Extracting the Coffee Flavor

The beverage called coffee is the result of mixing dry coffee with water. The combination can be done by one of many methods - ranging from the very simple, with the minimum of equipment - to the use of complex coffee machines which can cost thousands of dollars. Understanding a few facts about coffee brewing can help answer some of the questions which arise when wondering which brewing method to use.

A single coffee bean is an extremely complex entity, being composed of literally hundreds of substances, many of which are water-soluble. Nearly one-third of these water-soluble compounds can be removed in normal extraction processes. The goal of brewing coffee, however, is not to extract the greatest number of elements from ground coffee, because not all of them are desirable.

Expert tasters generally agree that the overall coffee flavor, which consists of color, aroma, taste and body, is best when about 18-22 percent of the flavor components have left the solid coffee and infused into the water. When more then 22 percent of the extractable materials permeated into the water, over-extraction occurs and harsh flavors are added to the brew, as the last substances to leave the grounds are unpleasant and bitter.

A second technical consideration is that, even if only the best flavored components have been extracted from the coffee, the cup flavor can be too concentrated or too diluted, depending on how much water is used. Again, most expert tasters generally agree that a cup of coffee tastes best when the liquid consists of between 98.4 - 98.7 percent water and 1.3 - 1.6 percent "soluble solids", the latter being what would be left if a cup of liquid coffee was reduced back to dry ingredients by an evaporation process. This ideal coffee strength is easily achieved by controlling the proportion of ground coffee to water, which for European tastes ranges between 50-75g per 1 liter of water. Many would consider normal strength coffee as one brewed at about 55g per liter of water. Much of North America drinks a weaker cup.

The most beautiful and expensive coffee machines do not always produce the most satisfying cup of coffee, and when choosing coffee-brewing equipment, consideration must be given to whether the design allows for a correct balance of brewing factors, as well as taking into account various safety aspects.

Cindy is the host of http://www.making-coffee.com, a free website resource about making, brewing and preparing a perfect cup of coffee.

Besides, she is also the host for http://www.vietnamese-recipes.com and http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com

---

A Coffee Roaster For All Occasions

Coffee roasters and those who roast, brew and serve the... Read More

Italian Coffee - Something For Everyone

Espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino; there would seem to be as... Read More

Coffees of India

India produces two fine coffees, but even among coffee devotees... Read More

Heating Vegetable Oil to Frying Temps Forms Toxic Compound

New research by a University of Minnesota professor and a... Read More

3 Simple Tips For Making Perfect Coffee

Want to brew the perfect cup of coffee?Here are 3... Read More

Starbucks Product Review

Have you had the pleasure of tasting Starbucks new less... Read More

How to Make a Great Tasting Cup of Coffee - Its Not Rocket Science

There is good coffee and absolutely abysmal coffee. Both may... Read More

Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, yet it is not... Read More

Coffee is a commodity

At Starbucks they obviously need coffee. To insure that they... Read More

Is Caffeine a Hero or a Villain in Your Life?

Many sober, law abiding people who would never dream of... Read More

Arabica Coffee Beans Are Pricey Yet Priceless!

Arabica coffee beans are known for a better-flavored coffee. There... Read More

Gourmet Coffee Beans

You can be a coffee lover without knowing much about... Read More

Which Coffees are Highest in Antioxidants?

As researchers learn more about antioxidants with health and disease,... Read More

Fresh Gourmet Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the... Read More

Live the Life of a Civil War Soldier When you Drink your Mornin Coffee

Civil War soldiers, Confederate and Union, used to... Read More

Coffee and Depression: Coffee as an Antidepressant?

When you grab that morning cup of java, you're probably... Read More

How Is Kona Coffee Different?

Like much of Hawaii, Kona offers ideal climate conditions for... Read More

Coffee Roasting De-mystified

How many different names have you run across for different... Read More

Gourmet Flavored Coffee

Coffee tastes great by itself, but for an extra special... Read More

Arabica Coffee

As you may have guessed, Arabica coffee gets its name... Read More

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

So you are finally fed up with that bland black... Read More

Coffee Commodities and Starbucks

If we look at commodity trading from a purely conceptual... Read More

The Great Bean Mystery - Find the World?s Best Coffee

Who doesn't love solving a good mystery? Is the Loch... Read More

Flavored Coffee Syrup Adds A New Dimension To Beans

Flavored coffee syrup is a popular addition to any coffee... Read More

Coffee in America

American coffee? Technically there is no such thing, at least... Read More

History of Instant Coffee

Mention instant coffee to any connoisseur and you are sure... Read More

Make the Switch! Coffee to Tea

Having a hard time giving up your 4 cups of... Read More

More Tips on Getting the Best Coffee Maker

It's unbelievable, but when you start your search for a... Read More

Diabetes and the Preventive Power of Coffee!

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most rapidly... Read More

Coffee Grinders Jumpstart Your Java

All the experts agree. People who want the best flavor... Read More

Coffee, Caffeine & Fitness

One look at a line at the local Starbucks in... Read More

11 Effects of Caffeine on The Body

Caffeine is big business. There are new coffee shops popping... Read More

Ganoderma Coffee - Can It Be Good For You?

Are you a coffee addict? Are you searching for a... Read More