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Sick of paying exorbitant prices for a cup of coffee, but can’t seem to perfect the brewing process at home? Here are some trouble-shooting tips to give you that perfect cup of coffee:
* The most important tip: USE FRESH BEANS! The fresher the better. The best are those beans that have been roasted in the past two days but those roasted within the past two weeks will still give you good flavor. Buying directly from a shipper can help you get the latest and greatest. Once you taste the newly-roasted, you’ll never be able to go back to the “old” beans again.
* Grinding is an important step many people don’t pay much attention to. To begin with, don’t grind more coffee than you need for immediate use. Because the grinding process releases the coffee beans’ oils (the flavor), leaving it out will cause the flavor to be lost. Because there are different methods of grinding for the different methods of brewing, be sure to check out what sort of consistency you need to maximize your brewing. Generally for drip coffee, it’s best to grind the beans to a consistency likened to granulated sugar. For a French Press, you’ll want to use a coarse grinding, and for espresso, you’ll need a very fine, almost powdery grind. Finding the right grinding for your brewing method is very important--the wrong method can give you weak or bitter coffee.
* It’s all about proportion. Accurate measuring is key. A basic guideline to follow is to use 2 tbsp. of freshly ground coffee to 6 oz water (3/4 cup.) You can then adjust the proportions according to your taste.
* Use the right parts--make sure the filter you’re using is the one made for your coffee maker. If you have to fudge it, do so, but stock up next time you’re out--you’ll be happy you did.
* Use COLD water. And if your home tap is of questionable quality, go for bottled water or use a home filter. Using bad water is an easy way to give yourself bitter coffee.
* Store it carefully. Leaving your unused coffee out in the open will dramatically affect the flavor (for the worst!) It’s best to keep it in an air-tight container and use it ASAP (for up to 10 days.) Don’t store it in the fridge or your coffee will take on the flavors and smells of other food nearby. Freezing it is ok, but not recommended unless as a last resort for an excess of coffee.
* Keep things clean--make sure you wash out your coffee maker regularly. If you have hard water, it’s easy to get mineral deposits that settle into the machine. A white vinegar rinse through will help this problem tremendously. Just be sure to do 2 plain water rinses following to ensure the vinegar’s out.
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