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.
If sugar is an issue, use Stevia instead. Stevia comes from plants in a natural unprocessed form, meaning that extra glucose isn’t ingested by the body. You can find it in many grocery or health food stores.
Always make sure that you store your coffee in an airtight container if you are not planning on using it. This will help to preserve its freshness so that you can make coffee that is desirable for all of your friends and family. Coffee tastes the best when it is fresh, as this will help to optimize your brew.
You do not need to tip the barista at a coffee shop the same percentage as you do a waitress or a hairdresser. Your hairdresser has to understand precisely what you want and then do it, and a waitress has multiple tables to keep up with exactly everyone’s order. Your barista mixes up one cup at a time, so do not feel guilty for tipping him or her less. Still, do throw a few coins in the tip jar frequently.
Instead of drinking fruit drinks or sodas when you are preparing for your finals at school, try drinking a few cups of coffee. This will give you the amount of energy that you need to function well without the sugar, and is a great option to have for fall or winter nights when you are studying.
Make sure that you refrain from combining coffee beans from different brands. Not only will the flavor be different, but you will also be combining two sets of coffees that have different expiration dates and levels of freshness. Stick with the same brand and the same bag of coffee beans each time.
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.
Did you know that coffee can actually enhance your workout routine? Well, it can. The reason is because of the caffeine. However, it is important to ensure that you are well-hydrated beforehand because coffee can dehydrate it. Also, avoid drinking excessive amounts. Just a four-ounce cup is really all that’s needed.
Make sure that you are using quality cream and sugar each time you are making coffee. In addition to the coffee being fresh, you will also want the things that you put into that drink to be fresh as well. This will help to improve the overall taste of your coffee each time you drink.
The water you use in your coffee is as important as the beans. If you use a drip-brewer, then avoid putting hot water into the drip machine. Instead, start with cold water. Charcoal filters can dramatically improve the taste of local water, but avoid using softening filters on your coffee water. Softened water may not pull the oils from the beans properly.
Even though avid coffee drinkers prefer fresh brewed coffee, some people use instant coffee granules to make a quick cup rather than a whole pot. The flavor of the instant coffee is different than brewed coffee, and most people think it is inferior. It is quite convenient though, and some consider that convenience worthwhile.
Remember that coffee does have calories. While it is true that a good jolt of caffeine right before a workout can enable you to exercise more intensely and hopefully burn more calories, that is not carte blanche to drink as much coffee as you want. Each cup still adds up to your total caloric intake.
Do not store coffee beans or ground coffee in glass jars or other transparent containers. Light, heat, and exposure to air can negatively affect the quality of the coffee. Place ground coffee beans in an airtight container that you cannot see through. Store the container in a cool area away from the stove.
Make sure you buy the right size filters for your coffee maker. If your filters aren’t the right size, grounds can slip into the coffee being brewed, making it grainy. This defeats the purpose of using filters. Using the right size filters will ensure your coffee is smooth and delicious.
Try sweetening your coffee with something other than sugar for one week. Then take a look in your canister to see just how much more sugar you have. This can be a real eye opener for how much of the sweet white powder you usually use. You will likely find ways to enjoy future coffee without risking diabetes so much.
If you do not use your coffee maker often, make sure that you do not leave grounds or brewed coffee sitting in the machine. They will sprout mold within a few days, which can be harmful and difficult to remove. Diluted bleach solutions or white vinegar can remove mustiness and kill mold spores if necessary.
Unfortunately, ice reduces the flavor in iced coffee. To prevent this from occurring, use “ice” cubes made from leftover coffee. These coffee cubes will only intensify the flavor of your iced coffee as they melt.
If you are a fan of flavored coffees, buy coffee syrups. These are used after the coffee has brewed. After you pour your coffee into your mug, use the flavors as you wish for taste. This keeps your coffee machine and grinder free from hard-to-clean flavor oils that don’t really flavor your coffee anyway.
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!
