Creating the perfect cup of coffee is a personal journey that takes time and experimentation. At Numa Coffee, we believe life improvement can start with a bean. Here are a few tips that can help guide you in the right direction to make the perfect cup of coffee.

1. Bean Quality Matters

Start with high-quality beans. The quality of the beans you use is the foundation of a great cup of coffee. Look for beans that are freshly roasted, and buy them in small quantities so you can enjoy them at their peak. When purchasing beans, look for notes of chocolate, nuts, and fruit in the flavor profile. It is always important to avoid beans that have an overly burnt or smoky taste.

2. Wait to Grind Your Coffee Beans

For the best taste, grind your beans just before you’re ready to brew. Once coffee beans are ground, they begin to lose flavor and aroma quickly. There are several types of coffee grinders that you can use to grind your beans in a timely manner:

• Burr grinders are often considered the industry standard for their consistency and high quality.
• Blade grinders offer a simple, middle option — affordable, user-friendly, and easy to clean.
• Manual coffee grinders make for a quiet grinding option for early morning home brewers. This option allows for versatile grind sizes. 

Regardless of your choice of grinder, the most critical part of the grinding step is to make sure you select the appropriate grind size and timing.

3. Experiment with Brewing Methods

Experiment with different brewing methods. There are many different ways to brew coffee, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular brewing methods include drip coffee, french press, pour-over, and Aeropress. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s worth experimenting with different methods to find the one that you enjoy most. At Numa Coffee, we offer several brew guides to help walk you through the various brewing methods. 

French Press

The french press brewing method uses a plunging motion to give your coffee more body and less acidity than a cup of drip coffee. A coarse grind will work best for this immersion brew method.

Drip Coffee

Drip coffee requires no brewing experience. It’s the standard method used to create large batches in offices and restaurants. This method works best with a medium grind and yields a mild taste incomparable to a crisp pour-over.

Pour Over 

The pour-over method will give you a clean and bright taste. It uses a circular pour motion to draw out a complex flavor from your beans and requires a medium to coarse grind.

Moka Pot

Like an espresso machine, a Moka Pot coffee maker brews under pressure. This brewing method uses a stove top to warm up your water. A medium to fine grind size allows you to create a rich and bold taste. Unlike espresso machines, ultra fine grind sizes may clog your brewer, so make sure to avoid this grind size.

Aeropress

An AeroPress coffee maker keeps your options open. You can brew just about anything from espresso comparable shots to filter coffee. Similarly, a range of grind sizes — from fine to coarse — complement this method. 

Explore Numa’s Brew Guides

Ultimately, the key to creating the perfect cup of coffee is to pay attention to the details and experiment with different methods. By starting with high-quality beans, grinding them just before brewing, and experimenting with varying brewing methods, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cup of coffee that you’ll love. Try new things and find your own perfect cup of coffee!