May 13 2010
A Cup of Coffee
The first cup of coffee in the morning is often described as being the best cup of coffee. It is the morning wake up that gets them going and keeps them going throughout the day. Some people simply have their morning cup of coffee while others drink it throughout the day and even into the evening. These coffee drinkers are often the ones who know the secrets to making the best cup of coffee.
The single most important ingredient in making a great cup of coffee is the coffee bean. If the coffee bean is inferior the coffee will not be good no matter what other steps are taken to make the coffee. The coffee used doesn’t have to be from a gourmet shop but it should be fresh and stored in an airtight container to retain freshness. Some people store their coffee beans and ground coffee in the refrigerator while others purchase a special container that vacuum seals the coffee to retain freshness.
If coffee beans are used, the grinder plays an important role in the coffee that is brewed. Burr grinders work well but if not used carefully can cause the resulting coffee grounds to have a scorched taste due to being under intense pressure while it is being ground. If the grinder has a pulse switch, it should be done in short bursts, not long extended grinds that will result in the burned coffee taste.
The next important ingredient in making a great cup of coffee is the water used. Filtered water is the best water, particularly if the tap water has high levels of iron or contaminants in it. There are coffee makers with built-in water filtration systems and also home water filtration systems that are easy to use and install. If home filtered water is used, the filters should not be bleached filters; the bleach used in these filters will interfere with the coffee taste. Additionally, cold water should be used, not hot or even lukewarm.
Finally, the coffee maker itself plays a huge role in how the cup of coffee turns out. Regardless of the type of coffee maker chosen, the temperature of the coffee should never be above ninety-eight degrees or it can have a scorched taste. The heating element that keeps the coffee warm should not be hot enough to cook the coffee but it should keep the coffee warm enough to be able to drink.
Lastly, to insure that every cup of coffee is always as fresh and tasty as possible it is important to keep the coffee maker cleaned properly. Coffee will build up in the pot and in the filter basket and over time can cause the fresh brewed coffee to taste odd. Manufacturers include instructions with their coffee makers for properly cleaning them. A monthly cleaning with vinegar and water is another way to clean coffee makers. Pour a mixture of half vinegar and half water into the reservoir of the coffee maker and allow it to run through a brewing cycle. Follow this cycle with two clear water rinses to insure that no vinegar remains in the maker.
Knowing what it takes to make the perfect cup of coffee can be the start of a new day with a piping hot mug full of flavorful coffee.
-Sharon Chapman