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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)
• 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