Secrets To Buying And Using Whole Bean Coffee For The First Time
If you've been brewing coffee with pre-ground beans your whole life, then you're in for a real treat. Whole bean coffee has the potential to be so much better. But there is also a bit more involved with buying and using whole coffee beans. As such, you'll likely benefit from these tips the first time around.
Buy coffee you're confident you'll like.
The world of whole bean coffee can seem a little overwhelming at first. There are so many different roasts and varieties. A good place to start is with a medium roast, Colombian coffee. Colombian coffee is known for being mild and pleasant, and medium roast coffee appeals to most palates. There is very little chance you won't like it. Later on, you'll have plenty of chances to experiment with dark roasts, obscure coffees from small growers, and so forth. For now, try a reliable coffee you're confident you'll like.
Use a good brewing method.
If you're spending the money to buy quality, whole bean coffee, then you probably don't want to make it in a drip coffee maker. There are better brewing methods. A French press makes lovely coffee, and pour-overs are also really effective. You can buy a plastic pour-over with filters for just a few dollars. It will do your beans more justice than a drip brewer.
Measure your coffee.
It's best if you can weigh your coffee beans. Ideally, you will want to use 10.6 grams of coffee beans per 6-ounce cup of coffee. So, if you are brewing a large 12-ounce cup of coffee, you will want to weigh out 21.2 grams of coffee beans to grind and use. Weighing the coffee gives you more precise and consistent results. If you do not have a scale, however, then you can estimate and brew your coffee by volume. Weigh the beans after you've ground them using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6-ounce cup.
Take notes.
Once you've brewed your coffee and are trying it, take some notes. How would you describe the flavor? Is it acidic, spicy, or fruity? Is the coffee smooth or a bit more acrid on your tongue? These notes will help you select other coffees in the future. Or perhaps they'll reassure you that you should buy more of that same Colombian variety you're trying.
Brewing Colombian whole bean coffee for the first time is a lovely experience, especially when you follow the tips above.