Level: Beginner
At Curador, we are passionate about coffee. We want to share with you the experience of enjoying an exceptional specialty coffee, roasted and delivered fresh. This is the necessary ingredient for a good coffee. It is important to mention that a ground coffee oxidizes 100 times faster than a coffee bean, the latter should not be roasted more than three months before you can appreciate its quality.
Fundamentals:
- Fresh bean coffee: The key to exceptional coffee lies in the quality of the bean. Look for freshly roasted specialty coffees for maximum freshness and flavor. Whole beans are the most recommended.
- Filtered water: Pure water is essential to bring out the flavors of coffee without adding any foreign tastes. Avoid tap water, as it may contain impurities that affect the taste.
- Proper grind: The grind size depends on your chosen brewing method. A fine grind is ideal for espresso machines, while a coarser grind is better for drip or French press methods. Check out our grind guide .
- Coffee to water ratio: The ideal ratio of coffee to water is crucial for a balanced extraction. A good starting point is a ratio of 1:15 (one tablespoon of coffee to 15 ml of water).
Choose your preparation method:
Each brewing method offers different versions of coffee. Each offers a unique combination of flavor, aroma, body, and acidity, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of experiences. It is important to experiment with different methods and grinds to find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Here are the recommended methods for your home experience:
Espresso
Equipment : Super Automatic, Italian or Moka, Professional Home Machines.Principle : High-pressure hot water is forced through finely ground coffee, extracting its flavours and oils in a time period of about 25 seconds for espresso machines and 2 minutes for a Moka or Italian maker.
Flavors: Intense and concentrated flavor, with notes of caramel, chocolate and nuts. Full body and dense cream.
Advantages: Produces a cup of coffee with great flavor and intense aroma, ideal for preparing espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
Disadvantages: Requires a specialized espresso machine, taste can be bitter if extraction is not done properly.
Check out our Curator guide to making espresso.
By drip or filter
Equipment : V60, Chemex, Filter Coffee Makers or Batch Brew.
Method: Hot water is manually poured over the ground coffee in a paper filter. This can be done manually or with certain machines by controlling the flow and extraction speed.
Flavors: Complex and nuanced flavor, with floral, fruity and citrus notes. Light to medium body and bright acidity.
Advantages: Allows greater control over extraction, resulting in coffee with greater flavor and aroma.
Disadvantages: Requires practice and technique to master, can be slower than other methods.
Check out our Filter Methods guide.
French Press
Equipment: Plunger coffee maker.Method: Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water for 4 minutes, then pressed with a plunger to separate the ground coffee from the liquid.
Flavors: Intense and robust flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel and spices. Full body and high acidity.
Advantages: It is simple and easy to use, portable, and produces a full-bodied cup of coffee.
Disadvantages: May produce sediment in the cup, taste may be bitter if grind is too fine or extraction is too long.
Check out our guide to the French Press.
AeroPress:
Method: Ground coffee is mixed with hot water in a pressurized chamber, then air is pressed in to force the coffee through a filter.Flavors: Clean and bright flavor, with sweet and fruity notes. Medium body and balanced acidity.
Advantages: Portable, fast and easy to use, produces a clean cup of coffee with little sediment.
Disadvantages: May take some practice to master, flavor may be less intense than other methods.
Depending on how you consume it, we recommend the following coffees so you can make an extraordinary coffee at home.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event to find out.