What makes a perfect cup?
Water is a very big factor in the outcome of coffee. Not as much as the roast but plays a significant role. Some water may have impurities which is why it is recommended to use at least filtered water to brew your coffee. The water temperature should range anywhere from 195 F to 205 F, just below boiling. Many brewing systems have this preset but as they age it will vary. It is most important to use a freshly roasted, high quality bean. These are easily available through Breakaway Coffee Roasters.
How to choose a coffee bean
The coffee bean is an important factor in the overall quality of the coffee. The bean will provide characteristics such as sweetness, brightness, and overall complexity. In most cases roasted coffee beans have better flavor attributes and balance when roasted to recommended styles.
Different types of roast
- City
- City +
- Full City
- French
City
Medium light brown beans. This roast is the norm for eastern USA. This roast (and sometimes cinnamon as well) is the most often used for cupping or professional tasting.
City +
The color is darker still, more of a medium brown (think chocolate). This roast is common in the western parts of the USA. This roast is a good choice to taste the differences between varietals.
Full City
Medium dark brown beans. The beans will start to show some oily drops on the surface with this roast. Full City will have caramel or chocolate undertones.
French, Espresso
Beans are starting to get dark brown, and French roasted beans are shiny with oil. There is less acidity, but with burned undertones. This roast is often used when making Espresso. Many people think this is the darkest roast available.
Freshness
What factors determine the freshness of coffee beans? Beans are best when brewed between 48 hours to 1 week after roasting. The peak flavor will vary depending on storage. Beans should be stored away from direct sunlight at room temperature.
Brewing
There are many different methods of brewing coffee. The most common methods used in a home are drip, french press, percolator, and espresso. Each method provides a variance in taste.
Drip- Most use reusable or one time use coffee filters. The filters remove some of the natural oils found in the beans. The oils provide some smoothness to the cup of coffee but do not have a noticeable effect when drunk by most people.
French Press- does not use a filter and allows the natural oils to remain in the coffee. The french press uses course grounds, which are larger so they will not pass through the wire mesh when pressed. Most cups of coffee, when using a french press, are a bit grittier than the drip method.
Percolator- uses a unique form of brewing. It reuses the hot water multiple times to pass through the coffee grounds. Some do not recommend this method but it is a staple in a number of households.
Espresso- uses high pressure and high temperature water to extract a highly concentrated brew. When done properly it provides a wonderful alternative to a traditional cup of coffee. Espresso grounds are very fine.
Drip- Most use reusable or one time use coffee filters. The filters remove some of the natural oils found in the beans. The oils provide some smoothness to the cup of coffee but do not have a noticeable effect when drunk by most people.
French Press- does not use a filter and allows the natural oils to remain in the coffee. The french press uses course grounds, which are larger so they will not pass through the wire mesh when pressed. Most cups of coffee, when using a french press, are a bit grittier than the drip method.
Percolator- uses a unique form of brewing. It reuses the hot water multiple times to pass through the coffee grounds. Some do not recommend this method but it is a staple in a number of households.
Espresso- uses high pressure and high temperature water to extract a highly concentrated brew. When done properly it provides a wonderful alternative to a traditional cup of coffee. Espresso grounds are very fine.
