It's obvious that across the country people are becoming everobsessed with their java. If a large metropolitan city doesn't have a Starbucks on every other corner, you start to wonder what's wrong with the place. But just imagine how much more addicted you would be if you actually made and drank your brew the right way. If you want to banish unfriendly chemicals or keep your joe fresh for the long haul, follow these three tips to make sure you don't ruin your coffee.
Tap Water
The chlorine in tap water can form some less-than-savory compounds in your coffee, says Tracy Hamilton, Ph.D., a chemist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. But you don't need to use bottled water: A faucet filter or pitcher unit can remove the chemical, Hamilton says. Visit nsf.org to search for certified models.
The chlorine in tap water can form some less-than-savory compounds in your coffee, says Tracy Hamilton, Ph.D., a chemist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. But you don't need to use bottled water: A faucet filter or pitcher unit can remove the chemical, Hamilton says. Visit nsf.org to search for certified models.
Paper Filters
If you use a paper filter instead of the metal kind, you'll lose the coffee oils and fine particles that give your brew body, says Hamilton. (Note: Stick with paper if you have heart concerns, however. The coffee oils cafestol and kahweol are structurally similar to cholesterol and can raise LDL, according to a study review from Singapore.)
If you use a paper filter instead of the metal kind, you'll lose the coffee oils and fine particles that give your brew body, says Hamilton. (Note: Stick with paper if you have heart concerns, however. The coffee oils cafestol and kahweol are structurally similar to cholesterol and can raise LDL, according to a study review from Singapore.)
Travel Mugs
Heat is critical when you take your joe on the road. "Keeping coffee at the optimal temperature is the best way to prevent flavor from deteriorating," says Hamilton. He recommends Coffee Joulies ($60 for five, joulies.com); these stainless-steel pods absorb extra heat from coffee and release it back when the temperature drops.
Heat is critical when you take your joe on the road. "Keeping coffee at the optimal temperature is the best way to prevent flavor from deteriorating," says Hamilton. He recommends Coffee Joulies ($60 for five, joulies.com); these stainless-steel pods absorb extra heat from coffee and release it back when the temperature drops.
No comments:
Post a Comment