Art of Great Coffee

Freshness is one of the most important factors in brewing exceptional coffee. Freshly roasted coffee contains complex oils and flavors that begin to deteriorate once exposed to air and moisture.

Store the coffee in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, as temperature fluctuations can introduce moisture that compromises flavor.

Our Jo Coffee bags include one-way valves to allow air to escape without letting oxygen in, preserving freshness for longer.

Choosing the correct grind size for your brewing method can make all the difference in your coffee’s taste.

Coarse grounds work best for French press brewing, medium grinds are ideal for drip coffee makers, and fine grinds are essential for espresso machines.

The grind size affects how quickly water extracts flavors from the coffee grounds: coarse grinds slow down extraction, producing a smoother taste, while fine grinds can lead to stronger flavors.

For consistent results, we recommend using a burr grinder, which provides a more uniform grind than blade grinders. Adjusting your grind size can be an excellent way to fine-tune your coffee’s flavor.

Water makes up over 98% of your coffee, so its quality and temperature are essential. Always use filtered water to avoid any minerals or impurities that could affect the flavor.

The ideal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F—just below boiling. Too hot, and your coffee may taste burnt or bitter; too cold, and it will lack flavor. Using a gooseneck kettle or a thermometer can help maintain this range.

Additionally, preheating your coffee equipment with hot water helps keep the brewing temperature steady, ensuring consistent extraction and flavor.

The ideal coffee-to-water ratio varies depending on taste preference and brewing method.

The number one reason for bitter coffee is not using enough ground coffee-to-water ratio.

The SCA recommends a coffee-to-water ratio of 55 grams/liter plus or minus 10%. A kitchen scale can help ensure accuracy, but measuring spoons work too. A simple volume ratio is 2 tablespoons coffee to 6 oz of water for optimum extraction.

Adjusting your coffee-to-water ratio is an easy way to personalize your brew, letting you create a cup that’s just right for you.

Cold brew coffee is a refreshing, smooth way to enjoy a cup of coffee, especially suited for warmer days.

This method involves steeping coarse ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. The long steeping time at a low temperature reduces acidity and bitterness, producing a naturally sweet, mellow flavor.

To make cold brew, combine a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water (e.g., 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold water) in a large jar or French press. Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated, cover, and let it steep in the refrigerator. After 12-24 hours, strain the mixture to remove the grounds.

The result is a coffee concentrate you can dilute with water or milk to taste. Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it keeps fresh for up to a week, letting you enjoy high-quality Jo Coffee without daily brewing.

If your coffee doesn’t taste quite right, a few adjustments can usually solve the problem. Always start with the correct coffee-to-water ratio.

If the coffee is too bitter, try a coarser grind, a lower brewing temperature, or a shorter brew time.

For a weak or sour taste, try a finer grind, a hotter temperature, or more brewing time.

Another common issue is a muddy or silty texture, especially with French press; this can often be solved by using a coarser grind and pouring carefully to avoid disturbing the grounds.

Small tweaks like these help you troubleshoot and improve your brew.