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HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE |
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Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is far from complicated. You do not need to be a chemist, magician, or coffee connoisseur to achieve a consistently perfect cup of coffee. All you need for your success is the right tools and the proper information. We will be covering the simple procedures, tools, and resources necessary to yield a perfect cup of coffee every time. The first criteria to meet in order to brew the perfect cup of coffee, is a fresh supply of gourmet coffee beans or grounds. I prefer a fresh roast of whole bean coffee, but I would sooner have a fresher roast of ground coffee than a dated supply of whole bean coffee. The freshness of the coffee affects the taste more than the date of the grind. The manufacturer will most likely use proper airtight packaging techniques, it is necessary to continue proper preservation after breaking the manufacturer’s seal. Paper bags or anything other than airtight containers or bags will allow the coffee to go stale quickly. For the perfect cup of coffee, use a fresh supply of gourmet whole coffee beans and grind only the amount you will use for brewing. I recommend farm to market coffee If you are using whole bean coffee, the right coffee grinder is essential. There are three basic types of coffee grinders, blade, disc burr, and conical burr. It is important to use clean equipment. No matter what style of grinder you are using, if it is not cleaned regularly, old oils and residue from previous grinds mixed with the fresh stuff can be a detrimental contribution to our quest for the perfect cup of coffee. This is especially important when switching blends or flavors. Your French roast may have a hint of hazelnut. This rule applies to all your coffeware from the grinder to the coffee maker or espresso machine. Since coffee is about 98% water, it behooves us to use great water. I recommend filtered or bottled water free of chlorine. If you can control the water temperature, keep it between 195 degrees and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (just below the boiling point) to get the best flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. A good rule of thumb for a starting ratio is 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. From this starting point, adjust the ratio to your preference. Drip coffee makers are great, and can produce a wonderful cup of joe, make sure you use the proper type of filter, though. A standard disposable paper filter will give the coffee an aftertaste and absorb the aromatic oils that give the coffee the incredible taste. The best filters are the permanent metal, gold or nylon filters Lastly, drink the coffee while it is fresh. Only make enough coffee to consume within about 20 minutes. If coffee sits on the burner too long, it begins to break down and will taste bitter, also reheating coffee in the microwave will affect the taste and produce a less than perfect cup of joe. I like to use a porcelain coffee mug. Even though the stainless style of mugs and tumblers are quite popular, in my opinion, the metal imparts an undesirable taste to the coffee. The ceramic coffee mug Given these guidelines, you are well on your way to enjoying a perfect cup of coffee every time. I must warn you, though, once you start enjoying fine gourmet coffee prepared in the proper way, you will find your demeanor elevating into, well... a coffee snob. When you visit friends, you will be forced to drink their inferior brew, and will be reluctant to compliment when they ask if you like the coffee. You will have to be tactful, so not to offend, but you will be compelled to share the secrets of the perfect coffee with them. Soon, they will switch to the finer coffees in life, and your friendship will be enriched, all to the thanks of the perfect cup of coffee! |
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. This type of grinder is the most inexpensive. A blade style coffee grinder has a blade that spins horizontally, usually at a rate of 20,000 to 30,000 rpm, cutting the coffee beans into granules that differ in size from large to small. Because of the amount of time required to sufficiently chop the beans to a fine grain, the blade will heat up and actually singes the edges of the granular particles, searing the flavor into the granule. This searing effect prevents the true flavor from transferring to the brew, and adds a burnt flavor. Another factor in the taste is the size of the granules. Since the blade grinder is chopping or slicing the coffee bean as it tumbles around the grinder, the size consistency of the granules cannot be held to a tight tolerance. The searing of the flavor into the various sized granules, coupled with the variable for the time that the operator holds the button down on the grinder, results in an inconsistent brew. A tasty cup of coffee can be made with a 
. Conical burr grinders yield the finest grind of the three types we’ve covered. A complex design of steel burrs allows for a wide range of grinding speeds. Running at speeds around 500 rpm or less, the conical burr grinder generates less heat, thus, less heat will be transferred to the ground coffee. Because the conical burr grinder controls the heat factor so well, a finer grind can be achieved while preserving the flavor and aroma of the coffee. These grinders are the top in quality, but also are the top in price. 
. The permanent filters will preserve the aroma and flavor of the coffee without adding taste affecting impurities. If you must use a paper disposable filter, use the brown, unbleached type. Make sure to rinse them with hot water prior to use. Once again it is important to clean the coffee maker to ensure no oils or residue are present from other coffees. 
preserves the smoothness and richness of the brew.