According to the International Coffee Organization, coffee consumption increases by 10% yearly. Making a great cup of coffee is not that easy but you can achieve it if you follow certain basic rules. For example, when you buy the beans, be careful of the smell. If you smell burnt, mould, or a strange smell or if on the contrary, it barely smells, this means that the quality of the beans is not satisfactory. Here are 10 errors that many people make when they prepare their coffee.
1. You try to save on coffee
The price counts. If you want to buy high-quality beans, then you need to save up. You need to remember that the price of your coffee is directly linked to its taste, so a very good coffee can’t be inexpensive, unfortunately. We suggest you choose moderately priced beans in a specialized store. Also, the salesperson can help you choose the right product for you.
2. You don’t use a coffee grinder
Many people prefer saving time by buying already ground beans. A bag of ground beans can spend several weeks on supermarket shelves before someone buys it. This completely deforms and modifies the taste. No matter if you buy ground beans or you decided to ground your own beans at home, be careful of the grinding degree. There are 5 grinding degrees: coarse, medium, thin, for espresso, and powder. A coarse grinding is perfect for a French press, the support is sufficed for a standard coffee machine, the thin and powder options are good for European coffee makers.
3. You don’t preserve your beans correctly
Beans have three mortal enemies: air, light and heat. Be careful with the packaging. It needs to be hermetic and composed of three layers of film with a valve to allow air to get out of the packaging but also prevent it from getting inside. The beans can be kept in a glass container or in a tin can. In the latter case, it is important to make sure there is no rust, or else the coffee will have a metallic taste. You shouldn’t buy or stock coffee in plastic packaging – this means it is a poor quality product. If you buy coffee in a paper packaging, it is best to stock the beans in an airtight container and protected from the light since air and other odours can easily destroy the product.
4. You don’t pay enough attention to the varieties of beans
The two principal varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a more delicate taste, whereas Robusta is more bitter and contains more caffeine. Furthermore, the price difference is pretty perceptible: Arabica is twice as expensive as Robusta. As a rule, Arabica beans are bigger and have an oval shape. Robusta beans are rounder. So, if the beans are smaller and round but the producer says the beans are “100% Arabica”, then they are probably trying to trick you. Also, there shouldn’t be any shavings or spots on the beans.
5. You use the wrong cups
You should use the right kind of cups to fully benefit of the taste of your drink. The best option is a 200 ml cup with thick sides. If the cup is oblong inside, this is even better, since this shape, with the combination of thick sides, can keep the coffee warmer for a longer period of time. Know that if you heat your cup before pouring your drink, the taste will be even richer and tastier!
6. You put your beans in the fridge
There is a list of foods that should not be kept in the fridge because they easily absorb other odours, and coffee is one of these foods. Imagine what would happen if your sausages were kept close to your coffee! So, don’t put your beans in the fridge or freezer even if you’re sure that the packaging is airtight because the taste and flavour will change for the worst.
7. You drink it cold
We have all been in this situation: you make a delicious coffee and you completely forget to drink it! You should drink it right away when it is freshly made because or else it will become very bitter and lose all its taste.
8. You add too many extra ingredients
This drink is an excellent source of antioxidants. Recent researches proved that we can obtain the same quantity of antioxidants from this drink with or without milk. The two options are good for our health. The idea of adding milk started in France. Without a doubt, this gives this drink a great taste and makes it easier to drink quicker, which reduces the risks of esophageal cancer.
9. You buy it in bulk
Coffee amateurs recommend consuming the beans in the first 3 weeks after they are roasted. But, if you buy too much at the same time, you might not be able to follow this rule. It is best to buy less coffee and enjoy a fresh and good product instead. And don’t forget to check the labels! They have to indicate the roasting date on them.
10. You don’t follow the 1:10 rule
Experts recommend you don’t forget the following ingredient ratio: 1 g of freshly ground coffee for 10 ml of water. Don’t neglect this rule: too much water can ruin the best coffee.
Source:
Brightside
