Brewing the Coffee Right is No Easy Task!

Brewing a coffee right involves careful consideration of individual needs and preferences, the method of brewing, and the types of coffee ground available. The quality of a cup of coffee largely depends upon the type of coffee used and the method brewing followed. In addition to selecting the right coffee based upon your taste and the brewing method to be used, it is important to follow the following guidelines to ensure that you get a cup of Good quality coffee.

Purchasing the coffee

As far as possible, purchase freshly roasted coffee in small amounts. The coffee tastes best if it is brewed as soon as possible after roasting. Buy fresh coffee supply every 1-2 weeks.

The brewing equipment

Proper care of the brewing equipment is important for getting the fresh taste. The equipment should be cleaned after each use, with hot water and dried with absorbent towel. No coffee ground should get collected on the equipment as it can result in buildup of coffee oil. Presence of coffee oil can make the coffee taste bitter and stale.

The coffee grind

Some people may purchase whole coffee beans. It should be ground as close to the brewing time as possible. The coffee beans should be ground with a burr or mill grinder; coffee ground with blade grinder may not be of consistent size, and may cause variation in the taste. The taste of the coffee depends upon how coarse or how fine the ground is. A coffee that is over extracted or is too fine, may taste bitter, whereas, a coffee that tastes flat may be coarse or under extracted. The coffee should not be reused as it can taste bitter and of low quality.

The water used in coffee

The water used in brewing coffee should be filtered or bottled water. Tap water may not be preferred due to its chlorine content that imparts a bitter taste. Distilled or softened water should not be used. The ratio of water to coffee is an important factor in deciding the taste of the coffee. Ideally, 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee is used for every six ounces of water, however, it can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. When brewing coffee, the temperature of the water should be maintained between 195 - 205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction. Water at lower temperature than this can result in under extraction, water at higher temperature can cause a loss of quality. The boiling water should be turned off and left for a minute before pouring it over the coffee ground.

The optimal brewing time

An optimal brewing time is essential for the right extraction. In a drip system, the contact time should be approximately 5 minutes. If you are making your coffee using a plunger pot, the contact time should be 2-4 minutes. Coffee in Espresso, has a short brewing time of about only 20-30 seconds. The coffee taste may vary depending upon whether the contact period of coffee with water is short or long.

Enjoying a freshly brewed Coffee

Brewed coffee should be enjoyed immediately. The amount of coffee brewed should be only as much that can be consumed immediately. If it would take time before the coffee is served, then it should be transferred in insulated thermos and consumed within 45 minutes. A brewed coffee should never be reheated, as it loses its taste and aroma. A Coffee tastes best when brewed in the right way, with the right ground and had immediately.