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Tips For Making A Great Cup Of Coffee
Tips for making a great cup of coffee
There is just something about that first cup of coffee in the morning. No cup ever tastes as good or is as wanted as that first cup. Yet, there are steps we can take to make even that great tasting cup of coffee greater.
First, take a real look at your coffee pot. Is it time to get a new one? Unfortunately, they do not last forever and if that pot is taking longer in producing that morning coffee, it probably isn't making the best cup of coffee that it was once capable of producing, either.
Then you should think about the type of coffee you enjoy. Do you like mild coffee or strong coffee?
If you enjoy mild coffee, you might want to stick with the ever popular drip coffee makers. They are easy to use and this is the type of coffee they generally produce.
But if you enjoy a real rich cup of coffee, you may want to consider purchasing a French coffee press. These types of coffee makers look similar to cylinders. They are also tall, usually made with a stainless steel lid and always with a pump.
What about those old fashioned percolators some of us remember from our childhoods? Unfortunately, they tend to destroy a lot of the compounds in the coffee, which in turn ruins its taste. This is because the coffee grinds are actually being boiled, thus loosing its flavor.
After you pick out that perfect pot, you might want to look at the type of filters you use. (yes, you should definitely use these to help keep the grinds out of the finished coffee when using automatic drip coffee pots).
Look for natural filters. If you can't find them or prefer the paper filters, look for the ones that are not chlorine bleached. The ones that have been bleached can add unwanted tastes to your coffee.
As for the popular green choice of the reusable gold filter, they do work. But be warned that they can leave sediment at the bottom of your pot, after a bit of use.
You should know there is also a difference in the type of coffee you turned out and the type of water you use to make it. No, you don't necessarily have to use filtered water. If your basic tap water tastes okay when you drink it, it should also taste find when using it to make coffee. Definitely, avoid vitamin enriched waters. The vitamins can make your coffee taste differently than it should.
Of course, the type of coffee you choose is up to your individual taste, as is the cost you spend on it. Does expensive coffee always mean it is the best tasting? No, sometimes the less expensive brands are just as pleasing to the taste buds. To find what you like, experiment.
Finally, try to actually drink your coffee once it has been brewed. Don't sit and fiddle with it for a long time and allow it to become cold. Cold coffee may loose its taste and even a really hot cup of coffee will become cold in about twenty minutes.
Yes, there is a little bit of art in making that great tasting cup of coffee. But in the mornings, when we need it most, it is an art form we all can really enjoy.
Published: Jul 14,2008 22:16
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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