From silky machine-pressed espresso to carefully brewed rich pour-over, there are a lot of routes to take in the world of coffee chemistry. But, the auto drip filter is still the most omnipresent brewing method in most coffee-harvesting countries. Though it carries a sense of inferiority and stigma, the pall of blissful authenticity in this brewing process is unavoidable. It’s a more active process than most other methods, calling for the engagement of the brewer before and after the process. Here we’ve broken down the steps to help you conjure up the perfect cup of drip coffee.
Cleaning the Machine Inside Out
Deep cleaning of your coffee machine is essential for the superior cup of joe. Otherwise, the calcium deposits can turn your brew icky and bitter. Run the machine through a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio. Repeat the process once more. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do this cleaning once a month and you’re good to go.
Using Quality Whole Coffee
Quality raw material is always the base of a good end product. For drip coffee, pre-ground is a big no-no. Instead, invest in good quality whole bean coffee and use the grinder before brewing to bring out the fullest flavor. You don’t have to go for the ultra-premium stuff; instead, any good premium brand or quality beans from your local roaster can work.
Measuring Up Properly
When it comes to precise measurements, drip coffee is actually more forgiving than other brewing methods. Still, you don’t want to go heavy-handed or skimp. Follow the rule of thumb of adding two tablespoons full of coffee per 16oz of water. That’ll make each cup with an adequate one tablespoon of coffee.
Rinsing the Filters Thoroughly
This step isn’t applicable if you’re using a permanent gold mesh filter. But, in the case of paper filters, rinsing them with cool water before the brew starts is essential every time. This process primes the filters for filtration and helps to get rid of tiny and often overlooked impurities. So, don’t skip this small but crucial step if you want your cup of drip coffee to be smooth.
Turning the Heat Off Timely
The brewing technique of drip coffee is different from pour-overs. Unlike the latter, drip coffee is brewed in a carafe, which sits on a hot element. This helps in keeping the coffee constantly at a near-boil temperature. It’s ideal to have an insulated carafe in your machine, but glass can work too. You just need to turn the heat off as soon as brewing completes.
Enjoy your perfect cup of coffee!
Three Celebrity Chefs to Follow on Instagram
If you are passionate about cooking, then finding out new recipes to try would definitely excite you. And where before you had to either sit through long television programs or spend money on buying recipe books – discovering new recipes to try now is easier than ever. You can learn new recipes and techniques straight from celebrity chefs – and find out what makes millions of people crazy about their food. Just open Instagram, and you will be flooded with mouth-watering recipes that look tempting too, that is if you follow the right accounts. If you too want to learn secret tips and tricks of celebrity chefs, then follow these three accounts on Instagram right away!
Gordon Ramsay
If you are even remotely active on Instagram, then you would have definitely come across a meme or two of Gordon Ramsay. And while he is famous for his temper and insults – his cooking skills are what got him famous in the first place. He is the ultimate cooking guru one can hope for—fun fact: he owns nearly 30 restaurants and is a winner of 30 Michelin stars. Follow him on Instagram to be updated with new and different recipes to make.
Andrew Zimmern
While the food consumed by Andrew Zimmern is so bizarre, most of us will faint just hearing about it. He is actually a cooking wizard – with some serious cooking tricks down his sleeve. The best part? He shares them on Instagram with his followers. He not only gives you ideas to cook new things – but you will also find him sharing long videos of the process – it is so detailed that you can literally gather ingredients and cook alongside him.
David Chang
The star of the Netflix cooking series – Ugly Delicious and Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – David Chang is one chef to look out for. His restaurant in New York has a cult following. He is the ultimate microwave king.
If you are always in a hurry and looking for delicious but quick recipes to master, then he is your guy! His Instagram is filled with lip-smacking and easy-to-make recipes.