Too Hot or Not? Water Temperature and Coffee
You don't have to be a barista to brew a truly delicious cup of coffee, but you do need a little know-how. You probably already realize you need to start with great beans, like those from Costa Rica, to sip something really special, but did you know something as simple as water temperature can actually have a huge impact on taste?
Why Temperature Matters
If you normally use an automatic coffee maker, monitoring temperature isn't a big concern. You just need to add cold, clean water, and the machine does the work for you. However, hand-crafting a steaming cup of caffeinated joy is a little more complicated.
It's all about extracting the flavor from those beautiful little beans. Grinding them just before brewing will definitely improve your beverage, but water's obviously an important part of the equation. Cold water simply can't pull the essential oils out of the grounds. It produces coffee that's weak and flat. Going too hot isn't good either. It'll make your batch bitter, and can add a burnt flavor.
The Goal: Optimal Extraction
The National Coffee Association1 recommends boiling your water to a temperature between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal flavor extraction. A standard kitchen thermometer can help you gauge water temperature, but many baristas2 will tell you that's not really necessary. They recommend bringing your water to a boil, then allowing it to rest for 30 to 45 seconds before pouring it over your coffee grounds.
Some other suggestions from the pros:
• Preheat your carafe (or French Press) prior to adding water to help maintain coffee temperature and enhance taste during the brewing process. All you have to do is swirl some boiling water in the vessel right before you begin.
• For optimal flavor, start by pouring a small amount of hot water over the grounds and allow them to "bloom" for at least 30 seconds. Then add the remainder of the water and let it steep for at least three minutes.
• Serve your coffee right after brewing. This is when the taste is at its peak.
We, of course, think your best bet is to start with our amazing Costa Rican coffee. Visit us today to stock up on some of the most flavorful beans in the world, and keep following our blog to learn more about the craft of brewing quality coffee at home.
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Sources:
1. National Coffee Association, How to Brew Coffee, Referenced July 7, 2019
2. Handground.com, 47 Tips to Make Pour-Over Coffee like a Barista, Referenced July 15, 2019