Coffee is undoubtedly a staple of the American culture and a vital part of many peoples morning routine. There’s nothing quite like a fresh pot of joe to make your day a little brighter and give you that much-needed energy boost. Plus, it is a great source of antioxidants and, when prepared properly, a great drink for your overall health. Unfortunately, however, it is easy to ruin this delectable drink and be left with a bitter, dark sludge. Here are a few brewing mistakes guaranteed to make your java taste nasty and some tips to ensure a consistent, delicious pot of coffee.
Low-quality beans
When it comes to coffee, you get what you pay for. It may seem like a good idea to go for the budget-friendly option when shopping for beans, however; the flavor of your coffee is sure to suffer in return. Invest in quality coffee and consider buying in bulk to reduce cost if you are a daily coffee drinker. Try our very own Lucy’s Bru coffee for a delicious treat!
Old beans
Once coffee beans are roasted, they are meant to be enjoyed within a month or two. Don’t let bags of coffee sit in your pantry for months on end as the volatile compounds that help give optimal flavor will begin to dissipate.
Using tap water
Think about this for a second…would you willingly drink water straight from your tap? If the answer is “yes” then you should probably consider all the nasty heavy metals and contaminants that are left in city water. If the answer is “no” then you shouldn’t use that same water to brew your coffee either. Use filtered water to ensure better tasting, healthier coffee.
Not measuring coffee
Though many of us think we can make quality coffee by simply eyeballing the grounds and water, this haphazard guess-work often leaves you with a bitter, inedible sludge. Take the time to measure out your coffee grounds or invest in a small kitchen scale for optimal results.
Using pre-ground beans
Let’s face facts: pre-ground beans almost guarantee a subpar cup of coffee. The second the beans are ground, they begin to lose flavor and potency. Grind fresh beans yourself at home, or purchase freshly ground coffee.
Wrong coffee maker
If you have only ever experienced at-home coffee from a drip coffee maker, you may not have reached your full coffee potential. Drip coffee pots simply run the water quickly through the beans and don’t allow all of the flavor to become fully saturated. Try alternative brewing options such as a french press or a Chemex coffee maker that provide a bolder, smoother cup of joe.
Pouring into a cold cup
There is nothing worse than the taste of lukewarm coffee that has been sitting for too long. Unfortunately, when you pour coffee into a cold cup, it quickly loses heat and that full-bodied flavor and aroma that is so essential for morning fuel. Try warming up your cup with hot or boiling water before pouring your coffee into it. This will help it retain warmth and allow you to leisurely sip away.
Never cleaning the coffee pot
Like most things in life, it is essential to keep your coffee maker clean. Just because you only use it for coffee, doesn’t mean that this crucial step is any less important. Cleaning out your coffee pot after every use and your coffee maker on a regular basis will help prevent nasty bacteria growth, stale coffee taste, and other disgusting contaminants.
Cream and sugar impostors
There is nothing healthy, appealing, or appetizing about powdered creamer. Adding this to what should be a delicious cup of coffee can instantly plunge down the quality of your brew. Overly flavored, sugary creamers can detract and cover up any actual coffee taste and prove incredibly detrimental to your health. If you feel like you need these additions to be able to enjoy coffee, then you probably just aren’t brewing it properly. Stick to a little bit of half and half and a natural sweetener like honey or Stevia.
Obviously, the coffee brewing process is an incredibly individualistic one. Take time to try different coffee pots and experiment with various roasts and flavors. Don’t be afraid to branch out and discover what you love!
-The Alternative Daily