Brewing coffee at home is a whole new experience for many people. While states such as Oregon are known for their hip brew spots, many people have begun their own caffeine rituals with many cafes switching to takeout-only of offering their own bean blends for at-home use. That begs the question: How can you brew your own coffee and make it taste as good as the cup from your favorite cafe? We've got some answers according to what the experts do.
While not every at-home latte or cappuccino will have the flavor of exotic spice blends and gourmet syrups, there are some things you can do to make one cup of good coffee taste like perfection. There's nothing better than having something to look forward to in the early morning hours and for many of us, the better the coffee, the more efficient our daily functions. Ready to start off your routine with some A+ tips?
Whole Bean Vs. Ground, And When To Grind It
Just because coffee has been ground and packaged does not mean it will produce sub-par coffee. The exception to this rule is obtaining ground coffee from the source (i.e. local coffeeshops or roasters) as opposed to in the grocery store, where it's often uncertain how long the ground coffee has been on the shelf. For those who have a coffee grinder at home, whole bean coffee is the way to go. This way, you can grind it as needed which is an extra step but it's always worth it.
How To Store Coffee And How NOT To Store Coffee
For starters, coffee should never be stored in the freezer. The theory behind this is that freezers can allow moisture to seep in which can alter the flavor of the beans themselves. For proper storage, whole beans or ground coffee should be stored in a container that's dark-colored and not transparent, such as a ceramic canister. Light (and heat) can also alter the flavor of the beans whereas a canister that's not transparent will prevent that from happening.
Don't Believe The Hype, Clean Your Coffeepot
The old myth is that not cleaning your coffeepot will ensure a bold and robust flavor. While it's true that there will be more flavor, it won't necessarily be the flavor that you're looking for.
Rather than enhancing the flavor of the coffee beans themselves, not cleaning a coffeepot allows oils to build up on the inside of the pot, which leads to a flavor that's burnt-tasting and slightly bitter.
Add Dry Spices To Your Ground Coffee
Sometimes, all it takes is a little ingenuity and creativity to make a good cup of coffee. There's no need to bring in fancy blends or flavored coffees when you can control the flavor profile of your coffee with a little help from your spice drawer. Blends such as pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, freshly ground cinnamon, and even vanilla can lend delicious (affordable) flavor to any cup by simply mixing them with your grounds prior to brewing.
Use A Scale To Measure Instead
This is true with anything regarding food so it's not surprising that the same rule applies to coffee brewing, as well. There is a difference in weight when it comes to coffee bean blends which means that a scale will always be the most accurate tool for measurement. It's just as easy as using a measuring spoon and will give you the most bang for your buck while also ensuring your coffee is brewed with the roaster's intentions in mind.
Always Steam Your Milk
It might seem like a super chic way to spruce up your coffee but trust us (and the experts!) steamed milk makes all the difference. It'll add body and texture to any cup of coffee while also incorporating air, which makes the coffee uber creamy. Overall, it just makes for a more delicious, wholesome, and satisfying coffee beverage.
Filter Your Water First
Considering coffee is mostly water, it's important to use water that's also, for lack of a better term, high-quality. This means that a filtering system, such as a Brita or faucet filter, can be very helpful in making a cup of coffee that tastes delicious and allows the true flavor of the coffee beans to shine through. For those who don't have a filtration system, using distilled bottled water is just as good. The lack of excess minerals and flavors (which most of us don't notice when we're drinking it) helps to serve as a neutral base.