How to Make Coffee

Knowing how to make coffee is a no-brainer for most. However, making a rich, flavorful cup with great aroma and infusions is a completely different task. There are several factors that go into making good coffee. These factors include the type of beans you buy, brewing methods and the strength of the flavor.

Nutrients in Coffee

Coffee is infamous for its caffeine content and is one of the most popular sources of the nutrient. Coffee also contains antioxidants that have detoxifying and disease-shielding properties. Caffeine has been so popularized that many don’t consider it to be a nutrient. On the contrary, research shows that it can have plenty of benefits if taken in moderation.

Effect of Coffee on Your Health

The line between caffeine’s health benefits and its drawbacks are determined by how many cups you drink a day. Coffee can help you feel alert and vigilant if you keep to 1-2 cups a day. If you drink it in excess, it can lead to sleeping problems, heart palpitations and a rise in blood pressure. Some studies also suggest that following a coffee diet can help with weight loss as a result of a faster metabolism.

How to Make Coffee the Right Way

As mentioned earlier, a good cup of coffee boils down to the flavor, strength and brewing technique.

Coffee Beans Buying Tips

The first step in learning how to make coffee is to buy your beans carefully. Coffee beans have different taste profiles. Some are infused with chocolate flavor, while others taste a little nutty. Sample coffee beans and decide which type you prefer. Always purchase from a reputable vendor.

Brewing Techniques

Several studies about coffee brewing techniques have been conducted over the last decade. Most tests reveal that people found coffee most flavorful and rounded if it was made using coffee cones or a French press.

How to Make Coffee with a Cone

Every brewer uses unique instructions but there are general guidelines to follow. Start by boiling water and setting up your brewer. Grind coffee beans until they are sand-like and not powdery. Pour ground beans through the cone filter and add about ¼ cup of water. Allow it to rest for a minute before pouring in the rest of the water. Continue brewing until it comes to a slow drip.

How to Make Coffee with a French Press

Add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 8 ounces of hot water into the pot. Gently stir until most of the grounds sink to the bottom. Leave coffee to brew for 3-5 minutes and slowly press down the plunger. While still holding, pour coffee into your cup and add sweeteners and milk if desired.

By learning how to make coffee with the right flavor, texture and equipment, you can start the day with a rich, flavorful cup. Coffee is a great pick-me-up and gets better the more you practice. Try learning how to make coffee with other recommended equipment like a Chemex and an Aeropress.