Easy, low cost ways to brew a better cup of coffee at home.
There are several ways to brew coffee for several different reasons. If you sleep late and need your Joe on the go, there’s thing wrong with a single serve Cup. Maybe your mornings are a bit more composed, but you still want the convince of a drip coffee maker on a timer. Or, maybe the coffee ritual is part of your day and you enjoy weighing out your bean to water ratio with a French Press or Pour Over. All these methods are valid. But there are a few things that will ensure better coffee no matter how you brew your coffee.
When buying coffee to brew at home, it's important to choose beans that are freshly roasted (like Catfight). Purchasing smaller amounts often, rather than large bags seldomly, is key. This is why the Catfight Subscriptions come in handy. It ensures you’ll never run out and can keep a smaller, fresher quantity on hand.
Next, invest in a grinder. Freshly-ground coffee makes a huge difference in taste. Even if you use a KCup/Single serve machine, try grabbing a refillable/reusable cup and fill it with freshly ground beans.
Water. Generally speaking distilled water is better for espresso. For coffee, you want water that is clean of chlorine but low in mineral content. The easiest way to get this? Just invest in a home water filter that attaches to your faucet and use home tap water. Not only will it make your water taste better, but it’s likely more healthy as well.
Clean your equipment. This is especially true for KCup/Single Serve machines. Just like most things in the kitchen — especially things that are subject to daily use — these coffee makers can be full of bacteria, yeast and mold if they aren't properly cleaned. The water stays in a resivor that’s not air tight (unlike an espresso machine). Since the hot water isn't enough to decontaminate the machine, harmful germs can build up to a point that it can actually make you sick. No matter what your brewing method, always make sure you give it a good cleaning.
Lastly, explore and have fun! Part of the fun of being a coffee drinker is discovering different beans, roasters, and cafes. There are lots of places that have great coffee—so be curious, ask questions, delve in. If they barista acts annoyed, good chance they don’t know their beans. A good Barista will welcome these questions. Research what you’re drinking. The location where your coffee was grown and how it was processed make a huge difference in taste.
