There are many different ways to brew coffee but, to begin, they all require fresh cold water and quality beans (see BEANS).
Next, in order to get the best from any brewing option, it is essential to have a proper grind for the method being employed (see GRIND).
Regardless of how the coffee is to be brewed, the fresh water should be brought to a boil, then rested for about 15-30 seconds.
The best extraction from the bean comes when the water is between 195º-200º. Try to avoid introducing boiling water to the grounds as this will diminish the overall flavor.
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DRIP COFFEE METHOD.
Drip coffee makers are getting better depending on
how much you are willing to spend. The problem with many drip coffee makers is that the water does not reach the proper 195º-200º temperature for optimum extraction.
They all operate similarly—the water is dripped through the grounds and into a pot. This method is most convenient but remember, more than 10-20 minutes on a
burner turns a great cup of coffee into a bitter mess!
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KONA DRIP METHOD.
We believe this makes the BEST cup
of coffee. Kona Drips (see Bodum) are inexpensive (about $40-$50), but extract
the best flavor from almost any bean.
Fill the filter basket with four scoops, or 8 tablespoons, of grounds (we always put in an extra
half a scoop, or 1 tablespoon, as an "offering" for the best cup possible) then, after having properly "rested" the boiling water,
fill the basket about half full so that all of the grounds are saturated.
As the water filters through and into the carafe, continue to
introduce more water. The entire process should take about 5-8 minutes. The grind should be about the same as that of a drip
coffee maker. Too coarse a grind produces a very weak cup.
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FRENCH PRESS METHOD.
This is another very good way of brewing coffee.
Like the Kona Drip, a French Press is inexpensive ($30-$60) and easy
to find.
Put in 1 scoop, or 2 tablespoons, of coarsely ground coffee
for each cup desired (again, we always put in an extra half a scoop, or 1 tablespoon, as an "offering" for the best cup possible). The standard French Press holds a maximum of four cups, though the manufacturers bill these as 6 cuppers.
For best results, pour the appropriate amount of heated water (half for 2 cups, full for 4) and allow the grounds to soak for around 4 minutes. More time will lead
to a bitter cup and less to a weak one. When time is up, simply press down the plunger and pour. Wonderful!
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