Getting Started

Decimals

The most important part of brewing coffee is getting the right water. Choose a water that you think has a nice, neutral flavor. Anything with too many minerals or contaminants will change the flavor of the coffee, and water with too few minerals won't do a good job of extracting the flavor from the coffee beans. Water should be heated to between $195$ and $205$ degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling water $(212$ degrees Fahrenheit$)$ will burn the beans and give your coffee a scorched flavor.

While the water is heating, grind your beans. Remember, the fresher the grind, the fresher the flavor of the coffee. The number of beans is entirely dependent on your personal taste. Obviously, more beans will result in a more robust flavor, while fewer beans will give your coffee a more subtle taste. The texture of the grind should be not too fine $($which can lead to bitter coffee$)$ or too large $($which can lead to weak coffee$).$

Once the beans are ground and the water has reached the perfect temperature, you're ready to brew. A French press $($which we recommend$),$ allows you to control brewing time and provide a thorough brew. Pour the grounds into the press, then pour the hot water over the grounds and let it steep. The brew shouldn't require more than five minutes, although those of you who like your coffee a bit harsher can leave it longer. Finally, use the plunger to remove the grounds and pour.

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage?

Coffee should never be brewed for longer than five minutes.

It's better to use too many coffee beans when making coffee than too few.

Brewing quality coffee at home is too complicated for most people to do well.

The best way to brew coffee is often determined by personal preferences.