Step 1: Start with the right coffee!
A well roasted bean will make all the difference in the world with your cup of joe. A proper roaster will make sure your beans are at their peak when you make your purchase. going to a reputable shop will make your cup all the better! *Hint hint
Step 2: Once the beans are in your hand!
After you have purchased your beans a huge problem is storage. There are many misconceptions and a bounty of incorrect information on the internet as to how you should store coffee. Here are the Do's and Don'ts:
- Store your coffee WHOLE BEAN, ground coffee will absorb all odors around it. Once the bean is ground all of its oils have been released and will immediately begin aging and losing potency. A one time investment in a grinder will make a world of difference.
- DO NOT store your coffee in the fridge or freezer. Again the odors from the fridge/freezer, even in the bean, will begin modifying the taste of your cup. DO store your coffee in an amber colored, air tight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Step 3: Math Time
Coffee to water Ratio! The ratio of coffee to water will make the difference in a weak and strong cup. A good rule of thumb is 7 grams of coffee to 4 ounces of water.
Here are a few conversions:
(7 grams) | (4 Ounces)
.02 Pounds | 118 Milliliters
.25 Ounces | 5 Cups
For coffee, weight is the only true way to be consistent. Each coffee will have a different density, and the same number of beans across different origins will be different weights!
Step 4: The right grind for the right machine!
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to coffee maker, this is no problem! To make each coffee maker produce the same great cup you have to make sure the grind is correct for the machine! Here is a simple table to use to know which grind is correct for your machine!
Master your grind to master your cup!
Step 5: The water is critical!
Step 5: The water is critical!
All water, be it from a well, spring, or local water authority, has impurities. To get the most out of your coffee a good filtration system is needed.
Well water or municipal water that is considered hard make it difficult. The water softener that is added does not filter well with the brewing process. This can leave a harsh, dry taste to the cup. Distilled water is also not a preferred method due to the lack of minerals in the water. Implementing a simple faucet water filter or having a water pitcher with a built in water filter will do the trick for your day to day coffee drinkers! Water temperature is another critical component often overlooked when perfecting a cup. Water should be between 195 degrees F and 205 degrees F. |