For over
centuries, the basic brewing process remains the same. You simply pour hot
water over ground coffee long enough to extract the oils and gases that will
make the water taste good. In addition to the beans, you also need a container
for the water and a source of heat. Although the brewing remains the same,
there are a few guidelines to help you to brew a good cup of coffee.
Make sure your equipment is clean
Every time you brew a pot of coffee, some
residual of the oil is left on the container. If the oil is not removed, it
will mar every fresh pot you brew, making it taste rancid and bitter.
Rinse the pot with hot water and scrub it
with a non-abrasive sponge, or use a little baking soda. Anytime you use an
abrasive brush or cleaner, you will scratch the interior surface of the pot.
After you’ve washed the pot, be sure to dry it.
Brew coffee at the correct water temperature
The best brewing temperature for coffee is
between 200 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. When your kettle has reached a rapid
boil, lift it off the burner and hold it for a moment before pouring the water
over your grounds. That will lower your water to the correct temperature.
Use the correct grind and brewing time
Two tips on grind may help. Number one, don’t
grind the beans so fine that the particles clog your filter. Number two, don’t
grind so coarse that the hot water rushes through the grounds without having a
chance to really wet them and draw out their flavors. The finer your grind,
the more surface area there is and the more easily hot water can extract the
aromatic oils.
With a fine grind, your brewing should take
no longer than 4 minutes; with a drip grind, 4-6 minutes; with a regular
grind, not more than 8 minutes. Remember that brewing coffee too long will
give it an unpleasant, bitter taste.
Use the correct amount of coffee
For every 6 ounces of water, use 2
tablespoons of coffee to fill a normal cup.
