How to brew ground coffee to make it taste good? Master these tips to easily make a fragrant and delicious coffee

Freshly ground beans, richer taste

The aroma and taste of coffee are closely related to its freshness. Freshly ground coffee can release its unique aroma and flavor better than coffee that has been stored for a long time. This is because after the coffee beans are ground and exposed to the air, they are prone to oxidation, causing the aroma to evaporate and the taste to gradually become bland. Therefore, the fresher the coffee powder, the richer and more intense the taste experience.

The time between grinding beans and brewing coffee is closely related. In order to maximize the freshness and aroma of coffee powder, it is best to grind the coffee beans into powder a short time before brewing coffee. The shorter the time of grinding beans, the longer the flavor and aroma of coffee powder can be preserved. If there is too much time between grinding beans and brewing coffee, the oxygen in the air will destroy the structure of coffee powder, resulting in the loss of the original fresh aroma.

In addition, the shorter the time that the ground coffee powder is in contact with water, the more the flavor can be retained. Coffee powder oxidizes very quickly, especially when exposed to air, so freshly ground coffee powder can better release flavor substances and present a mellower and smoother taste. On the contrary, coffee powder exposed for a long time will bring bitter, single taste, and even a stale taste.

Choose the coffee brewing method that suits you to bring out the best flavor

Each coffee brewing method can bring a different taste experience. Choosing the right brewing method can maximize the aroma and flavor of coffee. For example, hand-brewed coffee can accurately control the water temperature and water injection speed, making the acidity and fruity aroma of coffee more prominent. It is suitable for coffee lovers who like a fresh and complex taste.

French press coffee uses a long soaking method to extract more coffee oil and aroma, making the coffee rich, mellow, and full-bodied. It is suitable for coffee lovers who like a strong taste and strong oil. If you prefer a milder taste, you may find French press coffee a bit too strong.

Espresso is a type of coffee that is extracted quickly with high pressure. It is usually served in smaller portions, but it is highly concentrated, has a rich aroma, a firm taste, and a certain bitterness. It is the basis of many coffee drinks, such as latte, cappuccino, etc. If you like strong coffee flavor, espresso is definitely a good choice.

In addition, there is cold brew coffee, which uses a low-temperature soaking method to extract coffee with a softer taste and lower acidity, suitable for hot summer days. Cold brew coffee has a sweet flavor and is suitable for friends who like a mild taste and low acidity.

Master the ideal ratio of coffee powder and water to adjust the taste

The ratio of coffee powder to water directly affects the concentration and flavor of coffee. Generally speaking, the standard ratio of coffee powder to water is about 1:15 to 1:18, which means that for every gram of coffee powder, 15 to 18 ml of water is used. This ratio can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you like a strong coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of coffee powder appropriately. If you prefer a light taste, you can reduce the amount of coffee powder.

For hand-poured coffee, the ratio of water to coffee powder is usually 1:16. The hand-poured method requires controlling the water flow rate and water temperature, and the contact time between water and coffee powder is shorter, so using a slightly higher amount of coffee powder can effectively extract more aroma and flavor. If you use a French press, you can use a ratio of 1:14, because the French press has a longer soaking time, which can extract more oils and rich flavors.

When making espresso, the amount of coffee powder is more precise than the general brewing method. Traditional espresso recommends using about 18 to 20 grams of coffee powder to extract 30 ml of espresso. Since espresso uses high pressure extraction, the richness and aroma of the coffee will be concentrated, so a higher amount of coffee powder is needed to balance the taste.

Finally, the ratio of coffee powder to water for cold brew coffee is usually 1:8 to 1:10. Since cold brew coffee uses a low-temperature soaking method, the coffee powder needs to be soaked in water for a longer time (about 12 to 24 hours), so using a higher ratio of coffee powder can ensure the richness and taste of the coffee.

Master the water temperature to create the perfect coffee taste

Water temperature has a decisive influence on the taste of coffee. Different brewing methods require different water temperatures to ensure the best flavor. Generally speaking, the ideal water temperature range is between 90℃ and 96℃. Too high a water temperature will cause the coffee to be over-extracted and produce a bitter taste; while too low a water temperature will result in under-extraction, making the coffee taste bland and weak.

For hand-brewed coffee, water temperature control is particularly important. When hand-brewed, the water temperature is usually kept between 92℃ and 94℃, which can better extract the acidity and fruity aroma of the coffee. If the water temperature is too high, it may destroy the delicate flavor of the coffee; if the water temperature is too low, the essence of the coffee beans cannot be fully stimulated, affecting the overall taste level.

For French press coffee, the water temperature can be slightly higher, usually between 93℃ and 96℃. This is because French press coffee requires a longer soaking time, and a slightly higher water temperature can more fully extract the oil and flavor of the coffee, making the coffee more mellow. If the water temperature is too low, the French press coffee may taste thin.

When making espresso, it is ideal to keep the water temperature between 90℃ and 94℃. This is because espresso is extracted with high pressure. If the water temperature is too high, it will lead to over-extraction and produce unnecessary bitterness; if the water temperature is too low, it will not be extracted enough and the concentrated and rich coffee taste cannot be obtained.

Grind size and coffee taste: Finding the perfect balance

The grind size of coffee powder is a key factor in determining the taste of coffee. Different grind sizes will directly affect the speed and method of extraction, thus changing the taste of coffee. Generally, grind sizes are divided into coarse, medium and fine, suitable for different brewing methods. Choosing the right grind size can help you get the ideal flavor and taste.

For hand-brewed coffee, moderate grinding (similar to the coarseness of sea salt) is the most commonly used choice. During the hand-brew process, the water flows through the coffee powder for a short time. Using too fine a grind will lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste; while too coarse a grind will lead to under-extraction and a weak coffee taste. Therefore, moderate grinding can help evenly extract, balance acidity and sweetness, and bring a fresh and rich taste.

French press coffee requires a coarser grind, similar to the texture of coarse sand. This is because the extraction time of French press is longer, and too fine coffee powder can easily clog the filter, resulting in over-extraction and unnecessary bitterness and off-flavors. Coarsely ground coffee powder can slowly release the flavor during the long soaking process, producing a rich and mellow coffee.

For espresso, fine grinding is crucial. Espresso is extracted with high pressure, which requires fine grinding to ensure that the water can quickly pass through the coffee powder to extract the concentrated aroma and taste. Too coarse coffee powder will cause the water to flow too fast, the extraction will not be complete, and the coffee tastes weak; while too fine powder may cause too high pressure when the water flows through, resulting in too strong bitterness.

Coffee flavoring and pairing: tips for enhancing flavor

Coffee itself has a very rich flavor, but by adding appropriate seasonings and food pairings, its layers and taste can be further enhanced. The most common seasoning methods include adding milk, sugar, spices, etc. Each seasoning will blend with the original flavor of coffee to bring different sensory enjoyment.

Milk is one of the most popular choices for coffee flavoring. After adding milk or milk foam, the taste of coffee becomes smoother and more layered, which can neutralize the bitterness of coffee and enhance the overall softness. For classic coffee drinks such as latte and cappuccino, milk not only provides a rich taste, but also brings a silky taste experience. Different types of milk (such as whole milk, low-fat milk, soy milk, etc.) can also add different flavors to coffee.

Adding sugar can make the taste of coffee more rounded and reduce the sourness of coffee. White sugar, brown sugar, honey and even maple syrup can add sweetness and aroma to coffee. The use of spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa powder, etc. can also bring unique flavors to coffee. For example, cinnamon can enhance the aroma of coffee and add a touch of warmth, which is suitable for enjoying in the cold winter.

In addition to condiments, pairing coffee with food is also an important way to enhance the taste. Desserts such as chocolate, cakes, and biscuits can balance the bitterness of coffee and bring a richer taste. Nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts) complement coffee. Their crispy taste and the natural oils of nuts can blend with the strong flavor of coffee to enhance the overall enjoyment.

Common coffee-brewing mistakes and how to fix them

When brewing coffee at home, many people often make some common mistakes, which not only affect the taste, but also make the coffee lose its proper aroma and layering. Understanding and avoiding these mistakes is the key to improving the quality of coffee.

First of all, improper water temperature control is one of the most common mistakes. Many coffee lovers are accustomed to using boiling water to brew coffee directly, but in fact, too high a water temperature will cause the coffee to be over-extracted and produce a bitter taste. The ideal water temperature should be maintained between 90℃ and 96℃, which can be slightly adjusted according to the different brewing methods. For example, the water temperature of hand-brewed coffee should be around 92℃, while the water temperature of French press coffee can be slightly higher, close to 96℃.

Another common mistake is using an inaccurate ratio of coffee powder to water. Too much or too little will directly affect the taste. Too much coffee powder will make the coffee too strong and bitter, while too little will make the coffee taste weak. It is generally recommended to use a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 coffee powder to water, but the specific ratio can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you like strong coffee, you can increase the amount of coffee powder appropriately.

Improper grinding is also an important factor that causes bad coffee taste. Different brewing methods require different grindings. Too coarse or too fine grinding will affect the extraction effect of coffee. For example, hand-brewed coffee should use a medium grinding, while French press coffee requires a coarser grinding. If the grinding is too fine, the water flow is difficult to pass through, which can easily lead to over-extraction; if the grinding is too coarse, the water flow is too fast, the extraction is insufficient, and the taste becomes bland.

Finally, many beginners neglect cleaning. The residue and grease accumulation of coffee utensils may affect the purity of the coffee, and even make the coffee taste bitter or off. After each brew, remember to clean all utensils in time to ensure that every sip of coffee can maintain its fresh and original flavor.