Variables in the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Posted on July 11, 2010 | Category: Featured, food trivia

Trying to brew a perfect cup of coffee? An honorable intention, but do you know what factors affect that divine flavor you trying so hard to achieve? Let’s begin with the type of coffee you use. Instant coffees lack the depth and richness of, say, a filter coffee from Southern India or that of your specific favorite blend. Fresh, clean water plays its own role. That’s the reason most coffee makers come with a built-in water filter. Never underestimate the importance of a clean coffee maker and carafe in getting the flavor right. But apart from these steps connected with the brewing process, what you pour your coffee into also affects flavor of your favorite drink.

Ceramic coffee mugs made out of porcelain are the ideal choice when it comes to keeping the original flavor of the coffee in tact. Porcelain is more natural in its composition and, therefore, does affect flavor in any way, unless the mug is glazed. Porcelain mugs do not leech any dangerous chemicals into the coffee either, so they are safe for your health. They are pretty safe to use and easy to buy.

If you like the deep, rich, brown color of the coffee sitting your mug, then glass coffee mugs with their transparency are your thing. They are as safe and as good as ceramic mugs. Maybe they can’t keep coffee warm for too long, but it’s a drawback you can live with.

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. What’s more is that they fit perfectly into universal cup holders. Some even come with lids that prevent spilling and keep your coffee warm.

Mugs made using Plastic, Styrofoam and Paper are the worst in terms of safety. They leak chemicals into the drink, if it is adequately hot. The flavor takes a hit, but more importantly they pose a serious risk to health. These cups are also bad for the environment.

Coffee residue clings to mugs and affects the flavor of coffee. To get rid of this residue build-up, clean your mugs regularly. Stains on your coffee mugs may not come off with plain soap and water. Pouring vinegar into the mug and letting it sit will do the job and make your mug clean and sparkling again. Vinegar is natural and non-toxic and, thus, safer than chlorine-based cleansers.

Mugs may not be the biggest factor affecting the flavor of your coffee, but even the small role of the cup holder will be considered important and worth looking into by someone who wants to brew a perfect cup of coffee.

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