Tens of billions of kilograms of coffee are consumed around the world each year. However, due to its very specific agricultural needs, coffee can be difficult to cultivate, and ongoing climate change threatens its growth.

To efficiently meet the high demand for coffee grounds, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania worked to optimize their use in pour-over coffee. They presented their suggestions in Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing.

“What we recommend is making the pour height as high as possible, while still maintaining a laminar flow, where the jet doesn’t break up when it impacts the coffee grinds,” said author Ernest Park.

In particular, the group found the thick water jets typical of standard gooseneck kettles are ideal for achieving this necessary height and laminar flow. Strong — but focused — water jets create an avalanche in the coffee grounds. Displaced grounds recirculate as the water digs deeper into the coffee bed, allowing for better mixing between the water and the grounds, and thus, results in a stronger coffee with fewer beans. If the water jet is too thin, it cannot adequately create this interaction to achieve a desirable strength and sensory experience.

“If you have a thin jet, then it tends to break up into droplets,” said author Margot Young. “That’s what you want to avoid in these pour-overs, because that means the jet cannot mix the coffee grounds effectively.”

The dark color of coffee beans — and of coffee itself — makes it hard to demystify. Along with creating pour-over drinks with actual coffee grounds, the scientists supplemented their study with laser-illuminated transparent particles in a glass funnel to help thoroughly visualize the mixing dynamics and understand how the liquid jet affects the grains.

Though the group does not plan further studies related to coffee, they say there are many other parameters left to explore, such as the impacts of the size of the coffee grounds on the interplay between the physics and chemistry of the brewing process. When it comes to easy, accessible kitchen science, the researchers have some unorthodox advice: Do try this at home.

“We can really learn something from both the chemistry and physics point of view by looking at the kitchen,” said author Arnold Mathijssen. “It leads to new science where you didn’t expect it.”

When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season has arrived. With fresh flavors abounding this season, the options are nearly endless – just choose your favorite base, toppings and dressings and you’re set with a delicious first course or hearty meal all on its own.

Not every salad requires leafy greens for the base, however. Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded with fresh, tangy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that cooks up soft and fluffy every time, this recipe offers a hint of floral, sweet flavor to keep you feeling full. In just 10 minutes, you can have sweetly aromatic Jasmine rice that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs – it’s naturally gluten free, non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives.

Fruit salad may be nothing new, particularly when using fruits like oranges, cherries or grapes, but watermelon may be the fun new spin you need at your next cookout. The pairing of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshing mint, earthy beets, nuts and fluffy rice offers a winning combination. Quick tip: Make sure the rice is fully cooled after cooking to avoid a warm, watery result.

Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrette make Spring Corn and Rice Salad another delicious seasonal side that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Step out of your salad comfort zone with this refreshing solution that makes it easy to add veggies to your diet. When you’re drawing up weekly meal plans and tired of relying on traditional lettuce-based salads, consider rice salads as an alternative for enjoying chopped vegetables – plus, hearty rice can help keep you full longer.

Better yet, you can make this rice salad your own by experimenting with the ingredients. Try adding shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, fresh mango, ground cumin, fresh grated ginger, grilled corn or any other springtime flavors.

Remember, high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance. Aromatic, premium long-grain  Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is a no measure, no mess option that cooks up perfectly every time. Aside from being naturally gluten free, it’s also free of preservatives and MSG and is non-GMO Project Verified. It’s no stranger to versatility either – in 10 minutes, you can enjoy basmati rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture alongside other warm-weather favorites.

Find more ways to enjoy spring salad season by visiting SuccessRice.com.

Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1          bag Success Jasmine Rice
1/4       cup olive oil
2          tablespoons lemon juice
1/4       teaspoon salt
1/4       teaspoon black pepper
1          cup thinly sliced, cooked golden beets
1          cup thinly sliced watermelon
1/4       cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4       cup pitted black olives, halved
1/4       cup red onion, thinly sliced
1          tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced
2          tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped, for garnish

Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.

In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Add rice to bowl with dressing and stir to combine. Let stand 5 minutes.

Transfer rice to serving platter. Lay beet slices down one side of rice. Lay watermelon slices down opposite side. Top with feta, olives, red onion and mint. Garnish with walnuts.

Tips: Substitute capers for olives, if preferred.

To diminish “raw” flavor of onions, soak in ice water at least 5 minutes before using in recipe.

Use roasted, boiled, steamed or grilled beets.

Spring Corn and Rice Salad
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1          bag Success Basmati Rice
1          cup frozen corn, thawed
2          Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2       cup minced fresh basil
1/2       cup diced red onion
1/2       cup vinaigrette dressing
2          green onions, chopped
1/2       teaspoon salt
1/2       teaspoon black pepper

Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.

In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, basil, red onions, vinaigrette and green onions. Fold in rice, salt and pepper.

Serve salad at room temperature or chilled.

Hustling to get out the door for a busy day may tempt you to skip breakfast but taking a few extra minutes to nourish your body helps ensure you can keep up with the day’s demands.

Breakfast is your chance to jumpstart your body. Eating breakfast offers multiple benefits, including providing energy to fuel your day and increasing your ability to focus and make decisions.

A breakfast rich in protein is also important to keep you fuller longer. Eggs may be a frequent option, yet dairy foods can be a good, protein-rich alternative.

If you’re cutting calories, an option like Milk50 contains only 50 calories per serving but the same amount of protein as other dairy milks – 9 grams per serving – along with calcium and vitamin D. This first-of-its-kind product also contains 75% less sugar than skim milk, is lactose-free and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors.

A return-to-dairy trend is gaining momentum, with 58% of U.S. adults welcoming dairy back to their diets after being disappointed with the price, taste and heavy processing of plant-based beverages, according to a national survey commissioned by Dairy Farmers of America. Incorporating these real dairy favorites in your morning recipes can be a cinch.

Start your morning with a nutritious and delicious shake like this Vanilla Coffee Protein Shake, which combines cold brew coffee and frozen bananas for a refreshing treat. Or, if you’re craving something a little heartier, mix up a batch of Chai Oatmeal Energy Bites over the weekend or in the evening so you can grab one or two on the go.

Find more breakfast inspiration at milk50.com.

Chai Oatmeal Energy Bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Yield: 2 dozen

1          cup DairyPure Milk50 Vanilla
3          chai tea bags, divided
            nonstick cooking spray
2          cups old-fashioned oats
1/2       teaspoon salt
2          teaspoons baking powder
2          tablespoons flaxseed
1          teaspoon vanilla
1/3       cup maple syrup
1/2       cup chopped pecans

In small pot, heat milk until hot but not simmering. Take off heat and place two chai tea bags in milk. Steep tea in milk until cool, about 30 minutes, then discard tea bags.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cooled chai milk, oats, salt, baking powder, flaxseed, vanilla and maple syrup. 

Open third chai tea bag and measure 2 teaspoons tea. If tea is coarse, blitz in spice grinder or use mortar and pestle to grind more finely. Stir tea into batter and let mixture sit 10 minutes so oats can soak up milk.

Give batter another stir then fill each mini muffin cavity about 3/4 with batter, about 1 tablespoon in each. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Bake bites 12-13 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of bite comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes.

Vanilla Coffee Protein Shake
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Servings: 1

5-6       ounces DairyPure Milk50 Vanilla
1/2       banana, sliced and frozen
1/4       cup, plus 2 tablespoons, cold brew concentrate
1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2       scoops protein powder of choice
2          teaspoons simple syrup (or to taste)

Make ice cubes by pouring milk into ice cube tray and freezing until solid, about 8 hours.

To make shake: In high-speed blender, blend frozen banana slices, cold brew, vanilla, protein powder, simple syrup and 5-6 milk cubes until creamy. Serve in glass.