Tag Archives: beans

The Art of Pour-Over Coffee Making

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Brewing the perfect cup of pour over coffee requires time, patience, and practice. But with the right tools and some helpful tips, you can make a delicious cup of coffee in no time. Let’s explore some key tips to making the perfect pour over coffee. 

Preparing Your Coffee Grounds 

The first step in preparing your pour-over coffee is to grind your beans. The coarseness of the grind should depend on your preference; if you want a stronger cup of coffee, opt for a finer grind. If you want something lighter and less intense, go for a more coarse grind. Be sure to measure out the appropriate amount of grounds before grinding them up—typically two tablespoons per 6 ounces (or 180 mL) of hot water. 

Pouring Process 

Once your grounds are ready, it’s time to start pouring. Start by adding just enough water to wet all of the grounds evenly before letting it sit for 30 seconds; this allows them to “bloom” or release any trapped gases that will give your final product greater flavor and aroma. After blooming, begin slowly pouring in circles over the grounds until you reach 6 ounces (or 180 mL). Make sure not to pour too quickly or too hard; this could cause overflow and create an uneven extraction process. Letting the mixture steep for 4 minutes should be enough time to extract all the desired flavors from your grounds.  

Adding Finishing Touches 

After steeping is complete, use a spoon or paddle to break up any clumps that may have formed while brewing. This ensures that all the flavor has been extracted from every single ground particle in your cup and that there won’t be any “overflowing” particles when you drink it. Finally, add cream and sugar (if desired) before pouring into a mug or thermos for consumption. 

Making delicious pour-over coffee doesn’t have to be complicated. With these tips—and maybe a little practice—you’ll be able to brew yourself a great cup every single time. Start by grinding your beans properly—finer for strength, coarser for lightness—and then measure out two tablespoons per 6 ounces (or 180 mL) of hot water before beginning your slow circular pouring process around the grounds until they are fully saturated with liquid. Allow it to steep for 4 minutes while breaking up any clumps with a spoon or paddle before adding cream and sugar if desired before serving. With these steps in mind, you’ll have mastered the art of making great pour-over coffee in no time.

While there are many different pour over options are available. The Chemex is of course the most recognizable… and it a bit of ‘art’ for the kitchen. Though, it can be a challenge to clean if grounds get baked in a bit with its small neck. Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

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Back to the grind, get it right for the coffee you like

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If you’re a coffee lover, chances are you’ve heard the term “grinding” thrown around when talking about the process of making coffee. But what does grinding actually mean in the context of coffee. And why is it so important for making a great cup of coffee. Read on to find out all there is to know about how different types of grinding can affect your coffee-drinking experience. 

Grinding Basics

The definition of grinding, as it relates to coffee, is the process of breaking down coffee beans into smaller particles before they can be brewed. The size and shape of these particles affects the rate at which the water passes through them and extracts flavor compounds from the beans. It’s important to note that not all grinds are created equal; each type has its own characteristics that will affect your cup of coffee differently. 

Coarse Grind 

A coarse grind is just what it sounds like—the beans are ground into large pieces, almost like course sea salt. Coarsely-ground beans are ideal for making cold brew because they absorb water slower than more finely-ground beans. Brewing cold brew requires steeped grounds for at least 12 hours (sometimes up to 24!) in room temperature or chilled water; if the grounds were too fine, the resulting drink would be way too strong and overpowering. 

Medium Grind 

A medium grind falls somewhere between coarse and fine. It’s still fairly chunky, but not as large as a coarse grind. Medium-ground beans are best used for French press coffees because they allow more oils and aromas to pass through while still providing enough structure to keep them from ending up in the bottom of your cup! That said, medium grinds aren’t ideal for drip machines because they don’t provide enough structure for a consistent extraction process; the water will flow through too quickly and you won’t get the full flavor profile from the grounds. 

 Fine Grind

A fine grind is much smaller than either a coarse or medium grind—think powdered sugar or table salt consistency! This type of grind is great for espresso machines because it provides enough surface area for optimal extraction in such a short amount of time (espresso shots take about 30 seconds!). However, fineness also means that these grounds will extract faster than coarser ones—which can lead to over-extraction and an overly bitter drink if not done correctly.

Turkish Grind 

The Turkish grind is one of the finest available—it’s almost powdery! Turkish grinds should only be used when brewing Turkish coffee because any other method simply won’t work with such tiny particles (they would just pass right through filter paper). Brewing with Turkish-ground beans results in an incredibly strong cup with lots of body due to its high surface area and minimal contact time with water. 

No matter what type of brewing method you prefer, understanding how different types of grinding affect your coffee or espresso can help you make a better cup every single time. Different sizes produce different flavors, so experimenting with different settings may yield some interesting results—just don’t forget to filter those coarser grounds out! Knowing how to properly adjust your grinder for each brewing method is an essential skill for any coffee enthusiast, so get out there and start experimenting.

There is cheap and there are ‘better’ grinders. Here is an option on the affordable side that will let you get a grind on the beans you need for the type of coffee you’re making today. Of course, there are super precise options too. Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

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All About Coffee Beans: The Different Varieties and Their Flavor Profiles

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Coffee beans are the backbone of your morning cup of joe. After all, without them, there would be no coffee! But did you know that there are actually several different kinds of coffee beans? Each variety has its own unique flavor profile and can be used to create delicious cups of coffee. Let’s explore some of the most common types of coffee beans available today so you can make an informed decision when buying your next bag.

Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica beans are grown in high altitudes and have been cultivated since the 15th century. They’re considered to be superior in quality due to their sweet flavor notes such as chocolate, caramel, and honey. Arabica beans are also known for their lower acidity level compared to other varieties. These beans are generally more expensive than other types but they’re worth it if you want a smooth cup with a rich flavor profile.

Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta beans come from a different species of plant than Arabica beans and are often grown at lower altitudes than Arabica beans. They contain more caffeine than Arabica beans and have a strong, bitter taste that some people find too intense. Robusta beans also have higher levels of antioxidants which can help boost your energy levels throughout the day. While they may not have the same complexity as Arabica beans, they still make an excellent base for espresso or cappuccino drinks due to their bold flavor.

Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica is a lesser-known variety of bean that was originally grown in Liberia but is now farmed in countries like Indonesia and Philippines. It has a distinctive nutty aroma with hints of smokiness and earthiness on the palate. Liberica tends to be much harder to find than both Arabica and Robusta so it’s best to buy it online if you’d like to try this unique variety yourself!

Decaffeinated Coffee Beans
If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option then decaffeinated coffee beans may be your best bet. Just like their caffeinated cousins, decaffeinated coffee comes in all sorts of varieties including Arabica, Robusta, and specialty blends like Kona Decaf or Colombian Decaf. The process used to remove the caffeine typically involves soaking the green (unroasted) coffee beans in water before being exposed to either heat or solvents to remove the caffeine molecules without sacrificing any of its original flavor or aroma characteristics.

No matter what type of coffee bean you choose, you’re sure to get an amazing cup each time. Knowing the different types available will help you make an informed decision when picking out your next bag so that you can enjoy whatever variety suits your tastes best. With its rich history spanning centuries, it’s no wonder why coffee remains one of the world’s favorite beverages today. So go ahead – explore some different varieties today and start making delicious cups of java

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Having Coffee on Your Holiday Travels

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two coffees on top of a car on a road trip

We all know the importance of coffee when it comes to starting our day. For those who can’t go a day without their daily caffeine fix, traveling can be a stressful experience. The good news is, you don’t have to give up your beloved cup of joe even when you take off on a holiday trip. Here are some tips on how to travel with coffee and still enjoy your favorite brew while you’re away from home.


Bring Your Own Coffee Maker
If you’re staying in a hotel room or Airbnb during your holiday travels, bringing your own coffee maker will ensure that you get the same quality of coffee that you’re used to having at home. This way, no matter where in the world you go, you’ll always have a familiar cup of coffee waiting for you. If you prefer instant coffee, make sure to bring individual packs so that all you have to do is add hot water and stir!

Bring Pre-Ground Coffee Beans or Grounds
For those who prefer freshly ground beans over instant coffee, bring pre-ground beans or grounds with you instead of whole beans. Whole beans tend to lose their flavor after being exposed to air for an extended period of time, so pre-ground options are much better in terms of flavor preservation. If bringing pre-ground beans isn’t an option for you, consider investing in a manual grinder that’s small enough to fit into your suitcase easily so that grinding fresh beans won’t be an issue even when on the go!

Bring A Reusable Coffee Mug When You Go Out
When traveling around town or exploring different places during your holiday trip, bring along a reusable travel mug so that if there’s ever an opportunity for coffee while out and about, all you’ll have to do is fill it up with your favorite brew and enjoy! Not only will this help reduce waste from single-use cups but also save money since most places charge extra for disposable cups. Plus, carrying around your own mug makes it more convenient since all the other items needed like sugar and milk can already be found in the mug itself!

Whether you’re spending the holidays in another city or just going away on vacation for the weekend, traveling with coffee doesn’t need to be hard—or expensive! By taking some simple steps such as bringing along a manual grinder or reusable travel mug, anyone can make sure they get their daily dose of caffeine wherever they go without having to worry about compromising taste or convenience. So if you want to make sure that this holiday season isn’t spent without great tasting java by your side, these tips should certainly come in handy!

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