Going in for a sip of your piping hot morning coffee is something many individuals look forward to each and every day. However, there is nothing more disappointing than taking in a sip, and noticing the flavors are all off. Because our sense of taste also works with smell, it may be difficult to ascertain what exactly went wrong during the brewing process.
Thankfully, if you find that your coffee just never hits the mark, there are simply ways in which you may make various improvements. Avoid bitter coffee and dump that mug of sadness – we want to let you in on a little secret. Good tasting coffee is not only possible, it's something anyone can master. Continue by taking a look at the following tips and tricks and, before long, you will be enjoying freshly brewed coffee from your very own kitchen.
Start With a Good Foundation
If you aren't willing to do something right, why even try at all? When a carpenter begins building a house, they ensure they have a strong foundation in place before moving forward – coffee is no different. This is why you cannot overlook the essentials, regardless of how easy it is to take a short cut.
Finding Fresh Coffee
Don't run out and buy the first bag of Starbucks coffee you see. In fact, stay far away from anything your supermarket carries. Your best bet is to find a small batch roaster nearby, or peruse a few listed on Amazon. Even if the local grocery store is your only option, there are a few pointers to follow:
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Buy Whole Bean Coffee
Even if this means purchasing a burr coffee grinder, you will soon find it is worth the extra effort. Plus, whole beans mean there is a decreased chance of oxidation. Grind beans fresh for each brew.
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Check the Expiration Date
This is typically located on the bottom of the bag. Avoid purchasing anything that's more than 30 days old. Once beans reach a month or more of age, oxidation begins to occur. Oils also start to break down, and there will be a sudden decrease in overall taste quality.
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Source High Quality Beans
This isn't to say you should only drink mugs of Jamaican Peaberry, a rare and expensive coffee, just that you should be mindful of your purchase. Single origin beans, adorned with the Rainforest Alliance logo, is one of your better choices if you are stuck purchasing coffee from the grocery store. This could be from Brazil, Africa, Hawaii, etc. A single origin simply means it is not a cheap blend, and the beans originate from one place – this means money well spent.
Don't Forget the Water
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Don't Heat Water Beyond 200º F
Burning and scolding your grounds is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. For this reason, you should ensure your water never heats beyond 200 degrees Fahrenheit, in order to avoid damaging the coffee. When pouring hot water, do it slowly, and preheat the container when possible.
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Only Use Filtered Water
The quality of your water source is probably one of the main reasons for unsavory coffee. Various contaminants and minerals impart flavors that cause hints of bitterness, creating a sour concoction that typically ends up going down the drain. By filtering your own tap water, you have more control over what ends up in the foods and beverages you and your family consume – your coffee should receive the same consideration.Plus, considering coffee is more than 97% water, filtered water is simply a no-brainer. Please also ensure you avoid distilled water, spring water, and any other type of bottled water as much as possible. Aside from contaminants and minerals originating from the water source, plastic bottles have a tendency to leech micro plastic and chemicals into the contents.
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Descale as Necessary
Hard water can begin to cause a buildup in a hurry. And, in most cases, you won't begin to notice a problem until you aren't able to brew coffee in a timely fashion. For example, if you are using a tea kettle to heat water, you may not consider cleaning it on a regular basis. Eventually, minerals and calcium have caused a buildup, and you discover a white substance caked along the inside – this is hard scale buildup.You can remedy this problem at home, though, just be sure to do it at the end of a day before the kettle is needed again. Simply mix up a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and filtered water. Bring your kettle to a boil, and allow it to rest until the water comes back down to room temperature. Once it is done cooling, pour out the contents, and boil a pot of water. If you still find there is leftover residue that won't come off, repeat the process.
Water Filter Options
When it comes to locating the best option for filtering your tap water, you may be pleasantly surprised at the options available. From inline water filters, to under sink units, and even Reverse Osmosis machines, there is no shortage of designs. Most families, however, appreciate the space saving convenience set forth by a water filter pitcher, as well as the affordability. With so many brands to choose from, it can become time consuming, and frustrating to determine which is your best bet. We have gathered our top filter choices, in order to help you start brewing better tasting coffee from home.
Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher
Waterdrop's Chubby Water Filter Pitcher is one of the top pitcher style modes of water filtration. Fitting perfectly in your fridge, you can enjoy up to 200 gallons of water per filter replacement, before ever having to worry about inserting a new cartridge. This efficient filter is great for budget minded folks, who are in need of filtration for tap water. Waterdrop utilizes lead-free and BPA-free construction materials, as well as the accent of a beautiful wooden handle. Aside from sleek looks, the Chubby Water Pitcher is NSF 42 and 372 certified, so you can rest assured you have purchased one of the best filter pitchers out there. When you need the convenience of a water pitcher, paired with the serious removal of arsenic, lead, fluoride, and other contaminants, Waterdrop should be at the top of your list. Japanese sourced activated carbon works hard to ensure you aren't consuming dangerous contaminants, and can get back to enjoying flavorful coffee, again.
Brita Stream UltraSlim Water Filter Dispenser
Brita has become a household name over the years, and it is easy to obtain. When you need something to get the job done, Brita works well at removing unwanted flavors and odors typically arising from municipal water sources. This water filter pitcher is efficient at removing chlorine, which has a negative affect on coffee, tea, and homemade juices. If you are short on space, the Brita UltraSlim fits easily into the refrigerator door, at just 4.4” in width. Measuring at 10.25” tall, and 16” deep, the Brita Stream UltraSlim holds 25 cups of water in the container. Fill your filter pitcher less often, and stop worrying about ruining your morning coffee. With a Brita filter, you will be enjoying tasty coffee with regular filter replacements, all year long.