How to Brew Coffee

Coffee is a personal thing, and the right way to make it is however you like it best.

That said, mastering some basics will help you perfect your technique for better results. Next, FrontStreet Coffee will encourage you to try different roasts, origins, or preparation methods.

Equipment

Ensure your tools—from grinders and filter cups to coffee machines—are thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Rinse with clean hot water (or wipe thoroughly), then dry with an absorbent towel. It's important to check that no coffee grounds are left behind that could collect, and that there's no buildup of coffee oils (caffeol), which will make future coffee taste bitter and sour.

Beans

Good coffee starts with good beans. The quality and flavor of your coffee depend not only on your favorite brewing process but also on the type of coffee you choose. There can be a world of difference between different roasts:

Some flavor factors include:

• Country and region of origin
• Variety of bean
• Roast level
• Grind size

While there are many choices, remember that there's no right or wrong—for example, you could choose a dark, flavorful espresso roast coffee and then grind it for brewing in a drip system. Have fun experimenting and enjoying different combinations.

Freshness

Purchase coffee as soon as possible after it's roasted. Freshly roasted coffee is essential for a quality cup, so buy in small quantities (preferably every two weeks).

And never reuse your coffee grounds to make coffee. Once brewed, the desirable coffee flavors have been extracted, leaving only bitter flavors behind.

Grinding

If you buy whole bean coffee, always grind your beans as close to brewing time as possible for maximum freshness.

The size of the grind is very important to the taste of your coffee. If your coffee tastes bitter, it may be over-extracted or ground too fine. On the other hand, if your coffee tastes flat, it may be under-extracted, meaning your grind is too coarse.

Water

The water you use is very important to the quality of your coffee. If your tap water is not good or has a strong odor or taste (such as chlorine), use filtered or bottled water.

If you're using tap water, let it run for a few seconds before filling your coffee pot, and be sure to use cold water. Avoid using distilled or softened water.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The general guideline is called the "Golden Ratio"—one to two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. This can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences.

Check the cup lines or indicators on specific coffee machines to see how they actually measure. Remember that with some brewing methods, some water is lost to evaporation.

Next, it's worth noting water temperature and extraction time—these have been emphasized in previous articles, so feel free to research them!

Brewed coffee begins to lose its optimal flavor immediately after brewing, so drink it promptly. Otherwise, you can pour the coffee into a preheated insulated thermos and finish it within one hour.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473