Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Foodie FAQs: Coffee
Do you start every day with a cup (or four) of freshly brewed coffee? Learn how to make the perfect cup of joe at home with pro tips from our friends at Equator Coffees.
Do you start every day with a cup (or four) of freshly brewed coffee? Are you still looking for that elusive perfect home brew? If so, we’ve got great news for you! Our friends at Equator Coffees shared some pro tips to help even casual coffee drinkers become café connoisseurs. Simply follow these brewing best practices to get the best home brew every time!
How much coffee and water should I use? A good starting point for brewing hot coffee is 1 part coffee to 15 parts water, then adjust to your taste. For best results, start with clean, filtered water.
How hot should the water be? Ideal water temperature for brewing is 195–205°F. Good home coffeemakers will automatically make it to this range, but if you’re using a pour-over, let the water come to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat and wait 30 seconds.
How long should coffee brew? For hot brews, aim for 2–5 minutes (depending on volume), and for cold brews, let the coffee and water steep for 12–18 hours.
How do I make cold brew? Click here for the full instructions!
Which size grind should I use? The best type of grind depends on your brewing method. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Coarse Ground: Roughly the texture of kosher salt
Best for… French press, cold brew - Medium Ground: Close to the texture of sand
Best for… Chemex, flat bottom filters, permanent or refillable metal, gold or plastic K-cups - Medium/Fine Ground: A little finer than granulated sugar
Best for… Traditional brewing, automatic coffeemakers, pour-overs, cone-shaped filters - Fine Ground: The finest of them all!
Best for… V60, Melita, Kalita
What's the difference between light and dark roasts? Each roast style boasts a different flavor profile. Pick your roast based on what flavors you want in your coffee and then adjust the grind and brew time to fit your palate. Generally speaking, coffee roasts fall into these categories:
- Light Roast: Fruity, floral and bright, highlighting the delicate notes of coffee
- Medium Roast: Fuller notes with light notes rounded out by hints of nuts, chocolate and spice
- Dark Roast: Heavy with full roasted flavors, such as French and Italian roasts
Does where my coffee comes from matter? A coffee’s origin has the most effect on the flavor of the final product. Here are some common growing regions and their usual flavor profiles:
- Central America: Clean and balanced with sweet, tart and fruity notes
- South America: Creamy, chocolaty and nutty; very similar to Central American coffees
- Africa: Complex with a fruity and floral flavor profile
- Asia: Earthy, savory and less acidic than other varieties
How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee? While the average cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine, a serving can range from 70–140 depending on roast, brew time/strength and mug size.
How is decaf coffee decaffeinated? Decaf coffee has the vast majority of its caffeine removed. While some roasters use chemicals, many use natural methods like the Swiss water process or carbon dioxide process (which Equator Coffees uses).
So there you have it—tips from a pro on brewing your perfect cup of joe. While these best practices are sure to help, it all comes down to finding the sweet spot of how you like your coffee. Of course, if you don’t have the time or inclination to brew your own, you can always visit one of the friendly Baristas at our Coffee Bars, as well!
Coffee not your cup of tea? Check out these Pro Tips on Brewing Loose Leaf Tea!
Article originally published in October of 2016 and updated in August of 2024.
