Top 4 tips for Coffee-Grinding Tips and Facts

The debate over whole beans versus ground beans will probably never be resolved; there are some tips and facts about various kinds of grinds and the best use of each. And there are some pros and cons to using whole beans and using ground coffee.

So here are some coffee-grinding tips and facts.

1. Whole Beans - Pros and Cons

Whole coffee beans hold their flavor longer, because the essential oils within the bean are not exposed to air. Grinding it yourself for each cup or pot results in a fresher, more flavorful cup of coffee. Whole beans also have a much longer shelf life, about ten times longer than pre-ground coffee, possibly making whole beans more economical.

Another advantage to whole beans is that you can choose the coarseness of the grind yourself, depending on the results you're aiming for. You will have to purchase a coffee grinder, though, and it will increase your preparation time.

2. Ground Coffee - Pros and Cons

As soon as coffee beans are ground, their essential oils (where the flavor and aroma are) become airborne. (That's why it smells so good!) So naturally, those essential oils floating around in the air are not making it into your cup. Consequently, pre-ground coffee tends to be less fresh and flavorful. If you tend to consume coffee quickly, however, pre-ground may work for you - sources say you have about nine days for ground coffee to retain its freshness after it's opened. And of course, pre-ground coffee is faster to make and more convenient.

Top 3 tips to Clean Your Coffee and Espresso Machines

You should Keeping your coffee maker clean is important in preventing clogs, bad-tasting coffee, and or breakage of the machine.

To keep your coffee maker running well and your coffee tasting great, here are some top tips on how to clean your coffee and espresso machines. 

1. Daily Cleaning

Keeping up with a brief cleaning routine daily can help extend the life of your coffee machine.

Espresso Machine:

* After you're finished with it, dump the coffee grounds (they are great for compost, sources say).

* Rinse the portafilter.

* Scrub the portafilter with a dish brush.

* If you use soap, make sure it's an unscented variety that won't impart flavors to your coffee.

* Allow all parts to air dry before reassembling.

* Wipe the exterior of the machine.

Drip Coffee Maker:

* Remove the filter and grounds.

* Rinse the basket of the coffee maker.

* Scrub the basket with a dish brush (again, use unscented soap).

* Wash the drip coffee maker's carafe with hot water and unscented soap.

* Allow basket and carafe to air-dry before reassembling.

* Wipe the coffee maker's exterior.

Substitutes for a Coffee Filter

Substitutes for a Coffee Filter

Muslin Cloth
A plain woven muslin cloth (or any unbleached cotton fabric) will work well as a coffee filter. Make sure the pores in your cloth are finer than the ground coffee you use. Use a new, clean, tightly woven cloth, which has been washed at least once. Washing cotton increases its absorbing power. If you are someone who prepares butter at home (not many people do) you can use butter muslin cloth as well. If you intend to reuse the cloth as a coffee filter, avoid using harsh, scented detergents to clean it as they can tamper with the flavor of your coffee the next time you use them.

Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth, generally made from loosely woven cotton gauze, can make for a good coffee filter substitute. The grades of cheesecloths can vary, from being coarse and rough to fine and smooth. A finely graded cheesecloth will work better, since it does not permit the coffee grounds to seep through. If you regularly make cheese and wine at home, you are bound to have a cheesecloth.

Metal Coffee Filter
 A stainless steel filter is now available at most stores. Easily washable, and definitely more user-friendly than a cloth or paper towel, this wire mesh filter is an excellent alternative to a paper coffee filter. They fit perfectly inside the coffee maker. You buy one, and you may never have to worry about running out of paper filters ever again. 

Reusable Cloth Filters
A wide variety of reusable cloth coffee filters are available in the market. Though they are washable, small particles of coffee can actually get stuck in them, which makes them difficult to clean. But they can definitely be used instead of the regular coffee filter. The advantage is they allow the essence of the coffee to seep through, and you get a strong flavored coffee.

Gold Coffee Filters
These filters are actually made of gold, as the name implies. While most use 23 karat gold, there are some that are made of steel, than gold-plated. Easy to clean, even in a dishwasher, and everlasting, the only disadvantage is they are expensive! But once you buy them, you won't have to ever bother buying any other kind of coffee filters again!

Paper Towels
These can make for a great substitute if you have run out of coffee filters. Being porous, they have the ability to absorb fluids. Cut them of the same size as your regular coffee filter so that they fit inside the coffee maker. Then brew your coffee just like you always do. Probably not the most ideal way to filter coffee, but then, desperate times call for desperate measures!