More and more people are making coffee a part of their morning routine. The problem is that they are also making their local java joint a part of that routine. Brewing at home can seem impossible to some, but by following some easy steps, perfection in a mug can be attained.
Always make sure the equipment is clean. If any residual coffee is left in the carafe the oils will go rancid and the residual will burn. This will give the cup a bitter flavor.
Coffee is a horticultural product so freshness will affect flavor. Always procure the freshest beans possible. Buy beans from a reputable source that does a high volume of sales. The longer the beans sit around the store, the less fresh they will be.
Only buy as many beans as you will use. It doesn't matter how good a sale is on a great bean, if it goes stale it is no longer a great bean. Sitting around the house is just as bad for a bean as sitting around a grocery store.
Use good, clean water. If your tap water is great as is, use that. If you wouldn't drink the water out of the tap use filtered water.
Grind the beans just before use. Have a grinder at home to take care of this job. Fresh grind means fresh tasting java.
Make sure that you are using the right size grind for the brew method of your choice. If a percolator is used, coarse grind is called for. Medium grind is what most people would use. This is appropriate for drip machines and French presses. Fine grind is mostly used in Europe in vacuum and Neapolitan flip methods. Extra fine grind is used in espresso machines.
The ratio of grounds to water is critical. To make a perfect six-ounce cup, two tablespoons of grounds should be used. More grounds does not increase the flavor and is just a waste of money. Less grounds causes the water to extract too much from the beans, resulting in a bitter brew.
Store beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Putting beans in the fridge will expose them to moisture, which will ruin flavor. If beans must be put in the freezer, use them within 2-3 months.
When brewing, use water just off the boil. The time it takes to walk the kettle to the grounds is enough time for the water to cool down. If you are using a machine, this step does not apply.
Before serving, stir the brew after it has been made. This gets all the particles off the bottom and evenly distributes the oils. This will make all the cups more consistent.
If any coffee remains, store it in a thermos or a preheated air pot. This keeps it hot and fresh and doesn't allow for scalding if left on a hot plate.
By following a few easy steps and making them routine, anyone can brew the perfect cup of coffee in the comfort of their own home. Now you just need to think about what to do with all the money saved from buying lattes everyday.