Be your own barista: 5 tips for making perfect coffee at home

Portrait of a professional young woman barista sitting on a counter with a cup of coffee in a coffee shop.
Portrait of a professional young woman barista sitting on a counter with a cup of coffee in a coffee shop.

Coffee is the oil that lubricates the wheels of society. Without it there would be an enormous amount of friction. But just what goes into making that perfect cup that will keep us well lubricated?

Let’s be honest, brewing that perfect cup of Joe is an art. But just what goes into making a great cup of coffee, and how can you achieve it at home?

We consulted experts, coffee lovers and baristas to get their ‘professional’ opinions on the matter. Collectively, they agree that these rules are unbreakable:

  1. Use fresh, quality product: Don’t use stale old beans that have been sitting in the cupboard for a year and a half, use quality fresh beans. The same goes with milk – use a quality milk that is nice and fresh. And, fresh, clean water goes a long way too.
  2. Store it correctly: The best way to keep coffee is in an opaque, airtight container in a dark, cool and dry place – like a pantry. Try and keep it away from moisture – especially wet spoons! Don’t refrigerate or freeze your coffee beans because it will affect the coffee’s oils and absorb flavours from other foods.
  3. Grind just before brewing: Only put the amount of beans you plan to use into the top of the grinder and don’t grind them until just before you’re about to extract the coffee. It’s best to use your new coffee grinds within 10 mins of grinding them.
  4. Timing is essential: It’s also important that you give your coffee the right amount of time to brew. The average espresso shot drip is 20 to 30 seconds. There are hundreds of different brewing methods each with their own variables, so do some research and find one that works best for you. Plunger coffee should brew for 3 – 4 minutes – leaving it longer will only make it bitter. If you prefer it strong, try adding an extra tablespoon of coffee instead.
  5. All you need is love: The best baristas tend to care about what they’re making, as do the best roasters, green buyers, mills and farmers. This comes from an understanding that coffee is more than a flavour: it’s a vehicle for flavour. With the right care or desire, a coffee bean can be manipulated to deliver an experience that makes you notice the coffee you’re drinking, and that’s a rewarding result for all. It’s important that you know what has gone into roasting your chosen bean – and how to best get the flavour out – do a little research.

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