How to Make a Good Pot of Coffee

Whether you are just learning to make coffee or are looking for ways to improve your morning cup of Joe, there are several ways that you can improve the process and make not just a good pot of coffee, but an outstanding pot of coffee.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Airtight container
• Whole coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• French press (optional)
• Cold tap water

1. Buy only enough coffee for two weeks at a time, storing it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Avoid stocking up and storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, as lower temperatures rob the coffee of its flavorful oils. For best results, purchase whole beans and grind just before brewing.
2. Clean your automatic drip coffee maker regularly as coffee residue and mineral buildup from your water can greatly affect the taste of your coffee. After cleaning the inside and outside of your coffee pot, run a few pitchers of water through the machine to rinse any residual soap before making a fresh pot.
3. Make a good pot of coffee by using a French press instead of an automatic drip coffee maker. French pots are considered the best way for making coffee, as the grounds steep directly in hot water, there is no filter necessary and the pot is small and easy to clean each and every day.
4. Rinse paper coffee filters under cold running water before you add your coffee and start your pot to brew. Coffee filters are often covered in small paper fibers and chemical residues, particularly bleached white filters. Rinsing them before you make your coffee will prevent the fibers and chemical flavors from tainting a good pot of coffee.
5. Use cold filtered tap water for making your coffee, as tap water contains more oxygen and yields a better tasting brew. It is important to filter your tap water, however, as the excess mineral content can make coffee bitter.
6. Heat water for a French press coffee pot or manual drip pots to about 200 degrees, or just before boiling. If water comes to a rolling boil, the temperature can scald the coffee and cause it to be more bitter. Instead, watch for the water to begin to form small air bubbles along the edges and then remove from heat and make your coffee.