Since September is my newly declared month of "no extra spending at coffee shops" I want to share with you how I save money by making the perfect cup of coffee at home.
Before I go into the details of my preferred brewing method, you need to know the key points I've learned about coffee and coffee making. These tips are essential for making your coffee just as good (if not better) than your local coffee shop.
1) Use fresh coffee.
Coffee beans really only taste good for two weeks after you buy them. (I try to only buy as much as I need for one week). Keep the beans in an airtight bag or canister in a dark, cool place. I put mine in the fridge, and have even heard of people keeping theirs in the freezer. However I have read arguments for and against both so I will need to do a bit more research.
2) Buy Whole coffee beans and grind them to the correct size immediately before you brew.
This makes a huge difference. Yes you will need to get yourself a grinder but it is worth every penny. Leaving the grinds out even for 30 minutes will cause them to loose their flavor and taste "stale". If you really want good coffee you need to take the time for this step. I will go into more detail on grinding styles and sizes in my next post.
3) Use good tasting water.
If you do not drink your tap water because it tastes bad, do not use it for your coffee because (no surprise) it will taste bad too. Also the minerals in your tap water can accumulate in your teapot/electric kettle and coffee brewing device. Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment (with a coffee descaler solution (can be found at the grocery store) or homemade vinegar solution (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) and then use clean, purified water (filtered or bottled) from here on out.
4) Find the right bean for you!
There are so many different types of coffee beans from all over the world and they all have a unique flavor profile. It might take some time to find your favorite, but it is an adventure worth pursuing. Many local coffee shops will sell you a 1/2 pound bag and I found this is the perfect size to sample.
I personally like a Medium Roast for my morning coffee and an Italian Roast for night. Usually a House Blend at your local coffee shop is a medium roast and these are a perfect middle of the road, flavorful but not too strong, place to start. If you want something a little nuttier you can bump up to a French Roast and if you like darker try the Italian Roast. Later you can look into beans from different regions like Columbia, Brazil, even Hawaii! The possibilities are endless so just remember to have fun and keep trying. Eventually you will find “the one” and when you do it will add just that excitement you need to get you going in the morning.
I hope this brings you just a little closer to making that perfect cup of coffee at home! Next week I will go over step-by-step how I make the perfect French Press cup of coffee every morning.
As always,
I am a lady | adarose
Before I go into the details of my preferred brewing method, you need to know the key points I've learned about coffee and coffee making. These tips are essential for making your coffee just as good (if not better) than your local coffee shop.
1) Use fresh coffee.
Coffee beans really only taste good for two weeks after you buy them. (I try to only buy as much as I need for one week). Keep the beans in an airtight bag or canister in a dark, cool place. I put mine in the fridge, and have even heard of people keeping theirs in the freezer. However I have read arguments for and against both so I will need to do a bit more research.
2) Buy Whole coffee beans and grind them to the correct size immediately before you brew.
This makes a huge difference. Yes you will need to get yourself a grinder but it is worth every penny. Leaving the grinds out even for 30 minutes will cause them to loose their flavor and taste "stale". If you really want good coffee you need to take the time for this step. I will go into more detail on grinding styles and sizes in my next post.
3) Use good tasting water.
If you do not drink your tap water because it tastes bad, do not use it for your coffee because (no surprise) it will taste bad too. Also the minerals in your tap water can accumulate in your teapot/electric kettle and coffee brewing device. Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment (with a coffee descaler solution (can be found at the grocery store) or homemade vinegar solution (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) and then use clean, purified water (filtered or bottled) from here on out.
4) Find the right bean for you!
There are so many different types of coffee beans from all over the world and they all have a unique flavor profile. It might take some time to find your favorite, but it is an adventure worth pursuing. Many local coffee shops will sell you a 1/2 pound bag and I found this is the perfect size to sample.
I personally like a Medium Roast for my morning coffee and an Italian Roast for night. Usually a House Blend at your local coffee shop is a medium roast and these are a perfect middle of the road, flavorful but not too strong, place to start. If you want something a little nuttier you can bump up to a French Roast and if you like darker try the Italian Roast. Later you can look into beans from different regions like Columbia, Brazil, even Hawaii! The possibilities are endless so just remember to have fun and keep trying. Eventually you will find “the one” and when you do it will add just that excitement you need to get you going in the morning.
I hope this brings you just a little closer to making that perfect cup of coffee at home! Next week I will go over step-by-step how I make the perfect French Press cup of coffee every morning.
As always,
I am a lady | adarose
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