Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and millions of people enjoy a cup of coffee every day. Brewing your own coffee right at home can be very satisfying while saving you money. If you want to brew a great cup of coffee in your own kitchen, keep reading for some great tips.
Buy whole coffee beans and grind the coffee yourself. Coffee that is freshly ground is much more flavorful and aromatic than pre-ground coffee. Each day, only grind the amount of coffee that you need for that day. If you have any extra, place the leftover grinds in an airtight container in the fridge.
Always store your coffee beans or grinds in a dark, cool, airtight container. Even better, use a vacuum container. Storing your coffee in such a container helps keep your coffee smelling and tasting fresh for a long time. Store the container in the fridge or freezer to maximize freshness.
Buy smaller cans of coffee. If you buy coffee in a can, only buy what you will consume in a couple of weeks. It will cost more money than buying a large can and storing it for a while. What you save in money by buying a larger can, you end up sacrificing in taste.
If you normally drink coffee at home but are getting tired of the same-old tastes, keep an eye open when you pass by coffee shops and houses. Coffee shops have new flavors and drinks they release and test out all the time, particularly seasonally. Summer’s offerings happen frequently, and many even have “happy hour” discounts during deader hours of the day.
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.
Avoid purchasing beans that come in cans or in vacuum-sealed bags. Coffee beans need to be protected by valve-sealed bags to remain fresh. Besides, valve-sealed bags allow the carbon dioxide that emanates from the beans to escape, which means the beans will retain all their flavor and stay fresh longer.
Choose a coffee grinder with a flat or conical mechanism. These grinders create less heat. Thus, it ensures that your coffee tastes great. The quality of coffee ground in a machine that uses blade-based grinders is less consistent than coffee brewed with conical or flat grinders. They generate way too much heat, and can actually burn the beans.
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.
Don’t let your coffee stay on the burner for any longer than 20 minutes after you have made it. By letting it sit there; you will find your coffee to have a harsh taste. Furthermore, leaving it on the burner for too long can burn both the pot and the coffee.
The amount of time that you brew your coffee is very important. Around 4 or 5- is all it should take. If you brew for longer than five minutes, the coffee ends up tasting bitter. If you brew for less than four minutes, usually you end up with a weak and flavorless brew.
For great coffee at home, it is essential to make sure your coffee maker has been thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. By running hot water cycles every so often and using a bit of lemon juice routinely to remove deposits, it is possible to have a fresh, tasty pot of coffee every single time.
Even if you do not have a coffee grinder at home, you can purchase whole beans and grind them at the supermarket. Most stores that sell whole bean coffee also have a machine that you can use to grind your coffee as you purchase it. This is a great way to choose the grind you prefer.
If you are wanting a safe way to break from your favorite everyday coffee and try something new, try to narrow down what it is you like best about your tried and true brew. Pay attention to where your beans are brewed as well as to whether you are using a light or dark roast.
When buying coffee, never buy in bulk. Buy enough coffee for the week and store at room temperature. Heat and light destroy the flavor of your coffee. If you have to, you can store your beans in an airtight container in the freezer, and they will last up to a month.
Do you enjoy creamy coffees and rich cappuccinos? These beverages contain huge amounts of calories. Actually, drinking a cappuccino from your favorite coffee shop can be compared to eating an ice cream. Ask about calories the next time you order a creamy beverage and try drinking black coffee if you need to watch your weight.
Turn to your pantry to find unusual sweeteners that you can use to add some zest to your coffee. Brown sugar can add some different flavors as opposed to the traditional white sugar. Coffee infused with nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon is also very delicious. Almond milk, rice milk, and soy mild can also replace regular milk, cream, and non-dairy creamers.
The more you know about coffee, the better able you will be to brew a delicious cup right in your own kitchen. It is not that hard to turn out pot after pot of amazing coffee once you know the secrets. Just remember the tips from this article and soon you will enjoy quality coffee every time!