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Coffee experts have revealed why the mug you choose to drink from could impact the flavor of your morning joe.
Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, who co-authored the book But First, Coffee, have shared how the vessel you choose could be impacting your entire taste experience.
The duo told Well + Good that the process of choosing which cup to drink out of is 'no less important than any other step in the coffee-brewing process.'
They then dished on how to pick the perfect array of mugs because 'no coffee love can be truly satisfied by one mug alone.'
Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, who co-authored the book But First, Coffee, have shared how the vessel you choose could be impacting your entire taste experience
Jordan and Zachary, who have examined the psychology behind our emotional connection to coffee, passionately believe that it is more than just the brew itself - with the whole sensory experience being pivotal.
'Our brains are the most marvelous things, fleshy supercomputers of remarkable complexity and precision, able to connect involuted concepts like "flavor" and "deliciousness" into something cohesive and memorable.
'But the flavor receptors in our tongue are also fallible and easily influenced by forces beyond proof of taste,' according to the duo.
They explained: 'Mellifluous music, a sweet evening breeze, charming company — all these forces can and do make things like food and wine taste better.
'So it goes with coffee — our brains are influenced by everything around us at the moment of consumption.
'This means that when it comes time to pick a mug, the vessel you drink from matters a great deal.'
But how can you pick the perfect coffee mug?
Jordan and Zachary, who have both built up a large array of mugs over the years, suggest creating your own collection that evoke feelings of nostalgia, which can 'deepen your appreciation of coffee in your home.'
The duo told Well + Good that the process of choosing which cup to drink out of is 'no less important than any other step in the coffee-brewing process' (stock image)
'A vintage mug emblazoned with your favorite cartoon character from childhood or a particularly memorable campaign from a beloved sports team, can make for very happy drinking.
'It can help the coffee taste better, creating a "flavoristic" experience with multiple dimensions and resonances.'
Alternatively, coffee enthusiasts should look for mugs that feature empowering slogans to serve as friendly reminders to focus on self-care and self-love.
The duo added: 'Research has shown that just lookin at positive affirmations can improve mental alertness, clarity and mood and that's before your first sip.'
The final pointer that Jordan and Zachary issued was to consider purchasing mugs from local businesses.
'Coffee and the ceramic arts have long been fruitful bosom buddies.
'Chances are there's an artisan ceramist in your area making beautiful mugs for purchase. This is indeed a worthy investment...
'Many cafes sell the mugs they use for service, often displayed in a small selection of merchandise alongside things like whole bean coffee and tote bags.'