What makes a great cup of coffee? Determining what your specific tastes are is the first step to making a great cup of coffee. Read on to learn about various techniques that can change the way you consume your coffee beverages.
Diabetics can use Stevia as a replacement sweetener for sugar. Because Stevia uses all-natural sweetening ingredients, it is a healthy way to lighten up your coffee without adding glucose or calories. Stevia can commonly be found in upscale grocery stores and stores that sell health food.
Try adding spices to your coffee grounds to create your own “artisan” flavors. Think about things you would add to chocolate if you are having trouble deciding what to try. Start with simple things like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also do things like adding a little vanilla abstract to your cup to enrich the flavor of your coffee.
Always find out how much caffeine a certain type of coffee contains before drinking it. Espressos do not necessarily contain more caffeine than other types of coffees. If you go to a coffee shop, your barista should be able to tell you how much caffeine you are getting in each beverage, but you might have to do some research about the beans you are using if you make your own coffee.
If you are feeling down, try changing to a new flavor of coffee. Simple changes like this can help stimulate your mind and pull you out of your rut. Be sure to take time to enjoy this special cup and try to identify the new flavors. Keep a few sample packs in your cupboard to pull out for these special occasions.
Do not use tap water when you are making coffee unless your faucet is fitted with a device that will filter out all of the impurities. There are many people that have no problem with tap water, but the reality is that tap water that tastes bad will make your coffee taste just as bad.
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.
The coffee itself is obviously essential to the way your beverage will taste. Try looking at retails stores in your local area. You may be able to find beans that are freshly roasted. If your area doesn’t have any, check on the Internet. Although you may pay more, this can give you the best quality in the long run.
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.
The best coffee makers actually extract the essence of the bean. Drip coffee makers do not do this. Find an inexpensive French press and taste the difference. A French press will extract the oils from the bean and put them in your cup as opposed to a drip coffee maker which will leave them in the filter.
Coffee grinders are not all alike, so look for ones with flat grinding burrs or ones that are conical in shape. This reduces the level of heat that you experience when brewing. This lets your coffee remain delicious. Any grinder that uses blades to grind will lack in consistency. They heat up too much and can ruin the flavor of the coffee.
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.
A great tip to remember if you’re after the best-tasting cup of coffee is not to let your coffee sit for an extended period of time. Coffee will only stay fresh for about ten minutes so you should be prepared to drink your coffee right after it’s been brewed.
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.
Use coffee syrups if you like flavored coffee. These are great alternatives to creamers and flavored beans. They are made from quality ingredients that smell and taste great. They’re consistent, and you can control how much sweetness or flavor you want. They also won’t cause a mess in your equipment since you directly add them to your cup.
If you are planning to grind your own coffee beans, you should know that the type of grinder you choose can make a big difference in taste. Experts recommend using one that features flat grinding burrs. Blade grinders can actually generate enough heat to burn or scald the coffee beans and ruin the flavor.
After reading this, you should know what kind of coffee you want to purchase. Perhaps you want to make it a different way. Maybe you already love coffee, but are looking for a style change. Keep in mind what you’ve learned here when brewing your next pot of coffee.