Just A Guy Thing

photo credit: lepiaf.geo
Once you’ve had a great cup of coffee, it’s hard to go back to the swill that most people in America drink. Despite the proliferation of Starbucks, when it comes to brewing a good cup at home, most folks are in the dark.

Here are a few tips to brew a great tasting coffee at home without breaking the bank:

1. Buy whole beans and grind them yourself. Buying ground coffee that will sit around for weeks before you brew it will never result in a pleasant cup. Yes, it’s a bit of a pain, but take the time to get a good grinder and buy fresh whole coffee beans. Coffee aficionados insist on burr grinders ($200 and up) which actually grind the coffee rather than chop it. But if you must, a cheaper blade grinder (about $15) is better than none at all.

2. Don?t waste time with the wrong grind. Finding the right grind can be a critical element when preparing your next cup of coffee. A consistent grind that matches your brewing method can enhance both the brewing process and the coffee taste. Find a grinder that has several settings that regulate the fineness of the grind. A grinder with just a spinning blade and an on/off switch will not give you the flexibility you need. So, whether you use a standard coffee maker or prefer a French Press, matching the grind to the brewing method can add tons of flavors. In general, the finer the grind, the stronger the flavor. Auto-drip coffee makers work best with a medium grind, espresso makers work better with finely ground coffee and French-presses need more coarsely ground beans.

3. Get to know your beans. Take your time and find a coffee that really suits your palate. A common misconception is that dark, over-roasted, bitter tasting coffee equals high quality coffee. Not true. Often you will find that a premium grade medium roast coffee can offer a full and balanced flavor without the bitter aftertaste. So, experiment, taste test and find the blend that suits your taste. Look for a premium coffee made from 100% specialty grade Arabica beans. Arabica trees produce the finest coffee beans on the market and “Specialty Grade” means the best of the best. And why not skip the pesticides or herbicides and buy organic coffee, it?s less taxing on the environment and offers a pure, coffee taste.

4. Degrees of flavor. For a great tasting cup of coffee the water should always reach 195- 205 degrees. Less expensive home coffee makers often don’t heat the water to this correct temperature, which means a cup o? little flavor. And take care that the brewer?s hot plate doesn’t overheat, which is what causes that unpleasant, burnt aftertaste. Coffee makers that offer a thermal carafe are great options too. They can keep your coffee warm, avoiding any chance of hotplate burning. So, invest a little extra in a high-quality home brewer- you?ll taste the perks.

5. Store your beans the right way. Contrary to what EVERYONE thinks? coffee does not stay fresher by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. To keep your coffee super-fresh, roll the top of the bag down and fasten it closed. Or store the coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The cold temperatures of a freezer or fridge can actually cause condensation which breaks down the flavorful oils in the beans–meaning they lose their freshness faster.

6. Find your right ratio. The amount of water to coffee is a critical factor in great brewing. Good Earth Coffee experts recommend using 1? tablespoons of its coffee for every 6 fluid ounces of fresh, cold water. Of course all coffee brewers work differently, so you might need to adjust the recipe to your personal taste. Always make sure to use cold, fresh water for the best flavor. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, you won’t like it in your coffee, so use filtered or bottled water instead.

Taking a bit of time to make a tasty cup of coffee doesn’t need to cost much. Just think about how much you’ll save by passing up the local Starbucks and brewing a great cup at home.