For many, a nice cup of warm coffee in the morning is the perfect way to start the day right. You’re always looking forward to visiting your favorite coffee and cookie business before heading to work. After all, that one single up may be all you need to set the mood for the entire day.
But, you don’t always have to rely on your barista to serve your daily cup. You can make your own perfect cup of coffee for breakfast by following some simple rules. It’s actually a lot easier than you think — knowing the proper way to store your beans and using the right filters will definitely do the trick.
These will help you avoid all the off-flavors and unnecessary bitterness in your warm cup. It doesn’t matter whether your morning coffee is an affordable supermarket blend or an estate-grown brew. Here are some simple yet effective rules you should follow for that deliciously satisfying cup:
Find the perfect time
While many prefer to get their daily dose of caffeine in the morning, there are actually certain times of the day that are best for consuming coffee. This is all based on a hormone our body produces when we’re feeling stressed or anxious known as cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone which tells us when it’s time to stop something which causes unnecessary stress.
But, for an average person, there are specific times of the day when the levels of cortisol in the body peak. It could be between 8 and 9 in the morning, from 12 noon to 1 in the afternoon, and from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. Because caffeine is capable of triggering small amounts of cortisol, it’s highly recommended to stop consuming coffee during these times.
Small frequent cups
It’s highly tempting to satisfy your morning cravings by filling in that one huge mug. However, doing so means you may not be getting the most out of your caffeine fix. To maximize that mental boost, experts recommend consuming 20–200mg of caffeine for every hour. Other than increased mental alertness, you may also improve your focus and reduce bouts of occasional headache. So, remember, increase your servings and reduce the portions.
Never on an empty stomach
To truly get all the health benefits that come with caffeine consumption, make sure to never drink coffee on an empty stomach. Yes, a cup of coffee should never be a replacement for your breakfast. Even if you don’t have much time in the morning, avoid this practice as it could potentially cause damage to your stomach lining, heartburn, and indigestion. So, have a hearty breakfast every morning — yogurt, toast, and some eggs will do the trick — to fully enjoy this wonderful drink.
Finally, make sure that you only purchase freshly roasted coffee to truly get that full-flavor caffeine experience. If there are local roasters you can trust, buy from these sources as they personally hand roast the beans. Once you’ve found your favorite, store your beans and grounds in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight.
