How to Learn to Pour Yourself a Perfect Cup of Coffee Each Day

cappucino coffee in a white cup on a wooden board with scattered coffee beans and biscuits

We all love a steaming hot cup of joe when it’s served up right in front of us and the aroma wafts it’s way up into our nostrils for us to enjoy. However, what if we said that you can get nearly the same level of quality coffee at home too? And no, we’re not talking about instant coffee. The art of brewing coffee is something that you have to learn if you want to enjoy that taste at home without all the bitterness and ruined flavour. But worry not, as here are some of the essential tips that you need to know to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Get Proper Equipment

First and foremost, you’re going to need some gear for this new hobby of yours. Depending on what kind of brew you like, you have a vast selection of machines and equipment to choose from. From hand-operated French presses to automatic drip machines, there is something to suit all tastes. Research this area well as not all kinds of coffee machines are worth getting just for home use – including some espresso machines that cost upwards of $200. For quality pour-over coffee, all you’ll need is a kettle, a dripper and some coffee filters, which you can find at any convenience store.

Find The Right Beans

Needless to say, the coffee beans are the most important part of any cup of coffee, therefore you have to invest the most attention to choosing your beans. There are so many exciting flavours out there that you will find yourself buying a different kind every time. Just to try as many as you possibly can. Instead of going for brand names, try and find authentic little shops, and get quality pure Arabica for the best effect. In addition, you have to pay attention to how you store your coffee beans. They are best stored in airtight containers at room temperature.

Grind Your Own Coffee

While you probably don’t have (nor do you need) the equipment needed for roasting coffee, grinding it is a whole other story. Coffee is best if it is used right after it is ground, which means that buying pre-ground coffee sets you back on your journey to the perfect cup of joe. Luckily, a small coffee grinder can be found in most households, but even if you don’t have one yet, it is a small investment compared to its payoff. Not to mention the wonderful scent that will flood your entire apartment every time you grind your coffee beans!

Learn From Professionals

True coffee aficionados might even want to try their hands at being a real barista. Regardless of whether you ever plan on making a profit from this knowledge or you simply want to learn from professionals to make the most of your home cups, enrolling in a course is more than a viable option. You will learn about various coffee beverages and how to make them, as well as all the equipment and how to keep it clean; you can be certain that you’ll sweep your friends off their feet the next time they come over for a coffee.

The Water Matters Too

Besides the beans, the second most important ingredient of coffee is, of course, the water. You might think that it doesn’t matter, but try out filtered and bottled water to see whether it does make a difference for you (steer clear from distilled or softened water though). If you’re making pour-over or using a French press, the temperature of the water should be between 91 °C and 96 °C (195 °F and 205 °F), meaning that you should wait about a minute after it boils. Pouring boiling water on your coffee will result in a bitter taste.

Get The Amounts Right

If you don’t want to get a vaguely coffee-resembling watered down drink, make sure you add the right amount of ground coffee to your cups. The recommended ratio is usually 1:16, which in simpler terms translates to 30 grams of coffee to 500 millilitres of water. However, you can later adjust this to your taste, of course.

Mind The Filters

While it is not true that bleached filters will make your coffee taste different, there are still a few things about filters that you should be aware of. Unbleached filters are better for the environment, therefore, if you can, choose those over white ones. If you experience a papery taste at any time, just pour some water through your filter before making coffee, and it will be good to go. Finally, make sure you buy quality filters as you don’t want this to ruin your coffee experience.

Clean Everything Properly

You should clean your containers and equipment once every few weeks to remove old buildup and keep everything hygienic. Moreover, once a month, make sure to take some time to clean your coffee maker too. For this, you can get a special solution or you can also use a solution of vinegar to remove all the mineral buildup. In fact, cleaning your coffee maker not only makes it healthy and hygienic but it also increases its efficiency and you will be able to have tastier coffee immediately.

Coffee is both a guilty pleasure and a saving grace during hectic mornings and we cannot imagine our lives without it. If you truly enjoy this beverage, learning about its preparation and all the tips and tricks that will enhance the flavour will only make it even more enjoyable for you. So keep these tips in mind and good luck!

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