Coffee Brewing, Keeping it Fresh Part Two

Articles
March 15, 2013

Love coffee? Here are some tips to the best and freshest cup, one of SupermarketGuru's favorite ways to start the day

There are many theories about how to make the best cup of coffee but there is one thing we can all agree on: the freshest beans makes the best grind, which begets the freshest-tasting coffee. Sounds easy enough, here are SupermarketGuru’s tips 6-10 to the freshest cup.

Tip 6: Use Good Water 
The choices for water are wide and wonderful these days: purifiers that fit on your kitchen sink faucet, bottled spring water delivered right to your door, and “gourmet” spring waters available at your local grocer. Waters to avoid are soft waters, regular tap water in most communities, and distilled waters. Remember, the freshest-tasting cup relies on the water as well as the bean.

Tip 7: Temperature Matters 
Boiling-hot coffee burns the tongue and the fingers holding a cup, so imagine what it does to the bean. Forget about boiling (212°F) water, which cooks the grinds. Instead, use slightly cooler water from (195 to 200°F). If the water boils, take it off the heat, let it cool down about five minutes to the recommended temperatures, then brew as usual.

Tip 8: Timing Is Essential 
The one criterion important to all brewing methods is to make only the amount that you will drink now, and rebrew as desired. Believe us, the extra effort to brew more often is worth it and respectful to the bean! Keeping that pot on the burner for more than 18 minutes only means one thing: instead of warming the brew it burns it. In fact, most coffee tastes freshest when consumed within 10 minutes of its brewing.

Tip 9: Use Enough Coffee! 
Although this isn't technically about freshness, using the right amount of coffee gives you the best, deepest, most flavorful cup. Don't be stingy. You're worth the best. Two level tablespoons to a six-ounce cup or four level tablespoons to a twelve-ounce mug will be perfect for most palates. Adjust to your taste.

Tip 10: Keep Your Tools Clean 
Nothing can contaminate all your best efforts than a dirty pot or cup. Residue from the oils and the grinds does build up in mugs, filters, and brewers, so take the time to clean your tools regularly. Your coffee will definitely taste better, richer and fresher!

For tips 1-5 click here.