Good Coffee Is All In The Grind

Creating that coffee shop flavor at home is not an impossible task. To have a fresh, rich brew every pot every day, the true coffee lover insists on fresh grinds.

A "can" of pre-ground coffee is fine for some and especially convenient in a pinch, but the flavors just won't pop the senses like a fresh ground pot perking to bubbly perfection.

Getting started grinding fresh coffee for each pot really isn't a difficult undertaking either. There are a few things people should know before getting started, however. Coffee begins to lose its flavor as soon as it's roasted. This means even by the time the beans make it to the market, some of the richness has evaporated. This, of course, doesn't mean they won't taste awesome when ground and brewed, but time is of the essence.

The trick here is buying beans only in a quantity that will be used fairly quickly. About a week or two's worth at best. Then grind only what is needed a pot at a time. The grinding process further adds to the beans loss of flavor, so what's ground now should be used now.

To keep freshly roasted beans fresh, store them in an airtight container in a dark and cool place. Keep moisture out of them for certain. The refrigerator is not considered an ideal location, but a cabinet away from the stove might be.

When grinding coffee for the morning's brew, consider the kind of coffee maker that's being used. The quicker the coffee brews, the finer the grinds need to be. An espresso maker, for example, requires a grind that's almost powder, but not quite. Typical American drip makers require a grind blend that's a lot coarser.

To ensure the end result of the fresh grind is a pot of coffee that's rich and full-bodied, include about two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounce of water. Some coffee lovers will prefer a bit more. Water, by the way, is also key in creating a good cup of coffee. If the water has heavy chemical or mineral undertones, so will the coffee. Start with fresh clean water and the only taste that will shine through will be the coffee itself.

Cans of coffee are fine for some, but those who truly want to replicate the coffeehouse flavors in their own home invest in a grinder. The purchase is pretty inexpensive and fresh ground always has a richer, bolder more "gourmet" flavor than pre-made coffee.

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