Tips for baristas. The Art of Coffee. High Trees Estate

All coffee is a matter of personal taste and so many elements can effect the final cup. Understanding a few simple facts therefore can help you discover how to maximise your enjoyment.

Grind

• The finer the grind the more extraction you get from your coffee
• If your coffee is ground too coarsely you get less extraction and therefore less body.
• Too much extraction can lead to a bitter flavour in the coffee.

Brewing Time

• Generally for a plunger/ cafetiere made coffee, 3 to 5 minutes brewing time is sufficient. If your coffee tastes bitter reduce the brewing time. If it is too weak try a little longer.
• When using a plunger you should stir the coffee well with a large spoon as fresh coffee tends to float on top of the water and is more resistant to saturation.

Water

• Ideal coffee strength ranges between 55 to 75 g (10 to 12 tablespoons) to 1 litre of water (approx. 4 cups).
• If you are only brewing 1 or 2 cups in a plunger use proportionately more coffee.
• Soft water produces a stronger brew than hard water.

Hints

• Never pour boiling water onto the coffee. Use water that has gone off the boil at around 92 c to 96 c.
• Never reheat coffee
• Never reuse coffee grounds
• Pre-heat your cups and plungers before use
• Be careful when grinding your own coffee beans that your grinder is not grinding too coarsely as the quality of your brew will suffer as a result of poor extraction
• When using a home expresso machine follow the recommended extraction time
• Make sure your plunger is cleaned properly as stale coffee oils will taint the brew.

Enjoy!

High Trees Estate: 185 Cooks Lane, Dalwood, NSW 2477, Australia p. +61 2 6629 5727 e. info@hightreesestate.com.au