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 Start with filtered, cold water..........
Remember: Coffee is 98% water! So, if possible, use bottled or filtered water. Tap water works, but we recommend that you keep a gallon jug in the fridge...sediments, impurities filter to the bottom of colder water.....so the better the water, the better the coffee! Coffee brews best in between 195 and 205F. If you’re using an electric, automatic drip brewer, the water should be heated to the proper temperature by the machine. If you’re using a French Press (also known as a press pot), you’ll need to heat the water yourself.
The easiest way to approximate this temperature is to boil water in a kettle, and then let the kettle rest for just a moment before pouring into the press. If the water is too hot, it will overextract the coffee and the result will taste bitter; if the water is too cold, it will underextract the coffee and the result will be a weaker, underbrewed coffee in your cup!
Grinding Your Coffee..........
Try to avoid using pre-ground coffee. When coffee is ground, the flavor oils evaporate very quickly, leaving the coffee tasting weak or stale. Before you grab that can of Coffee off your grocery shelf, imagine how long it has been since that Coffee was actually ground! Just because they have fancy, high-tech foil wrappers or seals on the can doesn't guarantee freshness-they lost that when they ground the Coffee! Always try to use Whole Bean Coffee and grind it using either a blade or burr grinder. A medium grind is usually best. If you’re using a blade grinder with a French Press, grind the beans for 8-10 seconds. If you’re using a blade grinder for an electric drip brewer, grind the beans for about 15-20 seconds. If you have a burr grinder (rotating or conical), it will have settings for each brewing method.
Measuring Your Coffee..........
One popular myth that we would like to dispel here is using less or more Coffee to make your brew weaker or stronger. The strength of your Coffee actually begins with the Coffee Bean itself and how it is grown, harvested and roasted. So if you want a stronger Coffee, begin with a strong bean or for a lighter cup of Coffee, begin with a lighter, smoother bean. But a general agreement among most Coffee drinkers is:
Brewing Your Coffee..........
FRENCH PRESS: Brewing time will be about 5-6 minutes.
First - Pour the water from the kettle onto the grounds.
Second – Many of the Coffee grounds will float to the top as the water level rises; this is fine, but you need to stir the press so many of them will settle back into the water.
Third – After 5-6 minutes, place the lid/plunger onto the press and slowly press the plunger down. The filter will trap the Coffee grounds at the bottom of the press.......
Now you’re ready to pour your coffee!
ELECTRIC AUTO DRIP COFFEE MAKER: Be sure to use a gold tone Coffee filter instead of a paper filter. Not only will you save money, but often, paper filters leave an aftertaste and can absorb the coffee’s oils. If you only have paper filters, rinse them with hot water first to help avoid the tasting the paper. Remember, Coffee tastes the most fresh within 20 minutes of brewing so try to consume your Coffee immediately after brewing it. If you leave Coffee on a warmer, it will continue to “cook” and the taste will suffer. If you need to brew a larger amount of Coffee, use a Coffee Urn that will keep your Coffee warm but will not continue to cook it. On behalf of Coffee Drinkers everywhere, we kindly ask that you never reheat coffee. We know there are those of you who "nuke" their Coffee.....but reheating equals recooking and...well....its just sad and not worth it!
Storing Your Coffee..............
The best way to store your whole bean coffee is in a cool, dry, place....preferably in a sealed can, or a jar with metal clamps. Contrary to popular belief, refrigerators and freezers are not recommended because they are too moist inside, and often can taint your coffee beans with food odors.
ENJOY!
We know there are as many ways to make Coffee as there are Coffee Drinkers out there! We would like to know how you make your Coffee! Know someone who has a "special" way to make Coffee? Send us your Tips and we'll share them here!
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P.O. Box 24
Doris Luker Owner/Operator
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