To make perfect coffee,
start with the best, freshest ingredients and follow the directions
for your particular coffee maker.
The roast.Roasting brings out the flavor and aroma of
coffee beans. As the beans are roasted, they turn darker and their
surface becomes oily. The higher the temperature or the longer the
roasting period, the darker and oilier the beans become - and the
stronger their flavor. French or Continental roast beans have a
dark-brown color and oily surface; their taste is strong and rich.
American roast beans, often called "regular" roast, have a dry
surface and are medium brown in color. Cinnamon roast beans also
have a dry surface, but they're paler than American roast beans - a
light cinnamon-brown. They make a mild coffee.
The blend.
As is the case with teas and herbs, many different
coffees and coffee roasts have a complementary flavors. Most
pre-ground packaged coffees are blends. Gourmet stores often offer a
"house blend" and will usually be happy to help you experiment with
your own blends.
The grind.
Coffee beans must be ground before brewing to
release their flavor when boiling water is added. Coffee is best
when make with freshly ground beans; inexpensive electric grinders
are easily available. Every coffee-pot or machine works best with a
particular grind. As a rule, the longer the coffee will be in
contact with the water, the coarser the grind should be.
Storage.
Roasted whole coffee beans can be stored in tightly
covered container about 3 months at room temperature, longer in the
freezer. Ground coffee should be kept tightly covered and used
within a week.
Making the coffee.
No matter what kind of coffee maker you use, the
proportion of ground coffee to water should always
be 2 level tablespoons (1 official coffee measure)
to 200ml (1/3 pint) water. For weaker
coffee, dilute the coffee with hot water after you
make it. Always use the correct grind; always start
with a spotlessly clean coffee maker and fresh cold
water. Serve the coffee immediately. If you must
reheat the coffee, do so over gentle heat - and
never let it boil.
