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Coffee | 6 Steps to The Best Cup of Coffee

Coffee is possibly the most important beverage in the world. It wakes us up and keeps us going. We get together over coffee and celebrate with it. It has health benefits and defines entire cultures. Some would even say it is a gift from above.

But how do you take the best advantage of this wonderful brew? I've listed the six key steps to brewing world class coffee:

1. Buy whole bean coffee and grind it yourself. When they're whole, coffee beans do a great job of protecting your coffee's flavor. Even if you take care to store them properly (see tip #2), you still need to keep the beans intact. Don't waste your money on coffee that's already ground when you buy it - it's already lost much of its flavor. It only takes a few moments to grind your own, and coffee grinders which make it easy are quite inexpensive. The benefit is well worth the time you'll spend.

2. Store your coffee properly. Coffee is a complex product filled with delicious flavors, essential oils and aromas. The shell of the bean does a great job of protecting its contents, but it can't keep out heat, light and moisture. You need an airtight container that is made of heavy plastic, glass or stainless steel (don't use copper, iron or brass - they'll react with the coffee). Keep it out of the light, away from dampness and away from heat. Improperly stored coffee will dry out, become stale and lose its flavor. Do not freeze your coffee.. that will also dry out the essential oils. Keep it in a cool dark cupboard, in a proper container and it'll stay rich and tasty for weeks.

3. Keep the coffee maker clean. Make sure you clean your coffee pot well after every use with soap and hot water. This will keep the oils and proteins from collecting on the sides. Soap alone won't get rid of minerals and harder residue that can build up over time, so you need to give it a good cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks with vinegar or baking soda. Use a plastic bristled brush to get at hard-to-reach places and don't forget the lid and the filter basket... they will collect coffee residue as well.

4. Use a clean cup made of porcelain. Most people don't really think about this, but it really makes a difference. Try to avoid plastic or paper cups. Your coffee will get cold faster and the taste is never quite the same. Porcelain is your best bet, as is a cup made of stainless steel. As with the pot, you must take care to keep the cup clean. It can become dirtied by the same oils and residues that collect in the coffee maker. Use hot water and soap, and occasionally do a good cleaning with vinegar. If a cup becomes cracked, scratched inside or develops stains that won't come out, throw it away.

5. Use the right ratio of coffee to water. Different people have different tastes, but generally speaking you want to use 2 teaspoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. For larger pots you will need a little more coffee. I don't know why, but you just will. Start with that ratio and adjust it up or down for your particular tastes, but always remember to measure both the coffee and the water accurately. You'll need to experiment with each variety of coffee you use, as each one will have different strength and flavor characteristics.

6. Don't reheat the coffee. If coffee cools down and is then reheated, the taste an aroma change. The difference is unmistakable, and reheated coffee is nowhere near as good as when it was fresh brewed and hot.

These guidelines will help you reach the height of your coffee experience. You'll enjoy the best experience your coffee has to offer and you'll never worry that you're not getting the very best out of your coffee-buying dollar. Coffee is the most vital drink on the whole planet, so don't take it lightly. Treat your coffee with respect and reverence and it will give you all the joy you desire!

This Article Was Written By: Jenny Tillman

To make great coffee, start with the best beans from Boca Java or Cafe Britt. Jenny's BargainLinks Catalog

Article Source: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/diy

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