There’s nothing like the satisfaction of brewing a delicious, cafe-quality cup of coffee at home. For many coffee lovers, it’s a morning ritual, a way to savour flavours and kick off the day with something special. But when it comes to brewing coffee, getting it “just right” can sometimes feel more like an art than a science.
At Neighbourhood Coffee, we believe everyone should experience the magic of a truly great cup, and the secret often lies in a few fundamental techniques. Today, we’re going to share four core principles that will elevate your coffee game. From the quality of the beans to your water temperature, these fundamentals can transform your coffee experience, whether you’re using a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker. Ready to brew like a pro? Let’s dive in!
Fundamental #1: Freshness of Beans
Why Freshness Matters
The journey to a flavourful cup of coffee starts with fresh beans. Freshly roasted coffee is packed with aromatic oils, carbon dioxide, and flavourful compounds that create the rich taste and aroma we all crave. But coffee beans begin to lose their freshness soon after roasting, so timing is key. At Neighbourhood Coffee, we roast our beans in small batches to ensure every bag delivers peak freshness, so you get to experience all the layers of flavour we’ve crafted.
How to Keep Beans Fresh
Storing your beans properly can extend their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container, ideally in a cool, dark place. While it’s tempting to store coffee in the fridge or freezer, the humidity can actually harm the beans, causing them to absorb moisture and odours from other foods. Instead, place them in a cupboard or pantry, and use them within two to four weeks of opening for the best flavour.
✦Pro Tip: Grind Right Before Brewing✦
For maximum freshness, try to grind your coffee just before you brew. Ground coffee loses its aromatic compounds faster than whole beans, so grinding on-demand helps lock in the flavours and aromas for each cup.
Fundamental #2: Grind Size
Understanding Grind Size and Extraction
The grind size of your coffee beans is crucial because it impacts how quickly water passes through the coffee grounds, affecting the strength and taste of your brew. A finer grind allows for quicker extraction, ideal for espresso, while a coarser grind is better for slower extraction methods, like a French press. Matching the grind size to your brewing method will make a big difference in your coffee’s flavour.
Importance of Consistency
An inconsistent grind can lead to uneven extraction, which may cause your coffee to taste too bitter or weak. A blade grinder can result in an uneven grind, with some grounds over-extracting and others under-extracting. To achieve a balanced cup, invest in a burr grinder, which provides a uniform grind size.
Grind Size Guide
Here’s a quick grind size guide for common brewing methods:
- Coarse: French press
- Medium-Coarse: Pour-over, Chemex
- Medium: Drip coffee maker
- Fine: Espresso
By matching your grind size to your brewing method, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more balanced cup.
Fundamental #3: Water Quality and Temperature
Why Water Quality is Important
Did you know that coffee is more than 98% water? That means the quality of your water plays a huge role in the flavour of your coffee. Ideally, you should use filtered water or spring water for brewing. Tap water is generally fine in Toronto, but filtering it can make the taste cleaner and more consistent.
Finding the Right Temperature
Water temperature is equally important for extracting the full flavour of your coffee. The ideal brewing temperature is between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that’s too hot can scorch the coffee grounds, leading to bitterness, while water that’s too cool won’t extract the flavours effectively, resulting in a weak, underwhelming cup.
✦Pro Tip for Perfect Temperature Control✦
To control your water temperature, try using a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle. Many electric kettles now come with customizable temperature settings, so you can easily reach the ideal brewing temperature without any guesswork.
Fundamental #4: Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Golden Ratio Basics
The coffee-to-water ratio is the amount of coffee grounds you use per volume of water. Many baristas recommend the “Golden Ratio” of 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water) as a starting point. This balance enhances the coffee’s natural flavours without overpowering them, giving you a balanced, enjoyable brew.
Why It Matters
Using too much coffee relative to water can result in a cup that’s overly strong and bitter, while too little coffee may leave you with a weak, diluted brew. Finding the perfect balance is key to achieving a flavour profile that’s smooth and satisfying.
✦Pro Tip for Measuring✦
Using a digital scale can make it easier to measure coffee grounds precisely. If you don’t have a scale, a rough estimate is 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Adjusting this ratio slightly to match your taste preference or brewing method can unlock exciting new flavours in your coffee. Have fun experimenting with your preferred ratio!
The Wrap-Up
Mastering the art of coffee brewing is all about small adjustments and personalization. By focusing on these four fundamentals—fresh beans, the right grind size, quality water and temperature, and the ideal coffee-to-water ratio—you’ll bring out the best in every cup. Remember, coffee brewing is a journey, and part of the fun is discovering how each tweak changes the taste.
Here at Neighbourhood Coffee, we’re passionate about helping you make the most of your coffee experience. Try our freshly roasted beans to taste the difference that fresh, quality coffee makes. We’re here for any brewing tips or recommendations, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Happy brewing!
