If you want to make great coffee at home, then there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the best results. These basics of coffee brewing will really help you to achieve the perfect cup of coffee, without having to spend too much on equipment.
Tools for Brewing the Best Coffee
- Use a Grinder: Invest in a good burr grinder. The right grind size is crucial for extracting the full flavour of your coffee. Also, buying coffee in whole bean form and grinding only when needed preserves the flavour for much longer.
- Use a Digital Scale: Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water. Using precision really helps and makes sure you produce a great result consistently. A good starting ratio is 1:16 coffee to water.
- Use Filtered Water: Use fresh, filtered water heated to about 93°C (200°F). The quality of water is actually extremely important in getting a good result. For example, hard water mutes any fruity flavours and tends to make all coffee taste the same.
Brewing Techniques to Try
- Pour-over: Control every variable and extract subtle flavours. Check out our pour over brewing guide for detailed instructions. These are also called drip coffee makers because the water drips through a paper filter into your cup.
- Cafetiere (or French Press): For a more rich and full-bodied coffee. These are also called immersion coffee makers because the grounds are immersed in the water for a time. This results in more of the oils and soluble compounds being dissolved into the water.
- AeroPress: A kind of cross between the immersion and drip methods. The coffee is immersed in the water for a time before being forced through a paper filter into your cup. Creates a more smooth and versatile cup, perfect for experimenting.
Choosing Your Coffee Beans
When choosing coffee beans, your flavour preference plays a crucial role. Here are some tips on how you can pick the best beans based on the flavours you enjoy: -
Nutty and Sweet: If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied coffee that offers nutty, chocolatey, and sweet undertones, medium roast beans are an excellent choice. These beans are roasted just enough to bring out a deep, complex flavour without overpowering the inherent characteristics of the bean.
Fruity and Floral: For those who prefer a lighter, more aromatic coffee with hints of fruit and flowers, opting for single-origin beans with a light roast is the best. These beans are roasted quicker and lighter, to preserve the delicate flavours and aromas unique to the bean's origin.
Selecting the right type of beans based on these guidelines will enhance your coffee experience, tailoring it to your specific taste preferences.
Quick Tips
- Always store your coffee beans in an airtight container away from light and heat. Keep them in our resealable bag, squeeze out the air and pop them in the cupboard.
- Clean your equipment regularly to keep your coffee tasting fresh.
Start your day with these brewing basics and notice the difference in your cup. Remember, great days start with great coffee!