What is the appropriate water temperature for brewing coffee?

The appropriate water temperature for brewing coffee should be between 88-94 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of coffee beans and the degree of roasting. The higher the water temperature, the faster the coffee is extracted and the richer the taste will be, but it may also make the coffee taste too bitter. On the contrary, too low a water temperature will slow down the extraction speed and make the coffee taste weak. Choosing the right water temperature is crucial to brewing a cup of mellow coffee.

In the busy urban life, coffee has almost become a necessity for many people. When you wake up in the morning, a cup of fragrant coffee can refresh your mind and start a new day. In the afternoon, a cup of coffee with dessert is such a pleasant thing. But when making coffee, have you ever considered the issue of water temperature: What is the most suitable water temperature for making coffee?

First of all, we need to understand that the coffee brewing process is actually a complex chemical reaction process. The water temperature directly affects the extraction efficiency of various components in coffee beans such as caffeine, acidity, sweetness, etc. Different water temperatures will determine the taste and flavor of the coffee.

The water temperature is too high : If the water temperature for brewing coffee is too high, some coffee components may be over-extracted, producing an overly strong bitter taste. Excessively high temperature may also destroy the aroma of the coffee itself, greatly reducing the final taste.

The water temperature is too low : If the water temperature is too low, the ingredients in the coffee beans cannot be fully extracted, resulting in a weak coffee taste and even affecting the dissolution of coffee powder.

What is the right temperature? There is no fixed answer, because different coffee beans, different grinding degrees, and different brewing methods require different water temperatures. Most experts recommend that the water temperature for brewing coffee should be between 88-94 degrees Celsius. The water temperature within this range can ensure that the ingredients in the coffee beans are fully but not over-extracted, thus obtaining a cup of mellow coffee.

If you are using a common drip coffee machine for brewing, it is recommended to control the water temperature at around 9 degrees. This is because the drip coffee machine will gradually lower the water temperature during the brewing process, so a slightly higher temperature at the beginning can ensure the final extraction effect. If you are using a brewing method such as hand pouring or French press that requires you to control the water temperature yourself, you can fine-tune the water temperature according to the specific type of coffee beans and the degree of roasting. Dark roasted coffee beans may require a slightly higher temperature to extract their deep taste and aroma.

In addition to the type and roasting degree of coffee beans, brewing time is also closely related to water temperature. If the brewing time is long, it is recommended to slightly lower the water temperature to prevent over-extraction; conversely, if the brewing time is short, the water temperature can be appropriately increased to fully extract the flavor of the coffee beans.

We also need to pay attention to maintaining and controlling the water temperature. A good thermos or hot water kettle and an accurate water thermometer are important tools for controlling the water temperature. Only by maintaining the appropriate water temperature can we ensure that every brewing will have a satisfactory taste.

There is no absolute standard answer to the water temperature for brewing coffee. It needs to be adjusted according to different coffee beans and brewing methods. But as long as we keep trying and accumulating experience, we will be able to find the brewing water temperature that suits us best and enjoy that perfect cup of coffee. Next time you brew coffee, you might as well spend more time adjusting the water temperature and see if you can find the cup of coffee that suits you best!