What do you consider the absolute best cup of joe that you’ve had in the past? Maybe you brewed it on your own, or perhaps you bought some at your local coffee shop? Coffee can be made in a wide variety of ways and comes in an even bigger variety of types and flavors. Keep reading to find out some helpful information to take with you when shopping for coffee.
It’s no secret that you will pay more for better quality. You really do get what’s paid for when purchasing coffee, so splurge a little. If you buy cheap coffee, you will not like the results.
Containers that seal out air are the best choice when it comes to storing your coffee. The beans will become stale if a lot of air gets in contact with them. Steer clear of valved bags, because they lose their air-tight quality once the seal is compromised. These leak air after they have cooled.
Many things can go in the freezer to help them last a long time, but remember that coffee should only stay there for three months or less. Coffee frozen longer than that will start suffering in quality.
Buy a coffee grinder, and buy whole bean coffee. There is no substitute for the taste of freshly ground beans. If you can’t afford a coffee grinder, you can still buy whole beans. Most supermarkets have grinders that you can use to grind your coffee purchase before you leave the store.
For better coffee, try using a French press. Coffee made in a French press is often more aromatic and flavorful. This kind of press helps more of the coffee’s oils go into the coffee itself instead of getting trapped in a coffee pot filter. The more oil you have, the better your coffee will taste.
If you are planning to store coffee beans, keep them in a place that is close to room temperature. This will help to extend the longevity of the beans, so that no flavor is lost providing great-tasting coffee for a very long time. Storing coffee beans in temperatures too hot or cold can cause them to go stale faster.
A great tip to remember if you love brewing coffee is to make sure you clean your kitchen equipment now and then. If you don’t clean your coffee pot often, it won’t take long for the particles to build up and you’ll soon start to notice a very bitter taste with your coffee.
Iced coffee doesn’t taste so great when the ice cubes begin to melt, watering down the flavor. An excellent tip is to make ice cubes out of coffee or milk, and keeping them in the freezer in zippered bags. They will be handy anytime you want a cold drink on a hot day!
Clean your coffee grinder regularly. Coffee grinds go stale quickly. As a result, it is necessary to clean your grinder often. If the grinder is not cleaned on a regular basis, old stale grinds will be mixed with your freshly ground coffee. It is best to clean the grinder thoroughly every few days.
While it seems like it would be the most straightforward method, making iced coffee by pouring coffee over ice cubes doesn’t give the best results. This waters down the coffee. Use ice cubes made from brewed coffee instead. After they have frozen, remove them and let them melt.
If you are planning to grind your own coffee beans, you should know that the type of grinder you choose can make a big difference in taste. Experts recommend using one that features flat grinding burrs. Blade grinders can actually generate enough heat to burn or scald the coffee beans and ruin the flavor.
Do you think that fake sweetening products are preferable to natural sugars? This type of product can change the flavor of coffee and give it a bland taste. Raw sugar or honey both provide a better natural alternative. Use only half a pack of sweetener if you must.
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 do not mind spending a few bucks more, you can join a coffee club which will deliver coffee to you at set intervals. There are multiple choices of the types of coffee you can order, either whole bean or your choice of ground coffee. Some of these companies also provide you with a free coffee maker.
Adapt your coffee to water ratio in function of the technique you are using to brew your coffee. A Technivorm or a vacuum pot will require you to use more coffee grounds than a French press or a drip machine. Drip machines are actually the cheapest way to make coffee but you will get a better flavor with other techniques.
If you are a coffee drinker with a short attention span, then consider getting a single cup brewing machine. These machines pre-measure their grounds for the perfect cup every time and also give you the choice of switching out your brew with every cup you drink. A single-cup machine also ensures that every cup you have is hot and freshly brewed.
You must now see, after reading, that you have a lot more great choices than you may have ever thought of. At this point, you’re probably itching for a hot cup right now. Keep in mind what you have learned here and enjoy your next shopping trip! Enjoy your delicious cup of coffee!
