All coffees are born equal, but some reveal richer treasures of aromas than others. It all depends on the preparation method. Each coffee is unique, and to extract the optimal flavors, several parameters must be adjusted. This process, although requiring a little effort, quickly becomes a rewarding experience.
Why Preparation is Crucial
As a roaster, I have often found that even exceptional quality coffees, such as those from the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition, can be poorly prepared, leading to disappointing results. Yet these coffees have been tasted hundreds of times by experts who have ranked them among the best in the world. Proper preparation is essential to reveal their full potential.
How to Become an Expert in Your Coffee
Here are some simple steps to mastering a new coffee and getting the most out of it:
adopt a coffee
Choose a quality coffee and focus only on it for several weeks. This will allow you to understand its subtleties and identify necessary adjustments.
keep a preparation method
Commit to using one method for a while. For example, start with a French press.
invest in the right tools
Quality grinder for precise grinding, scale for weighing coffee and water, kettle with adjustable temperature and a stopwatch to control the infusion.
Example: Making Coffee with a French Press
recommended ratio
1:14 (e.g. 36g coffee to 500ml water).
steps
01. Set your grinder to a medium grind and weigh out 36g of coffee.
02. Heat the water to 94°C and warm the coffee maker with a little hot water, which you will empty.
03. Pour the ground coffee into the plunger and shake lightly to combine.
04. Start your stopwatch, then pour 200g of water in 15 seconds.
05. Mix with a spoon for 5 seconds.
06. Wait up to 60 seconds, then add the remaining 300 g of water.
07. Let steep for a total of 5 minutes before gently pressing the plunger.
08. Taste and adjust: If the coffee is bitter, opt for a coarser grind. If it is bland, adjust to a finer grind.
A Progressive Approach
Start by adjusting just one setting at a time (grind, water-to-coffee ratio, or brew time). Once you find your perfect recipe, you can experiment further and discover the unique nuances of each coffee.
Deepening Your Connection with Coffee
Once you've mastered the preparation, dive into the history of your coffee:
01. Where does it come from?
02. Which farm produced it?
03. What fermentation method was used?
Every coffee tells a story, and we’re here to help you discover it. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more and perfect your brewing skills.
Dany Marquis
