While coffee may be a great way to start the day, purchasing a cup a day can end up costing quite a bit. Either way, there are many things you can do to enhance your enjoyment of coffee. Some are more affordable than others. Use the following tips to help you.
If you want great coffee at home you have a couple choices. You can invest in either an espresso machine, or one of the new single serve coffee makers. The espresso machine will require a bit of a learning curve as you learn to properly brew espresso and steam milk, but can be a great way to impress your friends.
Many people store coffee in their freezers because it keeps it fresher for a longer amount of time. However, many people fail to realize it needs to be wrapped well. If you place it in the freezer with strong-smelling foods, and it is not wrapped tightly, there is a chance your coffee will pick up those odours.
For a quick and affordable brew of espresso, try using a Moka stovetop coffee pot. Mokas generally produce one or two cups of coffee in the amount of time it takes to boil that amount of water. The coffee is brewed by pressurized steam rising through a funnel of coffee grinds and then rising again into the top chamber where it is ready to be poured into a cup.
If you’ve forgotten how much coffee to put in your machine, opt for putting in more rather than less. You can always water down your coffee if it’s too strong. But, if it’s too weak, you won’t be able to make it better. You’ll have no choice but to make a new pot.
It is very important to properly clean your coffee making equipment. If you do not clean the equipment frequently, the taste of your coffee may suffer. You do not have to clean the equipment fully after ever use, but if you start to notice a slight odor or buildup of any kind, it should be fully cleaned.
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 your used coffee grounds in your compost pile! Coffee grounds offer many beneficial ingredients to a compost pile including pest control. Coffee grounds contain caffeine which helps prohibit the growth of fungus that can quickly destroy your vegetable garden. The next time you brew a fresh pot of joe don’t throw away those grounds; add them to your compost pile!
You should never reheat coffee, as it will just burn the beverage and taste far worse than being cold. Instead, know when you will have your coffee for more than 20 minutes. Have an insulated mug or a thermal carafe handy for these occasions to retain the original heat and warmth.
Does your tap water tastes bad? It could influence the way your coffee tastes. If your tap water has an unpleasant taste, consider using bottled water to make coffee or get a filter installed on your tap. You will find that your coffee tastes much better if you use cleaner water.
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 best way to brew coffee is to brew it strong. If you do not like the taste of strong coffee, add milk or water after it is brewed. You want your coffee to be at its peak of flavor. If it is brewed strong and according to the proper water to coffee ratios, it should be strong and aromatic.
If you love coffee in many different flavors, buy some creamers or syrups that can be added after you brew. This will help keep various flavors out of your machine. It will also allow you to offer guests the flavors they like. Since the flavors dissolve, add them before the milk.
Keep your coffee in the refrigerator. The best coffee is fresh tasting coffee and keeping it cold is a great way to preserve the freshness of it. Simply store the coffee in the container you buy it in and put it in the fridge. This will ensure the freshest coffee.
Do you prefer flavoring your coffee with artificial sweeteners? These products can alter the flavor of your coffee and make it taste blend. Attempt black coffee, or use a bit of raw sugar to give your coffee better flavor. If you must use an artificial sweetener, use as little as possible.
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.
If you have strong smells on your hands that will not come out, you should try wetting your hands and then scrubbing them with some used coffee grounds. They will absorb any odors on your hands and have them smelling fresh and clean in no time. Make sure that you rinse them well after you are done.
Be sure that the temperature of the water for your coffee reaches between 195 to 205 degrees. Most coffee makers in stores do not reach temperatures that high. Try heating the water for yourself when you are brewing coffee. You should also invest in a good French press.
Coffee can taste great, and can be costly. There’s no need to spend tons of money for excellent coffee. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can make coffee shop quality brews at home and for a fraction of the cost. What you have read in this article should help you out with coffee brewing from now on.
