How to pull off that perfect cup of brewed coffee at home
Not getting your daily dose of caffeine could seriously ruin your day. What can you do if you cannot go to your favourite coffee place, so you have to do it at home? How can you make your own cup of coffee that is as good, or even better, than the store-bought one? Well, the secret of perfectly brewed coffee lies in the details, and we will try to help you discover some of them.
Do your research first
The first thing you need to do before going on your caffeine journey is finding out which type of coffee appeals to you the most. As can be seen on Page One Coffee, you need to choose the right bean type, gear, and methods. Each of these elements can change the taste of your coffee drastically.
Choose the right beans
Don’t fall into the habit of buying pre-ground coffee just because it seems easier. Buy your beans in a local coffee store and avoid beans from grocery stores. Your beans should be roasted on the spot. The taste of your coffee mostly depends on the roast level of beans. Try beans of different roast levels to find out which one you like the best.
Look for a roast date
The most important characteristic of coffee beans you should look for is freshness. Your coffee should be consumed only a few weeks to a month after roasting. When buying coffee beans, especially in grocery stores, make sure to look for a roast date. If there isn’t any, it probably means that it has been on the shelves for a long time.
Store the beans properly
To keep the quality of your coffee, you need to store your beans properly. Put your coffee in a vacuum-sealed container or a Mason jar. Downsize your jars as you go through your supplies. That way, your beans will stay fresh and tasty for a longer time. Never freeze or refrigerate it. Make sure to keep it at room temperature in an airtight container.
Grind your own beans
This is the topic most commonly debated in the coffee community. Is it necessary to grind your own beans or not? If you want to get the top quality brew, you should definitely grind it yourself. As we previously mentioned, pre-ground coffee is usually less fresh, which means that it is less flavorful. Grind the beans directly before brewing. That way, you will be sure of its freshness and retain the flavour.
Get the right equipment
The shape and size of the coffee grounds also play a part in the quality and taste of your coffee. Different types of grinders produce different coffee grounds. Find a coffee grinder that crushes beans to similar-sized grounds. A finer grinder will make more flavorful and strong cups of coffee. Also, avoid buying the cheapest paper coffee filters. Low-grade filters may take the flavour out of your coffee, and let some sediment pass through.
Always measure the temperature
Your coffee should get neither too hot nor too cold. Use a thermometer when brewing to maintain the temperature of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure the temperature all through the brewing process. If the water gets too hot, the bitter compounds will come to the surface, and overwhelm the flavour.
Find a perfect recipe
Choosing a proper brewing method is subjective. It depends on the type of coffee you like the most, whether you like it stronger, more bitter, or even cold. Look up some recipes online and find the one that suits you best. You can even add some spices to make it more interesting. Let your imagination run free.
Water quality
If you use hard water to brew coffee, you will have a weak cup that tastes more like tea. Higher mineral water can also ruin your coffee maker. If you want to achieve the perfect ratio between your coffee and water, make sure to measure it both beforehand.
Milk and sugar
Surveys have shown that more people like creamy and sweet coffee texture. However, using whole skimmed milk could cause you some digestion problems. Almond or soy milk is a good healthy alternative. If you like your coffee sweeter, instead of adding too much sugar, try brewing it with sweeter, lighter beans.
Don’t drink too much
Caffeine is a known diuretic. This means that it speeds up your heart rate. It can help you stay focused and awake, but it could also cause you anxiety. One or two cups a day are healthy, but anything more than that can cause health issues.
Coffee is one of the favourite warm drinks of people all over the world. There are so many types that there is certainly a type of coffee for everyone. If you do everything right when brewing, you won’t have to drink store-bought coffee ever again.