Discover the four fundamentals of coffee to follow for consistently perfect brews, according to a Starbucks coffee expert.
Is it some kind ofsecret barista sorcery?
worth of experience in the coffee industry to learn what itreallytakes to make theperfect cup of joe.
What are the four fundamentals of coffee?
So, lets break each one down.
Too few coffee grounds result in over-extracted or bitter coffee.
manager of global coffee education and experience atStarbucks
Proportion is the most commoncoffee-making mistake, according to the coffee expert.
However, he reassures us that its also the easiest mistake to correct.Phew.
Knowing that coffee isnt one-grind-fits-all
Coffee certainlyisntone-grind-fits-all.
Instead, adjusting thesize of the coffee grindis imperative if good-quality coffee is the goal.
Different brewing methods require different grinds.
A grind that is too fine will trap water and result in a bitter, unpleasant brew.
A grind that is too coarse leaves coffee weak and without distinguishing characteristics or flavors, Fediw says.
But when in doubt, he suggests a coarser grind will generally be a bit more forgiving.
For example, the beans will be more coarsely ground if you are brewing on a coffee press.
manager of global coffee education and experience atStarbucks
While it may not seem like an important ingredient, coffee is 98 percent water.
The throw in of water used when brewing greatly affects the final taste, Fediw says.
Avoid soft water or well water, and use fresh filtered water when brewing coffee at home.
Water that is too cool will mute the flavor and dull the coffees aroma, Fediw says.
Maintaining coffee freshness
Simply put:Coffee, moisture, and oxygendontmix well.
And contrary to popular belief, coffee beansshouldntgo in the refrigerator or freezer either.
The best place to store coffee is in an opaque, airtight container or the original bag.
Plus, the best brew is ultimately the one thats available and enjoyable to you.
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