Whether you are new to the wonderful world of coffee, or an experienced aficionado, there is always something new to learn. New information about the coffee experience is continually coming to light. Continue reading this article to find out more about the best ways to use coffee to enhance your life.
Quality often costs more when it comes to the best coffee beans. Investing in a good machine and fresh beans will give you the best results. If you’re chintzy when it comes to coffee, you will constantly be disappointed with the quality.
There have been many studies about whether or not coffee is healthy or harmful. Some state that the caffeine in coffee can be harmful unless it is consumed in moderation. Other studies seem to indicate that coffee can work as an antioxidant, and can actually help prevent some diseases such as cancer.
Don’t keep coffee in the freezer longer than three months. If your coffee has been in the freezer for longer than three months, it will not be as good.
There are several options that you can use to limit the sugar in your coffee. Agave nectar, for example, contains sugar but will not harm your blood sugar. Splenda and Equal are great alternatives to sugar in your coffee as well.
If you have a hard time finding fresh, roasted beans in your area, then consider roasting fresh beans yourself. The easiest and most fool-proof method is to place green coffee beans on a baking tray and roast them in the oven. Preheat the oven at the highest temperature and roast the beans until you hear them start to crack.
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.
Instead of drinking fruit drinks or sodas when you are preparing for your finals at school, try drinking a few cups of coffee. This will give you the amount of energy that you need to function well without the sugar, and is a great option to have for fall or winter nights when you are studying.
Fair trade coffee is not only delicious, but buying it supports developing countries. While it is more expensive, the quality of coffee is worth it. There’s the added benefit of making a positive difference in the lives of small farmers in developing countries all over the world.
If you are among the people who enjoy iced coffee, there is a way to keep your brew from becoming diluted. Make a pot, allow it to cool. Then, pour it into ice cube trays. Use the frozen coffee to ice your fresh coffee. You will avoid the weak flavor that sometimes accompanies the end of a cup of iced coffee.
If you are grinding your own coffee, the medium grind is preferable for regular purposes. It works great for the home drip brewer. It should be around the consistency of common table salt when you are done. Practice with your own machine until you learn what produces flavors you prefer.
For those of you who prefer a more medium cup of coffee, you should roast your beans for between 9 and 11 minutes but no longer than that. When they come out of the roaster they will look dry, but it produces a much sweeter taste than a mild brew.
Make your coffee even better with flavors and sweeteners. White sugar is the most popular add-in, but consider the unique flavors of raw and brown sugar. Don’t be afraid to explore flavorings like nutmeg, cinnamon or cocoa. Liquid flavorings are another delicious option. You can also use almond, rice and soy milk can be used instead of milk.
Try different types of coffee. Give different types of coffee a try. Don’t be afraid of purchasing more than one kind, and always store your coffee grounds or beans in an airtight container for freshness.
The size of your coffee grounds has a lot to do with the way your coffee tastes. A finer coffee grind will mean that more surface area of the bean is exposed to water while a coarser grind will mean less. No matter which grind you prefer, an even grind particle size is very important for a great cup of coffee.
For the freshest coffee, buy fresh beans. If you have the choice, buy from a professional roaster and ask the roaster the time since roasting on the beans you are considering. Look for beans that were roasted that day. Steer clear of store-bought brands, especially those that you pick from bins. Those have more than likely lost flavor due to being in direct light.
Do not store coffee beans or ground coffee in glass jars or other transparent containers. Light, heat, and exposure to air can negatively affect the quality of the coffee. Place ground coffee beans in an airtight container that you cannot see through. Store the container in a cool area away from the stove.
Have you ever tried adding syrup, nuts or fruits to your coffee? You should buy some fresh fruits or finely ground nuts and add them to your coffee. This will add an interesting flavor and will taste a lot better than the flavored coffee grounds you can buy in store.
Make sure you buy the right size filters for your coffee maker. If your filters aren’t the right size, grounds can slip into the coffee being brewed, making it grainy. This defeats the purpose of using filters. Using the right size filters will ensure your coffee is smooth and delicious.
Now that you know a little bit more about coffee, you should be able to enjoy it with abandon. Discover new ways to enjoy it, and let new flavors take you to new heights. You’ll never go wrong experimenting with coffee. You can enjoy the coffee experience now matter who or where you are.
