Coffee: Buying vs. Brewing

Do you regularly drink coffee? (Read my earlier post to see if you should drink coffee or not.) If you are in the regular habit of drinking a cup of the delicious black liquid, then maybe it is time you consider making your own cup of coffee over buying a pre-made cup. There are a few factors that will help you decide are price, convenience, and taste.

Taste
How a cup of coffee tastes is absolutely the most important factor in your decision of buying versus brewing. You should never sacrifice taste for cost or convenience. Taste is what a cup of coffee is all about right? What good would it do to drink a cup of coffee if it tasted disgusting? What many people do not realize is that you can get almost the same (if not the same) taste of a coffee shop cup of coffee at home when you brew your own cup. All it takes is the right equipment, knowledge, and ingredients.

Convenience
When considering whether you should buy or brew, you need to take time to consider which would be more convenient without sacrificing taste or cost. If you are a commuter (or a busy student), time is essential. But often people do not understand that making your own cup of coffee at home does not always take any longer than it would to purchase one at a coffee shop. While it varies from situation to situation, in general, preparation time takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes at home. If you think about it, this is not much longer than if you were to wait in a drive through, or park and walk in, and wait for the shop to make your cup of coffee. Depending on where you purchase your coffee, it might just as long to get there as it would for you to make your own at home.

Price
Last but not least, price is a huge (but often un-thought of) factor when it comes to buying versus brewing. According to the National Coffee Association, “a recent U.S. survey revealed that 69 percent of American coffee drinkers consider coffee to be an ‘affordable luxury.’” But what are the cost differences between buying and brewing? The average 16oz cup of Starbucks coffee will cost you about $2. That means about $700 for a daily cup of coffee for a year. That’s a lot! Brewing your own at home is a much less expensive venture. And with some patience and research, you can easily start creating your own coffee drinks in no time. If you have to occasionally buy a drink, you will still be better off over all.

Buying vs. Brewing
In my opinion, brewing at home is the best option. So go ahead and invest in a coffee machine and get to work! Watch for a future post on how to find the perfect setup for your perfect home brewing system.

Sources: Daily Finance
             

Coffee: To Drink or Not to Drink?

The Non-Drinkers

There are many people who do not drink coffee. Why? Many simply have never tried it. But there are others who have purposely not tried coffee for varying reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Fear of addiction
• Adverse health effects
• Might dislike the taste

The question is, are these valid reasons not to drink coffee? 

To Drink or Not to Drink

Fear of addiction

While caffeine is a drug, this doesn't mean you have to be addicted. You can drink decaffeinated coffee or simply set yourself a daily limit. Most people don't become addicted to the point where they can't function without it. But if you lack the self discipline or struggle with other addictions, maybe coffee isn't for you. 

Adverse health effects

According to Harvard Medical School, "current research reveals that in moderation—a few cups a day—coffee is a safe beverage that may even offer some health benefits." Coffee in moderation is not harmful, and actually has some benefits. The risk of type 2 diabetes, gallstones, liver damage, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer, can be lowered by the regular intake of coffee. Coffee also can improve cognitive function and endurance performance in long-duration physical activities. Interesting huh? Coffee can be healthy for you. 

Might dislike the taste

As an argument against trying coffee, this is a weak argument. How will you know if you dislike the taste until you try it? And even if you dislike straight black coffee (like me), you might like it with cream or sugar. Or maybe flavored coffee is your thing. There are many drinks that are made from coffee or espresso that are very different from just plain black coffee. 

Are You a Drinker?

How about you? Have you tried coffee? You haven't? Well what are you waiting for? You can open a door to a multitude of possibilities with one simple sip. Try some and let me know what you think!

Source: Havard Health