| Gourmet coffee makers are only as good as the | | | | If the flavor seems too mild and thin and you never get |
| water you use. This article is about water quality, | | | | the full, rich gourmet taste you want, then pay attention |
| temperature, and other helpful tips to brew a great cup | | | | to brewing temperature. |
| of coffee. Should you use bottled water for brewing? | | | | The brewing time depends on the method you use. |
| It is okay to brew coffee with tap water that tastes | | | | Drip makers spray hot water over the grounds that |
| good straight from the faucet. | | | | seeps through in a minute or two. A press pot (or |
| Beware of tap water that has a strong odor or taste | | | | French Press) brews between 3 to 4 minutes. For an |
| such as iron or chlorine. Remember to let your tap run | | | | espresso machine, the hot water is quickly forced |
| a few seconds (or more) until it cools to its lowest | | | | through the espresso grind in 20-30 seconds. An |
| temperature. That gives fresher taste. Only use cold | | | | Aeropress also brews in the 20 seconds it takes to |
| water and never used distilled or softened water. | | | | depress the plunger and push the water through the |
| Using the hot water faucet is a sure way to ruin your | | | | filtered grounds. |
| coffee's flavor. If your tap water is not nearly perfect, | | | | Remember that period of time the hot water stays in |
| you should filter it or buy bottled. Some more | | | | contact with the grounds is directly related to the type |
| expensive makers actually include a built-in filter. An | | | | of grind used for the particular coffee maker. A |
| economical alternative is to use a filtered pitcher. | | | | French press requires the coursest grind. An espresso |
| The proper proportion of water to coffee is 2 | | | | machine and an Aeropress use finely ground beans. A |
| tablespoons (perhaps a little less if you prefer) of | | | | medium grind works best for a drip coffee maker. |
| ground beans for every 6 ounces of water. | | | | If your coffee is too strong check the brew |
| Remember that the typical "coffee cup" is only six | | | | temperature. Then make sure you are using the right |
| ounces, and that is how your carafe will be marked. | | | | grind and brewing it for the right period of time. Try |
| Be careful not to get confused by a "measuring cup" | | | | varying the brew time that the hot water remains in |
| that is 8 ounces. | | | | contact with your ground coffee, until you make the |
| The right temperature for brewing is just below boiling. | | | | perfect cup. Timing the brew cycle is best, instead of |
| If you are heating water on the stove, you can let it | | | | guessing. |
| start to boil, then allow it set for a minute before | | | | A break through in brewing technology is the Keurig |
| pouring it over the grounds in your cone filter or press | | | | single serve brewer, with a revolutionary process of |
| pot. If it is too cool, your beans will not release their full | | | | controlling the pressure, brew time and temperature. |
| flavors. Water that is too hot extracts bitter flavor oils | | | | The Keurig coffee system can be a great way for a |
| from the beans. | | | | beginner to learn how great gourmet coffee should |
| The best temperature for brewing coffee is between | | | | taste, with a simple and tasty brew time after time. |
| 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. You should serve it at | | | | Now you know this tip for beginning coffee makers: |
| a cooler temperature, between 145 to 175 degrees | | | | Pay attention to the water you're using to brew great |
| although most people prefer the top end of that range. | | | | tasting coffee. |