International Coffee Day

In case it’s not in your calendar (really, it’s the least you could do), October 1 is International Coffee Day. As you sip your first (or let’s be honest, fourth) cup of coffee, let’s take some time to percolate on some facts about your morning companion and explore ways to get more out of your morning cup of joe.

Is coffee good for you?

Beyond a mere stimulant, coffee is touted to offer a wide range of health benefits from being a source of essential nutrients and boosting metabolic rate to fighting depression and even improving brain function!

Image

Speaking of good ideas, consider that with a little knowledge and investment, you could save money and time by brewing your coffee at home. That doesn’t mean you would have to sacrifice quality.

Know Your Grinder provides a great overview of coffee roasts (and common coffee brews) to help you decide which type of bean would best suit your taste.

To grind or not to grind?

Whether you buy your beans directly from a coffee shop/roaster or the grocery store, you’ll have two options: ground coffee or whole beans. While it may seem like you’re doing yourself a favour by opting for ground coffee, you’re actually doing your taste buds a disservice. That’s because as soon as the beans are ground, they start to lose their natural oils and flavours. For best results, buy a bag of whole-bean coffee and grind on demand, storing beans in an airtight container somewhere cool, dry and dark.

Blade vs. burr grinders

The key to getting the best out of your coffee is grinding the beans to a uniform particle size. 

There are two main types of coffee grinders: blade and burr grinders. A blade grinder spins very fast, chopping the beans and creating an uneven grind. A burr grinder slowly crushes the beans between two revolving abrasive surfaces creating a more consistent grind and flavourful brew.

So, whether you grab a cup or two in the morning to kick start your day, or you sip all day long, try out a few different options to find the right brew for you!