There is nothing that provides quite the boost like coffee. Yet, the options within the world of coffee can really blow your mind. There are plenty of flavors and brands and many choices at coffee shops. Keep reading for some advice and tips to make coffee drinking simpler and more enjoyable.
Stevia is a relatively new sugar substitute that is great for diabetics and dieters. Because Stevia uses all-natural sweetening ingredients, it is a healthy way to lighten up your coffee without adding glucose or calories. Most supermarkets and niche health stores offer Stevia.
Consider trying a French press when brewing your coffee for a richer more robust flavor. Regular coffee filters absorb the precious oils that a French press enhance. Rather than relying on paper filters, a French press uses a plunger system to extract the flavor from the beans inside a glass, metal or plastic carafe. The oil is not lost while brewing, which preserves the flavor.
Do not heat coffee that has been previously brewed. Reheating doesn’t release harmful chemicals; this is just a myth. Within 30 minutes of making coffee, the compounds start breaking down. You might think it does not taste quite right.
If your coffee maker is aged or an economy model, brew hot water before you brew the actual coffee to get the most flavor. You want to add the grounds first, and then pour the hot water into the machine. This helps provide the best flavor and very hot coffee.
There are alternatives that you can use to replace white sugar in your coffee. If you are worried about your blood glucose levels, consider using agave nectar. You can also use low-calorie sweeteners, including splenda and stevia, which remain stable whenever you add them into warm liquids, including coffee.
You need to purchase a coffee grinder at some point in time. Grinding coffee beans immediately prior to brewing leaves the aromatic, flavorful oils alone and your coffee tastes fresher. Generally, grinders will allow you to pre-select how coarse you want your beans ground. You can find coffee grinders that are built into a coffee machine if you have limited space.
Buying your coffee from a specialty store or coffee hut can be expensive, but it could also be a wonderful treat once in awhile. Specialty coffee houses offer many great extras in their coffee. Whipped cream, chocolate curls and frothy espresso are some examples.
Make certain that you understand how much water you need to make the right cup of coffee. If you misjudge and have too little, your coffee will have a very strong flavor. Alternately, too much water dilutes the flavor of your coffee. A good guideline is to use 16 ounces of water for every 8-ounce cup of coffee.
You don’t want to reheat coffee after it has gotten cold. You should buy a thermal mug to keep your coffee in. This mug can retain the heat so that your coffee can last longer. If you cannot keep the coffee fresh until you want it again, then you might as well start over with a new pot when you are ready for more.
There is no need for you to freeze your coffee. Coffee can absorb flavors and scents from nearby food items. The best storage place for your coffee is an airtight, opaque canister at room temperature. If you insist on freezing or refrigerating it, place it in a sealed freezer bag.
You can make froth for your coffee from milk at home! Put a microwave-safe coffee mug in the microwave. Alternatively, you could use a measuring cup. Take a whisk and rapidly spin its handle in between your hands. Keep going until the milk is foamy. For ideal results, use half-and-half or 2 percent milk.
Measuring Cup
Decide how many cups of coffee you wish to brew. A traditional coffee cup holds six ounces whereas a measuring cup holds eight. To brew a perfect cup of coffee use two tablespoons per six ounces of liquid. If you use a measuring cup, you will end up with watered down coffee.
Some coffee lovers swear by chocolate as an unexpectedly delicious add-in for hot coffee. You will get more energy and a great taste. Think about choosing chocolate coffees first thing in the morning.
Always wait for the brewing to finish before you pour your coffee if you want the best taste. Even though some machines let you do this, your coffee will be worse. Think about buying one that has a timer. By doing this, your coffee will already be brewed before you’re even awake.
If your coffee does not taste right, it may have something to do with the water. You can purchase a water filter to improve your water’s quality. Using bottled water or a filter pitcher are other options.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix coffees until you find one that you like best. Some coffee shops will even guide you in the right direction for combination flavors in the best way.
The local grocery store may not be the best choice for purchasing your own coffee. Chances are the coffee is not selling fast enough for you to get the freshest beans or grounds. At stores that specialize in coffee, you are likely to discover the freshest product.
Take care not to overindulge in coffee. Drinking too much coffee can cause dehydration. For every cup of coffee that you consume, make sure you are drinking two additional cups of water. Too much coffee can cause dehydration, so watch your consumption.
If your goal is to make great iced coffee, one way to do so is to put your entire French press machine into the refrigerator while you sleep. This will ensure the machine is nice and chilled before you use it each morning. You can do this with cold water, and your coffee will be wonderful.
As you can see by now, there are many coffee decisions to be made. No matter if you make coffee in your own kitchen or prefer to frequent local cafes, your choices are never ending. Hopefully, you now have some ideas about the coffee you’d like to make and how to go about it.