How To Make Coffee

How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans and Store Them

The quality of your coffee starts with bean selection and proper storage. These elements are fundamental for achieving an exceptional cup.

Coffee Bean Selection

Characteristics of Good Beans:

Fresh beans have a natural shine and uniform texture, without stains or discoloration.
The aroma should be intense and fresh, without rancid or strange smells.
Size should be consistent across all beans in the batch.
The surface should be free from damage, cracks, or signs of pests.

Main Varieties:

Arabica: The premium variety with smooth and aromatic flavors, ideal for those seeking sweet and fruity notes.
Robusta: Beans with higher caffeine content and intense flavor, perfect for strong espressos.
Blend: Balanced combination of varieties offering the best of both worlds.

Proper Storage

Elements that Affect Coffee:

Direct light degrades essential oils and alters coffee flavor.
Moisture can cause mold and completely ruin the beans.
Excessive heat causes natural oils to evaporate quickly.
Air oxidizes the beans and makes them lose their characteristic aroma.

Storage Tips:

Use airtight ceramic or dark glass containers to protect from light.
Keep coffee in a cool, dry place away from the kitchen.
Buy quantities you can consume within 2-3 weeks maximum.
Avoid the refrigerator, as moisture and odors affect the coffee.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a 100% medium roast Arabica coffee, which offers a perfect balance between flavor and aroma, ideal for discovering the world of specialty coffee.

The Importance of Water Temperature in Coffee Preparation

Water temperature is a crucial element that can transform an ordinary cup of coffee into an extraordinary experience. This factor directly affects the extraction of flavors and aromas from the beans.

Ideal Temperature:

The optimal range for brewing coffee is between 90°C and 96°C (194°F-205°F) to achieve a balanced extraction.
Never use boiling water directly on coffee, as it can burn the components.
At high altitudes, the boiling point decreases, which requires specific adjustments.

Temperature Effects:

Water that's too hot (>96°C/205°F): Produces an overly rapid extraction, resulting in bitter and burnt flavors.
Water that's too cold (<90°C/194°F): Creates an incomplete extraction, producing weak and acidic coffee.
The correct temperature allows optimal extraction of essential oils and antioxidants.

Impact on Flavor:

Higher temperatures highlight acidic flavors and create a more vibrant cup.
Lower temperatures produce a less acidic and sweeter coffee.
Precise temperature control allows specific notes of each coffee type to shine.

Temperature Control:

Use a kitchen thermometer for precise measurement.
If you don't have a thermometer, boil water and let it rest for 30 seconds before using.
Maintain a constant temperature throughout the extraction process.

Variables to Consider:

The coffee roast type may require temperature adjustments.
Location altitude affects the water's boiling point.
The brewing method also influences the ideal temperature.

Water temperature precision is the best-kept secret of expert baristas for achieving an exceptional cup of coffee.

The Perfect Coffee-to-Water Ratio for Different Methods

The ratio between coffee and water, known as the brewing ratio, is essential for achieving a balanced cup of coffee. Each brewing method requires its own ratio to obtain the best results.

General Proportion (Golden Ratio):

The universal golden ratio is 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 180ml of water.
For more precise measurements, using a digital scale is recommended.

Ratios by Method:

Pour Over/Drip Coffee:

Recommended ratio: 1:16.67
60 grams of coffee per 1000 grams of water.
Ideal for highlighting subtle and aromatic flavors.

French Press:

Recommended ratio: 1:15
30 grams of coffee per 450 grams of water.
Produces a coffee with robust body.

Cold Brew:

Recommended ratio: 1:8
25 grams of coffee per 200 grams of water.
Requires more coffee due to the cold extraction method.

Chemex:

Recommended ratio: 1:15 to 1:17
20 grams of coffee per 300 grams of water.
Adjustable according to intensity preference.

Aeropress:

Recommended ratio: 1:15
Provides a balanced flavor, neither bitter nor watery.

Adjustments by Roast:

Light roast: Ratio 1:15 for better extraction
Dark roast: Ratio 1:17 to avoid excessive bitterness

The key is to experiment within these ranges until you find the ideal point that suits your personal taste and preferred brewing method.

What's the Best Coffee Brewing Method for Your Taste?

Each brewing method offers unique characteristics that adapt to different preferences. Here are the most popular methods and their results:

Pour Over/Drip:

Produces a clean and bright coffee with smooth and aromatic flavors.
Perfect for those who enjoy coffee with delicate notes and light body.

French Press:

Delivers a robust coffee with full body.
Perfect for lovers of intense coffee who appreciate natural oils.

Cold Brew:

Results in a smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweet coffee.
Perfect for those with acid sensitivity or who prefer cold beverages.

Factors to Choose Your Method:

The time you have available for brewing
Your preferred intensity
The texture you desire
The quantity you need to prepare
The level of involvement you want in the process

If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-master method, Pour Over is your best option: it offers precise control over extraction and highlights the unique nuances of each coffee.

Key Ingredients for Making Delicious Coffee

An exceptional coffee starts with premium quality ingredients and precise proportions. Simplicity is key: you only need three fundamental elements.

Water: 180ml per cup at 92-96°C (198-205°F), must be filtered or bottled to ensure a clean, pure taste without mineral or chlorine interference.
Medium Roast Arabica Coffee: 10-12 grams per cup, must be freshly roasted within the last 15 days to ensure maximum flavor and aroma.
Sugar (optional): 5-10 grams according to personal preference, helps balance the coffee's natural acidity and enhances its sweet notes.

How to Make Perfect Coffee, Step by Step

Coffee preparation is an art that requires precision and attention to detail. Here I explain three popular methods, starting with the pour-over method.

Pour Over Method

Step 1: Initial Preparation:

Heat filtered water to 92-96°C (198-205°F), the ideal temperature for extracting the best flavors.
Place a paper filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove the paper taste.

Step 2: Dosing:

Measure 10-12 grams of medium roast Arabica coffee for every 180ml of water.
Grind the beans just before brewing, using a medium-fine grind.

Step 3: Pouring Process:

Evenly wet the coffee with a small amount of water and wait 30 seconds.
Pour water in circular motions from the center outward.
Maintain a constant and smooth flow, never let the water level drop too low.

Step 4: Extraction Time:

The complete process should take between 2:30 and 3:00 minutes.
The final beverage should have a dark amber color and intense aroma.

Step 5: Final Adjustments:

If desired, add sugar to taste (5-10 grams).
Serve immediately to enjoy all its nuances.

For beginners, I recommend starting with 100% medium roast Arabica coffee, which offers a perfect balance between flavor and aroma, ideal for discovering the world of specialty coffee.

How to Achieve Perfect Extraction in Every Brew

Extraction is the process that transforms water and coffee beans into an exceptional beverage. To achieve perfection, you need to control key elements.

Extraction Time:

For espresso: 25-30 seconds to avoid watery or over-extracted coffee.
For pour-over: 2:30-3:00 minutes to achieve an ideal dark amber color.
For French press: Exactly 4 minutes with constant pressure.

Water Temperature:

Keep water between 90-96°C (194-205°F) for optimal extraction.
Avoid using boiling water directly on coffee.
Adjust temperature according to your location's altitude.

Perfect Ratio:

Ideal extraction should be between 18-22% of the coffee bean.
Use a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee:water) for filter methods.
For espresso, maintain a ratio of 1:2 or 1:2.5.

Signs of Correct Extraction:

Coffee should have a uniform dark amber color.
Aroma should be intense and pleasant.
Flavor should be balanced, without excessive bitter or acidic notes.

Common Problems:

Under-extraction (less than 18%):

Results in acidic coffee without body.
Crema is pale and disappears quickly.
Lacks sweetness and roundness in flavor.

Over-extraction (more than 22%):

Produces bitter and astringent flavors.
Crema is very dark with a central halo.
Taste is aggressive and burnt.

The key to perfect extraction lies in the precise balance of these elements and adjusting according to the results you get in the cup.

Secrets to Making Perfect Coffee at Home Without Expensive Equipment

Making exceptional coffee doesn't require sophisticated equipment. With some basic elements and correct techniques, you can enjoy an extraordinary cup.

Ingredient Quality:

Use 100% medium roast Arabica coffee, less than 60 days from roasting to ensure freshness.
Use filtered or mineral water at 92-96°C (198-205°F), avoiding hard water or water with strange flavors.

Perfect Proportions:

Maintain a ratio of 10 grams of coffee per 160ml of water.
For filter methods, use a 1:16 ratio (coffee:water).
Never reheat coffee, serve it immediately after brewing.

Preparation Techniques:

Grind the beans just before brewing to preserve aromas and flavors.
Preheat your cups and utensils to maintain ideal temperature.
Let the coffee rest for 7-8 minutes before drinking to better appreciate its nuances.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Clean all utensils after each use.
Store coffee in an airtight container, away from light and heat.
Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator, as moisture affects its flavor.

Economical Methods:

Pour over with paper filter: produces clean and bright coffee.
French press: offers full-bodied coffee.
Drip method: ideal for beginners and easy to control.

The true art of coffee lies in the dedication and care we put into each step of its preparation.

Tips for Properly Storing Brewed Coffee

Proper storage of brewed coffee is essential to maintain its flavor and quality. Here are the most important tips for storing it correctly.

Proper Container:

Use airtight containers to prevent absorption of odors and moisture from the refrigerator.
The container must be completely clean and free from residue of other foods.

Temperature and Location:

Store coffee in the back of the refrigerator, where temperature is most stable.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature or in the coffee maker for long periods.

Storage Time:

Consume refrigerated coffee within 24 hours.
Don't store coffee with milk or sugar, only pure black coffee.

Reheating Tips:

Heat coffee on very low heat to prevent burning.
Another option is to let it reach room temperature before consuming.

Consumption Alternatives:

You can use refrigerated coffee to prepare cold beverages.
Consider making coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution.

Freshly brewed coffee will always be the best option, but with these tips you can maintain an acceptable flavor if you need to store it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does my coffee taste bitter?

A: Bitter coffee is usually the result of over-extraction, which occurs when the water is too hot (above 96°C/205°F) or when the contact time between water and coffee is excessive.

Q: How long does brewed coffee last?

A: Freshly brewed coffee should be consumed within the first 30 minutes to enjoy its best flavor and aroma, if you need to store it, it can be kept for up to an hour in an airtight thermos.

Q: How do I know if I'm using the right amount of coffee?

A: For filter methods, the ideal ratio is 1 part coffee to 16 parts water, as a practical reference, use 10-12 grams of coffee per 180ml of water.

Q: Why is water temperature important?

A: The correct water temperature (92-96°C/198-205°F) is crucial for extracting coffee's essential flavors and oils, if too cold it results in incomplete extraction and if too hot it will burn the coffee.