You know that cup of coffee, hot or cold, that is just right for you? That picks you up in the morning and gives you an extra boost that just makes your day better. Coffee contains caffeine (unless it is decaffeinated), which is a stimulant. It’s the boring scientific part of caffeine, but the taste of coffee is an adventure. Well-brewed coffee is a luxury that we may strive to make at home, but we are not all baristas.
You do not need to go down to the local coffee shop to enjoy high-quality coffee. You can have the same taste at home and maybe surprise your loved one with an amazing coffee in bed. It will definitely score you some points!
We have had a look at some of the benefits of being your own barista. Let’s go over some tips to ensure you can make the cafe-quality coffee that you dream of.
Buy fresh beans
Coffee is best when used within a few days of being roasted, so the best place to buy the freshest beans is a local roaster, where coffee beans are usually stored in airtight containers, glass jars or ceramic storage crocks with rubber gaskets for a short period of time. Try to avoid buying coffee beans that were exposed to oxygen and bright light. Instead, go for coffee beans packed in vacuum-sealed bags.
Measure your coffee accurately
Most of us use a spoon to measure coffee. This is not the most accurate way. You will need to spend some money to get the right equipment, such as a coffee scale. If you prefer to use a spoon, make sure it is a specially designed spoon.
Choose the right type of coffee
Before you get to the measuring of your coffee, you need to have the right coffee. There are many different blends of coffee. You can even buy single-origin coffees, such as Brazil or Kenya. It is recommended to use whole bean coffee and grind it right before brewing. If you buy fresh coffee beans and do not grind it too early, you will not lose the flavour as with pre-ground coffee. The type of coffee you choose should be based solely on your taste and strength preferences.
Milk temperature
Your milk temperature is something that may not seem important but it is. If you overheat your milk it will scald. The ideal temperature for your milk to be at is 60 to 65 degrees Celsius or 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher than that can make your milk have an unpleasant aftertaste or create a skin.
Do not pour the water too quickly
When pouring water over the medium-ground coffee grounds, do it slowly. If you pour too quickly, you will agitate the coffee grounds and make the water move too quickly through the grounds. This means you will lose flavour in the cup.
Coffee to water ratio
The ratio of coffee to water is suggested to be 1 to 17, i.e. 1 part coffee to 17 parts of water. You may prefer it a little higher or lower. Again, this is up to your taste, but this ratio is a tried and tested standard.
Coffee maker
You cannot forget about the appropriate equipment. Some of the most feature-filled coffee machines are quite expensive, but they are all-in-one machines. This is an investment that will provide you with many cups of great coffee and latte. If you use them often, you will recoup your investment in a short space of time.
When you make your coffee, the measurements are important. The temperature of your milk and water can also affect the taste of your coffee. Try our tips to enjoy your perfect cuppa.