Making American Coffee American Coffee Culture Italian mixed beans espresso

Utensils: Rinse with clean hot water after each use

Wash and dry with absorbent paper towels or towels to make sure your coffee maker is absolutely clean.

Coffee: Try to buy freshly roasted coffee beans. Freshly roasted coffee beans are essential for a top-quality cup of coffee. Buy a small amount of coffee and try to use it within a predetermined period of time. It's best if you buy fresh coffee every other week or two.

Grinder: If you buy whole coffee beans, the best time to grind is before brewing coffee. It is better to use a burr or mill grinder because all coffee beans are ground to the same size. Blade grinders are less popular because they produce uneven particle sizes. If you usually grind your coffee at home with a blade grinder, try going to the store and using a cone grinder. You may be surprised by the results!

Do not underestimate the importance of the grinder for coffee taste. If your coffee tastes bitter, it may be because it's too ground, or too finely ground. On the other hand, if the coffee has no flavor, it may not be ground enough, or you ground it too coarse.

Never reuse coffee grounds. Once brewed, the desired coffee flavor has been refined, leaving only the bitter stuff behind.

Water: The water you use is very important. If you use tap water, let the tap run for a few minutes before filling the coffee pot. Remember to use cold water instead of distilled or softened water.

Water to coffee ratio: A common rule is six ounces of boiling water to 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. You can adjust it to your personal preference.

Water temperature: For best results, the temperature of your coffee pot should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Too low a temperature and not enough extraction will make coffee bland and tasteless, and too high a temperature will make the taste worse. If you brew coffee by hand, let the water boil, but don't overcook it. Turn off the heat and let the water cool for a minute before brewing the coffee.

Enjoy brewed coffee immediately-pour it into a warm mug or coffee cup to keep it warm as long as possible. Brewed coffee immediately begins to lose its best flavor, so brew only what you want. Never leave coffee on the stove for more than 15 minutes, or it will taste burnt. If the coffee is not brewed immediately, pour it into a warm, insulated thermos and drink it within 45 minutes.

Never reheat your coffee-a well-conditioned cup of coffee should be tasted as carefully as it was prepared. Take a moment to smell it. Take a sip and notice the taste of the coffee. How does the coffee itself, acidity and balance compare to other coffees? Every bite must be tasted and enjoyed!