How is brewed coffee prepared?

Brewed coffee is prepared by pouring hot water onto ground coffee beans, which is a method that allows the water to extract flavors and oils from the coffee grounds effectively. This method ensures that the heat from the water helps in dissolving soluble compounds found in the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and flavorful brew.

The process involves a key interaction where the hot water acts as a solvent, facilitating the extraction of various aromatic compounds, acids, and oils present in the grounds. This technique can be utilized in various brewing methods, such as pour-over, drip brewing, and French press, all of which rely on this principle of water extraction through contact with coffee.

In contrast, boiling water and adding coffee grounds can result in over-extraction, leading to a bitter taste, which makes it less desirable as a method for preparing brewed coffee. Steeping coffee grounds in cold water is typically associated with cold brew coffee, which does not produce the same flavor profile as hot brewed coffee. Blending coffee with milk does not represent a brewing method but rather an addition after the coffee has been brewed, altering the drink's texture and flavor but not its fundamental brewing process.