Every coffee lover must have his favorite coffee blend. Sometimes it takes a long journey involving various types of coffee beans and various ways of processing them to produce a cup of coffee with the perfect blend. Read this article to learn everything you need to consider to produce a cup of coffee with the perfect aroma, taste and consistency for your taste buds!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Buying, Storing and Grinding Coffee Beans
Step 1. Buy fresh coffee beans that have just been roasted
This is important for you to pay attention to because the best taste is produced by coffee that is brewed immediately after roasting. Make sure the packaging of the coffee you are going to buy includes the “roast date”, choose the one closest to the date of purchase. The longer it is stored, the coffee beans will lose quality. Therefore, buy coffee beans that you can finish in about two weeks.
Choose coffee packaging that is airtight and lightproof for better quality coffee beans
Step 2. Try different coffee beans with different degrees of roast
Coffee beans will produce a different aroma and taste if the roasting time is different. Try a slightly dark brown coffee bean (medium roast) if you want a lighter taste, or a dark roasted coffee bean (dark roast) if you want to make espresso. Experiment with different coffee beans with different degrees of roasting (starting from a mild light roast that is light brown in color to an extra-dark roast that is jet black with an oily surface) for different flavors and aromas of coffee. The easiest way to tell the degree of roasting of a coffee bean is to compare the color.
- Coffee beans that are roasted to a slightly dark brown (medium roast) or very dark brown (medium-dark roasts) tend to be preferred over coffee with an extra-dark roast level because the original taste of the coffee is still very pronounced.
- If you really want to create the perfect cup of coffee, learn to roast your own coffee beans. In this way, you can control the roasting process so that you can produce the freshest coffee beans of the best quality according to your taste.
Step 3. Check the origin of the coffee and its variety
Make sure the coffee variety (arabica or robusta) and the region of origin are listed on the coffee package you are going to buy. If more than one region of origin is listed, it is a sign that the coffee producer prefers cheap prices over quality (although some are still of good quality!). Do not buy coffee that does not include both of these information on the packaging.
For the perfect cup of coffee, try grinding 100% arabica coffee beans, or mixing with a few robusta beans if you want more caffeine. Not all Arabica coffee beans are of good quality, especially if they are sold in dark roast form. However, the taste of Arabica coffee is usually more delicious and not as bitter as Robusta
Step 4. Store the coffee beans in an airtight container
Exposure to air, light, heat, or liquids can damage the taste and quality of your coffee beans. Glass jars with rubber-coated lids are the best storage containers and you can easily find them at the nearest supermarket. You can also store it in a plastic clip though it won't work as well as a glass jar.
Changes in temperature can cause scented liquids to condense and evaporate. Store coffee beans at room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is very hot. If you already buy too many, store the excess coffee beans in the freezer
Step 5. Grind the coffee beans just before the coffee is brewed
Coffee grounds that are left for too long will lose their best taste. For best results, grind the coffee beans using a burr grinder (coffee grinder with serrated blades). Compared to blade grinders, burr grinders are able to crush coffee beans with a better consistency. However, if your home only has a blade grinder (a more economical and simpler coffee grinder), ask a trusted coffee shop to grind your coffee beans using a burr grinder. Feel the difference and use the coffee beans immediately after grinding. The size of the coffee grounds depends on the brewing method you choose:
- For the French press or cold brew method, grind the coffee beans to produce coarse grains that resemble the consistency of soil.
- For the drip coffee method, grind the coffee to a medium consistency resembling coarse grains of sand.
- To make espresso, grind the coffee beans to produce fine grains that resemble the consistency of salt or powdered sugar.
- If your coffee tastes too bitter, try coarsely ground coffee grounds.
- On the other hand, if your coffee is too bland, try ground coffee that is ground very finely.
Part 2 of 3: Various Brewing Methods
Step 1. Brew coffee using a French press
This method is indeed the most recommended by coffee experts. However, for ordinary people, it takes regular practice to prevent coffee from tasting bitter because of the excessive extraction process. Follow the steps below to make a delicious cup of coffee:
- Open the French press cover and plunger.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ground coffee for a serving, or until it reaches the line printed on the side of the French press.
- Pour hot water until it reaches half the water volume limit.
- After a minute, gently stir in the coffee grounds. Pour in the remaining water and attach the French press cover.
- After three minutes, gently press the plunger to settle the coffee grounds to the bottom of the French press. Make sure the plunger surface touches the bottom of the French press.
- After all the processing is complete, pour the coffee into a cup or glass. The remaining pulp you can stir and gulp back, or just leave it at the bottom of the cup.
Step 2. Pour the coffee through a paper filter
If you're not in a hurry, this process is well worth trying for a tastier coffee! Rinse the filter with hot water, place it over your coffee cup, and brew the coffee according to the steps below:
- Place the coffee grounds in a paper filter. Shake gently so that the coffee grounds are evenly distributed. Use about 2 tbsp. coffee for a serving or adjust to your taste.
- Using a narrow-mouthed teapot, pour in enough hot water to wet the coffee grounds. First, pour hot water in the center of the filter, then start moving in circles without wetting the sides of the filter.
- Wait 30-45 seconds for the gas in the coffee to come out.
- With a steady speed, pour the remaining water through the filter in circular motions so that all the coffee grounds are exposed to the hot water. It is assumed, the water will run out in about 2 minutes 30 seconds.
- Wait for the remaining water to drip to the bottom of the cup, about 20-60 seconds.
Step 3. Brew coffee using a coffee maker with the drip brew method
There is no specific process that you need to observe in this method. You only need to pour water to soak all the coffee grounds in the filter, wait until the dripping process is complete, and you are ready to enjoy a cup of hot coffee. Although the results are still delicious, this method is the least recommended when compared to the previous methods.
Step 4. It is best not to use a percolator (coffee brewing machine that uses the principle of pressure)
The percolator brews coffee at a very high temperature, so there is a risk of "burning" the coffee and reducing its deliciousness. Many coffee experts agree that brewing coffee using a percolator is the worst method. This coffee machine works automatically and often produces coffee that is bitter and less tasty. Don't use it if you want heavenly flavored coffee.
Part 3 of 3: Improving the Taste of Brewed Coffee
Step 1. Clean any items that have come into contact with your coffee
The remaining coffee grounds that are attached must be thoroughly cleaned so that nothing remains. If you are using a coffee maker, check the instructions on the box.
Step 2. Strain or boil the water until it is cooked before using it to brew coffee
While you can also use filtered tap water, it's best to boil it until it's cooked. This is what you need to do to get rid of bad odors and bacteria in raw water.
- Do not use distilled water. The coffee extraction process requires minerals that are not contained in the distilled water.
- Clean the bottles or containers you use to store water.
Step 3. Calculate the amount of coffee grounds and water used
To be more accurate, use a scale, not a measuring spoon. As you study, write down the measurements you normally use and what the results were like. Start experimenting with the measurements below (for one cup of coffee). If it doesn't suit your taste buds, recreate it according to your taste:
- Coffee grounds: 0.38 ounce (10.6 g) or 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Water: 180 ml. If you choose a brewing method that evaporates a lot of water, increase the amount of water (be careful when adding water!). No need to worry if the result is too thick, you can always add water again.
Step 4. Measure the temperature of the water you are using
Always brew your coffee with water at 90, 6–96, 1ºC). Usually, this temperature will be reached 10-15 seconds after the water boils. To be sure, use a kitchen thermometer if you have one in your home.
If your brewing location is at 4,000 feet or 1200 meters above sea level, use the water immediately after it boils
Step 5. Pay attention to the brewing time
The exact brewing time for each method is described above. If necessary, use a stopwatch to ensure accuracy. Remember, the taste of coffee that is brewed for too long can be really bitter and unpleasant to consume.
