Coffee advice

In My Humble Opinion
1

I figure if I’m going to find some coffee afficiandos it’ll be here.

The short story is I feel beat all the time. I get plenty of sleep but I just feel tired all the time. So I’ve been thinking about trying coffee. I’ve always hated coffee - I also hate beer, wine and dark chocolate. I guess I don’t like bitter things. But my desperateness for something to perk me up is making me think that maybe I should give coffee a go.

Any ideas on where a coffee hater should start? I had some hazelnut coffee a long time agao and that was kinda OK. Should I go to Starbux before I invest in a coffee maker? What should I try there?

And please nobody suggest Mountain Dew. As Homer said - “Blech - I’ll take the crab juice.” :smiley:

Thanks!
@ndy

2

I’m a coffee-disliker too, and I’ve found that the coffee sold by Gevalia Cafe is smooth and light, with no bitter aftertaste at all. I could drink a whole pot of the stuff. It doesn’t even leave your mouth tasting sour afterward.

But, don’t you think you should go get a physical or something to try and figure out the source of the problem instead of trying to treat it with coffee?
I turned out to have an iron deficiency.

3

my suggestion is to try some coffee houses and other places that sell more of a goumet coffee then the avg. cup of joe. Try different flavors. Some may have small free samples, if not and you want to try something ask the person that you don’t know if your will like this flavor but you would like to try it and if you don’t like it can you get another flavor.

I personally don’t like starbucks and suggest starting with dunkin donuts if you have one you.

Once you find the flavor you like you can try to make it at home.

Also Mt Dew has some ‘exciting’ new flavors also there is jolt and surge and the like (I won’t even mention no-doze).

4

Starbucks isn’t going to help anything. Among those of us who are true coffee lovers, Starbucks is considered crap. Actually, almost any nationally available brand is crap, but I digress.

Brewing methods aside, the problem with most coffee is that the beans are stale. A coffee bean is fresh for a maximum of two weeks after roasting. When you grind them, this drops to about two hours. So, the first thing to do is to go find freshly roasted coffee. Easier said than done. Starbucks and most other coffee chains are do not have freshly roasted beans available. Depending on the volume of business the store does, those beans could have been in the back room for days. That doesn’t even factor in how long they sat around before they were shipped from the roaster. Good place to start would be with the independent coffee shops. Many of them will buy from a local roaster or have one on site. Also, many Costco’s have an on-site roaster now. Don’t buy a large amount expecting to keep it fresh in the freezer. While keeping it in the freezer is better than letting it sit on the countertop for a month, the proper thing to do is buy what you will drink in a week or so and keep it in a in an airtight container. There is research indicating that freezing coffee can have a negative effect upon the essential oils that make coffee what it is. This way you will keep the coffee at its freshest without affecting its flavor. If you absolutely can not find locally roasted coffee, don’t waste your money on the “designer” supermarket brands. Buy Folgers whole bean in the plastic pouch. Probably the freshest thing in your supermarket and it has a reasonably good flavor.

Now, once you have fresh coffee. You will need to grind it. For drip coffee, you can get away with using one of the cheap “whirley-blade” grinders, but be advised that a burr grinder will produce a much better drink. While a whirley-blade will bash the coffee apart, the burr grinder will produce an even, uniform grind that will expose the most surface area to the water, resulting in a better extraction. As I said earlier, this is not that important for drip coffee, but really comes into play with other methods such as a press pot or vacuum pot. You have a choice in brewing methods. The easiest for somebody getting into coffee would probably be manual drip. This involves a plastic Melitta filter holder and a paper filter (buy the micro-pore ones). This is simply a plastic cone that you put over your cup or carafe and then you put a filter and coffee in the top. Then take water just off of the boil (195-205 deg. F) and slowly pour through the filter. Another good choice would be a press pot. You may have heard these referred to as a French press. Most people prefer press coffee over filter coffee, but it’s a matter of personal choice as to how much you are willing to pay in startup costs. A press is about $25-30 while the filter cone is about $5.

Now, let’s talk about extraction. You should be using about 2 TB of coffee for every 6oz of water. This is a standard set by the SCAA and provides for an evenly extracted cup of coffee. Coffee should not be sour or bitter. If you have experienced this, the coffee was either stale, improperly brewed, or just old. Brewed coffee is stale after about 15 minutes in an open carafe. Its life can be extended to a couple of hours by using a thermal carafe. It should NEVER be left sitting on the hot plate that so many coffee brewers have. They just cook the coffee and give it that stale, burned taste.

Now, any questions? :wink:

5

I drink a lot of coffee even though I hate bitter taste. I just add lots of milk, sugar and powdered chocolate. Makes a great drink (also screws up your diet if you are getting most of your calories from that like I am)

6

Well, I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a coffee snob, but if you don’t like bitter things to begin with, then I think it really won’t make a difference between drinking super high-qualitiy coffee and average coffee.

Here’s where I would start. OK. Now the Greeks, for some odd reason like Nescafe. Don’t ask me why, it’s everywhere there. Anyhow, buy yourself some Nescafe (even I don’t mind this stuff from time to time), and make yourself a little frappe. Take a teaspoon or two of the stuff in some hottish water, add sugar to taste, then put it in a jar or some container with a bunch of ice cubes and slush it around several times until it’s cold. Snob I may be, but it’s nice on a hot summer day.

For a hot drink, try a combination of Hershey’s, Nescafe and half-and-half. Or go to a decent, local coffeeshop and order yourself a mocha latte. I personally find that half-and-half cuts through a lot of the bitterness of coffee.

If you’re going to add loads of sugar and cream to your coffee anyway, then I don’t think you have to go crazy and buy Blue Mountain beans or anything like that. It’s like using an 18-year single malt scotch for a whisky and Coke. I’d say go the way of Nescafe. (I cannot believe I just typed those words.) And add cream and sugar (and possibly chocolate) to taste.

7

First off, I’m definately a coffee afficianado and I also dislike wine and beer. Although I don’t expect everyone to like coffee, I feel strongly that lots of people dislike it primarily because they’ve never had a good cup. So, while I’m not sure that you should be trying to treat chronic fatigue with a caffeine habit, I want to attemp to help you find some truly good coffee.

I will second k2dave’s suggestion. Try to find a good local coffee shop, rather than a national chain. I especially would not recommend Starbucks! I don’t think Starbucks is especially good, and I also think that their brews tend to be overly bitter. So, if bitterness is your main aversion, Starbucks is not for you. But good coffee need not be bitter at all (as Gravity has found). Also, a good smaller shop will be more likely to have some employees who can make recommendations for you.

I also wouldn’t really recommend ‘flavored’ coffees. Flavored coffees are often made with sub-par beans and depend on the added flavoring to make the taste acceptable. There are exceptions and you may find one you like, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But in general, the best coffee gets it’s flavor primarily from the beans.

And there are many different kinds of bean out there. The flavor will depend on many variables (region, weather, sub-species, roasting) and availability will vary in different locales, so it’s hard to recommend a specific type of bean to look out for. But once you find one you like, you can stick with it since many shops sell beans as well as cups of coffee. Some types are pretty common, and you can find them all over the place. For instance, I like Sumatra Mandehling beans, and I can buy them at plenty of shops and find they have the same basic flavor. For a mellow, smooth taste you can usually do well with a Kona bean, which is also pretty common.

Also, look for medium or dark roasted beans. Contrary to many people’s notions, roasting generally mellows the flavor of a bean (up to a point of course). Light roasted beans tend to be more ‘acid’ tasting and the very dark roasts (often called French roast) can actually taste kind-of burnt. Most coffee you get in a can is either light roasted or French roasted, while good coffee shops will carry a full spectrum.

If you find a good cup of coffee that you like and you want to start making it on your own, you’ll need some equipment. Coffee beans will get stale as they are stored, and grinding only hastens this. Therefore, I recommend that you either buy pre-ground coffee in only small quantities or get a grinder and buy whole-beans. You can get small grinders at practically any department store for less than $15. I think that standard drip coffee makers can make pretty good coffee, so just get an inexpensive drip maker for starters. If you want to get more serious, a French Press will let you make excellent coffee. They are also available cheaply at many department stores, but they take a little bit more care and attention to make the coffee. Store your coffee in an airtight, lightproof container at room temperature. The quality of the water will also have a large effect on the brew, so if your tap water isn’t good, using something like a Britta filter can help quite a bit. If you don’t like the taste of your water right out of the tap, don’t expect it to make coffee that you like.

Finally, cream and sugar will tame a lot of bitterness. Some purists will look down their noses at you for not drinking your coffee black. Ignore them. Drink it the way you think it tastes best. One thing to keep in mind though, is to not make the coffee weak. Some coffee novices make weak brews thinking it will be less bitter and easier to tolerate. This is not true. Weak coffee can actually taste more bitter than stronger coffee. Also, if you find you’ve made it too strong you can add a little bit of hot water. If your coffee is weak, there is nothing you can do. If anything, you should err on the side of strength.

Ok, long post! I guess I wasn’t bored or anything. . . Anyway, good luck with the coffee quest!

8

From secondhand experience (my wife has managed snooty Manhattan coffee shops for the past 4 years), I would second the Dunkin’ Donuts recommendation. My wife maintains that they have surprisingly good coffee–and this from a girl who’s become accustomed to coffee beans that are roasted fresh each morning.

9

You do realize this isn’t going to work. Caffeine is like lots of other drugs–you get a big reaction for a while and then your body gets used to it and you’re right back where you started. Also, if you start a caffeine habit you need to feed it every day or you’ll be sorry. Why not try a brisk walk around the block instead, or a good stretch?

(I love coffee and tea myself, by the way, but I don’t drink them just for the jazz.)

P.S. Tea is actually supposed to be good for you–the more the better, according to some recent studies.

10

I agree with cher3. Better to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, or eating healthy foods (enough protein, some carbs, etc.) than to doctor yourself up with stimulants. Exercise can also provide energy. The suggestion to check the medical angle is a good one, too.

I hate coffee. But I loves me some Diet Coke. So I’m not totally angelic when it comes to caffeine.

Just my 2 cents.

11

not ness. true. My Dr. said that I could have a cup in the afternoon when I usually tire out (but not in the morning). In this way my body gets used to a more even day instead of fully alert in the morning just to loose all steam after noon. It has worked for me but sometimes I have to give it up for 2 days (then again sometimes I don’t want it.)

Back to duncon donuts. I just want to pass along how I found out their coffee was pretty good. I used to drink coffee while living w/ my parents. They would buy the cheaper (maxwell house, flodgers, ect.) coffee and usually mix it with 1/2 decaf. Also they would also make it light (which is worse aas pointed out above). One day I discovered that it tasted like crap and gave it up for the most part.

Then in colege I needed to have coffee to pull those all nighters and had the cafateria mud which tasted just like my parents (actually a little better since it wasn’t decaf. but not by much).

Then onto grad school w/ classes starting at 8:30pm. The school cafe was closed so I stopped into D.D. and found out that it tasted great. Then I started to see (taste) the differences in coffee and there is a big difference.

Mc D’s has OK coffee in the NYC metro area but regular crap when I have traveled elsewere. Not as good as DD’s but still good. Also 7-11’s around here serve some good coffee (well you serve yourself).

12

Far be it from me to dissuade someone from a new addiction, but have you seen a physician to make certain that you are not sick? I’d probably rule that out before jumping into the world of java.

13

just drink lots of water. it will refresh you and after awhile you’ll be getting up and stretching and taking the short walks to the restroom.
if you really want coffee, a double espresso straight up, short, bitter, and oh-boy, lots of caffiene.

14

I’m on the side of those folks who suggest a visit to the doc to see if something is causing the sleepiness.

Aside from that, on to coffee…

A lot of people revel in being coffee snobs and insisting upon certain storage requirements or brewing methods. I don’t think you need to go quite this far since you’re not even sure you will like the stuff. If you discover that you do truly like it and have a discerning palate, then these things will come more into play. I’ve been drinking coffee for a while now and can appreciate vacuum pressure brewed coffee over french press coffee over Mr. Coffee coffee. To start, though, just see if you can tolerate a decent cup of coffee at all. I have to admit, I like McDonald’s coffee and have heard good things about Dunkin’ Donuts. I’d try one of those first - and if you don’t like it black, try it with some cream or sugar. Maybe even a flavored cream.

If you can’t stand the taste, then eh…at least caffeine comes in many foods/forms.

Tibs.

15

Mmmm Dunkin’ Donuts has the best coffee. Since it’s Summer, why not try one of the Coolattas (sp)? They are really very good.

16

Wow. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Let me see if I can clarify…

I’m currently out of work. So I think that the tiredness might have something to do with my boredness. i.e. sitting around all day. I’m getting plenty of sleep - if anything TOO much sleep. there were a few days last week where I didn’t set my alarm and just slept til I woke up and I slept for 10 hours. and STILL felt tired in the afternoon.

I do exercise somewhat - I’m in karate and I try to go 3 times a week but sometimes only twice. It’s not totally aerobic but I do sweat my butt off. I’ve noticed on my gi (uniform) that I’m getting a dark red rusty ring around the collar and one of the senseis said its the iron in my blood coming out in my sweat. And I’ve given blood before and was told I have good iron content.

I was on meds for depression and they were messing with my sleep cycle too much - couldnt sleep and when I did sleep I would have these 8 hour long extremely vivid epic Cecil B DeMille type dreams - si I didn’t feel like I slept at all. So I went off them - but I’m ok - I think I just get seasonal depression in the winter.

I probably dont eat as much fresh fruits and veggies as I should. Nor do I drink as much water as I probably should. Cut out Pepsi for the calories - thats the last thing I need right now. And my wife and I are considering going on Meredia? She’s heard good things about it. I’m about 30-40 pounds overweight but don’t look it. I’m just tired of feeling run down all the time. LAZY.

How about red bennies? Would those be a good idea? :wink:

Thanks to all of you for all your help - I live in the western Chicago burbs - so I do have Dunkin Donuts near here. I’ll have to check them out.

17

on another note - would anyone suggest any “energy” bars or drinks? I have a friend who swears by Red Bull but I didn’t feel any different. I did find some soy energy drinks in the health food section at the grocery store - and they <i> seemed</i> to help - but it could of been in my head.

What about vitamins or anything like that?

Metabolife?

18

a lot of calories for sitting around not doing anything. coffee can have a lot too if you use a lot of sugar and milk (cream, etc.) but at least it’s controlable.

19

Tsk, tsk. :slight_smile:

First of all, eat a properly balanced diet. If you do, you won’t need any supplements (other than perhaps a daily multivitamin).

Fruit is your friend. Think of it as nature’s candy.

Make sure your bowel movements are regular (whatever is regular for you) and if they’re not, eat a bowl of oatmeal and a piece of fresh fruit for breakfast every morning.

Take a one-mile walk every day.

Don’t sleep too much; it’ll just make you more tired. The old rhyme goes:
“Nature needs five
Custom gives seven
The lazy take nine
And the wicked, eleven.”

If you don’t like coffee, don’t drink it. Same for tea (although tea has antioxidants in it). If you’re trying to lose weight, drink iced tea, or mix fruit juice half and half with sparkling water.

Being sleepy all the time can be a sign of depression. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of the meds you were on (the dreams). Discuss your treatment plan.

It sounds like you’re looking for short-term, miracle fixes. There ain’t none.

As for coffee:

I love my coffee. Folgers (although Circle K here in Arizona has great coffee), with milk and sugar. Good ol’ American Joe.

I am, however, a tea snob. :smiley:

20

If you don’t like the taste of plain coffee, try something like a caramel machiatto from starbucks. Don’t listen to all the people who thinks starbucks is crap. The only reason they say that is because its trendy to buck the trend. Starbucks has very good coffee. Thats why it’s popular. Period. It has a lot of variety so I’m sure you will find something you like.