Let's Talk Coffee!!
Oh my, where to begin....let's start with the beans. Coffee beans are grown in different regions, each region giving the bean a distinctive taste., and single origin coffees differ from blended coffees. What coffee you choose depends on your individual taste. Pick a sample and brew to choose. (Avoid flavored coffees...add your flavoring, if you wish, after brewing).
Brewing perfect coffee depends on four things:
1. Water: Start with cold, fresh, preferably filtered, water, heated
to just off the boil to extract the full range of flavor.
2. Grind: The right grind depends on how long the coffee and
water will be in contact, from the very coarse for a
coffee press (or perculator) to the very find for an
espresso machine. It even differs according to
whether you have a flat paper filter, a cone paper
filter or a gold cone.
3. Proportion: The classic recipe calls for two Tbsp. of coffee
for each six oz. of water. To adjust the strength, add
more hot water after brewing.
4. Freshness: When buying coffee (for the perfect cup), buy
enough fresh-roasted beans to last a week or less.
Store your opened beans in a dark, airtight container
at room temperature. For best results, (this depends
on how fanatical you are), grind the coffee just before
brewing to ensure the best flavor.
Coffee's brewed, now what? You have a coffee-tasting, of course!
And just how do you do that? First, always taste coffee black, initially
( I know, but you can't judge it otherwise...I've tasted 20 different coffees, trust me)
1. Waft the steam from the cup and sample the aroma? Describe
aroma....is it pleasant, appetizing?
2. Slurp some coffee into your mouth (yes, I said slurp, this is
coffee, not wine) what is the initial taste, where does it
first affect your taste buds, what are the aftertastes?
3. Is it worth trying with your personal taste in condiments?
Generally, if I can't tolerate a coffee black, adding cream and sugar is not going to help. Generally I prefer the milder dimension, single origin coffees, with mellow, balanced flavor. For instance, Brazil Ipenema Bourbon...this one has hints of cocoa and a mildly nutty aroma, not to mention the most festive bag on the shelf. If you want to experience a coffee tasting before trying one at home, your local Starbucks will be glad to oblige and give you advice as well. My favorite coffee, however, is an expresso drink. Now that's another story....
Coffee Jokes
Shirley's Coffee Recipes
