The world of coffee is an increasingly complex and confusing world. But there are a few things which should go without saying, but somehow get overlooked. Here are a few of them:
1. Timing is everything.
The human body works on a 24 hour hormonal cycle called the circadian clock. Our bodies produce higher levels of cortisol (the hormone that makes us feel alert and awake) between 8-9am, when most people would be having their first brew of the day. Not only is having your coffee at this time unnecessary, studies show that the caffeine might interrupt your natural cortisol cycle, and lead to diminished effectiveness of the stimulant, and even decrease your sensitivity to it and lead to a higher tolerance. Instead, drink your coffees between 9:30-11:30 am and 5:30-6:30pm where a natural lull in cortisol levels occur.
2. Taste the goodness.
Coffee will taste different everywhere you go. That’s a given. So why would you order the same amount of sugar each time you try a new brew. Taste your coffee first, you may find the beans have a creamy and sweet flavour already, so you can skip the sugar, or maybe they have a fresh, bitter aftertaste, so maybe you’ll need a pinch extra. The barista doesn’t know how you like your coffee, so taste it first and then add what you need after.
3. K-Cups and Nespresso are not real coffee.
Well, technically it is real coffee. But you wouldn’t drink a pot of coffee that has been left out all day (we hope) so why would you drink the stale coffee that’s packed into those tiny pods. Not to mention the excessive amount of waste produced from the single serve pods. They are made up of too many materials to efficiently recycle and even the inventor of the pods regrets his bright idea. Also, hiding in the nooks and crannies of that genius coffee maker is mould that is probably making you sick.
4. Death to Frappucinos.
Did you know that a Starbucks frappucino has about the same amount of sugar as a litre bottle of Coca Cola. And almost no coffee. They might taste good but there is little to no benefit of drinking one, unless you don’t need the caffeine and are keen for a crazy sugar rush followed by a crash.
5. No waste.
There’s always a little something left over in the pot. And usually it goes down the drain. But instead of throwing those poor, sad, leftover drops, pour them into ice trays and keep them for your next ice coffee. Two benefits, no waste and no watered down coffee from melting ice.
