Most people like to drink coffee at least occasionally, but many people don't really understand how to make that coffee taste the best it possibly can. Here, you will get the basics on how to create that flavor on your own.
When you are done with your coffee grinds, do not throw them away. What many people do not know is that used coffee grinds have many uses. They can be used for gardening, getting hardened food off your dishes and removing foul smells. Simply put them in a ziploc bag and put it in a cabinet.
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.
If you like a delicate flavor in your coffee, try adding some right to the pot while it's brewing. A pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla will add flavor to the brew. Flavoring your coffee this way will keep the flavor from being too overwhelming, and you won't need cream or milk.
Keep your automatic coffee maker clean with white vinegar. Run a brewing cycle with one part water to one part white vinegar. After allowing the carafe to soak in the vinegar for a while, run a cycle with plain water to rinse the machine. Clean your coffee maker once every week or two to remove rancid coffee oils, mold and other contaminants.
Do not leave your coffee open any longer than necessary. While preparing your coffee, don't open the can or bag until you are ready to scoop. Immediately after scooping, close the coffee container. This will keep your coffee fresher longer. It also keeps the flavor and aroma from evaporating in the air.
If you like iced coffee, brew a pot the night before you want it. Then chill it overnight. In this way, you can have cold coffee that has not been watered down after being poured over ice. To properly sweeten your iced coffee, add sweetener before placing in the refrigerator. This technique can make you a great iced coffee the next morning.
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.
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.
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.
If you are used to an independent coffee house, then be careful when ordering in Starbucks. They have a very different language for their products, as part of their distinct branding. The Caramel Macchiato you love back home is not going to taste at all the same in a Starbucks while on the road.
To control the strength of your coffee, watch the size of your grind. In this case, coffee is a lot like garlic. The tinier you dice (or grind) it, the more potent the flavor you'll get when cooking or brewing. If you are looking for a milder flavor, then keep your grind rather large.
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.
You can froth milk without a high-powered machine to save time and money. Heat milk in the microwave until it is steaming. Using a whisk with the handle between your hands, rub quickly. When it is foamy, you are done. Avoid using skim milk for this.
If you tend to eat cookies with your coffee in the morning or night, try dipping one into the other. Cookies taste great when combined with coffee, and can give you the injection of flavor that you desire. Make sure that when you dip, you have a napkin or towel nearby to avoid a mess.
If you like the flavor of vanilla sugar in your coffee, but don't like the price, here's a great tip. Purchase your own vanilla beans, and bury them in a jar of sugar for at least one week. Then, use the vanilla sugar instead of regular sugar in your coffee for added flavor.
Be sure to clean your coffee machine. Many people just keep making coffee over and over again, but you have got to make sure is arabica coffee the best you clean it regularly. Run a mixture of vinegar and water through your machine to naturally clean the machine instead of using chemicals. When you do this, you can be assured you have the most delicious coffee you can have.
For those who love iced coffee, refrigerate your French press the night before you use it. This way, it will be chilled when you want to use in the morning. Combine this tactic with using cold water, and your coffee is going to taste both clean and sweet.
If you want to keep your coffee hot in the pot, warm up the pot beforehand by putting hot water into it. Insulated carafes work best, as you should never let coffee spend time on top of a warming plate. This will just burn it. Prewarming hot water is very convenient to use to rinse out your sink.
Now that you're a little more coffee-wise, go forth and get thyself some caffeine. You need coffee beans for a cup of coffee, learn about them first! Everything you've learned from this article will guide you, so prepare to enjoy your coffee.
