How to care for coffee
Coffee has hit the American scene with a fury. Capuccino. Latte. Breve. Mocha. However you like it, the coffee shop scene has become more and more a part of everyone’s routine. Now you can take the coffee shop experience home. You just need to learn how to care for coffee. You, too, can become a coffee snob.
Coffee has received bad press because of the caffeine. On the other hand, it is high in anti-oxidants, which is a good thing. Since the medical community returns mixed reviews on the value and/or dangers of coffee, you’ll have to make your own decision about your drinking habits.
The perfect cup
Individual preferences vary as to strength and blends of coffee. But certain characteristics are desirable to everyone: rich taste, lack of bitterness, not too weak or too strong. Brewing the perfect cup of coffee requires all the right components. Start with the right brand and the right grind and roast.
The general rule of thumb is to use about 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water. (Adjust to taste.) Coffee and water should be fresh. Coffee grinder and coffeemaker must be clean and maintained properly. Brewing time will be about 4-6 minutes when using a medium grind. Serve within a few minutes of brewing. If you must hold the coffee to serve later, keep it in a preheated thermos.
The brand
Above all things involved with coffee, this is the most personal. Experimenting with several brands can help you pick out a brand that works for you.
As with any scientific experiment, you must keep all factors the same except the one you are testing. So before deciding on your favorite brand, follow the advice below.
Personal choice also comes into play when choosing the grind and the roast. Coffee is generally ground in one of three varieties. It can be fine, medium, or coarse. Fine coffee is finer than granulated sugar or table salt. (There is also an extra fine, which approaches the size of powdered sugar.) Medium is about the consistency of sand. Coarse resembles kosher salt. Roasts are dark, medium, and light. Dark roasted beans appear oily and will have a bitter taste. Medium roasts are often referred to as “American,” since they are generally preferred in the US. Light roasts are milder, but more acidic.
The method of brewing you will be using determines the degree of coarseness you should select. The finer the grind, the more contact the grounds will have with the water. More contact results in stronger coffee. Coarse grinds are used for the press pot, also known as a French press. Medium grinds are appropriate for drip coffee makers. Or if you are a true snob, a vacuum pot. Finer grinds are needed for brewing espresso and Turkish coffee.
Freshness
Once beans are roasted, they begin to lose their flavor and aroma. While beans are green, they can be stored for long periods without any loss of freshness or quality. For the freshest coffee, purchase where you can ask when it was roasted. Beans from your supermarket may have been sitting on the shelf or in the dispenser for a long time.
Roast coffee beans (in a sealed bag) should be used within 8 weeks for maximum freshness. Once opening the bag, use in 2 weeks. Coffee sold in a lined bag will last longer. Some bags will have a breathable valve that allows carbon dioxide to escape. Oxygen is prevented from entering. Coffee should stay fresh longer when packaged in this manner.
Grinding is the next process that takes a toll on freshness. Ground coffee in the bag should stay fresh for about 4 weeks. Once opening, use within a few days. Ideally, you will have your own coffee grinder at home. Store the beans in an airtight container at room temperature. Grind only as much as you need for each brewing.
Never refrigerate or freeze coffee. Freezing breaks down the essential oils and causes bitterness. Coffee in the refrigerator will pick up odors and flavors from foods that are stored there. Once it is exposed to the air or moisture it will begin to loose freshness and flavor.
The coffee grinder
Most home grinders use a blade method of grinding. Higher end machines will allow you to select the grind you desire. When using grinders without this feature, you can regulate the size by the timing. For a coarse grind, only 5-10 seconds are required. A finer grind is achieved after 15 seconds.
Coffee shops typically use a burr grinder rather than a blade machine. These machines can also be purchased for home use. These do less damage to the bean and produce a more even quality of grind.
Wipe the blades and the bowl after each use. Use pulse action rather than running the grinder continuously. Avoid overheating of the blades during grinding. This can cause burning of the natural oils. Shake the grinder several times during the process. An even grind will produce a more flavorful cup of coffee.
Your coffee maker
Keeping your coffee maker clean is vital to good taste in coffee. Sediments and oil allowed to remain in the coffee maker will produce an unpleasant taste. Use hot, but not boiling water. Do not pour coffee through grounds a second time. This will cause a bitter taste and may actually weaken the finished product.
Water is 98% of the equation
Since coffee is roughly 98% water, it is important to choose your water wisely. If your tap water tastes good, you may use it. Otherwise, use filtered or bottled water. Whichever you use, it should be fresh and cold. Run tap water for a few seconds to obtain fresher, aerated water.
Enjoy!
Whether you’re a snob, a gourmand, or just a caffeine addict, putting a little effort into your coffee will improve the experience. Now that you know how to care for coffee, you can enjoy each and every cup.
