Use
fresh, high quality coffee
Start
with fresh, quality, whole bean, Arabica (known to possess superior flavor
and aroma) coffee (which you can order at http://www.flyingbean.com). Coffee beans that are ground fresh are the
secret to really great coffee. There
is no substitute! You will be amazed at the added flavor and aroma you will
experience from grinding your own coffee beans before each brew.
Grind
your coffee just prior to brewing
We strongly
recommend that you invest in an electric coffee grinder. Grind only as much whole bean coffee as you
will need for immediate brewing purposes. Coffee begins to loose flavor
and aroma within one hour after being ground. Match the grind to the specifications
of the brewing method you will be using. For drip brewing, a grind similar
to the consistency of granulated sugar will usually achieve a good result. If you do buy your coffee already ground, use
the recommended storage location
and containers in order to keep it as fresh as possible.
Good
quality, fresh, cold water
Always use good quality, fresh, cold water. Brewed coffee is approximately
98% water, so good water quality is essential. If your water tastes unpleasant or heavily chlorinated,
use bottled or filtered water. Never
use softened water for brewing coffee as it will slow down the extraction/dilution
process, resulting in the over extraction of your coffee.
Temperature
The coffee brewer should produce a brew water temperature of 200 degrees
F (+ or - 5 degrees). Boiling temperatures,
continued heating, or reheating drives off flavor essences and breaks down
other chemicals in the coffee, causing the flavor to deteriorate. Don't
overheat the coffee or leave it on a warmer for a long period after brewing.
• Too low a temperature = under extraction = weak coffee
• Too high a temperature = scalded and/or bitter flavor characteristics
Containing
brewed coffee
Continuous heating is the principle cause of flavor loss after brewing.
After the coffee is brewed thermal containers are recommended as
they are insulated and airtight preventing evaporation, and will retain
the aromatic compounds of the coffee. In
thermal containers the coffee is not subjected to continuous heating and,
therefore, can be held for as long as 45 minutes before flavor characteristics
will begin to change and dissipate. If
your brewing equipment cannot brew directly into a thermal pot, immediately
transfer the brewed coffee to a thermal container.
If
coffee is held in uncovered, heated containers (a glass pot on a warming
burner), it will lose its freshness after 20 to 30 minutes. Continuous heat
will break apart the organic materials, and the coffee will develop a sour
or bitter taste with smoky overtones. Heat will also evaporate the water,
condensing and cooking the flavoring compounds that remain.
