Coffee is undoubtedly one of the world’s best-loved beverages and something that can be the subject of serious debate and disagreement. In order to determine what constitutes your perfect cup of coffee, a bit of knowledge and education is key. Apply the tips and information contained below, and you will have what it takes to become a coffee aficionado.
If you prefer storing your coffee in your refrigerator, take care that it is in a container that is air tight. When air can get into the coffee, it will absorb odors from the rest of the items in the fridge. Another problem that may arise if coffee is inappropriately stored is moisture intrusion.
How various blends of coffee taste usually comes from where they were grown. Experiment with many blends and brands to become a true aficionado. Price should not influence your decision since you might get more energy from a certain blend and not need to drink as much coffee as you would with a weaker blend.
For the best tasting coffee possible, use freshly roasted beans. If you insist on buying whole beans, make sure they haven’t expired and check the roasting date. You’re better off purchasing your beans from a coffee shop or a special store instead of the grocery store.
Take advantage of any repeat customer program that your local coffee house runs. Even a single-unit independent place might have a punchcard system where you get a free cup of coffee for every five that you buy. Never throw these away, even for places you do not frequent much. They can still add up to free cups of joe over time.
To make the most of bulk coffee purchases, you need to protect your beans. Coffee beans can absorb flavors from other food, and they can lose flavor when stored in heat or light. Use an opaque canister that does not allow any air inside, for long-lasting freshness.
When you get some coffee beans, put most of them away in an airtight container. Place the container in your freezer if you do not have a cool place to keep it. You should grind small quantities of beans, for instance enough to last you for a week. Experience with different grinding techniques if you want different flavors.
Try using coffee when cooking meats. When you think of coffee in foods, you typically think of a flavor that is rather strong. In desserts, that’s definitely true. But when you use coffee as a rub for red meat, it actually brings out the flavor of the meat itself, making for a much tastier meal.
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 notice that you are buying the same type of coffee, try buying in bulk. This will help to maximize your investment, especially if you stick with a particular brand. Check online to see if you can buy a large bag or bucket of coffee beans, which will help reduce your expenses during the year.
Wait until the entire pot of coffee is finished brewing before pouring your first cup even if your machine has a pause function. While it’s possible to do so with some machines, it’s not good for the coffee. Instead, consider investing in one with a timer. By doing this, your coffee will already be brewed before you’re even awake.
Get the best deals on your favorite coffee by finding and using coupons. When they are on sale, use the coupons to buy them at the best price. Many times, grocery stores will print out coupons for the items you purchase most often. This is a great way to save on your coffee budget.
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.
Avoid buying coffee beans from bins where several of the beans are visibly broken. Chances are these beans are either old and dry or have been exposed to heat or light. All of these conditions allow the rich flavor of fresh beans to seap out. A bin full of fresh beans should also have a very strong aroma.
Don’t be afraid to spice up your coffee grounds. You can add lots of different things to develop different flavors, like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. If you’re afraid of adding too much, you could even add a pinch after the brewing cycle instead. You’ll be surprised at the flavor combinations you can create!
You should not always purchase the same type of coffee. Try out different blends when you go to the store. You can buy more than just one flavor, and you can store them in your personal freezer so that they stay fresh.
If you want to take your cup of coffee with you, use an insulated mug to keep it hot. There are many types available, but usually the aluminum insulated ones work best. If you want to take your coffee along as you drive, make sure to get a mug that fits into the cup holder in your car.
People all over the globe have loved coffee in all of its variations for centuries. However, not everyone possesses a great deal of knowledge about different varieties, brewing techniques and other relevant subjects. By applying the guidance found above, it is possible to develop into a true coffee expert.
