In Search Of The Best Cup Of Coffee

The search for the best cup of java is over. It is more than personal taste. It's a science and it is acquired. We love our Tim Hortons and Starbucks. So I was wondering what is it that makes their coffee so good? When you need to watch your budget, going out for coffee gets to be very expensive. So last summer I went on a quest to learn how to make the best cup of coffee right at home.

To start with, I needed a great coffee grinder. My research showed that grinding fresh as you go is the best. The one I got is great because you can choose the type of brew, size of grind and how many cups. Shortly after purchasing it, we went on a camping trip up north to a place called Sambaa Deh with my sister, her husband, my niece and her husband, and my nephew. Since we were only going camping, for convenience I purchased a can of Nabob. I figured it would not matter, the coffee will taste great just because we are out doors by a campfire or in the fresh air.

First morning there, I was too excited to sleep in. I had been waiting for this the whole year, to just sit outdoors with a good book and sip my coffee. I made my pot of coffee and was just settling in to my chair when I saw my niece and her husband stirring. Now, Ken and I paid our dues of sleeping on the ground, we now camp in luxury. My niece is young and they were roughing it in a tent. So I thought I would spoil them and run over with my pot of coffee. They politely refused and proceeded to make their own. That's ok. I figured they were just as anxious to go through that ritual as I was. So we visited and drank our coffee.

It didn't take long when I realized NOBODY wanted to drink my coffee. They would rather have crawled on hands and knees to the next town than drink my cheap store bought coffee.

That, my friends, is when I got serious about making the best cup of coffee. The Martha Stewart in me rose to the surface because I did not want to go down in record as serving crappy coffee.....even when camping.

I used to thoroughly enjoy my coffee until I tasted my niece's, then I could see that there is a huge difference. Once you have a great cup of coffee... there is no going back! So, how do you make a great cup of coffee?

There are many methods for brewing, and no single technique is the right one. Personal taste is the determining factor.

Kinds of coffee makers and how they work:

Automatic Drip: Is by the far the most popular. You fill a chamber with water, load your coffee into a filter basket and flick a switch to heat the water which will then drip through the filter basket into the pot. Some Automatic Drip Makers include a built in grinder where the coffee is ground first.

French Press: Presently our favourite, also called a Coffee Press. A French press requires coarser ground coffee which you pour hot water over, leave to brew for a few minutes, then you press the plunger to trap the coffee grounds at the bottom of the beaker.

Pod: These machines force water through a coffee packet called a pod that fits inside the dispenser. No measuring or spilling, very convenient.

Percolator: This is what we use in our camper. You fill with cold water, put your ground coffee in the basket which sits near the top of the of the pot, water comes to a boil and rises through the straw-like center and through the coffee. There is discussion that the coffee gets bitter because of water passing through it more than once.

Espresso: Traditionally a European beverage, this type uses steam pressure to push hot water through the ground coffee. The coffee must be very fine. Some machines include automatic grinding and then brewing, so no measuring.

Vacuum: Consists of two connectable compartments with a filter in between and the coffee is brewed by vapour pressure and vacuum, producing a clean, crisp, rich,and smooth coffee.

But no matter how you choose to brew your coffee, here are 11 tips you need to follow to get the best cup of coffee possible:

1. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Make sure that no grounds have been left and no build up of coffee oil. Such residue can impart a bitter, rancid flavour to future cups of coffee.


2. Purchase coffee as soon as possible after having been roasted. Fresh roasted coffee is essential to the best cup of coffee. Purchasing small amounts is ideal, enough for about 2 weeks.


3. Grind your beans as close to the brew time as possible. A burr or mill grinder is preferable because all of the coffee will be ground consistently. The size of the grind is so important because, if it is too fine the coffee will be over extracted which will make your cup bitter. If it is under-extracted the coffee will taste flat.


4. Never reuse your coffee grounds. Once brewed, the coffee flavour has been extracted and only the bitter undesirable flavour is left.


5. Be sure to use cold filtered or bottled water if your tap water has a strong odour or is high in minerals or chlorine. Do not use distilled or softened water.


6. Use the proper amount of coffee to water. A general guideline is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. You can adjust this to your individual taste.


7. The water temperature is important, it should be between 195 to 205°F for optimal extraction. If it is too cold your coffee will be under-extracted and flat, too hot and it burn and lose quality. For French Press, bring your water to a full boil, then let sit one minute before it hits the coffee grounds, that should be the perfect temperature.


8. The amount of time the water is in contact with the coffee is also important. The drip system should be approximately five minutes. If using a French Press, let sit about 2 to 4 minutes. Espresso is just as the name implies, the brew time is short, only 20 to 30 seconds.


9. Pour your coffee into a thermos or carafe to keep it hot after it is brewed. It is best if drank within 45 minutes. It should not be left on a burner for longer than 15 minutes, and never reheated.


10. Never refrigerate or freeze your coffee because contact with moisture causes it to deteriorate. Instead, store it in an air-tight glass or ceramic container in a dark and cool location. If you've purchased coffee in bulk, then wrap in airtight bags, and they can be stored for up to a month in the freezer. Once you have opened them, do not keep in the fridge or freezer but keep airtight, cool and dry!


11. Use a porcelain mug because it's not porous, it holds the warmth for longer which preserves the flavor, and stainless steel for a travel mug. These mugs are also reusable so they're environmentally friendly too. Wash your mug regularly. Avoid paper, plastic and styrofoam which alters the taste.

My niece's coffee was so good because she bought a dark bold bean, and ground it just before leaving. Their coffee was rich in flavour and aroma. It is too bad for them it was so good, because she was designated to provide Ken and I with our morning coffee for the rest of the trip!

Next camping trip.... I am packing freshly roasted coffee beans AND my coffee grinder because WE have a generator! The Martha Stewart is coming to the surface again!

Elvie Look: Is a "Back To Basics, Step By Step Expert Organizer" who currently is helping people get organized with her tips and suggestions. Her systems help the average person to learn the keys to organizing in simple, easy and manageable steps, as well as maintaining organization even with a busy lifestyle. She is the author of "21 Steps from Chaos to Calm." She provides organizing solutions, tips, and recipes at http://elviesessentials.com

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Through time, people have learned the science of reverse osmosis. Some groups have invented ways to acquire potable water through this science. Campers have learned how to use this procedure to their advantage.

Reverse osmosis compels water to pass through a semi-opaque film. In this procedure, water is purged of impurities to make it safe to drink.

This means having a portable water distilling system everywhere you go. You don't have to be alarmed about not having clean water to answer your needs anywhere you are.

Even if water went through treatment to make it palatable, one can never be sure of the bacteria or virus that it picks up along the way before it reaches your faucet. So you can never feel safe enough even if a camping ground can supply tap water. The camping water filter is useful in this situation to bring clean water.

Advances in design of the camping water filter has effected to a sturdy and reliable equipment to enable to have safe water wherever you are. As water is vital to life, ensuring that you can have it should be your utmost concern. Including a camping water filter with your things if you are going somewhere is a must.

For the whole system to be effective, you have to take note of the filter. It must be change every now and then because it accumulates dirt and will not work effectively. If you are going with a big group who will rely on the filtering system to provide clean water, bring an extra filter or two to be assured of a continuous supply of potable water.

Portable filtering systems vary in prices and features. Consider your needs and zero in on the best gadget within your budget.

Before acquiring water filter, it is a good idea to make some research. The internet proves to be helpful for this. Check the different models and read reviews to give you an idea on what to expect in terms of prices, features, convenience, availability, etc.

Enhance your alertness with a well lighted room and get Bedside lamp and other lamps and lighting ideas.

Traveling With Personal Water Filters - Make Your Own Pure Drinking Water

An increasing number of people are becoming aware of he importance of good health. They make sure some time in a day is kept aside to exercise and stay fit.

They are also taking steps by following good diets and reducing the amount of junk food they eat. You can also find a lot of people choosing to go outdoors and enjoy nature. It is common to find people taking a hike outdoors or going trekking.

One area many people tend to ignore would be drinking water. Even though it does not seem so, drinking water is a very important part of our diet and care has to be taken to ensure it is absolutely pure.

Tap water is not safe enough to consume anymore. There have been many reports in the news recently as well.

Personal water filters

Personal water filters assume a lot of importance in today's world. People are on the go all the time. Hectic schedules and meetings to attend take up the entire day.

In such a scenario, drinking any available water is not a good idea. In today's world, you might need water anywhere. In the office, your gym, in your car on a long drive, a portable water filter will keep you safe in all these places.

Outdoors

While personal water filters are of great use in the city, they are invaluable when you are going out of the city. Many people today choose to go the outdoors.

Camping, rock climbing and trekking are favorite past times. As a hiker, water is invaluable and the personal water filter is your best buddy.

Every hiker will tell you carrying water is a huge hassle as it weighs a lot. Drinking water from unknown streams is extremely dangerous, as nobody knows what contaminants were added upstream.

If you have a personal water filter, you can purify all the water you need with ease. You do not have to lug around huge water bottles that weigh down your backpack. As long as you are close to some source of water, you have an endless supply of safe drinking water.

Travel

Personal water filters are a great help when people travel as well. Many people choose to go to many developing countries where water purification is not up to the standard.

You cannot take a risk by tasting their water. You are traveling and cannot afford the risk. The simple solution is to carry a portable filter.

If you're interested in learning more about the best personal water filters, visit my website, where I share what I personally use and recommend after years of research.

Christian Carlsson is passionate about staying healthy through only drinking the healthiest and purest water available today. Visit his website http://www.water-filter-advice.com/ today to learn more about what really goes on in your drinking water and what the big companies do not want you to know.

Pitcher Water Filters - Taste Uncontaminated Water

Water is one of the most essential mineral which can help you to sustain your life and hold your existence on this orb! This is an essential element which can help you to sustain your existence. This element takes the account for 70% of entire surface of this planet. There are many forms of this water. But, as the belief exists that rain water is the purest form of this element! Pure water is only the crystal clear liquor which has no adverse affect on your health and well being. This liquid has no color, odor or taste.

Although, rain water is the purest form of liquid, yet it gets polluted with the harmful toxins which are present on this planet! The common toxins which can pollute the water take the account for fungi, carbon, dust particles, sulfur and many more. These pollutants degrade the quality of rain water and make it unfit to consume. There are many areas which have experienced acid rain or after-affects of water pollution in one or the other way.

Trust me, it is not easy to ignore or overlook this topic. You must always consume or slurp safe and clean water. It can help you to maintain your health and avert yourself from deadly diseases. You must always consume pure and uncontaminated water and enjoy a safe and secured existence. Water filters, osmosis by the means of purification or boiling and chlorine tablets are some common options which can help you to slurp safe and hygienic liquid.

If you are a family circle of five or six individuals, you must install a pitcher water filter. This is the best household equipment which can help you to enjoy the taste of hygienic water. I am sure that boiling the water every now-and-then can add inconvenience to your home-based activates. A pitcher water filter can add an ease and help you to take the taste of clean and purified liquid. There are countless brands which are dealing in the production for some efficient and obliging water filters.

These devices can help you to liberate or eliminate the pollutants from your water and make it fit for drinking. Of course, chlorinated tablets can help you to purify water, but they will change the taste and add an unbearable odor to it. I am sure that you will not easily glug this chlorinated liquid.

Thus, you must select the option of pitcher water filters and install them as-soon-as-possible.

There are countless websites which are dealing in the information which is linked with these devices. I hope that you make a reasonable transaction and safe choice for this device!

By visiting our site about pitcher water filters [http://pitcherwaterfilters.org/], you can get valuable info and know more about charcol water filters [http://pitcherwaterfilters.org/charcol-water-filters/].

Spreading the Positive Message to Sell My RV For Free

I feel like it shouldn't be asking too much to sell my RV for free, without any cost to me. I should be making money here, not losing it, right? And I definitely don't want to be spending money I haven't made yet, just trying to sell it. But running ads online or in the paper; decent ads for any amount of time, that's expensive. On RV-specific sites, that costs a pretty penny too.

So what I've decided is that I need to start making sure people know about RVing, what a great life or enhancement to your life it can be. I've been giving tips on living the RV life. These tips include taking care of yourself, staying healthy while you're on the road or camped somewhere.

The Importance of Exercise

RV life can sometimes nurture sedentary tendencies, if you let it. You know Long hours on the road, the "vacationing" mindset. But remember, you'll feel better, have more energy and just be healthier in general, if you get out and move around.

Take a walk-not a stroll, but a somewhat purposeful walk. I like to carry a two-pound weight in each hand while I walk, so my arms get in on the action. If you're staying in campgrounds with trails, take advantage of them. If the weather is nasty, find a mall and walk around.

Other great forms of exercise that the RV lifestyle could easily incorporate include biking and swimming. Try lifting weights in the passenger seat, and get an elastic strip such as Theraband for stretches.

Being Sanitary

Ah, sanitation: part of the adventure that is RVing. Always be aware of your water supply, and conserve whenever possible. Don't ever drink from streams or rivers, no matter how clean they may appear to be. When filling up your water tank at an RV park, always use your own hose; who knows where theirs has been? Wear gloves when filling the water tank and using the sewer hose. Clean off the outside faucet-you can even use baby wipes.

Thoughts on Water

Use an in-line water filter, and run water through the hose for a couple of minutes prior to making the connection in order to reduce the quantity of air that's in the system. Smell the water; if it smells bad, you might not want to use it. Some parks have sulfur water, which won't usually hurt you, but it smells like rotten eggs and can affect the taste of food and beverages prepared with it. We usually get bottled or filtered water when we encounter a stinky water supply.

It might seem like a lot to think about, but the more you're out there in your rig, the more it becomes second nature.

If you want to sell your RV for free and feel like you need more than word-of-mouth, Jim Teller at http://www.sellmyrvtoday.com has some tips for you.

Are You Searching For an Innovative Way to Filter Your Water?

If you're searching for a really extraordinary means to filtrate small amounts of H2O in a quick amount of time then the these systems would be perfect for you! These products allow water to be sterilized by UV rays that are formulated from batteries within the systems. These products utilize wavelength UV waves, which demolishes the DNA of microbes in seconds. Without operational DNA, microbes simply can't reproduce or make you ill. These are not only handy but also lightweight, so you can carry it with you just about anyplace. These products come in a couple of diverse models, and all of the models hold different amounts of water, which allows the water to be sterile in particular increments of time.

These are really nice products to have if you are traveling to "at risk" countries where you may not know if you can trust the water filtration system or not. It is also a particularly good idea to take this product other places as well, such as camping, eateries or even on a cruise. This product can also be taken on an airplane for when you go on vacation. The filtration systems are very easy to work, so there is no disorienting procedures to figure or heaps of buttons to configure.

These products have been examined in such places as A&L Laboratory, University of Main, University of Arizona, Oregon Health Sciences and Ryerson University (located in Toronto, Canada), and the studies from these tests are obtainable for download on Hydro-Photon if you would like to take a look at those! The following systems are ones in which you might want to take a look at if you are interested in something like this:

SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier -This product used as an ultraviolet (UV) water purifier is the top water purification choice for many travelers, hikers, and campers because of it's size, speed, and ease of use. It offers the only trademarked handheld water purifier that uses ultraviolet light to destroy waterborne microbes. UV light has been used for more than 90 years in high-end water purification systems that are typically found in bottling plants, food production, hospitals, city water providers, and many more.

Journey LCD Handheld UV Water Purifier -Journey LCD takes the water purifier to a whole new level. Never has purifying water while travelling, camping, or hiking been so easy and fast. Along with the proven UV technology, the Journey contributes an innovative microprocessor with LCD display.

Portable UV Water Purifier -This is versatile and simple to pack - carry it in your backpack, suitcase, handbag or briefcase and it's like carrying hundreds of gallons of purified water with you wherever you go - and it can be applied in an assortment of containers. Whether you are traveling overseas or going on a backwoods hike, at 8 ounces, carrying this is no hassle at all.

This author is a HUGE fan of steripen adventurer.

Don't Drink The Water - Guide To Selecting Water Purification Systems For Camping

Imagine you are out in the middle of the wilderness, hiking across tundra or through fields of grass, thousands of tiny flowers surrounding you of every color and hue imaginable. The sun is beating down raising droplets of perspiration on your brow and in the distance is a glistening, snow-capped mountain range. Between the snow in your sights and the sweat on the skin, you are developing a raging thirst. You come upon a creek with icy-cold water rushing across rocks and pebbles, crystal clear as the best bottled water you could find in the store. Before dipping your water bottle in the creek and raising it to your parched lips for that needed draught of cold water, stop! That water is probably not very healthy. Even though it may be glacial runoff from those mountains in the distance, along the line animals have walked through it, urinated it, things may even have died in it. Yes, disgusting thought, I know. But important to remember because all of that contributes to Giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, cholera, just to name a few. These can cause bloody diarrhea, cramps, kidney failure, dehydration, typhoid fever, etc. If you are out in the wilderness with no possibility of emergency help, these could end in death. Not a pleasant way to end a trip, wouldn't you agree?

There are three different possibilities for ensuring you have safe, drinkable water. The first and easiest is to just boil your water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and then continue for three more minutes. If your water was cloudy, filter the sediment before boiling using a coffee filter or paper towels. I have been told that if you are over 1000 feet above sea level, you should boil the water an additional minute for each 1000 feet. The drawback to the boiling method is that it takes both time and fuel. The time does not bother me, but using precious fuel for drinking water does.

The second possibility is the use of iodine tablets. There are many different brands and not all brands kill everything dangerous in the water, you may need to do some research. They are inexpensive, easy to pack and lightweight. Pop a pill in your water and wait approximately an hour, give or take depending on the manufacturer. That is quite a bit of time, but can be done before you go to sleep at night and water will be ready in the morning. Unfortunately, some of them do leave an aftertaste of chlorine. Another thing to be aware of is that once the packet of tablets is opened, there is a limited shelf life. Incidentally, if allergic to iodine, consider instead boiling your water or purchasing a filtration system which I will discuss next.

The third method is to carry a water filter with you. There are many different systems ranging in size, weight, and cost. They typically operate by use of a hand pump. One end of the tube goes in the water, and the other side into your water bottle or cook pan. Pump until you have the amount of water you need. These systems work by filtering out large particles first. As the water goes through the system, there is a second filter which screens out the bacteria. The final result is a bottle of very safe, drinkable water. Water filtration systems are much more expensive than iodine tablets and may take as long to pump the water as it does to boil it. However, filtration systems don't have a shelf life and the only energy they require to work is your own.

Always remember, if you plan to be someplace where the water may not be the best, be prepared. Humans can go without food longer than we can go without water.