Brewing a perfect cup of coffee is not magic. There are some specific things you should keep in mind when you are brewing. The type of coffee you use is the starting point. Everyone has a favorite type of rich, aromatic coffee blend that works for them. This is always superior to the flat, boring taste of instant coffee. Water used to make coffee comes next. Fresh, clean water imparts a fresh flavor to coffee, which is why most coffee makers come with a built-in water filter. The importance of a clean coffee maker and carafe cannot be stressed enough if you want to avoid a stale hint to your coffee. Apart from the brewing bit, what you drink your coffee out of makes a difference too.
One of the most preferred materials for coffee mugs is porcelain. They do not leech out flavor or chemicals into the drink, and thus preserve the flavor of your coffee. As long as porcelain mugs do not use glazes to create designs, they are pretty safe to use and easy to buy.
A safe and equally good alternative to porcelain mugs is glass mugs. They do not insulate as effectively, but as long as you can have your coffee free of chemicals, it’s a small drawback. Besides, who does not like to see the deep, rich, color of coffee in the transparent mug before them?
Stainless steel coffee cups are good too. Some say that they give coffee a bit of a metallic taste. Their main advantage is that they do not break when accidentally dropped. Also, most mugs have an insulated design that helps keep your coffee warm longer. Some even come with lids that prevent spilling, (almost as well as cup holders) and keep your coffee warm.
Plastic, Styrofoam and Paper are materials that should not be used for making coffee mugs. The chemicals they are made of will leak into your drink, if it is adequately hot. In addition to a poor coffee flavor, you also expose your health to risks. These cups are bad for the ecological health of the planet as well. Plus, they do not fare well in a wheelchair cup holder.
Did you know that something called coffee residue that clings to mugs can also affect the taste of your coffee? To prevent this, clean your mugs regularly. Stained mugs may be quite a challenge for plain soap and water. Not so for vinegar. Pour some into your mug and let it sit. When vinegar has done its work, your mug will look as good as new. Vinegar is natural and non-toxic and, thus, safer than chlorine-based cleansers.
Perhaps the choice of coffee mugs may not be as important in determining coffee taste as the type of coffee used. But, for someone who wants to achieve perfection, every little bit counts.
