I have been bestfriends with caffeine since elementary. Have you guys remembered those ads about iced coffee shaking them in a bottle? (I think it was in 2005. I’d link it here once I find it on the internet.) That was when I enjoyed my first cup of bubbly coffee.
One fact about me is that I go crazy over coffee and that’s maybe the reason why I didn’t grow up. Hahahaha Kidding aside! Join me as we talk about coffee over a cup of coffee!
I have been drinking coffee for years but I just recently brewed my own coffee. I used to enjoy the doppio in Bo’s Coffee and the americano in Coffee Bean Scent. Not that I am fond of these expensive coffee shops but I just find the surreal calmness of mind while studying there during my college years. But my favorite go-to was actually McDonalds and their unli brewed coffee. Yes, they do have that back in the day. I’m just not sure now because since covid-19 hit the nation, I didn’t really had time to go out plus I got pregnant so I literally had a “coffee break” which meant the other way around, break from coffee. Hahaha
After giving birth, I still didn’t get back to my usual coffee addictions because I was restricted by my mom. But I think it was on my 6th month post-partum when I gave in to the tempations and started to brew my own coffee. And I’m now going to share with you the basic things I enjoy about making myself a freshly brewed cup of coffee in my initiative to create my own Coffee Chronicles in my little corner of the blockchain.
Choosing the beans
I am not a coffee connoisseur but maybe someday who knows. Hehehe As for now I’m just your regular girl finding serenity in coffee.
I actually only got to try a few native beans and even a fewer imported ones. And to be honest, coffee tastes and smells really different from one another. And it is influenced by several factors like geographical source and roasting method. That is why choosing your beans is the first step to enjoying your coffee.
Since my coffee experience hasn’t been that long, I can only name one variety of coffee which I like the most. It’s the Arabica coffee bean in which the Benguet Arabica and Sagada Arabica are the ones I usually purchase. Although I have tried the Robusta and Excelsa, I still prefer my dark roast Arabica beans.
Identify the brew method
The method of preparation will surely affect the overall sensory experience you will get. You may choose from the following methods:
- French press
- Drip coffee
- Pour over
- Cold brew
- Vacuum coffee maker (siphon)
- Aeropress
- Bialetti
- Espresso
- Your regular ready mix coffee
Each of these methods will impact the taste and texture of your coffee. So each type will have its own tongue to serve.
I personally prefer drip or pour over coffee but since I lack the resources, I use french press. Well, french press isn’t that bad, I just find it even more sexy to do pour over coffee just like I’ve seen in so many Korean dramas. (keopi masil laeyo?)
Grind the beans
Grinding the beans depends on the type of brew you are going to make. Since I use french press, I always prepare freshly coarse ground coffee a minute after my water had boiled.
I have tried a number of coffee grinding machines and I always go back to this manual grinder which I have first seen in the Hospital Playlist Korean drama series. This is honestly a little bit inconvenient but I still like it for personal preferences.
As long as your happy in what you’re doing, then the inconvenience won’t even matter.
Brew time
I usually enjoy brewing time than actually seeping my coffee which is kind of weird. In travels, I also find myself enjoying the trip but sleeps after checking in. In movies, I like the climax than the ending. And in food, I get full even before the waiter could serve the main course. But yeah, to each their own!
Brewing time is as critical as choosing the bean in making a cup of coffee that you’ll surely enjoy. By the law of science, you need a 1:17 ratio for most brew and a 1:14 ratio for fully immersed brewing method. This means that in every gram of coffee you will need either seventeen or fourteen grams of water. Of course, you have to choose your water wisely and understand the effects of pH level and mineral contents. I can’t go deeper since that will be discussed in my next blogs, so I’m just gonna share to you that I am using filtered hard water in my brews and a ratio of 1:14. ssshhh
Enjoying the taste and aroma
After all the choosing and preparing time, you now enjoy a magnificent brew of your own. You may add sugar, milk, honey, chocolates, or whatever you like. Just make sure you will enjoy it!
This is just an introduction to my interesting series of coffee quests in making the perfect brew. I hope you liked this and tune in for the next one. I’m still brewing it though. hehehe
This has been 
saying, "Life's bitter without coffee.”
Nikka Mededa, the author
I am an engineer, a mother, an aspiring photographer, and also a blogger. Juggling all these may be hard but I quite find it easier when I learned to schedule my tasks. I once dreamt of becoming a teacher and now I get paid by helping others draft their thesis and lesson plans.
I really love to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming an author and so here I am, in my little corner in the blockchain. I hope you had a good read and check out more here --->