There’s nothing like a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. For two-thirds of Canadian coffee consumers, a great cup of coffee makes a positive contribution to overall meal satisfaction at a restaurant.1
Coffee can be a hot commodity at your foodservice facility. Whether your customers are looking for a jump-start at breakfast time or a pick-me-up beverage throughout the day, brewing the perfect cup is essential.
So, what does it take to brew a quality cup of coffee every time?
Selecting a delectable coffee is obviously key to satisfying the tastes of your customers. Then, you’re just five simple steps away from brewing an exceptional pot:
1) Proper pack size
2) The right equipment
3) Clean water
4) Correct brewing temperature
5) Adherence to holding time
Proper Pack Size
When it comes to selecting your coffee, make sure the pack size is consistent with your equipment (half gallon, airpot, shuttle brewers, etc.). In addition, it’s important to keep unopened coffee grind packs in a cool, dry storage area. Keep your coffee fresher longer by only opening the pack when you’re ready to start brewing. Level off the coffee grounds in the filter before brewing. When you’re done, always discard the coffee grounds and rinse the brew basket.
The Right Equipment
Your equipment can impact your brew. For example, when using a pour-over machine, add ½ gallon of cold water into the brewer. For an automatic machine, always make sure the water is flowing out of the spray head when you activate the brew button.
It’s essential to keep your equipment clean, so follow these simple cleaning steps between brewing:
- Rinse all serving pots three times with warm water
- Remove and rinse brew baskets with warm water
- Wipe spray heads with a clean, damp cloth to immediately remove coffee oils
- On a daily basis, use mild detergent to clean all serving parts and brew baskets
 That's a lot of java!Your average coffee drinker has just over three cups per day, while gourmet coffee is consumed at about 2.5 cups per day.2Clean Water
The quality of your fresh-brewed beverage is also affected by the water you use. Remember to always use filtered, non-softened COLD water and change your water filters at recommended intervals, which is usually every three to six months.
Correct Brewing Temperature
The recommended water temperature is between 195°F to 205°F3 for a primo cup of java. If the water is below 180°F, you're likely to have coffee that is too weak. However, if the water is too hot, you could have coffee that’s too strong or bitter. When brewing both flavoured and regular varieties, designate separate brew baskets and serving containers for each to reduce crossing the delicate flavours.
Holding Time
Rule of thumb for a fresh-brewed taste that’s Good to the Last Drop:
Glass decanter on warming plate = no more than 30 minutes
Airpot = no more than 3 hours
Start brewing a new pot when you approach the limit on your holding time. Never add fresh coffee to old coffee. Follow these master brewing techniques, and you’ll always have a cup of joe that pleases even the most critical coffee consumer.
 Looking for great ideas on what to serve with your tasty brew? Click to read about Pairing Coffee with Desserts.1 Kraft Canada's Proprietary AFH Coffee U&A, Northstar Research Partners, Sept. 2007
2 According to the National Coffee Association and its 2007 National Coffee Drinking Trends survey
3 According to the National Coffee Association and its 2004 National Coffee Drinking Trends survey
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