When striving for a truly sublime cup of coffee, high quality beans are just the beginning: In the art of perfect coffee brewing, everything hinges on an interplay of different factors.Simply procuring the best possible variety and tossing it into a piece of top-of-of-the-range equipment is no guarantee of a harmonious result in the cup. Indeed, knowledge is key here—specifically, a grasp of the basic principles of storage, water quality and preparation method. Only a deeper delve into these all-important areas can help home brewers experience their own barista moment and unlock the full spectrum of aromas.
Water - the oft-neglected main ingredient
Richly hued and intensely flavorsome, the coffee itself tends to steal the limelight, but in fact, a whopping 98% of any cup of java is made up of water - just one more reason to turn the focus on water quality and recognize its crucial impact on the flavor profile. Mineral-rich, well oxygenated water is the ideal choice. But if the water used is too acidic or alkaline, the fine aromas of the coffee may be compromised. While soft water with a low pH can coax a fruity acidity from the brew, hard water highlights the intense roasted aromas and lends the coffee a more rounded note.
Grind size - A game-changer
Grind size plays a fundamental role, for it is the grind that determines the rate of extraction: that’s the length of time the coffee remains in contact with the water and the quantity of aromas extracted in the process. Too fine a grind prolongs the contact time, resulting in an over-extracted coffee that can quickly taste bitter and harsh. Too coarse a grind, meanwhile, allows the water to gush through the coffee unimpeded, creating an unbalanced, sour and watery brew.
For optimum results, the grind size must be matched to the preparation method. For instance, a medium grind is the way to go when using a coffee filter machine, whereas a French press requires a coarse grind and an espresso machine a fine one. Basically, the briefer the contact time between coffee and water, the finer the grind. In fact, the path to a truly blissful brew often starts with the selection of the right grinder and the precise adjustment of the burrs.
Storage - Locking in the flavor
Coffee is a sensitive natural product—rich in aromas, but vulnerable to external influences. Such factors as light, oxygen, moisture, foreign odors as well as extreme heat or cold can have a direct impact on flavor and quality. Opening a pack kick-starts the natural degradation process. The fragrances and aromas begin to oxidize on contact with the air and the flavor profile alters after just a few days.
The best way to maintain the quality of an opened pack for longer is to keep the beans or ground coffee in the original packaging, which should be tightly sealed with an aroma clip and stored in a cool, dry place, away from strong odors. Coffee-lovers with a low consumption are best advised to purchase smaller packs or use whole beans and grind them just before brewing.
This is the best way to make the most of any coffee and bring the bean quality into the cup, where it belongs.
Our tip:
The Dallmayr Academy provides insights into coffee specialties and the different preparation methods, conveying professional barista expertise—a great option for anyone wishing to take a deeper dive into the world of coffee.
