The Art of Brewing Perfect Coffee

Hello and welcome to Bunnati newsletter!

This week’s publication includes:

1. Coffee Talk: The Art of Brewing Perfect Coffee

2. Coffee Recipe: Vietnamese Coffee

3. Coffee News Roundup

4. A Lovely Quote

COFFEE CONVERSATION

For coffee lovers, the pursuit of the perfect cup is a journey filled with intricacies, from selecting the beans to savoring the final sip. Achieving that impeccable blend of flavor, aroma, and texture requires practice and patience. Here's a comprehensive guide to honing your brewing skills and creating your perfect cup of coffee.

1. Selecting Your Beans

The foundation of your coffee journey lies in choosing the right beans. Opt for freshly roasted whole beans, ideally within the last two weeks. You’ll want to see the roast date on the coffee bag. The origin, roast level, and processing method all play a role in determining the final taste profile. Experiment with single-origin beans from regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Indonesia to experience distinct flavors.

 2. Grinding Your Beans

Grinding just before brewing ensures maximum freshness. The grind size should match your preferred brewing method:

 - A coarse grind for French press.

- A medium grind for drip coffee makers.

- A fine grind for espresso machines.

Using a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder will result in a more consistent grind size, this is crucial for even extraction.

 3. Water Quality and Temperature

 Since coffee is 98% water, the quality of water used is essential. Semi filtered water is recommended to avoid too hard water with many impurities that can alter the taste. The ideal brewing temperature falls between 195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C). If it's too hot, it can burn the coffee; if it's too cold, it won't extract properly.

 4. The Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The standard ratio is 1:16 - one part coffee to sixteen parts water. For example, use 30 grams of coffee to 500 milliliters of water (about 2 cups). However, this can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences. Using too little coffee will result in a weak brew while using too much will make it too strong.

 5. Brewing Methods

 - Pour Over: This method allows for control over brewing time and temperature, resulting in a fully bloomed and flavorful cup of coffee. A gooseneck kettle is recommended for precise pouring.

 - French Press: Known for its full-bodied flavor, the French press immerses grounds in water and extracts oils and flavors. After four minutes, press the plunger down slowly.

 - Espresso Machine: This method produces a rich and concentrated shot of espresso, requiring a fine grind and compacted grounds. The extraction process should take about 25-30 seconds for a perfect shot.

- Aeropress: Combining immersion and pressure, the Aeropress results in a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee. Experiment with different steeping times and pressure to find your preferred taste.

There are many more methods but these are some of the most popular.

 6. Timing and Technique

 Consistency is key when brewing coffee. Make sure the grounds are evenly saturated for uniform extraction. For pour-over, use a circular motion while pouring, and stir the grounds briefly after adding water for French press. With espresso, practice tamping evenly before brewing.

 7. Enjoying Your Brew

 After brewing, pour your coffee into a pre-warmed cup to maintain its temperature. Savor it soon after brewing to experience the full spectrum of flavors and aromas. Avoid letting it sit for too long as the taste can degrade quickly. An espresso should be enjoyed within 3 minutes.

8. Experiment and Adjust

Finding the perfect cup of coffee is relative as we all have different tastes. Keep a journal of your experiments, recording the beans used, grind size, water temperature, and brewing time will help. Make adjustments one at a time to refine your process further.

By paying attention to these details, you can transform your daily coffee ritual into an art form and consistently achieve that perfect cup tailored to your preferences. You’ll be on your way to being a home barista.

Happy brewing!

COFFEE RECIPE

To make this wonderfully delicious coffee, you’ll need the item atop of the cup. It’s called a Phin or Vietnamese coffee filter.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coarse coffee grounds

• 1-2 tablespoons sweet condensed milk

• 1 cup boiled water

Instructions:

• Pour tablespoon of sweet condensed milk in cup

• Pour coffee grounds inside Phin filter

• Pour a little hot water on coffee grounds and allow coffee to bloom and wait 30 seconds

• Gradually pour hot water inside filter and add accordingly until cup is nearly full with prepared coffee

• Mix coffee with sweetened condensed milk and enjoy 🙂 

COFFEE NEWS

Health: Drinking Two to Three Cups of Coffee at Your Desk Job could Slash Your Risk of an Early Grave, study suggests

New research suggests that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily can significantly reduce the risk of premature death for office workers who sit for at least six hours a day. The study found that these workers are 33% less likely to die early compared to those who do not consume coffee.

Scientists believe coffee's anti-inflammatory properties help counteract the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This conclusion is based on data from over 10,000 U.S. adults, highlighting coffee's potential to mitigate the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles.

Source: Daily Mail

Trend: Why Reheated Coffee Tastes So Bad, And What To Do Instead

Reheating coffee, whether in a microwave or on the stove, enhances its bitterness by increasing the production of bitter compounds like quinic and caffeic acids. Coffee experts suggest that instead of reheating, use an insulated thermos to keep your coffee warm or brew smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day to enjoy fresh coffee. This approach not only maintains better flavor but also offers a pleasant break during your work-from-home routine. Preheating your coffee pot and mug can also help maintain the coffee's warmth and flavor.

Source: Huff Post

Science: Scientists Reveal Millennia-Old Secrets of the World’s Most Popular Coffee Species.

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have produced the most comprehensive reference genome for Arabica coffee, revealing its evolution over 600,000 years through natural processes. This genome highlights Arabica’s vulnerability to climate change and pests due to its low genetic diversity. By tracing Arabica’s history, the study identifies periods of population changes linked to climatic shifts and suggests that Arabica originated from a hybridization event between Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides. This detailed genomic understanding may help breed more resilient coffee varieties, ensuring the crop’s future amidst environmental challenges

Source: University at Buffalo

QUOTE

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