Run a mixture of vinegar and water through your machine to naturally clean the machine instead of using chemicals. When you do this, you can be assured you have the most delicious coffee you can have.
Adding a small amount of salt can reduce acidity in your coffee. Do not overdo it, however. Only a very small amount is needed for it to work. Also, think about using sea salt as it adds a more even, natural flavor with the added benefit of trace minerals.
Saving money on coffee can be a problem, so consider things like joining a club that you subscribe to. These services can save you up to 33 percent on your coffee. The best clubs will even allow you to receive the beans when you actually need them. By doing this, you ensure that you will never be short on beans or have coffee that is stale.
You can use old coffee grinds to stave off ants around your homes. Yes, it’s just one of the many benefits of coffee. Ants hate the smell of coffee, and so it acts as a repellant. Coffee grinds also make great compost. If you can save them for this purpose, it will benefit you.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, coffee is an essential part of most of our mornings. When you take the time to implement these tips into your coffee making routine, you will enjoy a better tasting cup of joe that is sure to start each and every morning off right.