If you’re a typical coffee user, you probably start your day with a cup of joe made with pre-ground beans from a cheap can. And there’s nothing wrong with that! But if you’re looking for a truly special coffee-drinking experience, you’ll want to seek out gourmet coffee.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this coffee, from what it is and where it comes from to how to brew it at home. Let’s get started!
What Is It?
It is coffee that is grown in ideal conditions and roasted to perfection. It often has complex flavor notes that regular coffee lacks, and it can be traced back to a specific region or farm.
Because gourmet coffee is so carefully crafted, it generally costs more than regular coffee. But many coffee lovers feel that the price is worth it for the exceptional taste.
Where Does It Come From?
- It comes from all over the world, although the majority of it is grown in Latin America and Africa.
- The best coffees are usually of a single origin, meaning they come from a single country or even a specific farm within that country.
- This allows companies to carefully control every step of the process, from growing and picking the beans to roast and packaging them.
How Is It Different from Regular Coffee?
The main difference between gourmet and regular coffee is its quality. These types of coffees are grown in ideal conditions and expertly roasted, while regular coffees are mass produced with little attention paid to quality control. This difference in quality means that gourmet coffees generally have more complex flavor profiles than regular coffees.
What Are the Different Types of available?
There are two main types of gourmet coffee: whole bean and pre-ground. Whole bean coffees are generally considered superior because they retain more flavor than pre-ground coffees (which start to lose their flavor as soon as they’re ground).
However, whole bean coffees require a bit more work to brew since you have to grind the beans yourself just before brewing. Pre-ground coffees are more convenient since they can be brewed without any grinding, but they won’t taste as fresh as whole bean coffees.
How To Brew at Home
Now that you know a bit more about this type of coffee, you might be wondering how to brew it at home. Luckily, brewing great coffee is relatively simple as long as you have good beans and the right equipment.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Freshly roasted whole bean gourmet coffee (buy online or at a specialty store)
- A burr grinder (a must for grinding beans evenly)
- A French press or pour-over style coffee maker
- Filtered water (tap water can make your coffee taste “off”)
- A kitchen scale (to measure the beans)
Follow these steps for perfect gourmet coffee every time:
1) Measure out 56 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of beans using the kitchen scale
2) Grind the beans using the burr grinder
3) Boil filtered water and let it cool for about 30 seconds
4) Pour approximately 200 grams (just under 1 cup) of hot water into your French press
5) Add the ground beans to the water and stir
6) Put the lid on your French press but do not push down
7) Let the mixture steep for 3-4 minutes
8) Push down on the plunger and pour your coffee into the cups
9) Enjoy!
Conclusion:
Making great gourmet coffee at home is easy as long as you start with good beans and use the right equipment. Burr grinders are essential for grinding beans evenly, while French presses produce rich, full-flavored cups of coffee without any bitterness. Be sure to use filtered water in order to avoid any “off” tastes in your cup! And last but not least, remember to enjoy!
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