The art of Coffee Perfection; An introduction

 

Coffee is one of the most important things in life, right up there with oxygen and wifi. Some people even say that they don't trust anyone who doesn't drink coffee. And while we all have our preferences when it comes to the perfect cup of joe, there are some general guidelines to follow if you want to be a true coffee connoisseur. So, let's take a look at some of the "artistic" and "scientific" elements that go into brewing the "perfect" cup of coffee (we use quotation marks here to avoid offending anyone who may not agree with our idea of perfection).

i. Choosing the "Right" Beans, ☕🌱

    First things first, you need to select the right beans. But let's be honest, what even is the "right" bean? There are so many options out there - Colombian, Ethiopian, Brazilian, dark roast, light roast, and the list goes on.

Why do they all have such fancy names? Can't we just have a regular coffee bean? We'll leave the decision up to you, but here are the main points, Light roast is more sweet and fruity and my personal favorite higher in caffeine.... mmmm the reason I get up in the morning. Darker roasts lend themselves to more bitter flavours and lower caffeine content. Just make sure they're not expired, otherwise, your coffee might taste like a combination of dirt and cardboard.

ii. Grinding the Beans,

Now, it's time to grind the beans. This is where the real fun begins. There are various settings on your coffee grinder, ranging from "supesuperfine "coarse." And if you thought selecting the right bean was difficult, wait until you see how many options there are for grinding the darn things. So, what's the "perfect" grind? We don't know, but we do know that if you're grinding coffee beans at 3 a.m. and you're not the only one in the house, you're going to wake up the entire neighborhood. So maybe, for the sake of your neighbors, stick to grinding during reasonable hours.

iii. Measuring the Coffee

Now that you've ground your beans, it's time to measure the coffee. But what does "one cup" even mean? Is it an actual cup, or just some arbitrary measurement that people made up a long time ago? And why do people use tablespoons to measure coffee? Why can't we just use a measuring cup like a normal person? We have no answers to these questions, but we do know that if you add too much coffee to your brew, you'll end up with a cup that's so strong it could power a small car.

iv. Choosing the "Right" Water

Water quality is an important factor when it comes to coffee. But what is the "right" water? Should you use tap water, or will that make your coffee taste like chlorine? Should you use bottled water, or will that make you look like a coffee snob? We say, just use whatever water is available, and if it's not great, blame the water instead of your brewing skills.

v. Brewing Methods

There are many different brewing methods, each with its own unique flavor profile. But let's be honest, we all have our favorite, and we're not going to try anything new because we don't want to waste our precious coffee beans. So, we'll stick to our tried and true method, thank you very much.

vi. Brewing Techniques

The technique used can impact the final flavor of the coffee. But who has time for technique when you're barely awake? We say, throw some coffee in a mug, add hot water, and call it a day. If it's good enough to keep you from falling asleep at your desk, it's good enough for us.

vii. The Importance of Cleaning

like it came straight out of a science experiment gone wrong. And let's be real, who wants to drink coffee that tastes like it's been sitting in a dirty sock? Cleaning your brewing equipment doesn't have to be a chore, though.  Just make it a habit to clean your coffee maker or French press after each use. Not only will this prevent any lingering coffee oils or residue from ruining your next cup of coffee, but it will also prolong the life of your equipment.  So, how do you clean your coffee maker or French press? It's easy - just use some warm soapy water and a sponge or brush to scrub away any residue. Rinse everything thoroughly and let it dry completely before using it again. If you have a coffee maker with a built-in water reservoir, make sure to descale it regularly to prevent mineral buildup. And don't forget about your coffee grinder, too. Just like your coffee maker, your grinder needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it in top condition. You can use a brush or a dry cloth to wipe away any coffee grounds or residue, and for a deeper clean, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any buildup.

viii. In conclusion,

Brewing the "perfect" cup of coffee is a combination of art, science, and a little bit of luck. But if you follow these guidelines and take the time to clean your equipment, you're sure to impress even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs (or at least your taste buds).