When brewing coffee, most people focus on the beans, grind size, or method. However, water—making up about 98% of your coffee—plays a crucial role in determining the flavor. The temperature and quality of the water are key to achieving the perfect brew.

Why Water Quality Matters?

You might be surprised to learn that the water you use can dramatically affect the taste of your coffee. If you’ve ever brewed coffee with tap water that has a strong chlorine taste or an odd odor, you know how much of an impact water quality can have.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends that your brewing water have a balanced mineral content. Ideally, it should contain a moderate level of calcium and magnesium for optimal extraction, while avoiding excessive hardness. Water that’s too "pure," like distilled or deionized water, can also result in a dull cup, as it lacks the minerals necessary for proper extraction. For a balanced brew, aim for water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of around 150 parts per million (ppm).

Filtered Wateris the easiest solution to ensure that your water is free from chlorine, chloramine, and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. A good filtration system can improve both the taste and consistency of your coffee.

The Ideal Water Temperature for Brewing

The SCA recommends brewing coffee with water between195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C). This range ensures optimal extraction of the coffee’s flavors, producing a balanced cup with a smooth, rich taste.

If the water is too hot, it will extract undesirable bitter compounds from the coffee grounds, giving your brew an unpleasant, astringent taste. On the other hand, if the water is too cool, the coffee grounds won’t release their full potential, and you’ll end up with a weak and underdeveloped flavor profile. It’s a fine balance, and getting it right is key to a great cup.

Invest in a Kettle with Temperature Control

To maintain this precise temperature, invest in a good kettle with temperature control. This allows you to set the water to the ideal brewing temperature without the guesswork. If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, let the water come to a boil and then let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly before brewing.

Adjusting for Taste

Once you have the basics down, you can adjust thewater-to-coffee ratio to suit your preferences. For a stronger cup, add more coffee; for a milder brew, use less. You can also tweak the water temperature slightly to bring out different flavors — a higher temperature for bolder flavors or a lower temperature for a smoother, subtler taste.

Happy brewing!

Source: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

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