There are many factors that determine the optimal taste when it comes to the taste of your espresso or coffee. Whether it is the storage, preparation, or the tools being used – there are a number of ways to ensure the best tasting results when creating a hot cup of home-brewed goodness.
Espresso Starts with a Quality Coffee Bean
It is crucial to store your product away from light, moisture, and heat. Your best option is an airtight glass or ceramic jar, away from a hot oven or other heat sources and stored in a dark, cool place out of direct sunlight. Take into consideration as well, the amount you store, with a 1-2 week supply being optimal. Coffee beans begin to lose freshness a few short hours after the roasting process and even faster once they have been ground. Remember that sunlight, heat, and moisture are all the enemy.
Show Your Machine Some Love
The most common brewing snafus are easy to prevent. Clean your machine regularly by running hot water and vinegar through the machine. This will help to prevent oily residue and build up inside – that can attribute to poor taste. Ensure you are also using the correct grind-to-water ratio, with a general rule of thumb being 1 to 2 tablespoons per every six ounces of water. Another consideration for taste is the quality of water you are using to brew. Mediocre tasting water makes mediocre tasting beverages. Try a Brita Machine or bottled water, if you are unhappy with the taste of your tap water.
The Proper Brew is Crucial
Temperature can also determine taste quality. It is important that the water you are using to brew is around 195-205°F. An easy way to accomplish this is to run the water through your machine once before adding the grinds. When the water has fully run through the machine, put the hot water back into the top and begin to brew. A typical counter top model takes about 5 minutes to fully brew a pot. This is important to monitor, as it can alter the taste of your finished product. After brewing, try to enjoy your finished product within 20 minutes to ensure optimal temperature and taste.
These tips and best practices are extremely affordable and only take a few extra minutes to adhere to. Interested in what else you can do to learn more about espresso, coffee, and the art of brewing?
- Research different blends to find one that suits your tastes best
- Visit a local coffee roaster and try out their blends
- Invest in a grinder to grind your own beans for coffee and espresso
- Roast your own coffee beans
Visit www.ncausa.org for more information and tips.
