If you enjoy drinking coffee, you probably feel that you have learned all there is to know about the topic. In fact, it is actually quite a complex subject. Whether you need to buy coffee, make coffee or have to do anything else related to coffee, there is a lot of information out there to take in. This article will provide you with some of the best tips about coffee.
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.
Here is a great trick to try if you use softened or distilled water to brew your coffee. Just add a small pinch of salt to the pot after brewing. This may sound crazy, but the salt will add a lot of extra flavor to the coffee! Believe it or not!
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.
If you can’t afford a new coffee machine, get the most out of your old model by brewing a pot of plain water before each batch. You want to add the grounds first, and then pour the hot water into the machine. This will help you get a flavor that is robust.
To add excitement to your daily cup of coffee or impress dinner guests, learn how to decorate your lattes. Carefully poured milk is all it takes to make an attractive swirl design while more proficient pourers may choose to add chocolate for a more flavorful decoration. When it comes to the more elaborate designs, practice makes perfect!
Consider investing in a coffee grinder if you want incredible flavor. Doing so, you will be able to grind your beans as you need them. You will be amazed at the difference between coffee brewed from fresh beans and that made from a canned or bagged grind. You owe it to yourself.
To brew the best cup of coffee, your water temperature needs to be just under the boiling point. At this temperature, the water will extract the maximum amount of flavor from your beans. If your coffee does not taste good in the morning, run a thermometer in the water to ensure that it is heating to the right temperature.
A big mistake that many people make when brewing coffee is not using the proper amount of coffee. The proper ratio of ground coffee to water is six ounces of water for every two tablespoons of coffee. Any less coffee and you will have a weak and unsatisfying brew that tastes more like water than coffee.
If you do go to a coffeehouse for a cup of joe and work away from home, be careful how you place your laptop. You do not want to spill your drink on it, nor do you want anyone reading your screen over your shoulder. Also be mindful of what you say on the phone. Your competition could be in there too.
Do you have health problems such as high blood pressure? If yes, you should stay away from any beverage that contains caffeine. Try drinking some decaf if you miss the taste of coffee and talk to your doctor about how much caffeine you should drink. Staying away from caffeine for a while should help you get your blood pressure under control.
If you prefer a strong cup of coffee than you should roast your beans from 12 to 14 minutes. The bean sugar caramelizes, giving the beans a slightly oily appearance when taken out of the roaster. This will give your coffee almost a smokey taste, perfect for espressos or those who just love a strong cup of joe.
Coffee can be used in place of water in many recipes an interesting flavor. Try substituting cooled, brewed coffee for water in cakes, brownies and other baked treats. Coffee has even been known to add an interesting flavor to a pot of chili. Use your imagination and come up with some ideas of your own!
Adapt your coffee to water ratio in function of the technique you are using to brew your coffee. A Technivorm or a vacuum pot will require you to use more coffee grounds than a French press or a drip machine. Drip machines are actually the cheapest way to make coffee but you will get a better flavor with other techniques.
Ask your favorite coffee shop how they make the coffee. This will of course give you some great ideas about brewing your own coffee, but make sure that you ask good questions. Ask about technique, but also ask where the coffee comes from and how it is grown and harvested. You want to make sure you’re having the best coffee, after all!
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.
If you are a fan of iced coffee, always brew your coffee strong. The reason for this is when you add ice to the coffee, it waters it down. This is the same for people who like coffee shakes. When you put the ice in the blender with the coffee, you are essentially diluting your brew. So always start strong with iced coffee.
In order to enjoy your coffee as much as possible, there is quite a bit of information that you need to know about the topic. By using the tips provided in this article, you will be well on your way to becoming a coffee expert. Simply apply what you have learned and drink up!
