Coffee Class: What Beginners Need to Know About American Coffee

American coffee is the most common coffee. It is made from black coffee using a drip coffee maker, or from espresso with a lot of water added.

American coffee has a lighter taste. Because the general extraction time is relatively long (about four or five minutes), the caffeine content is higher.

The origin of American coffee

There is a saying about the origin of American coffee: During World War II, American soldiers in Italy were not used to drinking espresso, so Italian baristas added hot water to the espresso. Unexpectedly, the coffee made in this way was very popular with American soldiers, and the method of making espresso with hot water was called "Americano" by Italians. As Italian coffee spread around the world, American coffee also became popular!

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Preparation method

1. Utensils

After each use, rinse it with clean hot water and then dry it with absorbent paper towels or towels to ensure that your coffee equipment is absolutely clean.

2. Coffee Beans

Try to buy freshly roasted coffee beans. Freshly roasted coffee beans are very important for a top-notch cup of coffee. Buy small quantities of coffee and try to use them up within a predetermined time frame. It is best if you can buy fresh coffee every one or two weeks.

3. Grinding machine

If you buy whole coffee beans, the best time to grind them is before brewing. Using a burr or mill grinder is better because all the beans are ground to the same size.

Blade grinders are less popular because they produce uneven particle sizes. If you normally grind your coffee at home with a blade grinder, try a conical grinder at the store. You may be surprised by the results!

Don't underestimate the importance of your grinder to the taste of your coffee. If your coffee tastes bitter, it may be because you grind it too much or too finely. On the other hand, if your coffee tastes tasteless, it may not be ground enough or you grind it too coarsely.

Never reuse coffee grounds. Once brewed, the desired coffee flavor has been extracted, and only the bitterness is left.

4. 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, not distilled or softened water.

5. Water to Coffee Ratio

A general rule is six ounces of boiling water (about 175.62 ml) to one to two tablespoons of ground coffee, but you can adjust this to your personal preference.

6. Water temperature

For optimal extraction, your coffee maker's water temperature should be between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius. Too low a temperature will result in insufficient extraction and a bland coffee, while too high a temperature will also result in a poor flavor. If you brew your coffee by hand, bring the water to a boil, but not too high. Turn off the heat and let the water cool for a minute before brewing your coffee.

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Intimate Tips

1. Enjoy brewed coffee immediately

Pour the coffee into a warmed mug or coffee cup to keep the temperature as long as possible. Brewed coffee will start to lose its best flavor immediately, so brew only the amount you will use. Never leave coffee on the stove for more than 15 minutes, otherwise it will taste burnt. If the coffee is not brewed and used immediately, it should be poured into a warmed, insulated thermos and consumed within 45 minutes.

2. Never reheat your coffee

A well-prepared cup of coffee should be savored as carefully as the process that went into preparing it. Take a moment to smell its aroma. Take a sip and pay attention to the flavors of the coffee. How does the coffee you brew compare in terms of its flavor, acidity, and balance to other coffees? Savor and enjoy every sip!

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