MANILA, Philippines - The popularity of coffee has given rise to a lifestyle where people congregate, talk, write, read, surf the net, and play games in coffee shops while enjoying a great brew. There is nothing, after all, like sipping the perfect cup of coffee individually or in the company of friends and family.
The good news is that you can have the coffee culture experience right in your own home, with cool coffeemakers from SM Homeworld. These are not only sleekly designed and compact, but make it easy for you to be your own barista at home.
There are Electric Drip machines where hot water is poured over ground beans in a filter for cups of fresh gourmet coffee. If you prefer more traditional brews, there is the French Press Coffeemaker where the grounds are filtered with a mesh instead of paper filter to capture the coffee’s flavor and essential oils.
Espresso Machines make rich brews with a thicker consistency by creating pressure for water to flow through a tightly packed container of finely ground coffee. This extracts more of the coffee goodness, giving you a richer, fuller, stronger cup of coffee. Multi-function Coffee Makers, on the other hand, are designed to give you a great cup of espresso, cappuccino, long coffee, and latte with just one press.
How to make that perfect cup of coffee – and bring the coffee shop experience to the home? Making blissful brews is an art, which the Italians refer to as the four M’s – la machina (the machine), la miscella (the coffee), la macinadosatore (the grinder-Doser), and la mano (the hand).
Here are some tips to keep in mind while making your homegrown brews from SM Homeworld:
Start with high quality beans. Whether you prefer gourmet roasts or homegrown artisan brews like the Barako from Batangas and Cordillera coffee, choose the best beans from supermarkets and delis.
Buy fresh roasted coffee. Coffee’s freshness begins with roasting, so check out labels when buying coffee from stores.
Use the right ratio of coffee to water. This makes a big difference in taste and intensity. Some experts recommend 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.
Use high quality water. Coffee, after all, is 98.5 to 99 percent water, and it’s best to use clean fresh cold water with minimal mineral content, otherwise known as soft water. Store bought filtered water is also recommended.
Use the right grind. This is especially crucial when you are grinding your own beans. The best grinds are fine, but not powdery – it should feel sandy to the touch.
Make sure the coffee maker is clean. A dirty coffee maker can ruin the cup. Best served in stylish cups and saucers to complete your coffee experience. The collection is available at Homeworld located at SM Stores. Designs may vary per branch.