Keep it fresh
Coffee is at its best flavor when it is fresh, which is typically 7 to 10 days.
Mind the water
The water you use to make your coffee has a big impact on flavor. Never used “distilled” or “softened” water to make your coffee. Heat the water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clean your equipment
Whether you use kitchen coffee maker or a press, cleanliness can impact your brews. Frequently clean your water container thoroughly, as the buildup of bacteria in water will have a negative affect on your coffee.
Use a carafe
Rather than leave your coffee sitting on a burner, we recommend that you use a carafe to keep it warm.
Grind well
The consistency of the coffee grounds affects its strength. For most coffee makers, finer grinds result in stronger coffee. Espresso grinds should be extremely fine, with the consistency of fine sand. French press brews benefit from course grinds rather than fine grinds.
Choose your filter
The type of paper filter you use can be very important. Some filters can cause your coffee to develop a “paper taste.” Be sure to rinse your filter before using it.
Measure the ratio
The coffee-to-water ratio we recommend is 1 ounce of coffee for every 16 ounces of water, which is enough for 2 small cups of coffee.
For more tips…
… Here is an excellent resource site for many more tips.
Or, download a tip booklet put together from the Black Bear Coffee site.
