What Is Craft Coffee & How to Make Your Own Craft Coffee
There’s more to the art of coffee than flower designs drawn in latte foam. From roasting the beans to brewing the beverage, the finer details of coffee craftsmanship are being appreciated now more than ever.
With craft coffee culture on the rise, people have become increasingly curious about the secret to creating the perfect cup of joe. Whether it be for commercial gain or personal enjoyment, the key to the perfect cup of coffee has become highly sought after.
Looking to unlock caffeinated nirvana? Read on to discover more about what craft coffee is, how you can brew your own, and the steps to creating your own craft coffee brand.
Defining Craft Coffee
As the name suggests, craft coffee revolves around the craftsmanship behind each cup. The word “craft” itself refers to something skillful that’s done with your hands. This means that a craft is any art or trade that involves specific manual skills. In the case of craft coffee, those skills mainly revolve around how the coffee is prepared, but they can also extend to how the coffee beans are grown. To be considered craft coffee, the process of making the coffee must have included precise manual efforts that demonstrate professional skill. Here are the fundamentals of the craft coffee process:- The beans
- The roasting process
- The measuring method
- The brewing technique
- The presentation
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What Is Considered Specialty Coffee?
So, what differentiates craft coffee from regular coffee? The factor that sets craft coffee apart is what goes on behind the scenes to produce the resulting beverage. Paying attention and taking special care through each step of the creative process, from bean selection to brewing, is inherent to craft coffee. Although there are many aspects to the craft coffee process, its most defining feature, as well as the easiest variable to control from your home, is how the coffee is brewed. The method by which coffee is brewed plays a key role in shaping the coffee’s boldness, flavor, and overall taste, making it a crucial component of the coffee-making process. Nowadays, we don’t have to be constrained by the limited settings of a traditional drip coffee maker. There is a wide variety of coffee-related appliances and accessories available to help you perfect the coffee-brewing process from your very own kitchen. The degree to which you’re able to craft your coffee may depend on what equipment you have, but those without the latest coffee gadgets can still partake in craft coffee culture. These are the main techniques you can use to customize your brew:- Espresso. Traditional espresso machines, handheld espresso makers, and stovetop devices can brew a concentrated form of coffee.
- AeroPress. An AeroPress allows you to control the amount of air pressure you brew with.
- French press. This classic coffee brewing device steeps coffee grinds directly into hot water before pressing them through a filter.
- Vacuum/siphon pot. Harnesses the power of gravity and vapor pressure to brew an infusion style of coffee with a vacuum/siphon pot.
- Percolator. A percolator continually cycles boiling water through coffee grounds to brew them.
- Pour-over. The pour-over brewing method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans and a filter.
- Cold brew. Cold brew is created by putting coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time.
How to Make Craft Coffee
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what craft coffee is, it’s time to learn how to make it. Follow these five steps to guide you down the path of caffeinated bliss:
1. Start with Specialty Beans
As the basis of the beverage, coffee beans are essential to making coffee. Because the beans largely determine your coffee’s taste, it’s important to use the right beans for the unique flavors you want your coffee to have. The best craft coffees start with specialty grade coffee beans.2. Roast in Small Batches
Keeping the roasting batches small gives you more control over how the beans turn out. Instead of some beans ending up burnt or under-roasted, small batches allow you to keep a better eye on all the beans. Paying special attention throughout this process will prevent poorly roasted beans that produce sour, bitter, or burnt coffee flavors.3. Meticulously Measure
Be intentional about using the scale to accurately measure your ingredients. Record exactly how much you use of each element, so you can recreate the perfect brew once you achieve it. Writing down your measurements will also allow others to follow your steps and ensure consistency.4. Brew in Style
Of the many brewing techniques available, choose the style that best suits your mood for the day. If your goal is to make a cappuccino, use an espresso maker. On a busier morning, go for the quick and easy K-cup version of your custom blend.5. Repeat
Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes you some time to craft a cup you’re proud of. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with each new brew — and because you wrote down your methods and measurements, you’ll know exactly what to tweak to get different results.contact joe’s garage coffee about craft coffee
Benefits of Selling Craft Coffee
If you enjoy everything about creating craft coffee, there’s never been a better time to turn your passion into your business. Coffee culture has taken over, with nearly two-thirds of Americans drinking coffee daily — the highest number in years. And with the rise of technology, selling online has become easier than ever. Putting your product online is a great way to reach a wide audience on a budget. Many people who daydream about owning their own coffee company do not feel comfortable taking on the expenses of opening a coffee shop. But selling coffee online can be equally as lucrative as a brick-and-mortar coffee shop without the added overhead costs of renting a building and hiring employees. By simply creating an appealing website for your brand, you’ll be able to catch coffee consumers’ attention and start building a strong customer base. A memorable company name or slogan paired with consistently awesome products will earn you the loyalty of coffee drinkers everywhere. As a bonus, the flexibility of e-commerce will allow you to work from home — or anywhere else — while maintaining a broad customer base. Thanks to the ever-growing world of e-commerce, you get to decide your hours, how much you want to work, and where you want to work. However, the Internet is not the only outlet for selling your craft coffee. If you are near a good location for high foot traffic, such as a college campus, you could start a coffee cart. A coffee cart is a great way to sell your craft coffee without having to invest thousands of dollars in renting a space. However, if you do have the means to open a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, it is an excellent way to get your craft coffee into customers’ hands. Coffee shops have the ability to gain customer loyalty by providing a warm, welcoming place for them to start their day, take a lunch break, or spend time studying. With coffee shop sales predicted to reach $28.7 billion by 2021, you won’t want to miss out on investing in this industry. As you can see, there is a variety of opportunities for craft coffee sellers, so do your research to find out more about your craft coffee selling options before launching your business.
Start Your Coffee Business with Joe’s Garage Coffee
Although there is a greater demand for good coffee than ever before, the coffee market can be competitive. To make your brand a success, you will need a trustworthy and reputable supplier. Joe’s Garage Coffee offers outstanding service to get your coffee business off the ground and keep it growing. Joe’s Garage Coffee will work with you to develop your company’s coffee offerings and refine your products for coffee connoisseurs. We will also help you create custom packaging for your coffee that will attract customers and elevate your brand. Ready to become a successful craft coffee roaster? Contact Joe’s Garage Coffee today.
