It can either feel like a lot of work or a pleasant and relaxing experience making coffee at home. It is usually the equipment needed for coffee-making that makes the process difficult. There are many coffee brewing appliances that you can choose from. This article can help you find an easier way.
To make a good coffee, always start with fresh beans. They should look kind of oily, and they should be potent. Try to avoid very dry beans, any grocery store beans, and any beans that have been exposed to air for a long time. Your best bet is to either roast beans yourself or buy them from a local roaster.
Use an airtight container for coffee storage. The beans will become stale if a lot of air gets in contact with them. Get the coffee out of the bag that it came in, because once those seals have been broken, air will come in. Their only purpose is for letting air escape when they cool after roasting.
Do not leave your coffee open any longer than necessary. While preparing your coffee, don’t open the can or bag until you are ready to scoop. Immediately after scooping, close the coffee container. This will keep your coffee fresher longer. It also keeps the flavor and aroma from evaporating in the air.
Always store your coffee beans or grinds in a dark, cool, airtight container. Even better, use a vacuum container. Storing your coffee in such a container helps keep your coffee smelling and tasting fresh for a long time. Store the container in the fridge or freezer to maximize freshness.
Do not keep your coffee in the refrigerator unless it is in a container that is absolutely airtight. This is important because moisture can cause coffee to become moldy. It is best to keep your coffee in the cabinet where it will stay warm, dry and at its best quality.
Do not freeze all of your coffee in one large container. This is a good way for your coffee to become spoiled easily. Every time you thaw out coffee, it will have some moisture in it. Refreezing it constantly will kill the quality. Use small storage bags to freeze it in batches.
If you are buying coffee from a drive-in window, always error on the side of caution to stay as protected as possible. Typically, when you are buying coffee in this form, it will be piping hot, as you will not want to burn your hands or other areas of your body.
Do not use hot water to make your coffee. Many people think this is the best way to make their coffee hot; the truth is that the only thing this does is diminish its flavor. You should be using water that is not only cold, but charcoal filtered if possible.
If you are making a cup of iced coffee, it is a good idea to use some hot coffee to melt the sugar before you start. This will stop the grains of sugar from lingering at the bottom of the cup. Each sip will taste just as sweet as the last.
Conical or flat grinding burrs is the better option when purchasing a coffee grinder. Grinders in these two shapes generate less heat than grinders of other shapes. As a result, the coffee is more robust and full-flavored. Grinders that use blades are not at all consistent. They get too hot and can ruin the beans by burning them.
A great tip to remember if you’re after the best-tasting cup of coffee is not to let your coffee sit for an extended period of time. Coffee will only stay fresh for about ten minutes so you should be prepared to drink your coffee right after it’s been brewed.
If you are planning to grind your own coffee beans, you should know that the type of grinder you choose can make a big difference in taste. Experts recommend using one that features flat grinding burrs. Blade grinders can actually generate enough heat to burn or scald the coffee beans and ruin the flavor.
If you like strong coffee, avoid using a coarse grind. This is one of the most common causes for people thinking their coffee is too weak. If you do not grind your own, you may discover that a darker roast will help you. Either way, you want to create coffee that you enjoy.
Proper measuring of the coffee grounds is necessary to produce the perfect cup of coffee. Measure two-level tablespoons of ground coffee for each cup of coffee you are brewing. A “cup” of coffee contains six ounces of water. If your coffee maker came with a scoop, check to see that it holds two tablespoons before using it.
The size of your coffee grounds has a lot to do with the way your coffee tastes. A finer coffee grind will mean that more surface area of the bean is exposed to water while a coarser grind will mean less. No matter which grind you prefer, an even grind particle size is very important for a great cup of coffee.
The water temperature is extremely important for brewing a great tasting cup of coffee. If you are not satisfied by the coffee your automatic machine is producing, check the temperature of the water after it is heated. It should be between 195 – 205 degrees Fahrenheit to produce the best tasting cup of coffee.
The simplest way to make a perfect cup of latte is to pour a single ounce of chocolate syrup into the bottom of the cup. Top the chocolate with fresh espresso then stir from the bottom to the top of the glass then back down again for the most consistent flavor.
Coffee making appliances can steal some of the fun of making coffee. When done properly, it’s possible to make coffee without testing your sanity or your pocketbook. Use what you’ve learned here to make coffee drinking as enjoyable as it can be.
