Sometimes, a cup of coffee is all we need to kick off our day. Discovering that your favorite coffee shop has disappeared can be disheartening. Imagine if you acquired the skill to brew your perfect cup right in your home. Though it may seem costly, it’s simple and enjoyable. This simple guide will give you the homemade coffee you’ve always wanted.
Coffee Beans
Ensure you get fresh coffee beans. Freshly roasted coffee beans take approximately three weeks to start breaking down. By the fourth week, you’ll get the best and freshest flavor. However, you must use the pre-ground beans within 30 minutes. This occurs because crushed coffee has a greater oxygen penetration, leading to faster staleness.
Coffee beans come in different types, each offering a distinct taste and aroma. To identify the best, try them out at different intervals. You can choose Brazilian, Ethiopian, or dark, chocolatey African coffee. The choice is yours. Reading through coffee bean reviews (plenty of reviews are here) will help you get the best options. You should have a better idea of your preference based on what you read.
Brewing Process
There are different coffee brewing methods, each with pros and cons. Again, as a beginner, trying other methods is essential until you find a few you prefer. The final results of the brewed coffee also depend on the method used.
Some of these methods are listed below:
1. French Press
French press is a manual brewing process that is common and easy to use. After steeping ground beans, press them to the coffee maker’s bottom with a plunger. Thanks to its stainless-steel filter, it brews coffee with the richest and fullest flavor. French press allows coffee’s natural oil to pass through since it doesn’t use paper filters. Avoid the last sip due to sediment at the cup’s bottom. It doesn’t taste that good!
2. Cafetiere
This is one of the easiest coffee brewing methods for one or many people. It needs no filters, as well. Heat water in a kettle and let it cool slightly before introducing ground coffee. Stir the coffee vigorously and cover the coffee to keep it warm. Wait for three to four minutes. Allow it to brew before serving. You’ll have a tasty cup of coffee ready for you to enjoy.
3. Chemex
Distinguished by its graceful design, this pour-over glass flask was crafted several decades ago. The paper filter used is approximately 20-30% more substantial than other filters. Ground coffee is placed on a paper filter, and hot water is poured through. The freshly brewed coffee descends into the glass flask, doubling as a carafe. Try the Chemex to see what you think!
4. Moka Pot
Moka pots feature different designs and sizes. You can use them on an induction, an open fire, or a stovetop. However, the final product’s taste is the same regardless of the heating method. Moka pots use more coffee and might take longer to get perfect extraction. Using dark-roasted coffee beans will, however, give you better results. So, invest in a few darker roasts to ensure the best flavor.
Additionally, using fine-ground-sized coffee gives better extraction. Fine-ground coffee is similar to fine sea salt. It gives water an easy time to pass through, resulting in a sweet-flavored brew. You’ll love the taste of this sweet-tasting coffee.
5. Aeropress
The Aeropress is a good option for a single cup of coffee. The Aeropress coffee maker was launched in 2005. It features three plastic compartments. Coffee grounds are placed into the brewing chamber, and hot water is introduced to allow the coffee to steep. Press down the plunger to create air pressure. This forces brewed coffee through a filter into a cup. It takes one to two minutes to get a cup of ready coffee. Then, it’s time to sit back and enjoy a delicious cup of brew.
6. Automatic Gold Cone
As the name suggests, the automatic gold cone replicates an automatic cone. However, it boasts a gold-plated stainless-steel filter. Like in the French press, the gold-plated stainless-steel filter allows coffee oil to pass through. Hence, it produces rich and fuller-flavored coffee.
An automatic gold cone is perfect for brewing many cups of rich-flavored coffee. It strikes a balance by offering the convenience of automatic machines while preserving the rich flavor of the French press.
Conclusion
Life is fun when you have things done your way. Nothing would seal it better than a customized cup of coffee. You can now enjoy your sweet coffee at home with various brewing methods and the tips provided. Have fun experiencing until you have a few tried and true methods of creating the best coffee every time.