There is nothing that can beat the smell of freshly ground coffee beans. The aroma wakes you up in the morning, giving you an energy boost throughout the day, and relaxing your senses after a meal.
Millions of people around the world start their day with a cup of coffee. Not only because of how it makes them feel but also because coffee offers so many more benefits than just that. From weight management to lowering depression there are so many advantages of drinking coffee. However, making good coffee at home may seem like an impossible task to many.
Because of this, many coffee lovers who wish to enjoy their favorite beverage at home turn to instant coffees and canned coffee.
Instant coffee is very convenient and inexpensive, but the taste and smell pale in comparison with ground coffee beans. Do you really know how is instant coffee made? Or would you like to find out?
If you want to be certain to make a delicious cup of coffee every time, there are some steps you must follow.
The following are five tips that can help you make a perfect cup of coffee. They are simple, basic steps that have withstood the test of time.
Coffee Beans
When it comes to making a delicious cup of coffee, start with quality beans. The most popular types of coffee are Arabica and Robusta.
While Robusta has twice the caffeine content of Arabica, it also has more bitter notes.
Robusta is cheaper and has a more intense flavor, making it perfect for ordinary coffee. Arabica beans are slightly more expensive because they have better taste and smell. The top-quality Arabica beans usually come from the highlands of Colombia, Ethiopia, or Kenya.
The best time to buy coffee is in September or October when new crops are harvested. You can choose whole beans or ground coffee. When buying whole beans, make sure to check their expiration date to ensure freshness and quality.
Grinding Coffee Beans
Ideally, it would be best if you ground your beans every time since the flavor of a cup of coffee depends on the type and coarseness (or fineness) of the grind. Most home home appliances or coffee machines do not have a grinder, so you will need to go to a specialty store and buy one.
The best way to measure the coarseness of your ground coffee is with a “coffee spoon,” which is larger than a regular tablespoon.
If in doubt, opt for a finer grind since it will be easier to make and produce a better cup of coffee. However, if you like your coffee strong, opt for a coarser grind.
The Ratio of Coffee to Water
If you wish to make a delicious cup of coffee every time, the ratio of water to coffee is important. This will affect both the taste and strength of your drink.
Experts recommend using one coffee spoon for every six ounces of water. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use the same amount of ground coffee and water for all types of coffee machines.
If you want to make a regular cup of coffee with a drip machine, use one rounded tablespoon per cup and an extra one for the pot (if your machine allows it).
If you enjoy coffee with milk, add about two to three tablespoons of ground coffee per cup and an extra one if making a pot. Ground coffee already contains the perfect amount of caffeine for a regular cup of coffee, so there is no need to adjust this ratio.
Brewing Time and Temperature
Brewing time and temperature also affect the taste of your coffee. It is important to adjust them both depending on the type of coffee machine you are using.
If you are making a regular cup of coffee, brew with water at 195 degrees F for four minutes. You can experiment with this time and temperature if you prefer the less or more intense flavor.
For espresso, the brewing temperature should be between 195 and 205 degrees F, while the brewing time depends on your espresso machine.
If you are using a percolator, keep in mind that the longer coffee is exposed to heat, the more bitter it will taste. It takes about six to seven minutes from start to finish for one cup of coffee.
In general, you should keep the water at about 185 degrees F throughout the entire process to produce tasty coffee.
Transferring Coffee into a Thermos
Finally, there is one last step you must follow if you want to make a perfect cup of coffee: transfer it into a thermos.
Coffee quickly loses its flavor within 15 minutes after brewing, so the secret to keeping it hot for longer is to transfer it into a thermos. This way, you can enjoy several cups throughout the day without having to make new coffee.
To preserve all the flavors, transfer your coffee into a thermos immediately after brewing it. If this is not possible, remove the pot from the machine and discard any leftover coffee. Rinse out the pot with cold water to prevent further heat extraction for maximum results.
If you want to enjoy your coffee later, put the ground beans in the filter and use cold water. This will bring out a strong flavor even if you refrigerate it for several days.
You can also reheat your coffee without affecting its taste by using a microwave or adding hot water to it.
You should add cream and sugar to the coffee only when you are enjoying a cup of iced coffee. In general, it is best not to add any additional ingredients as they might alter the subtle flavors of your favorite beverage.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make a perfect coffee at home, it’s time for you to experiment using different types of beans and grinds. Coffee from Hawaii, Colombia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and so many other places can allow you to travel through the various tastes and aromas. You should also try out different techniques depending on the type of coffee machine you have. You can also try making a healthy turmeric latte or an iced coffee if you like cold brews, if you are looking for something more fun you can try out Irish coffee cocktails as well.
Remember, the most important thing is not only the quality of your ingredients but also their freshness. If you have a grinder at home, buy your beans right before you use them for the best results.
If you don’t have a coffee maker yet, there is no need to buy all of the equipment separately. You can find an all-in-one machine that will make both espresso and cappuccino.
Most importantly, remember to experiment to find the perfect combination of coffee, water, and other ingredients for your personal taste. In this process of ensuring you have the best coffee, don’t forget to keep in mind how much caffeine your body can handle, as you don’t want to get too carried away.
