Ah, coffee! There is nothing like the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee wafting through the house. However, even if you start off every day with a cup of joe, there is always more to learn about this amazing beverage. Keep reading to learn something new about coffee.
If you are a heavy coffee drinker make lunch you last cup. Drinking caffeine in the afternoon and evening can seriously effect your ability to sleep soundly. As long as you don’t load your coffee up with too many calories it is just fine to have several cups during the morning hours.
If you tend to drink a lot of coffee, you should invest in a quality coffee machine and make your own coffee at home. Go to a coffee shop only occasionally, for instance on weekends or when you go out with some friends. This should help you save a lot.
You can re-use your coffee grounds for many items. Coffee grounds are great for getting rid of smells like garlic and onion on your hands. You can also use them on dishes that refuse to get clean with regular washing. Coffee grounds can even be used in the garden to take care of pests that threaten your plants.
Do not keep your coffee in the refrigerator unless it is in a container that is absolutely airtight. This is important because moisture can cause coffee to become moldy. It is best to keep your coffee in the cabinet where it will stay warm, dry and at its best quality.
For better coffee, try using a French press. Coffee made in a French press is often more aromatic and flavorful. This kind of press helps more of the coffee’s oils go into the coffee itself instead of getting trapped in a coffee pot filter. The more oil you have, the better your coffee will taste.
Purchasing a cup of coffee at a coffee hut or specialty store can cost quite a lot, but it is a nice treat occasionally. There are many wonderful choices, and you may give yourself a topping of chocolate curls or whipped cream, or simply have an espresso that is full of froth.
If you are living alone, or are the only one in your family who drinks coffee, consider purchasing a single-serve coffee maker. Companies such as Keurig have created coffee makers that use a coffee pod, a single serving of coffee grounds in a small container that fits inside the machine. This type of coffee maker is also useful if you like to drink a different flavor of coffee each day.
Fair trade coffee is a great way for you to aid developing countries. While it may cost a little more, you’ll know that the people picking the beans are making fair wages rather than “slave wages,” and you’ll also find the taste to be of better quality. In addition, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are helping a small farm in a developing country compete with the big corporations.
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.
If you refrain from adding cream, chocolate syrup or creamer to your coffee, it can be a fat burning aid. Adding sugar to your coffee nullifies its fat burning properties. Some people find that a cup of black coffee to start their day helps with weight control.
To gauge which roasts are right for your taste preferences, pay close attention to the color of the beans. Typically, the darker a bean is roasted the stronger its brewed taste will be. French roasted beans are dark but Italian roasted beans by far produce the darkest and strongest coffee.
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.
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.
If you are a coffee drinker with a short attention span, then consider getting a single cup brewing machine. These machines pre-measure their grounds for the perfect cup every time and also give you the choice of switching out your brew with every cup you drink. A single-cup machine also ensures that every cup you have is hot and freshly brewed.
Even if your coffee pot has a “pause and serves” type feature, avoid using it. Let the coffee brew completely before pouring yourself a cup. When you use this feature, the coffee pot needs to wait and let the water heat to the proper temperature before it can start dripping again.
Do not hesitate to create your own beverages. All you need is different blends of coffee, a quality coffee machine and different ingredients such as milk, cream, syrups, nuts and fresh fruits. Mix and match different ingredients according to your taste and remember to write down the recipe so you can create the same drink again.
Is it too hot for a cup of coffee? You should try making some ice-cold coffee. Brew your coffee and place it in the fridge until it cools or place coffee grounds in a filter, close the filter with a string and place it in a glass of cold water.
Coffee is the fuel that keeps you going through a long, hard day, but you may not have realized just how amazing coffee can be. Now that you have read this article, you should have a new appreciation for this remarkable drink. The next time you are enjoying a pot of coffee, think back on this article.
