How to Brew the Perfect Coffee?

Gold Cup Standard Brewing?

Are you tired of bland, mediocre cups of coffee? Look no further! The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has set the bar high with their Gold Standard for coffee brewing. And trust me, once you start brewing with these guidelines, your taste buds will be doing the happy dance.

First things first, let's talk water quality. The SCA recommends using water that is as pure as the driven snow and has a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of between 50-150 ppm. This ensures that the water doesn't bring any unwanted flavours to the party and allows the true taste of the coffee to shine through.

Next, it's all about the temperature and brew time. The SCA suggests brewing between 90-96°C for 2-4 minutes. This sweet spot ensures that the coffee is extracted at the perfect temperature and for just the right amount of time, resulting in a perfectly balanced and flavourful cup.

And let's not forget about the all-important coffee-to-water ratio. The SCA recommends a 1:17 ratio, which means for every 1 gram of coffee, 17 grams of water should be used. This magic ratio allows for optimal flavor extraction, ensuring that your coffee is neither too weak nor too strong.

Lastly, the size of the coffee grounds is crucial. The SCA suggests a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt. This size allows for the perfect extraction of flavors, preventing any bitterness or weakness in the final cup.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to brewing coffee that will make your taste buds sing. But don't stop there, feel free to experiment with different beans, brewing methods, and ratios to find your own personal preferences. The possibilities are endless. So, put on your barista hat, and let's brew some coffee that'll knock your socks off!