Nectar of the Gods, part I

Ahhh .....
Hot, fresh, steaming coffee.
It is my morning 'Nectar of the Gods'.
It is my daily addiction.

(I think my cup says it all!)

Coffee Wisdom: 7 Finely-Ground Principles
by Theresa Cheung


Principle 1 - Reheating Causes Bitterness
About Coffee: Coffee should not be reheated. Every time you brew a cup, it needs to be fresh. Make only as much as you plan to drink.
About Life: Don't rehash the past. Your past is the reason, not the excuse. Let go of what is gone.

Principle 2 - Start with Fresh Grounds
About Coffee: Do not reuse grounds. You'll only end up with bitter and unpleasant tastes.
About Life: Learn from your mistakes, don't repeat them.

Principle 3 - Use the Correct Grind
About Coffee: Use the correct grind for your coffee maker. If you grind too fine, this will cause bitterness. If your grind is too coarse, the coffee will be watery.
About Life: Put right what you can, and accept what you cannot.

Principle 4 - Use High-Quality Beans and Fresh, Pure, Cold Water
About Coffee:Use fresh cold water. Water is around 98 percent of every cup; to ensure you get the finest taste, consider using a water filter or bottled water. Choose top-quality beans. For your cup of coffee to be top quality you need to make sure you get the main ingredient right.
About Life: Celebrate your uniqueness.

Principle 5 - Get the Proportions Right
About Coffee:The proportion of coffee to water is vital. Experts recommend using tablespoons (10 grams) of ground coffee for each 6 fluid ounces (180 ml) of water. Regardless of how much coffee you make, you need to keep these proportions consistent. Proportions can be adjusted according to taste, but using less coffee makes for a thin, bitter-tasting brew.
About Life: Challenge irrational thinking.

Principle 6 - Boiling Destroys the Flavor
About Coffee: Boiling causes bitterness, so never boil coffee. It should be brewed between 195°F and 205°F (90°C-96°C).
About Life: Check your stress levels. Balance your body, mind, and spirit.

Principle 7 - Drink It While It's Hot
About Coffee:Drink your coffee soon after it is made. Coffee can be kept warm for only about fifteen minutes over a burner before the flavor becomes unpleasant.
About Life: Live in the present with an attitude of positive expectancy.