Coffee Tips That Will Definitely Surprise You!

Coffee comes from the bean of the coffee plant. That tiny bean has spawned a major industry. New flavors and varieties of coffee are constantly being introduced to the market. This article will help you brew the best tasting cup of coffee.

It is a bad idea to let coffee sit on a hot burner after brewing. Keeping the heat on will cause your coffee to "cook," and will ruin its freshly-brewed flavor. Instead, unplug your coffee-maker or other appliance, or transfer the coffee to an insulated pot to keep it hot.

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.

Coffee tastes much better if it is fresh brewed, and is actually lower in caffeine if consumed soon after it is made. Some people are particular about using only spring water or bottled water to make it, while others seem to think tap water works just fine for making good coffee.

Water is a critical component when making coffee. If your water does not have a nice flavor, neither will your coffee. Make sure there is a mineral count in the water as well. Without trace minerals in the water, the brewed coffee might taste rather bitter.

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.

Only use airtight containers to store coffee in your refrigerator. If the container is not sufficiently airtight, the odors from the fridge will be absorbed into the coffee. This will also keep the coffee dry, so that it doesn't become moist, which will alter the taste of the coffee.

When grinding your coffee at the store, use a medium grind if you plan to drip brewed coffee. A medium grind is similar to the consistency of granulated sugar. This grind is perfect for a drip brew that takes about 6 minutes. If it takes longer, use a coarser grind.

Freshly roasted beans make the best coffee. Look at the expiration date when buying whole beans. You're better off purchasing your beans from a coffee shop or a special store instead of the grocery store.

Take advantage of any repeat customer program that your local coffee house runs. Even a single-unit independent place might have a punchcard system where you get a free cup of coffee for every five that you buy. Never throw these away, even for places you do not frequent much. They can still add up to free cups of joe over time.

As with most things, your experience with coffee can be improved by more knowledge and a deeper understanding. Coffee drinks are incredibly popular, making them a universal language among yourself, your friends and even those you've never met. The more frequently you use the information in this article, the more you will like your coffee.