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5 Factors That Determine How Delicious Your Cup of Coffee Will Be

Nov 2, 2019 (Updated on Mar 21, 2023)

Coffee origins can be traced back to Ethiopia. Legend has it that a goat herder discovered the potential of coffee beans when some of his goats displayed increased energy levels and did not want to sleep at night after eating berries from the coffee plant.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and coffee is the second most traded commodity on earth. On average, coffee drinkers in the U.S. consume 3.1 cups of coffee daily.

For coffee enthusiasts, it's not just about the dose of energy that keeps you awake at night, but more about the taste and aroma of a perfectly brewed pot. There are a lot of factors that go into making that delicious cup after you order ground coffee.

Here are some of the factors that make a cup of coffee delicious.

Beans

The primary determinant in the quality of your morning coffee is the beans that you use. Even if you have the best recipe and brewing technique, there's only so much you can do with low quality coffee beans. As such, you should ensure that the beans used are top-notch when you order ground coffee.

The good thing with coffee is that there are many varieties and flavors for every taste bud. Paradoxically, the wide selection available is also the challenge with coffee. This is because no two selections are the same. As such, you have to be selective when you order ground coffee.

How you store those high-grade coffee beans once you bring them home will determine the duration they can retain their flavor. It's recommended that you store them in an air-tight container and place it somewhere dark and dry. For the best flavor, coffee beans should never be stored in the freezer or near appliances that produce heat.

Water Quality

Water may be fit for human consumption, but it might not be the best to use when you brew your morning cup of coffee. Did you know that 98% of your coffee is water? As such, water quality will have a tremendous effect on the taste of your brew.

If your tap water does not taste good, you should use distilled bottled water or filtered water to achieve a better brew.

Temperature

Temperature affects the rate of extraction and greatly influences the solubility of organic compounds in coffee beans. The ideal temperature for brewing ranges from 196 to 205 F.

Don't worry. You do not need a thermometer for this. All you have to do is bring the water to a boil, and before you start pouring, let it sit for about half a minute.

The Grind

The size of your grind inextricably determines the extraction time. Grinding your coffee to a fine tilth will increase the surface area and reduce the time needed for compounds to be extracted. The opposite is true for a larger grind.

Coffee from finely ground beans tends to be very strong and bitter. On the other hand, if the beans are not adequately ground, you will not be able to extract enough compounds. The goal is not for extraction to take place as fast as possible but at a rate that will produce the desired flavor and aroma.

Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Also referred to as the dose, the coffee-to-water ratio determines how strong your brew will be. If you use very little coffee, it will produce a weak taste, whereas too much coffee will make the brew too bitter.

To perfect your brewing technique, you must measure the quantity of the coffee you use for each pot. This will allow you to make delicious coffee consistently.

When it comes to the perfect coffee brew, it all boils down to preparation and who's holding the cup. To find a flavor that's just perfect for you will require some trial and error and testing out different brewing techniques. It may take some time, but it will undoubtedly be worth the wait.

Order ground coffee online today and begin your exploratory journey into a world of diverse aromas and flavors.

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