The Ideal Coffee – Step By Step

More and more people are making coffee a part of their morning routine. The problem is that they are also making their local java joint a part of that routine. Brewing at home can seem impossible to some, but by following some easy steps, perfection in a mug can be attained.

Always use clean equipment when brewing. Anything left if the machine will either go rancid or burn. This will give the new batch of coffee a bitter flavor.

Obtain the freshest beans you can. This usually means buying at a specialty store instead of the super market. Coffee is a perishable product, so the fresher it is, the better the flavor will be. You don’t want beans that have been sitting around getting stale.

Purchase only enough beans to fit your lifestyle. If beans go stale in a store they will also go stake in the house. If you only drink one cup a day, don’t stock up on beans. Even if you buy your favorite, it won’t taste as good if it goes stale.

The basis of the brew is water. If the water isn’t good, neither is the Joe. If the tap water tastes good on its own use that. If it doesn’t, use filtered water.

Grind the beans just before use. Have a grinder at home to take care of this job. Fresh grind means fresh tasting java.

Make sure that you are using the right size grind for the brew method of your choice. If a percolator is used, coarse grind is called for. Medium grind is what most people would use. This is appropriate for drip machines and French presses. Fine grind is mostly used in Europe in vacuum and Neapolitan flip methods. Extra fine grind is used in espresso machines.

The ratio of grounds to water is critical. To make a perfect six-ounce cup, two tablespoons of grounds should be used. More grounds does not increase the flavor and is just a waste of money. Less grounds causes the water to extract too much from the beans, resulting in a bitter brew.

Beans should be treated like most other perishable goods, kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Do not put beans in the fridge. This exposes them to moisture, and that ruins the flavor. Beans can be kept in the freezer, but only for 2-3 months.

When brewing, use water just off the boil. The time it takes to walk the kettle to the grounds is enough time for the water to cool down. If you are using a machine, this step does not apply.

Before serving, stir the brew after it has been made. This gets all the particles off the bottom and evenly distributes the oils. This will make all the cups more consistent.

Should there be any coffee left over it should be stored in a preheated air pot or thermal carafe to keep it hot and fresh. Leaving it on a heat source will scorch it, making it bitter and burnt tasting.

Following easy steps and making them a routine will ensure a consistently delicious and fresh cup of coffee. It is easier than you think.

About the Author
Coffee is a huge industry worldwide and employs millions of workers. It is a living for many people, but for others it is a great way to start their day and get a kick start in the morning when they need it. Machines like the single serve coffee maker and the vacuum coffee maker abound. To find out all you need to know, please visit our free website.