What is better than waking up to the aroma of fresh coffee brewing? Doesn’t it just make you smile? Perhaps you enjoy coffee without any additives, or maybe you like that special blend. Some even enjoy their coffee on ice. Keep reading to find out your available options when it comes to drinking coffee.
Do not leave your coffee open any longer than necessary. While preparing your coffee, don’t open the can or bag until you are ready to scoop. Immediately after scooping, close the coffee container. This will keep your coffee fresher longer. It also keeps the flavor and aroma from evaporating in the air.
When you purchase coffee beans, keep them somewhere else than the package they came in. Instead, put them in an airtight container. This will help them stay fresher for a much longer time.
You can re-use your coffee grounds for many items. Coffee grounds are great for getting rid of smells like garlic and onion on your hands. You can also use them on dishes that refuse to get clean with regular washing. Coffee grounds can even be used in the garden to take care of pests that threaten your plants.
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.
Avoid storing your coffee in the freezer. The extreme temperatures of the freezer will destroy the oils in the coffee. Instead, drink what you have or buy smaller amounts of coffee. If you do not buy too much coffee, you will not need to worry about storing it for an extended period of time.
Use water that is pure to get a pure brew from your choice of coffee beans. Keep in mind that every element used in brewing has an impact on the final product. For the best tasting coffee, use bottled, filtered or distilled water.
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.
Don’t keep any coffee storage contains near ovens. The heat will just destroy your coffee. Steer clear of counter tops and cabinets, even if it is above the oven itself.
If you are used to an independent coffee house, then be careful when ordering in Starbucks. They have a very different language for their products, as part of their distinct branding. The Caramel Macchiato you love back home is not going to taste at all the same in a Starbucks while on the road.
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 do go to a coffeehouse for a cup of joe and work away from home, be careful how you place your laptop. You do not want to spill your drink on it, nor do you want anyone reading your screen over your shoulder. Also be mindful of what you say on the phone. Your competition could be in there too.
The water you use to brew your coffee can give it a funny flavor. If your tap water consistently tastes bad, purchase a filter to add to the tap. You could also use a pitcher with a built-in filter, or simply brew your coffee using bottled water.
Before you decide on a drive-thru establishment that you want to purchase from each morning, try them all to get an idea of the one you like the most. The last thing that you will want to do is settle for a mediocre coffee, if there is a place that you would enjoy better.
Keep your coffee machine clean. Once you are done drinking coffee, you should rinse the coffee pot and remove the coffee grounds. Rinse the machine as best as you can and run hot water through it at least once a week to clean it thoroughly. Do not leave coffee or grounds in your machine for more than an hour.
Buy new coffee beans every two weeks. Once you open coffee beans, they usually don’t have a set expiration date. You can seal them in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. You will, however, likely find that the quality of the taste starts to fade a bit after two weeks.
If your grocery store just isn’t cutting it when it comes to the way your coffee tastes, try buying from somewhere else. Chances are the coffee is not selling fast enough for you to get the freshest beans or grounds. Specialty coffee shops will always have beans that are extra fresh.
The water you use in your coffee is as important as the beans. If you use a drip-brewer, then avoid putting hot water into the drip machine. Instead, start with cold water. Charcoal filters can dramatically improve the taste of local water, but avoid using softening filters on your coffee water. Softened water may not pull the oils from the beans properly.
Spice up coffee with flavors and sweeteners from your kitchen. Raw and brown sugars are nice alternatives to white sugar. Other flavor extracts that can make a boring old cup of coffee taste great include cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Alternative milks made from soy and rice can be used as a substitution for regular milk or cream.
You ready to try out some new things? Surely you love coffee enough to at least explore some next time you make it in your kitchen. You are going to find a new love for coffee now. Keep the advice you’ve read here in mind as you enjoy your next cup.
