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There are many methods for brewing a fine cup of coffee--no single technique is right for everyone. The method you choose for brewing your coffee should be based upon your needs and your unique coffee preferences. Do you want a hearty mug of coffee for breakfast? An afternoon cappuccino or maybe a dessert espresso? Do you prefer a milder coffee or a more robust coffee flavor? The quality and flavor of your coffee is not only determined by the brewing process you choose, but also by the type of coffee you select. For example, what country is the coffee from? What region and what variety of coffee tree? Or is it a blend from several countries, regions or varieties? Do you prefer a dark roast coffee, a light blend or something in between? What kind of grind have you selected? Remember to be creative--you can choose a dark espresso roast coffee and still have it ground to be brewed in a drip system. Once you have chosen how you want to brew your coffee, there are guidelines which you can follow that will help give you the best cup of coffee possible. To optimize the quality of every cup of coffee you prepare, fine-tune your brewing technique by incorporating the following suggestions.
Equipment, Machinery, Etc.
Whether or not you use a French press, vacuum pot, state-of-the-art espresso maker or a standard drip coffee machine, make sure that your equipment is thoroughly cleaned after each use by rinsing it with clear, hot water and drying it with an absorbent towel. Most importantly, check that no coffee ground residue has been left to collect on any part of the equipment and that there is no build-up of coffee oil. Such residue can impart a bitter, rancid flavor to future cups of coffee.
Water Isn’t Just Water Any More
You should use the best possible water you can find. This is the key to a great cup of coffee and should not be taken lightly. Because a cup of coffee is made of approximately 98-99% water, it can only be as good as the water used to make it. If you use plain tap water, as I do, then be sure it doesn't leave any strange flavors, odors or textures in your mouth. If it does, and you are a serious coffee drinker, then consider either a water filtration device or use a water delivery service. If you do choose to use plain tap water from the faucet, be sure it is cold and runs for a few seconds to aerate the water for your machine or water kettle.
Cold , Luke-Warm, Hot, Very Hot
Another part of the equation, when trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee, is water temperature. Your brewer should maintain a water temperature between 195 - 205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction. Colder water will result in flat, under extracted coffee, while water that is too hot will cause a loss of quality in the taste of the coffee. If you are brewing the coffee manually, let the water come to a full boil, but do not over boil. Turn off the heat source and allow the water to rest a minute before pouring it over the grounds. |
