She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Coffee

Is Coffee Good for You?

Coffee is not only a delicious beverage, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and associated with numerous health benefits. Regular consumption has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and improved physical and mental performance. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as disrupting sleep and exacerbating anxiety symptoms.

Popular Ways to Make a Cup of Coffee at Home

Coffee Machine

For convenience, drip coffee machines are hard to beat. Look for a machine that keeps the coffee warm with a thermal carafe instead of a hot plate. The ideal ratio is ~1 tablespoon of coffee grounds to ~1 cup of water.

French Press

This immersion and plunger method creates a full-bodied, balanced cup of coffee. Use ~4.5 tablespoons of coffee to 4.25 cups of water and grind your coffee coarsely.

Pour-over

This method may require some practice, but it’s perfect for those who want a single, delicious cup. Use 3 tablespoons of grounds to 1.4 cups of water and grind your grounds to medium coarseness.

Other Coffee Types You Might Encounter

Cold Brew

Cold brew has a mild, lower acid, and sweeter flavor. Steep coarsely ground beans in room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours.

Nitro

Nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen, creating a super smooth and silky drink. You can approximate this at home using a cream whipper.

Decaf Coffee

Decaf coffee is processed to remove roughly 97% of the beans’ caffeine. Look for organic decaf, which uses a solvent-free process to extract the caffeine.

Espresso and Roasts

Espresso

Traditionally, an espresso is a 1-ounce pull of dark, syrupy, aromatic brew topped with crema. You can buy your own machine, but it requires maintenance and upkeep.

Roasts

The roasting process transforms green coffee beans, creating a chemical reaction that brings forth volatile, aromatic, water-soluble oils. Choose from light, medium, medium-dark, or dark roasts, each with its unique flavor and caffeine content.

Storing and Grinding Coffee Beans

Store roasted beans in opaque airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Grind your beans immediately before brewing for optimal flavor. Use a burr grinder for a more consistent grind.

Consuming Coffee Ethically

Buy Fair Trade coffee to ensure sustainable production and fair compensation for farmers. Look for labels like carbon neutral, shade-grown, and fair return to smallholder farmers. Buying locally roasted coffee also supports small businesses and reduces CO2 emissions.

The Power of Coffee

Coffee has the ability to bring people together, whether it’s through coffee breaks at work or casual meetups with friends. As we navigate the challenges of the coffee industry, let’s appreciate the simple joys of a good cup of coffee.