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Part 2 The Management of Food
You can choose ground or whole bean coffee. If you choose whole bean coffee,
you can have it ground at the store. For freshness, however, you might prefer to grind
it yourself just before brewing. You can choose the coarseness of the grind to suit your
preparation method. Coffee stales quickly when exposed to moisture and air. Buy only
enough coffee to last a week or two. To help maintain freshness, store both ground and
whole bean coffee in opaque, airtight containers at room temperature.
You can purchase coffee in instant form. Instant coffee products are dry, powdered,
water-soluble solids made by removing the moisture from very strong, brewed coffee.
Some brands are freeze-dried. Prepare instant coffee by adding freshly boiled water to
the coffee granules according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound in coffee and some other plant prod-
ucts that acts as a stimulant. Decaffeinated coffee (and tea) is made by removing most
of the caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee is available ground, whole bean, and in instant
form.
Preparing Coffee
When you brew ground coffee, be sure to start with a clean pot. Thoroughly wash
the inside of the coffeepot with hot, soapy water and rinse it well after each use. Oily
fi lm that collects on the inside of a coffeepot can cause coffee to be bitter.
Measuring can mean the difference between pleasing
coffee and dreadful coffee. Measure fresh, cold water
for the desired amount of coffee, 6 ounces (175 mL) per
serving. Then measure 1 tablespoon (15 mL) ground
coffee per serving for a regular strength brew. Measure
2 tablespoons (30 mL) ground coffee per serving if you
prefer strong coffee. See 12-12.
Serve coffee as soon as possible after brewing it.
Heating coffee too long can cause it to become bitter. This
is because bitter substances present in coffee become
more soluble at high temperatures. Correctly prepared
coffee is clear and fl avorful. It is piping hot and has a
pleasing aroma.
In addition to plain coffee, people enjoy a number of
popular coffee drinks. These drinks are made with a base
of plain coffee or a strong type of coffee called espresso.
A special type of coffeemaker is available for brewing
espresso at home.
Tea
Hot tea may be served in place of or in addition
to coffee at brunches, dinners, and other occasions.
Iced tea is popular at picnics and other warm-weather
get-togethers.
Tea is the leaves of a small tropical evergreen used to
make a beverage. Teas vary according to the age of the
tea leaves and the way they are processed. Black teas are
made from tea leaves that are fermented and dried. When
brewed, black teas are amber in color and have a rich
aroma and fl avor. Green teas are made from tea leaves
Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
12-12 Carefully measuring water and ground
coffee will allow you to produce a fl avorful
brew.