For coffee enthusiasts, there's no greater feeling than enjoying a cup of perfectly brewed coffee to get an energy boost for the day. While it may seem simple to brew coffee, there are in fact various nuances one must keep in mind to bring out the best flavours of the beans. After all, nobody wants a cup of coffee that's missing the spark and rich aroma. So, how do you ensure you have your coffee basics sorted? Well, we bring you expert tips to brew coffee perfectly at home.
How To Brew Coffee At Home Like A Pro
Abdul Sahid Khan, Training Manager at Lavazza India shares insights about brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
1. What's the difference between a good and a bad cup of coffee?
Flavour, body, and acidity are the three parameters which differentiates between a good or a bad cup of coffee. A good cup is characterised to be flavourful if it has good notes such as chocolate, caramel, fruity or flowery. In terms of the body, we look into the thickness of the coffee. Generally, a good body will have the consistency of coconut water whereas if the espresso is low body, then it's not considered a good cup of coffee. Acidity is the bright and sparkling sensation that we get when we sip our coffee without which the coffee is usually dull and lifeless.
(Also read: What Makes A Good Cup Of Coffee? At Araku We Get A Lesson)
A good body will have the consistency of coconut water
2. What are the basic equipment required to make a good cup of coffee at home?
Setting up a coffee bar at home is trending these days. To start off with, one can buy a French press and a South Indian filter. The choice of coffee blends plays an important part in making the right cup of coffee. There are multiple ways of brewing a barista-style coffee at home, the most easy and affordable would be with aero-press, a pour-over or a V-60 for a great cup of black coffee.
3. Tips to make a good cup of coffee without using any machine.
To make a good cup of coffee at home, a good coffee blend is crucial. If one does not have an Espresso machine, a South Indian filter can be used to brew the decoction and hot milk can be frothed in a French press, making a good home-made cappuccino.
4. What are the steps involved in brewing coffee?
A simple guide to brewing black coffee at home:
The first important step is selecting good quality coffee beans or blend paired with the preferred roasting.
If one has a French Press, use 1:15 coffee to water ratio for a good cup of coffee. The temperature of the water needs to be between 90-92 degrees.
ADVERTISEMENTPour just enough water over the grounds to let them bloom. Blooming is a process in brewing, where coffee releases its natural gasses. After 30 to 45 seconds, once the blooming settles, pour the rest of the water. This will make the coffee more flavorful.
Carefully insert the plunger into the pot, stopping just above the water and ground coffee (do not plunge yet), and let stand for 3-4 minutes.
Press the plunger down slowly, exerting steady pressure. There you go! A perfect cup of black coffee is ready in less than 10 minutes.
(Also read: 10 Best Coffee Machines From Amazon For Your Caffeine Fix)
The first important step is selecting good quality coffee beans
5. Tell us more about flavour profiles of coffee
Flavour profiles are considered by coffee experts to differentiate the types of coffee. A flavour profile has two parameters to it: aroma and taste. Aroma is the fruity, flowery or the chocolaty smell that is experienced when we sip our coffee, while the taste descriptors include acidity, bitterness, sweetness, or sourness.
The place of coffee cultivation also affects the flavour profile of coffee. Considering the climate, soil and other miscellaneous factors for instance, coffee grown and harvested in Chikmagalur has a different profile than the coffee from Coorg. One who consumes black coffee or espresso regularly will be able to best understand the flavour profiles.
6. Points to remember while picking coffee beans/ ground coffee?
Arabica and Robusta are the most popular and most produced coffee beans worldwide. Arabica coffee is very aromatic, fragrant, sweet, and slightly acidic. Whereas Robusta is stronger, having a distinctive body which is enriched by chocolate notes and a persistent aftertaste. Roasting the beans should be considered based on one's taste preference. If one prefers a smooth taste that has a varying acidity level, light roast will be suitable. Similarly, if one prefers a bold and bitter taste, a dark roast will be ideal. Based on the taste preference, one can choose the beans and roast accordingly. One should buy the ground from a good coffee roaster for consistent roasting and high-quality beans.
Arabica and Robusta are the most popular and most produced coffee beans
7. How to make coffee summer friendly? Refreshing coffee drinks one can make?
There is nothing like sipping on a tall glass of smooth tasting cold brew coffee on a hot summer day. A cold brew is easy to make at home, requiring just four elements: ground coffee, water, jar and a cheesecloth.
Take 220 grams of ground coffee in a jar or bottle and fill in about a litre of room temperature water.
Give it a stir and let it refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Filter the brew with a cheesecloth by placing it on a glass and pouring the brew over it.
Add ice, sugar, and chilled milk according to your preference. Your glass of soothing cold brew is ready!
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With these expert tips, enjoy perfectly brewed coffee at home.
