There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to start your day. In fact, some people like coffee at almost any time of day. Coffee can be good at lunch time and even after dinner. A nice cup of coffee can be sipped and enjoyed with a friend along with some pleasant conversation. Yes, coffee is a soothing drink that can be enjoyed on almost any occasion, but there are some ways to make sure it’s at it’s best. Get the most out of your coffee by not making one of these common mistakes.
Some people make the mistake of storing their coffee in the freezer or fridge. Roasted coffee beans have holes in them that absorb moister and odors. You don’t want your coffee to have a hint of something else you have in your freezer. Keeping your roasted beans at room temperature and in an airtight container will keep them fresh and tasting better.
Buying pre-ground beans may seem convenient, but unless you’re going to brew them as soon as you get home, it may not be such a great idea. Coffee beans start losing their freshness immediately after grinding so a better idea is to grind your beans right before brewing.
While on the subject of brewing, try not to use boiling water to brew. Boiling water extracts bitterness and acidity from the beans which takes away from their flavor. Ideally, coffee should be brewed at around 200F. If you don’t have a thermometer handy you can boil the water and then wait 45 seconds before using it.
Make sure you’re using the right grind for the equipment you have. Fine grinds are used for espresso or aero press while medium grinds work best in drip makers. If you have French press, you’ll want to use course grind.
Coffee is one of life’s pleasures and should be enjoyed at it’s best.
