The Elements of Brewing Perfection
- Water
- Fresh, good-tasting water is essential since it makes up more that 98 percent of a cup of coffee.
- Mineral content can affect the taste.
- For best results, water should not exceed the following parts per million (ppm) of dissolved minerals:
- Ideal: 50-100 ppm or 3 60 6 grains of hardness
- Acceptable: Below 300 ppm pr 18 grains of hardness
- Brewing perfect coffee starts with clean equipment.
- Your brewer should be free from any contamination or odors that may affect the coffee
- Temperature
- The temperature of the water during brewing affects the flavor and extraction
- Ideal water temperature: 195oF – 205oF (92oC – 96oC)
- The temperature of the water during brewing affects the flavor and extraction
- Time
- The brewing time of the time water is in contact with the coffee grounds determines the amount of coffee material extracted – the major component affecting the flavor.
- Turbulence
- Turbulance is created as the water passes through and over the coffee. It should cause the particles to separate and create a uniform flow of water around them for proper extraction.
- Filtration
- Paper filters produce the clearest cup of coffee.
- Porous enough to allow free flow of the extracted coffee solubles.
- Made from oxygen processed paper for best coffee flavor.
- Strong enough to prevent collapsing.
- Cleanliness
- These areas should be clean and free from lime and hard water deposits:
- Serving Area
- Sprayhead / Funnel
- Servers
- Water Reservoir / Pitcher
- These areas should be clean and free from lime and hard water deposits: