Here’s a secret

I’ve not always liked coffee, but now I drink it all the time. So what changed? Why did I go from someone who didn’t like coffee to an avid drinker? It kinda happened by accident and necessity, but that’s another story for another time.

There is a barista inside of you

A barista is someone who’s job is to prepare excellent coffee for your enjoyment and I believe there is a barista inside of you. You can learn to make a great cup of coffee like you get at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant.

The great news is that you don’t have to go out to a coffee shop every time you want a really good cup of coffee. You can make it in the comforts of your own home.

A few simple basic principles that can help you get started.

1. Quality of water: If you water tastes bad, so will your coffee.
   • If you don’t like the way your water tastes from the source, then don’t assume that coffee will make it any better. A simple water filter such as a Brita will go a long way in helping you make a better cup of coffee.
2. Grind:
   • French Press: Course
   • Auto Drip: Medium
   • Pour Over: Medium-Fine (similar to kocher salt)
   • Aero Press: Medium-Fine
   • Espresso: Fine
3. Temp: 205 degrees is optimal. If you boil the water, let is rest for a moment before pouring it on your beans. Boiling water can scald the beans and leave a bitter taste.
4. Strength of coffee: Coffee strength has nothing to do with how “dark” the bean has been roasted. Unfortunately people have come to believe that “strong” coffee is dark roasted coffee. That’s not the case. When you see a “dark roasted” coffee, what they are telling you is how intense the level of bitterness will be. If you want a “strong” cup of coffee, you start by adjusting your water to coffee ratio. A stronger cup of coffee will have more solubles from the coffee bean in the water after it has been brewed. Increase your coffee to water ratio for stronger coffee and decrease it for a lighter coffee. Consider starting off with a ratio of 60 grams per liter of water.

You can do it.

Coffee connects us in so many ways – to each other, to our senses, and to the earth that supports the coffee trees.- Rohan Marley

These basic principles may seem simple and they are, don’t underestimate their value in making a better cup of coffee. Learning how to make a better cup of coffee is a process and will take some time and effort. However, I’m a believer that the results are well worth the process and we are here for you as you learn. We believe you can learn to make a better cup of coffee and home and we are here to help.

1st Photo by Lindsay Martin on Unsplash
2nd Photo by Andrei Bocan on Unsplash