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HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE EVERY TIME?

An assistant chemistry professor of chemistry from the University of Oregon called Dr Christopher Hendon used science to find out how to make the perfect cup of coffee every time. 

Known as 'Dr Coffee' in certain social circles, the caffeine-loving scholar looked at how certain things can affect the taste of coffee. 

1. Use hard water 

He found that hardness of water is related to better taste, the harder the water the stronger the taste.

Hard water is created by the presence of magnesium and calcium. 

These impurities help caffeine adhere better, which improves the taste and quality of the drink. 

2. Store the coffee beans in the fridge 

The research also revealed that the storage of coffee beans was very important for taste.

Fresh beans stored in the fridge came out on top here because freshly roasted coffee contains carbon dioxide that easily evaporates. 

As this evaporates, so does most of the flavour. 

3. Choose your grinder carefully  

The type of grinder used is also important, as if the beans are ground up too finely they can clump together, detracting from the flavour. 

A powder is desirable as it increases surface area, which in theory creates more flavour. 

This is a fine balance however, as ground too fine the coffee will become clumpy - detracting from the overall experience. 

4. Mix the coffee and the water evenly  

The final key to a good cup of coffee is the way the hot water mixes with the coffee.

This process should be consistent and steady for maximum taste.  

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