Untitled Document
How to Brew a Great Cup of Kona Coffee
There are a number of ways to improve the brew that comes out of your automatic drip pot at home! Brewing a perfect pot of coffee can be more difficult than it sounds. Coffee snobs - I mean connoisseurs - are a bit like wine snobs, detecting notes of citrus, flowers and chocolate in their java. Following the 4 steps listed below will get you well on your way to the best pot of coffee you've ever tasted.
1. Making a great cup of Kona Coffee starts with the beans. Coffee experts are dismissive - even contemptuous of any coffee sold in a grocery store tin. Instead, they recommend buying small quantities of fresh beans from coffee houses supplied by local roasters or micro-roasters, usually small retail shops that roast the beans on site. Coffee, grown mainly in equatorial countries, is harvested at different times in different regions. Roasters try to buy coffee beans at the optimal time for the specific region.
2. Grind just before brewing. It's a pain, but coffee experts recommend buying whole beans and grinding before each pot. Grinding breaks down the bean and exposes the coffee to air, which can speed up flavor loss. Use about two tablespoons of ground coffee for every cup.
3. Use the correct water temperature. Coffee's flavor characteristics will emerge by brewing at the right temperature.
4. What about decaf? Let's say you love the taste of coffee in the afternoon but do mot enjoy watching late night reruns until dawn. Decaffeinated coffee beans are perfect for those that prefer a cup without the caffeine boost.
5. Store beans correctly. Do not put coffee in the freezer or the fridge. Moisture causes the beans to lose flavor, and refrigerators can be humid. Coffee also has a tendency to pick up refrigerator smell. Instead, store coffee in an airtight container in a cool spot. Ideally, you'll buy fresh beans at least once a week.
