The Perfect Coffee Cup FAQ

1 - What is the best way to brew coffee?
2 - Which is better: Arabicas or Robustas?
3 - How much water is needed?
4 - What is the right amount of coffee?
5 - Should I press the coffee?
6 - Do I need a low or high heat?
7 - Can I serve it immediately?
8 - Do I have to use sugar?
9 - What is the best way to store coffee?
10 - What is the best way to clean the coffee maker?

Q: What is the best way to brew coffee?
A: There is no best way to brew coffee. Coffee is drunk all over the world and every country has its own way of making it. There are basically two methods: the first involves putting the coffee in boiling water, waiting at least five minutes, and filtering to obtain an aromatic and full-bodied drink. This is how they make coffee in Turkey and America. In the alternate method, boiling water is made to flow through ground coffee. The water may be pushed through by its own weight (Neapolitan coffee maker), by a little steam pressure (traditional Italian coffee maker), or by high pressure (espresso machine). This FAQ is about brewing coffee with a traditional italian coffee maker.

Q: Which is better: Arabicas or Robustas?
A: At coffee companies, expert tasters create blends by mixing different types of coffee from various areas to combine their qualities and characteristics and obtain a more balanced taste. To prepare a tasty coffee you will need to use a good quality blend (Arabica gives a mild, creamy and delicate coffee; with Robusta the coffee is more full-bodied and stronger with an intense aroma), ground medium-fine.

Q: How much water is needed?
A: Each cup requires 40-50 ml water. If using a Italian coffee maker the water level should remain below the valve. Only use pure cold water to fill your coffee maker. The water should be low in chlorine: if tap water is not up to standard, it would be better to use still mineral water.

A: Two heaped coffeespoonfuls (around 6 grams) per cup, no more and no less. So, for a three-cup coffee maker, six teaspoons.

A: Do not press the coffee down into the filter, since this makes it difficult for the water to pass through, causes overheating and gives the coffee a burnt taste. Do not make holes or channels in the ground coffee, otherwise the water will tend to pass through them and the coffee will be watery.

A: Use a low heat: the water will pass through the coffee more slowly and the coffee will taste better. When the first drops come through, the heat should be turned down, to give the water time to extract all the aromatic substances. Once all the coffee has come through, remove the coffee maker from the heat to ensure that it does not overheat and burn the coffee.

A: Sure you can. Coffee should be drunk immediately, as hot as possible. Only be advised the first coffee to come through is denser and creamier than the last. For this reason, it is important to stir the coffee in the coffee maker before serving, to ensure uniform strength.

A: Coffee is best enjoyed with little or no sugar so that you can fully appreciate its thousands of delicate flavour nuances.

A: Light, heat and air are the natural enemies of coffee. Once the pack has been opened, pour the coffee into a opaque container which can be hermetically sealed and keep in the fridge, where the low temperature will help to maintain freshness and aroma.