Is there a secret to making the perfect cup of coffee? Many people think so and there are dozens of recipes and tips for brewing the perfect cup of java. Some feel it is all in how you store your coffee and claim that it should be stored in an airtight container that is placed in a dry, cool place. The grinding of fresh coffee beans for each use is also preferred, rather than buying the beans already ground. Most agree that beans will stay fresh in this way for around 14 days. They also suggest that you not store coffee next to anything with a strong odor, such as onions or garlic, as it will pick up odors from other foods.
Naturally, how you brew your regular coffee, gourmet coffee or even flavored coffees has an affect on the taste and since water represents about 98% of all coffees, many suggest using cold filtered or bottled water to enhance the taste. The optimum temperature for the water that is used for brewing is between 195 and 205 degrees, so if your coffee begins to have a weak taste, then you may want to make sure that the temperature gauge is working.
How you grind the beans also has an impact on the taste of your cup of coffee; if they are ground too coarsely, then the coffee will more than likely come out very weak. On the other hand, if it is ground too finely, then not only does it tend to make coffee makers clog but it also will taste rather bitter. Generally, use 2 tablespoons of coffee to every 6 ounces of cold water.
Recently, there has been a debate over the way coffee beans are grown; organic versus regular methods. Many reasons are sited for this including that it makes growing coffee more “green” or more environmentally and ecologically friendly. Others claim that these organic coffees have a much better taste and there are no additives or preservatives, just a rich bold flavor.
Other suggestions for making that perfect cup of coffee include using a mesh or stainless steel filter in your coffee pot as the disposable paper filters may contain dyes, chlorine and even bleach, and that is bound to affect the taste of coffee. It is also important to keep coffee makers clean and about every 3 weeks you should run a mixture of water and vinegar through the machine, followed by running it through with just plain water.