February 2016 - a
We’ve been in the coffee growing business for over three decades and have learned some things in the process that we’d like to share with you. Hopefully, you can benefit from the years we’ve spent experimenting and avoid our mistakes. Here’s a list of the five most common mistakes that can have a huge impact on the taste of your favorite beverage
When you’re financing a pot a day (okay fine, two pots) habit, it’s tempting to cut costs by purchasing the cheapest option, but unfortunately when it comes to coffee, the least expensive financially is often the most expensive in the long term.
Higher priced coffee means that the roasters and growers are paid a fair wage. It also ensures the finest quality and natural flavors by removing the need for short cuts like sweetener and sugar. In short, it’s true that you get what you pay for, and buying fair trade, locally sourced coffee is better for the planet and your body in the long run.
Even the highest quality Arabica beans require a particular brewing process to draw the best flavors out of the bean.
We get that it’s hard to fit proper brewing into your busy schedule, but honestly if you don’t have time to enjoy a cup of joe the right way, what do you have time for?
The best way to brew coffee is using tried and true methods like the French press or a pour over (chorreador)
French press: The coffee oils will stay in your coffee not in a paper filter, the flavors will be enhanced.
Not all brewing methods are created equal which means that in order to maximize your coffee’s flavor, each type of brewing method requires that the beans be ground differently. There are three levels of fancy grounds:
The brewing method you use will determine the type of grind. Follow your device’s instructions to see which grind level will produce the best java. (We’ve included our own cheat sheet below)
Many think that they can prolong the life of their coffee beans by putting them in the freezer, but contrary to popular belief cold environments are actually harmful to ground beans.
Once a package of coffee has been opened, the best way to keep the beans fresh is to keep them as far away from oxygen as possible. The best place to store beans is in a sealed container in a cool space. Basically you want to keep your beans away from everything that humans need: air, light and heat.
When it comes to getting the most flavor bang for your buck, maintaining the correct water to coffee ratio is essential.
All you need to remember is “1 to 10”, meaning that for every one gram of coffee you should use roughly 10 milliliters of water. This ratio will maximize the flavor potential of your beans and take your coffee drinking game to a whole new level. Remember how you ignored every math teacher you ever had when they told you that you would need math in the real world? Time to call them and apologize.
Are you guilty of any of these mistakes? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Share your worst crimes against coffee in the comments below!
Have any questions? Our Coffee Experts will be more than happy to help
(1-800-462-7488)