Making your own coffee can be convenient, but it also involves some extra work. It is usually the equipment needed for coffee-making that makes the process difficult. There are many appliances, such as grinders and pots, required to get the job done right. However, you can make the process much simpler by applying the following pointers.
Coffee can actually be healthy if you drink it properly. Coffee isn’t bad, it’s all the extras people add in. For a healthier alternative, try some almond milk in your latte, with stevia or honey as sweeteners.
If you want strong, rich flavor, buy a French press. Drip-style coffee makers have paper filters that can absorb all the flavor. A French press moves the grounds to the carafe. You get a deeper flavor because the oils stay in the brew.
Try spicing up coffee for your guests by getting creative. Self decorating lattes is fairly easy to do. You just need a little time to start achieving floral and heart designs that will delight guests. Use milk with melted chocolate and keep practicing when you make your coffee.
Make an effort to buy coffee that is pesticide-free. Coffee derives its flavor from the soil it is grown in. Organically grown coffee naturally tastes better when it is brewed.
Iced Coffee
If you want to enjoy a perfect iced coffee, brew strong coffee before bed and place it in the refrigerator. This lets it have ample time to cool without making it get watered down when it goes over ice. You may also want to add sugar or milk before you put it in the refrigerator. This way, you can enjoy a great cup of iced coffee the next morning.
Obviously the coffee beans have everything to do with how your coffee is going to taste. Look at local stores. You can usually find freshly roasted beans. If from a small town, trying buying online. This may be more expensive, but you won’t pay as much as you would buying it at a coffeehouse.
Be sure you are putting the proper amount of water in your coffee maker. If you skimp on water, your coffee will end up being too strong. Too much water can make it weak. As a general rule, stick to using about two cups for every single cup of coffee you’d like to make.
You don’t need to use your freezer to store coffee. In fact, coffee can pick up flavors and smells from neighboring foods. You should keep your coffee in a place that is dark and where air does not get to it. If you really want to freeze or refrigerate it, use a sealable freezer bag.
If you are tired of the same traditional coffee every single day to wake you up, add some chocolate to your coffee. Not only will this taste amazing, it can provide an extra boost to your normal cup of coffee. Dark chocolate works great with an early-morning coffee.
If you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you drink, there’s no need to quit all at once. Just use half decaf beans and half regular beans in your coffee grinder to make a “semi” caffeine brew. If your beans are already ground, then take half of each type and use them in the coffee machine.
If you like to make many different flavors of coffee, the best way to do so is to add creamers or syrups after you have brewed the coffee. This will also reduce the excess build up of flavors on your machine. You will also retain the ability to serve guests the flavor of their choice. To get the most consistent flavor in every sip, add syrups before you add milk.
Iced Coffee
If you want iced coffee, don’t just pour coffee over ice cubes. Just adding ice to coffee produces a watery coffee drink. Make the coffee as you would normally, then pour the finished brew into an ice tray. When you want iced coffee, take out the cubes and pour a little hot coffee over them for great iced coffee.
If you are unhappy with the quality of the coffee sold in the grocery store, try purchasing it somewhere else. The store may not sell its coffee quickly enough to keep it fresh. If you go to a shop that specializes in coffee, you will get the freshest beans.
It can be exciting to stray away from your usual coffee flavor. Experiment a bit. Buy several kinds at a time. You can store them in your freezer to keep them fresh.
Ask your friends and relatives what coffees they drink. Lots of varieties exist, and maybe someone you know has tried the ones you haven’t. See if they can hook you up with something new and interesting. You might be lucky enough to come over and get some great coffee from their house.
After your coffee is made, remove the pot from the burner. Leaving the coffee pot on the burner will ruin the flavor. If you want to keep it hot, move it to an insulated container.
Consider keeping your French press coffee maker in the refrigerator if you enjoy iced coffee. This way, it will be chilled when you want to use in the morning. Using a chilled machine and cold water will ensure that your coffee is clean tasting and sweet.
You should enjoy brewing your own coffee, however the equipment that must be used can often times take the fun out of it. When done properly, it’s possible to make coffee without testing your sanity or your pocketbook. Making coffee will be fun again with these tips, so use them.