Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, rivaling tea as the morning beverage of choice for millions of people. Whether the preference is organic shade-grown specialty blends or the average ground beans in a can, there is no doubt that true coffee lovers will go to great lengths to get their “fix.” Read on for some interesting tips and insights about this passion-inducing liquid that we can’t seem to live without.
Do not throw away your old coffee grounds. If you have a garden, you can use your coffee grounds as fertilizer for your plants and flowers while keeping the pest away. You can also use old coffee grounds to scrub dirty dishes or clean your kitchen counter instead of using chemicals.
If you really want good coffee, throw away your cheap machine. It isn’t going to make you a great beverage and there are other alternatives that are very inexpensive. Just go to the store and locate a pour-over brewer. You will also need some paper filters. Go online and find a tutorial on how to use these products. They will cost you under ten dollars and the coffee will taste much better!
Consider investing in a coffee grinder if you want incredible flavor. Doing so, you will be able to grind your beans as you need them. You will be amazed at the difference between coffee brewed from fresh beans and that made from a canned or bagged grind. You owe it to yourself.
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.
Some people drink their coffee black, and prefer just the pure coffee flavor. Others add just creamer, and still others like their coffee with a flavored creamer. There are many different brands and flavors or creamers available. Some common holiday creamers are flavored with pumpkin spice for Thanksgiving, or peppermint for Christmas.
Try to have coffee immediately when you wake up so that you are fresh and energized when you are going to work. Instead of waiting until you arrive at your job, this can help you to stay focused, especially if you are driving on the road and need to be alert at all times.
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.
To get the ideal flavor from your coffee beans, the water needs to be just the right temperature. Boiling water is too hot and as a result will sap the more bitter oils from your beans. Alternately, water that is not hot enough will not brew all the flavor from your beans leaving you with a very bland coffee.
Are you looking to add a spark to your usual cup of coffee each morning? Try adding a little chocolate to your cup. Adding flavors to coffee can provide better flavor and sometimes an energy boost. Dark chocolate works great with an early-morning coffee.
If your morning coffee does not taste as good as you would like, it could be your water. If the water from your tap tastes bad all the time, invest in a filter for your faucet. One option is to use only bottled water to prepare your coffee, or you might consider purchasing a pitcher that contains a filter.
If you want to brew your own espresso, you need to use beans that have been finely ground. You can also use this grind in your regular drip brewer if you like really strong coffee. A good grinder will allow you to control the consistency to suit your preferences.
Steer clear of coffee after 3:00 in the afternoon. While coffee is delicious and a great part of any day, the caffeine in coffee can cause you to stay up well past the time you planned. Try using 3 p.m. as the last time you have any coffee, and explore what helps you sleep the best.
If you prefer iced coffee, consider keeping your French press cold in your refrigerator. This chills the machine. Using this with cold water can help your coffee taste sweet and clean.
Do not grind coffee until you’re ready to use it. This will allow you to harness the flavor of your coffee for the longest period of time. Use a grinder that has a blade. Not only will you get a better yield, you will also get grinds that are less powdery (powdered grinds can taste unsavory or bitter).
Drinking coffee can actually help you lose weight. It contains caffeine, which can stimulate the body and unleash catecholamines. Catecholamines seeks out fat cells and converts them into power the body can use. However, this benefit is mitigated when you put sugar in your coffee. The sugar increases your insulin, so keep your coffee black.
Cleaning a grill after you use it can be a big pain. Right after your grill cools down, you can use some coffee grounds to scrape away at any stuck on food. It is best to use old coffee grounds because they are less likely to be so abrasive they scratch up the grill grates.
Brewing up a pot of coffee over a campfire is an age-old tradition and couldn’t be simpler. Making coffee in a percolator is more complicated though, and you should follow the directions carefully. It is also important that the coffee is allowed to “steep” prior to being put in a cup.
As you see, coffee is indeed an important element in the world’s daily dietary consumption. Use some of the insights here to enrich the experience of your morning cup of “joe” and to expand your knowledge and enjoyment of a product that employs millions of workers across the globe.