By Amy McNabb
Test Data Analyst | Kaitātari Raraunga Whakamātautau
How to get the best out of your beans.
1. Buy small amounts
Buy only small amounts of freshly roasted beans (no more than a week’s supply) and keep them in an airtight container somewhere dark and cool (but not in the fridge). It’ll prevent your coffee tasting stale.
2. Grind accurately
For the best flavour, grind only what you need just before you make your coffee, setting the grind size (coarse, fine, or something in between) to suit your brewing device. Use a burr (rather than blade) grinder so all your coffee is ground (and extracts) evenly. Otherwise, have your local roastery grind it fresh when you buy.
3. Preheat your equipment
To prevent a cold cuppa, preheat your mug (and brewing device, if possible). This is key if you’re using a slower soft brewing method such as pour over (filter/dripper).
4. Let boiled water cool slightly
Use water that’s a few degrees below boiling point. That’ll prevent your coffee being overly bitter through being extracted too suddenly.
5. Bloom the coffee for soft brew
If you’re using a filter/dripper or plunger type device, pour in just enough water to wet the grinds at first, waiting 30 seconds or so for the initial gasses to be released. This is “blooming”. It’ll mean the remaining water poured through has better contact with the coffee to extract maximum flavour.
Portable coffee makers
Want a decent coffee at work, on your travels or at the summit of your hike or bike ride? We trialled six portable coffee makers from five brands.
