You always want a good cup of coffee at home. This simple yet complex way of preparing a delicious beverage leads you to wonder what the correct method is, or what steps and elements you should take into account to enjoy exquisite coffee made at home.
I'm going to describe five very important recommendations or tips for preparing your coffee well at home, as well as the essential equipment you should have so you can create your own coffee recipes and so that the flavors are better preserved and you can enjoy an excellent cup.
1. Choose a good type of coffee
Choose the coffee that suits your tastes. If you lack knowledge, seek the opinions of baristas and distributors. The place where you buy your coffee is important because it will be your reference point for purchasing it whenever you need it. Always use specialty stores where you can ensure the coffee is fresh and less than a month old. Choose a location close to your home or work. If you buy it at a supermarket, be sure to check the roasting date and try to choose the freshest coffee, because after a month, coffee begins to lose its properties. If you like a cup of coffee that wakes you up in the morning or prefer coffee with milk, you should buy a medium or slightly dark roast coffee. The more roasted the coffee beans are, the less acidity and sweetness they will have, but more bitterness, which goes well with milk. If you like black coffee, you should buy it medium or light roast. If caffeine bothers you, buy decaffeinated coffee, which comes in instant coffee forms.
2. Store your coffee well
You should protect your coffee from moisture and sunlight, which deteriorate it and make it taste less good when you prepare it. Glass containers are perfect for preventing the coffee's fragrance from escaping and UV rays from penetrating. Cupboards keep the coffee away from sunlight and moisture. It's best to keep it in its packaging, as some have a hermetic seal that protects it. Finally, don't store it in the refrigerator, as it can absorb food odors and moisture.
3. Use good quality water
Coffee is mostly made up of water, and its flavor depends on its quality. For this reason, always use filtered or bottled water.
4. Help yourself with good coffee-making equipment
A coffee scale allows you to weigh the coffee and water. If you don't have a scale, you can use a measuring spoon. You can use a manual or electric grinder so you can grind your coffee at the time of preparation. A teapot or kettle allows you to heat the water for your coffee. The gooseneck allows you to control the pouring. Some kettles have the option to regulate the temperature and maintain it for a specific period of time. If you don't have one, you can use a kettle or heat it in a container.
5. Prepare your coffee at home
At home, you're the expert barista. Don't be afraid to be one, because it all depends on the good mood you put in. No matter how long it takes, the attention and love with which you prepare your drink will lead you to enjoy the cup of coffee you love most.
Finally, I think it's important to keep in mind other recommendations that will be very useful. Remember that the two most consumed coffee varieties are Arabica and Robusta. The former contains less caffeine and produces a smoother coffee with fruity aromas. Robusta has more body, a higher caffeine content, and a stronger flavor. Coffee beans are delicate and easily lose their properties. For this reason, it's best to buy whole bean coffee and grind it at home. Remember to buy the freshest coffee. Experts recommend a white porcelain cup because it's durable and retains heat better. Coffee should be served immediately; do not let it cool or reheat it. Finally, the coffee pot and cup should always be kept clean.