Nothing beats the first sip of a fresh cup of joe! The way the delicate smells pierce the senses is the perfect ingredient needed to kick start anyone’s day.
Each cup contains hundreds of different aromatic chemical elements that are released when you add water and heat, aside from the boost to your brain functionality.
Numerous studies suggest that these aromatic beans can reduce sleep deprivation, trigger the release of antioxidants, and even lower stress levels.
What is a good cup of joe?
Creating the perfect cup of joe requires a combination of different factors. As with any brewing method, when hot water meets the fresh grounds, the water immediately begins pulling the beans’ compounds, resulting in a delicious cup of joe.
Since we don’t all have the same taste buds, it will take some experimenting to find the right bean to make the right cup for your preferences. Some beans might taste too sour, or burnt, or bitter on the palate. The more you try different beans, the better chance you will have at tasting the perfect blend to make your taste buds dance.
For some, the ideal cup of joe awakens the senses and makes your palate feel satisfied. There have been new beans to hit the market through the years that have inspired us to delve a little deeper into what it takes to brew the perfect cup of joe, depending on your preferences.
Bean Selection
When trying to find the perfect bean, you will notice you have several options to choose from. When it comes to the bean’s properties, a few factors can affect their quality.
From climate to harvest time to freshness, various flavors will come out in the bean, and the way you brew them will also impact the taste.
Take light roasts, for example. They are more acidic and tend to have more floral components. Plus, the caffeine level is actually higher than dark roast blends.
Check out your local coffee club for more information on different varieties of beans you should try.
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Storing your beans
Any beans that you plan on using right away should be placed in an air-tight container until used. A good rule of thumb is only to buy enough beans to consume within a week or two. Any longer, and you risk the beans losing their potency and aroma.
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Arabica Beans
One of the first beans introduced to the market, Arabica beans are also the most popular bean choice for caffeine lovers. According to various studies, 80% of the java drank worldwide is from the Arabica bean. By offering a creamy taste, these beans have less caffeine than other more acidic flavors.
Arabica beans are grown on mountainous ranges or along the slopes of volcanoes. These beans are among the oldest species of bean trees and tend to flower during the rainy season. In total, it takes the bean about nine months to fully mature.
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Light Roast vs. Dark Roast
Looking over the labels on the different types of java beans, you will notice the roast type. Light, medium, and dark all represent the strength level of the beans. The mildest bean being the light roast and the dark roast subsequently being the bolder flavor.
Have you ever noticed that some beans are of different colors? That’s because the longer a bean is roasted, the darker the bean will be.
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The Truth About Freshly Ground Beans
Most caffeine lovers agree that the best way to expose your beans’ aroma and flavors is to wait until you are ready to brew them before grinding the beans. Keep in mind that once the ground beans are exposed to oxygen, they lose the aromatics.
That is why we suggest waiting to grind your beans until it is time to brew. If you ever wondered why your cup of joe loses its punch, the longer you have it. It’s because of the level of oxygen the beans have been exposed to.
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What is in your cup: high-fat milk vs. low-fat milk
The type of milk you place in your mug will be highly dependent on the taste you want from your cup of joe.
Whole milk that contains more fat creates more body with richer foam.
Choosing low-fat dairy will offer less body but more foam.
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Customize Your Cup of Joe
Now that we have outlined what it takes to make the perfect cup of joe, you might be wondering how you can add a splash of flavor to your cup. Aside from the standard options such as adding plant-based, dairy, or half and half milk to your cup, consider frothing up for milk preference using your french press.
All you need to do is heat your heat and add it to your french press. Close your lid and use the plunger to force down the milk. The pressure will create a frothy foam.
Looking to add a little more flavor, try adding some simple syrups such as hazelnut, vanilla, or Irish cream. Whatever option you decide to try out, keep it creative. Your tastebuds will thank you every morning.
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