How To Brew Store-Bought Coffee Beans Into A Quality Cup Of Joe

How to make coffee beans into coffee?

Beans / February 15, 2021

1. Mortar and Pestle

The mortar and pestle has been used by pharmacists for years to grind herbs, spices, and medicines into a fine dust. It combines a hammering and rolling motion to help create a consistent grind texture.

This makeshift grinder is ideal for a very fine grind similar to that used for espresso.

How to do it:

  • Fill your mortar with a small amount of coffee.
  • Hold the pestle with your dominant hand and the mortar in place with the other.
  • Using the pestle, forcibly press down and crush the coffee beans.
  • Continue added beans and crushing till the desired amount is reached.
  • Once crushed, use the pestle to roll the coffee around the bowl grinding the coffee beans to a finer texture.
  • As the coffee becomes finer, continue to press down and roll the grounds till the desired consistency and texture is met.

Pro Tip: America’s Test Kitchen has great insight into proper mortar and pestle technique:

2. A Standard Blender

A blender is a great coffee grinder replacement if you are in a pinch as it uses a blade system that will chop the beans up similar to coffee blade grinders. Some blenders also include a “grinder” setting that is ideal for coffee beans.

However, when using a blender, make sure only to grind in small spurts rather than continuously running because as the blades move at high speeds and heat the cavity, they will start to cook the beans natural oils leading to a harsh and bitter tasting coffee. Because of the sporadic grinding technique, it is recommended to use the grinder only to produce a relatively coarse grind.

Oh, and make sure that after using, you properly clean the 'grinder' so that your blender doesn’t taste and smell like stale coffee.

How to Do It:

  • Set your blender to “grinder” setting or a faster speed.
  • Throw in a small amount of coffee into the grinder and place lid on top.
  • Grind coffee to desired consistency.
  • Continue adding coffee and grind to same consistency until you reach the desired amount.

Pro Tip: Make sure you keep the lid on the blender during grinding as the beans will have a tendency to jump out.

3. A Rolling Pin

Because of its design, the rolling pin is able to both crush and grind coffee beans at the same time. This will help to result in a more even texture and will also allow you to get a finer grind.

The rolling pin does require a little elbow grease as well as an observant eye to ensure uniformity. If done right, the rolling pin can help you achieve a medium fine to fine grind.

What You’ll Need

  • Rolling Pin (This can be any durable cylindrical object like a wine bottle, can of food, or wooden dowel)
  • Large cutting board or counter space
  • Plastic Ziploc bag or parchment paper

Source: www.homegrounds.co

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