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How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee on Busy Mornings

By,
Gourmandize

You don't have to be a certified barista to get it right.

Buy Freshly Roasted Beans

Buy Freshly Roasted Beans

The perfect cup of coffee starts when you choose your beans. To ensure a better cup, choose freshly roasted coffee beans. As time goes on, roasted coffee starts to lose fullness and flavor—leaving you with a mug of bitter coffee. Look at the bag to find its roasting date; quality brands will list it. 

Grind Just Before Using

Grind Just Before Using

As convenient as it is to buy your coffee already ground, if you want to enjoy the perfect cup, avoid pre-ground coffee. When coffee is ground, it quickly loses flavor—experts say it should be ground no more than 30 minutes before you plan to use it. Invest in an electric coffee grinder and use it while you make your toast or cereal. The extra step is worth it.

Add a Little Salt

Add a Little Salt

The quickest way to cut the bitterness of your coffee is to add a little salt to your grounds before brewing. Don't worry, your coffee won't be salty, but the natural flavor of the bean will be more prominent and you'll be able to appreciate it more. If you forget to add it to the grounds, you can always add a small pinch to your coffee once it's brewed.

Use Filtered Water

Use Filtered Water

Water quality varies from state to state and even town to town, so the best way to get the perfect cup of coffee is to use filtered water. This way, you won't have an aftertaste due to water treatment, and there will be less residue in your machine, French press, or drip. Want to switch up your routine?  Here's 37 Hacks Every Coffee Lover Has to Try.

Watch Water Temperature

Watch Water Temperature

Especially if you're making pour-over or French press coffee, it's important to make sure the water isn't too hot. If the water is too hot, you can burn your coffee and draw out its bitter flavors. Once the water comes to a boil, take it off the heat for at least 45 seconds before pouring it over your coffee grounds. 

 

 

Want more? Check out Why You're Genetically Wired to (Not) Like Coffee.

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