5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Coffee Experience
A simple guide to your best cup of coffee, for beginners.
By Ashley Messina
Some beginner tips to improve your coffee experience
This is your sign it’s time to change up your routine. Quarantine has really shaken up our lives this last year and to be honest I am tired.
Are you tired?
Let’s have some coffee!
“We want to do a lot of stuff; we’re not in great shape. We didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We’re a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup.” Jerry Seinfeld, Comedian, coffee lover
1. FRESH BEANS
If you are not already doing this you need to drop everything you are doing and go buy fresh beans NOW. Fresh beans are essential to your best cup of coffee. Beans start to lose their freshness about 7–10 days after being roasted. Long/short, everything is better fresh. It’s that simple! Plus you get to control the grind, and don’t we all want to feel a little control in our lives.
Sourcing fresh beans is also a great way to support your local businesses. Most local coffee shops are selling whole bean options and new roasteries/micro- roasteries are popping up all the time.
2. GRIND YOUR OWN BEANS (OR DON’T!)
You’ve got your fresh beans, now it’s time to grind! For ultimate freshness you will want to grind them every morning.
No grinder? No problem! You can still have a great cup of coffee. Your local roaster, coffee shop, grocer (wherever you buy beans) will be happy to grind it for you.
- Pro-Tip: The quicker the brewing process, the finer the grind. Check this website for some more tips on your grind! https://coffeehow.co/coffee-grind-chart/
- Follow the links to my favorite home grinding systems: https://www.hario-usa.com/products/ceramic-coffee-mill-skerton-plus https://www.oxo.com/conical-burr-coffee-grinder.html
3. STORAGE
That’s right, even the way you store your coffee effects the flavor. We are all about freshness here, Déjà vu!
- Store in an opaque, airtight container.
- Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
4. BREW METHOD
Trying a new home brewing method is an easy way to improve your coffee experience.
6 typical home brewing methods:
- Pour Over- Provides a more personal experience, many coffee lovers prefer this method.
- Coffeemaker-Simple to use, set and forget, consistent.
- French Press-Simple to use, rich flavor, greater possibility of sediment.
- AeroPress- Provides a more personal experience, espresso on the go!
- Siphon-Provides more personal experience, like a science experiment!
- Cold Brew-Provides a more personal experience, crisp and refreshing, less acidic.
Take the time to think about what is important to you when it comes to your perfect cup. Keep in mind that you can try most of these brew methods at your local shop, if you are interested in trying before buying the equipment.
Watch some pros brew coffee: https://brewmethods.com/
5. ORIGIN, VARIETAL, & ROAST
Last, but certainly not least, the actual bean itself.
Where in the world did it grow? What varietal is it? How much of a roast do I want? These three factors will greatly determine the taste of your cup.
There are three major regions where coffee is grown. Africa, Americas, and Asia. Each region has very different flavor profiles.
Africa
African coffees tend to be more “bright” and fruity, they are more acidic and typically have a more medium body.
Americas
Coffee grown in the Americas tends to be slightly less acidic than African coffees. They are more mild and balanced and tend to have more nut and spice flavors.
Asia
Asian coffees are earthy, chocolatey, sweet, and tend to be heavy bodied. If you have heartburn but don’t want to give up coffee this can be a great switch.
What varietal is it?
There are over 100 coffee species, but majority of the time you are going to run across Arabica beans. These are what most roasters prefer to use. Additionally, you may find Robusta, or even a blend of Arabica and Robusta.
Robusta is typically found in blends or instant coffee.
So what’s main the difference in flavor, and what should you be considering?
Arabica- Sweeter, smoother, grown at higher altitudes, more sensitive to grow therefore more expensive.
Robusta-Stronger, harsher, grown at lower altitudes, easier to cultivate though less sought after. (about 25% more caffeine if you can handle the taste).
AND FINALLY…THE ROAST
Ask yourself these questions. Do you want more acidity or less? Do you want a more well rounded flavor or do you want a deeper flavor and a more heavy body? Are you unsure, but know you want to branch out?
A quick guide to picking a new roast, or just trying out something different.
Light Roast- Bright flavors, higher acidity, mellow bodied, higher caffeine content. Perfect for a full flavor, tangy, and energy packed cup!
Medium Roast- Well rounded flavors, medium acidity, medium bodied. Perfect for a sweeter, slightly less tangy, more balanced cup!
Dark Roast-Oily, heavy bodied, deeper flavor, lower acidity. Perfect for a less tangy, rich, and smoky cup!
*Blend- Blends are a great way to combine flavors for a unique experience.
**Flavored Coffees- Even flavored coffees are better whole bean!
The take away…
It is super simple to improve your coffee routine!
Remember that you deserve nice things and get to brewin’!
Not sure where to start? Here are some of my favorite sites for coffee beans.
