subject: The Steps To 'at Home' Coffee Perfection [print this page] 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.
Clean equipment is a must. Any residual coffee in the equipment will lead to a bitter cup. The oils will go rancid and the liquid will burn.
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.
Only buy as many beans as you will use. It doesn't matter how good a sale is on a great bean, if it goes stale it is no longer a great bean. Sitting around the house is just as bad for a bean as sitting around a grocery store.
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.
Fresh ground beans means better flavor. Always grind at home before brewing. A grinder at home is a small investment in fresh flavor.
Make sure you are using the appropriate grind for the equipment you have. A coarse grind should be used with percolators and cold water brewing. Medium grind is the workhorse that most people will use. This is suited for drip methods and the French press. Fine grind is mainly used in European equipment. Extra fine grind is only for 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.
After brewing, but before serving, make sure to stir. This helps distribute the particles that have settled on the bottom. It also mixes the oils into the drink. This makes for consistently good cups throughout.
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.
By following a few easy steps and making them routine, anyone can brew the perfect cup of coffee in the comfort of their own home. Now you just need to think about what to do with all the money saved from buying lattes everyday.
