Looking to make your perfect cup of coffee in the morning?
Many people start their day by getting a caffeine fix. Over 150 million Americans drink coffee every day. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a good cup of coffee.
Not everyone is willing to go to a coffee shop and pay for an overpriced cup of joe. If you’re looking to save cash but still get your daily dose of caffeine, you can start by making coffee at home.
Not sure how to make a good brew?
This article covers some coffee tips to help you get your energy in the morning. Read on for some essential tips on making the perfect cup of coffee.
1. Choose the Right Beans
A good cup of coffee starts with fresh, whole beans. You can’t get the same aroma, flavor, and strength from preground coffee. If you want a strong cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, skip instant coffee.
Two of the biggest categories in the coffee bean market are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee comes from high altitude areas. If you prefer a smooth and almost acidic taste, Arabica is the coffee bean for you.
Arabica coffee beans are drier and have a lighter color. Robusta comes from low altitude areas and offers a strong and bitter flavor. These beans are often shinier and darker.
When choosing coffee beans, it’s crucial to consider how much caffeine you want. Light roasts have the highest level of caffeine. If you’re only looking for a morning espresso, aim for a medium roast.
2. Use a Scale
How you measure your coffee plays a vital role in how it turns out. Most people make their coffee at home with tablespoons. You may have heard of the rule to use 2 tablespoons for every 6oz of water.
However, this method lacks precision. The key difference between blends lies in the coffee bean’s size and density. One tablespoon of a certain coffee type may not have the same weight as another coffee.
Instead of measuring with volume, measure with weight. A scale can help you get more accurate water and coffee ratio.
3. Use the Right Grinder
Ground coffee’s particle sizes will determine how you extract flavors from the bean. Smaller particles of ground coffee can extract more flavor than bigger particles. You also want your grounds to be the same size so that your coffee gets an even brew.
People use time and taste to determine how they brew coffee. A well-ground cup of coffee should be within three and a half minutes.
If it exceeds this time, your grind was too fine. It may be too coarse if it brews under this time frame. Invest in a coffee grinder that gives you control over the grinding process.
4. Wait to Grind
When you first get your coffee beans, don’t grind them all right away. Coffee experts state that coffee beans lose their flavor 30 minutes after grinding. If you want to keep your coffee fresh and strong, grind your beans right before you start brewing.
It’s also crucial to store your coffee beans the right way to keep them fresh for longer. Keep your coffee beans in a ceramic or glass container and keep them away from sunlight.
5. Clean Your Coffee Machine
If you want to keep enjoying good coffee in the morning, it’s vital to clean your coffee machine. If left alone, a dirty carafe can solidify stains and make it harder to clean. Ensure that while cleaning your coffee pot, don’t only clean the carafe.
Descaling your machine will help you clean off the buildup of excess minerals. This includes bacteria, germs, and coffee oils. Do this once a month with a descaling powder or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Avoid using metal sponges as not to scratch or damage your machine. If your coffee tastes more bitter or takes longer to brew than usual, you may have dirty filters. Remove trapped coffee grinds with soap and tap it out for a brand new filter.
6. Use Filtered Water
Filtered water is the best water you can use to brew coffee. The water you use will have an impact on the flavor’s outcome. Instead of tap water, use filtered or purified water.
You may also use bottled water, but ensure that it’s not distilled. While distilled water is the purest form of water, a good and flavorful brew needs minerality.
Temperature plays a vital role in extracting flavors out of your coffee. The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 190 to 205 degrees F.
7. Use Filtered Water
Filtered water is the best water you can use to brew coffee. The water you use will have an impact on the flavor’s outcome. Instead of tap water, use filtered or purified water.
You may also use bottled water, but ensure that it’s not distilled. While distilled water is the purest form of water, a good and flavorful brew needs minerality.
Temperature plays a vital role in extracting flavors out of your coffee. The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 190 to 205 degrees F.
8. Saturate Your Coffee
It’s not uncommon to find dry pockets of coffee. When brewing the perfect cup, ensure that your coffee grounds come in contact with water at the same time. A full saturation helps you get an even brew.
During the blooming process, stir your coffee for a brief moment. This eliminates dry pockets and ensures even saturation.
9. Choose Your Condiments
A pure brew is great for early mornings. However, you can make the most out of your coffee experience by adding condiments. Top your coffee with some whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and syrups.
You can also opt for ground cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re not a fan of chocolate. Looking for a keto-friendly creamer? Click the link to get your Bulletproof Instamix.
Coffee Tips to Make the Perfect Brew
Now you know how to make the perfect morning coffee brew! Use these coffee tips and up your homemade coffee game today.
Got yourself a new coffee machine? Check out our other blog posts and try out our coffee recipes!