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How to Brew the Best Coffee

It's Time To Brew Better Coffee:

What defines "good" coffee depends on personal preference, but there is a specific formula with a few hard and fast rules that you should follow to ensure that you get all the flavor and richness out of each cup you brew. To start, you should grind your coffee at home with a burr grinder. Inexpensive blade grinders don't do a consistent job of grinding and they heat the beans too much. Also, grind as you go, processing just the amount you need each time you brew. If you must use pre-ground beans, buy good quality, fresh-roasted coffee and purchase only what you'll use per week, and replenish your supply weekly. Remember that proper storage is important whether you're using pre-ground or whole beans. Keep your coffee beans or grounds in an air-tight canister away from moisture and light. 

You'll Need a Premium Home Brewer:

Select a home brewer that has been certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. These auto drip coffee machines have been tested and retested for quality and are designed to brew perfect coffee. They heat the water between 197 and 205 degrees, the ideal temperature window for delicious coffee, and moisten the fresh coffee grounds evenly and slowly until they reach full saturation. Water should be heated to just under boiling because lower brewing temperatures don't extract enough flavor from the coffee, and temperatures that are too hot will produce a bitter brew. And if you've ever used a manual drip coffee brewer, you know you can't just pour the hot water over the grounds all at once. Drip brewers require that you pour slowly and carefully in a controlled, circular motion, preferably using a gooseneck kettle.  With an SCAA certified brewer, you'll get a cup with all the flavor of manual drip coffee, but without all the tools and the work. Plus, many of these machines feature auto-stop, programmable brewing, and more. 

And Just the Right Amount of Coffee:

The Gold Cup ratio, according to the SCAA, is 9 to 11 grams per 6 ounces of water. The classic coffee scoop can range from 5 grams (one tablespoon) to 10 grams, or about two tablespoons. Start with two tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water. Brew and taste. If you want a little more strength, just add a bit more coffee. If you need to tame your brew a little, cut back on the coffee just a bit. Once you find your "sweet spot" you'll be glad you took the time to get your coffee just right.

Brewing Tips to Remember:

  • Start with a good quality home coffee brewer
  • Make sure it achieves the proper brew temperature (197-205 degrees), coffee saturation (4 to 6 minutes), and brew time (around 8 minutes)
  • Whole bean coffee stays fresher longer than pre-ground coffee, so use a burr grinder and grind as needed
  • Use high quality coffee beans
  • Store coffee beans in an air-tight canister away from moisture and light
  • Use 9 to 11 grams (approx. 2 tablespoons) per 6 ounces of fresh water
  • Brew your coffee, then fill your mug
  • Sit back, relax and enjoy!


Happy Brewing!

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