Food & Wine

6 Tips For Making the Perfect Cup Of Coffee

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There’s nothing like a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, but getting that perfect cup requires some basic preparation.

We all have different preferences when it comes to that cup of brewed bliss, from using pour overs to the French press. Here are some tips that will help your coffee taste even better.

Buy the right brewer for your needs

There are plenty of brewers on the market, you just need to check out greatcoffeebrewers.com to see what variety there is available. Your buying decision will depend on how much coffee you drink and how much money you want to spend.

Space is also a consideration as tiny kitchens would do better with one-cup machines whereas a bigger kitchen can accommodate a larger machine.

There are about seven main types of coffee makers: the percolator, Moka pot, French press (also known as cafétiere), vacuum coffee maker (or vac pot), drip coffee maker, espresso coffee maker and thermal coffee maker. Depending on your needs, research each of these to see what is going to work best for you.

Clean your equipment

Backwashing your espresso machine is imperative to make the machine last longer and to deliver the best cup of coffee.

Brushing down the basket is also a good idea as is de-gritting the shower head. Don’t forget to clean the steam wand after every use too.

It’s important to remove oily buildup, and at least once a month run a strong solution of vinegar through the machine to remove mineral deposits.

Some machines come with a special cleaning kit so be sure to make use of this regularly to ensure the best-tasting coffee.

Freshly ground tastes better

Your beans are the most important part of the coffee making exercise. Make sure they are stored away from light, heat and moisture, and grind your beans fresh every time.

Pre-ground coffee just doesn’t taste as good and you’re losing precious oils that affect the aroma and moisture of the coffee.

Filters count

There are three main types of coffee filters: paper filters, permanent filters and cloth filters. There are pros and cons to each, but cheap paper filters are especially notorious for producing bad coffee so opt for oxygen-bleached or dioxin-free paper filters.

Paper filters are for one time use whereas permanent filters can be used for years if you look after them correctly. Cloth filters are generally made of cotton, hemp or muslin fabric, and can be an environmentally friendly option depending on where the fibers are sourced.

Don’t forget the cup!

The perfect coffee needs the best cup. There are various opinions on the best cup for your coffee but the consensus is that cups made from ceramic, glass, plastic or steel are best. Coffee is a bit like wine and wine tastes better in the correct wine glass. The same goes for coffee; find a good cup for your coffee – you will taste the difference.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the materials mentioned. Ceramic cups retain heat and don’t leave an aftertaste on the coffee.

Glass cups have a similar advantage and will give you a wonderful coffee flavour without the aftertaste. If you’ve never tried a glass coffee cup why not give it a go? It’s not as well insulated as a ceramic cup, but there’s something satisfying drinking from a glass, even if only to view the coffee in all its splendour.

Plastic and steel are best if you are travelling  – steel particularly is a good insulator, keeping your coffee warmer for longer.

There are health benefits too

If you’ve done your research you will know that coffee has many health benefits. Try bulletproof coffee for a kick start in the morning.

Coffee also works to improve your circulation and reduce pain plus it can improve your memory and help ease depression. Remember to drink it in moderate amounts though as too much can have a negative impact on your health.

Finally, explore the world’s best destinations for coffee lovers and expand your coffee knowledge. There so much more to learn about coffee!

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