How to Drink Coffee Properly
As you sip on that cuppa joe, it’s easy to forget the complex journey it has taken to reach your cup. From the harvesting of coffee beans to the delicate roasting and expertly crafted espresso drinks, coffee is a product of love and artistry. If you’re wanting to get the most out of your coffee, it’s important you understand the basics of selecting and serving your favorite brews.
At the most basic level, coffee is water and ground coffee beans extracted together. The quality of the coffee beans matter for the flavor, but so does the quality of the water. If you’re using tap water, it should be filtered prior to brewing to ensure any additives don’t compromise the flavor. Similarly, the water temperature is important for getting the desired strength and flavor from the coffee. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Too high or low of a temperature could affect the taste of the brew.
The ratio of coffee grounds to water is another important factor. Generally, it is advised to use one tablespoon of ground coffee per six ounces of water. However, this can vary depending on how strong one likes their coffee. Too few grounds and the coffee may come out watery, while too much can result in a bitter brew.
The type of brewing method chosen can also affect the flavor of the brew. There are a variety of ways to brew coffee, including French press, pour-over, chemex, and automatic machines. Each brewing method results in a different flavor and intensity of the brew. It is best to do some research prior to choosing a brewing method to ensure the desired outcome.
When it comes to grinding the beans, the size of the grind is key. Fine grinds are used for espresso whereas regular grinds are used for pour-over, chemex, and French press methods. Unfortunately, pre-ground beans won’t taste as great as freshly ground beans, so an investment into a good grinder may be beneficial if you want the freshest cup possible.
Finally, make sure your coffee is stored properly. Coffee beans should be sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dark place. Storing them in the fridge or in direct sunlight will make them stale quickly. If you find that your coffee tastes too acidic, adding a pinch of salt to the grounds will help to reduce the bitterness.
Investing in the Right Coffee Making Gear
When it comes to making the perfect cup of coffee, having the appropriate tools is important. Investing in quality brewing equipment can help ensure a delicious cup time after time. Before purchasing any equipment, research the features and reviews to find the right item for your needs.
The two most essential pieces of equipment are the beans and grinder. Quality beans that are freshly roasted will give you the most flavor, while grinding them right before brewing will ensure the flavor is as fresh as possible. Investing in a high quality grinder will make sure coffee grounds are of a consistent size, so they can be evenly extracted.
Other important tools include coffee pitchers, filters and thermometers. Coffee pitchers allow one to easily pour coffee out and come in many sizes, while filters can help to ensure only certain particles make it into the cup. Lastly, thermometers are essential for getting the water temperature just right. Additionally, a timer may be useful for measuring the time from when you start your brew to when it is finished.
Practicing Coffee Brewing Techniques
The ability to master the craft of coffee brewing requires time and patience. Brewing the perfect cup time and time again is not a science but an art, and all it requires is for you to practice and learn. Start by researching the type of equipment you will need and the areas of focus you want to perfect such as grinding, dosing, and tasting.
When you’re ready to start brewing, begin with the basics. Take notes of how long it takes to brew and the resulting flavor of the cup. Gradually move toward more advanced techniques like adjusting the temperature and experimenting with different grind sizes and bean blends. As you start to produce a better cup of coffee, you should begin to understand what changes will create a better brew.
By becoming familiar with the variety of coffee brewing processes, you can begin to customize your brewing experience. This will not only provide you with the best cup of coffee possible, it will also bring joy to those around you. When it comes to coffee, nothing beats a freshly brewed cup made with thought, care, and precise measurements.
The Rise of Cold Brews
In recent years, cold brew coffee has been gaining popularity. Cold brew coffee, also known as cold pressed coffee, is coffee that is brewed in cold water over a 12- to 24-hour period. The slow brewing process helps to extract more flavor and a unique, smooth taste. Cold brewed coffee generally has less acidity than traditionally brewed hot coffee.
Cold brewing is an accessible way for people to make coffee without having to invest in a lot of coffee making equipment. All that is required is a container, filter and coffee grounds. Many stores sell pre-made cold brew concentrate, so all one has to do is add water and enjoy.
Making cold brew coffee allows for one to experiment and find the flavor that suits them. For example, one can choose to add more grounds or less grounds depending on how strong one likes their coffee. Additionally, cold brew concentrate can be used to make a variety of drinks such as iced lattes and iced mochas.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee
In addition to its delicious taste, coffee can offer a range of health benefits. A moderate intake of coffee has been linked to a lower risk of multiple diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Coffee can also help combat fatigue and increase alertness, focus, and concentration.
Coffee can also be good for mental health, due to its ability to boost dopamine and serotonin levels. These two neurotransmitters are responsible for a person’s overall wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, regular coffee consumption has been found to combat depression and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Lastly, coffee is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their anti-aging properties and for protecting against cell damage. They can also help to reduce inflammation and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Sustainably Sourced Coffee
In addition to its health benefits, coffee also contributes to the economy by creating jobs and income for workers in coffee-producing countries. However, it is important that the coffee is sustainably sourced, meaning it is grown and harvested while protecting the environment. Sustainable farming practices helps to maintain a balance between the environment, economy and people.
One way to ensure you are buying responsibly sourced coffee is to opt for brands with a fair trade certification. Companies with this certification are required to meet certain criteria to prove their commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, one can look for organic and/or specialty grade coffees that more often than not adhere to higher standards of sustainability.
When purchasing packaged coffee, one should also be aware of the packaging used. Many companies are transitioning to using eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials like paper and metal containers.
Coffee Subscriptions
Lastly, for those of us who love coffee, taking advantage of coffee subscriptons can be a great way to ensure you always have a fresh batch of beans whenever you need it. Many companies offer subscription services that range from single bags of beans delivered monthly to detailed boxes of brewing equipment and accessories.
Coffee subscriptions can be customized to the individual’s like and needs, allowing the customer to select the type and amount of beans they would like delivered. This can be a great way to try different types of beans and brewing styles. Additionally, some subscriptions offer exclusive discounts and freebies that one may not be able to get anywhere else.
Conclusion
It is clear that there is much more to coffee than simply adding hot water and grounds to a cup. Learning the proper techniques for selecting, brewing, and consuming coffee can help us maximize the unique flavors and benefits of this drink. As the coffee industry continues to grow, it is important to keep in mind the importance of sourcing coffee sustainably and to take advantage of coffee subscriptions when possible.
