Coffee does help you live longer. And doesn’t it make the mornings more bearable?
A lot of people agree with Hugh Jackman, who noted that “The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the world’s greatest inventions.” Unfortunately, brewing the perfect cup of coffee is not as easy as it sounds.
Are you tired of mediocre coffee? Here are some quick tips for brewing a great cup of coffee.
1. Use the Right Coffee
There are no techniques or secret recipes that will deliver a superb cup of coffee if you do not get the quality of your coffee right.
The two major types of beans available include Arabica and Robusta. While it delivers a higher punch of caffeine, Robusta is known for a harsh taste that can be overpowering and is considered to be of lower quality than Arabica.
2. Make Sure the Water is Hot Enough
Of course, the water must be hot if you want your coffee steaming but how hot?
If you like your water boiling, you are doing it all wrong. Boiling water will burn the coffee, leading to a less than desirable taste.
Getting the perfect cup of coffee is a delicate balancing act. The water must not be too hot or too cold. Too hot and you risk over-extraction; too cold and you might have to grapple with under-extraction.
If either of these happens, you will end up with bitter or weak coffee. With that said, the ideal temperature for brewing coffee should be between 195°F to 205°F. If you are manually boiling the water, let it stand for a minute before proceeding.
3. Use Freshly Ground Beans
If it is within your means, it is best to grind your own coffee. While this requires investing in a grinder and spending a little more time in the morning preparing your coffee, the results are worth it.
The problem with coffee beans is that once they are ground, they start releasing their flavors. This means that pre-ground beans that have been on the shelf for a while will not be as flavorful as fresh ones.
While there are lots of grinders in the market today, it might not be easy to know which one is best for you. Before making your purchase, ask for recommendations from other coffee enthusiasts or check out websites such as Friedcoffee which offer genuine reviews.
4. Use the Right Ratios
A weak cup of coffee is quite a turn-off. At least for many people.
If there isn’t enough coffee or if the water goes overboard, there is a high chance that you will not be enjoying mind-blowing coffee. The golden ratio dictates 1 or 2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
5. Get the Brewing Time Right
Water must get in contact with the grounds at an optimum time for coffee to acquire the right flavor. Specialty coffees such as espresso demand a very brief contact time of only 20 to 30 seconds.
If you are using a French press, your brew time should not be more than 4 minutes and not less than 2 minutes. On the other hand, the drip system requires about 5 minutes of contact time.
If you take too long or too short, the problem of over-extraction or under-extraction will occur.
6. Water Quality
The kind of water you use will have an effect on the quality of your coffee. And it is not only salty water that will affect the taste of your favorite cup. Distilled water has little mineral content and could lead to a bitter taste.
In the same breath, chlorinated water may have an unpleasant odor or taste. If you are not sure about the quality of your tap water, have it filtered or use bottled water.
You Can Start Right Away
You do not require the training of a barista to be able to prepare a great cup of coffee. It only takes a little passion and a bit of practice. Good coffee can unleash a whole new world of pleasure.
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