When it comes to coffee, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. From the type of coffee to the roast, grind, and brewing method, it can be a lot to think about. But don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Here are eight things to keep in mind when buying coffee:
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1. The type of coffee you buy matters
There are three main types of coffee: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Arabica beans are considered the highest quality beans and tend to have a smoother flavor. Robusta beans are of lower quality but have a more bitter flavor while Liberia beans are the rarest type of bean and have a nutty flavor. You should remember that the type of bean you buy is going to affect the flavor of your coffee.
If you want a bolder taste in your coffee, choose a darker roast. If you prefer a lighter coffee with less acidity, choose a lighter roast. Dark roasts are bolder because they have been roasted longer which means they will have less caffeine and more antioxidants. In addition, dark roasts typically have flavors that are more intense and bitter.
On the other hand, light roasts have been exposed to less heat so they retain their Vitamin C content and have a sweeter flavor profile. They also won’t overwhelm your palate or give you heartburn if that’s an issue for you!
2. The origin matters
Coffee can be grown in more than 70 countries around the world, but some regions are known for growing better coffee than others. For example, South America is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world and has several growing regions that are well-known for producing great-tasting beans.
Think about what type of flavor you want to get out of your next cup of Joe followed by where you’d like to travel! This way, you can combine two things you love into one activity. Think about visiting Colombia or Costa Rica to try some fantastic coffee while also taking a trip through beautiful landscapes!
3. You can make your own blends
If you like experimenting in the kitchen then why not try making your own blend? You can mix two or more types of coffee together or add other ingredients such as chocolate or vanilla for new flavors!
Some popular combinations are mixing dark roast and light roast coffee together or adding some cocoa powder and cinnamon to medium roast Kona coffee for something new. You can take some of the best espresso beans and mix them with some great-tasting decaf beans and create a unique flavor that is sure to impress! Don’t limit yourself – feel free to experiment and be adventurous!
4. The roasting process matters
Coffee roasters not only roast coffee for people to drink, but they usually have signature blends that they make on a regular basis. These types of coffees are usually very bold with intense flavors. Some more popular roasters include Starbucks, Blue Bottle Coffee Co., and Four Barrel Coffee Co. If you want a stronger taste in your coffee then these might be the right roasters for you to check out. Many people enjoy some type of dark roast from one of these companies because it has an intense flavor compared to a dark roast from a different company that might not have the same flavor profile.
5. Grind size matters
Did you know your grind size can affect your coffee? If you want a more intense flavor, choose a smaller grind size for your coffee. In contrast, if you want something milder then use a larger grind size when making it! The majority of people use medium grinds because they will provide an even extraction while also being strong enough to hold their own against the water. Grind sizes range from extra fine to very coarse with many different variations in between. Keep these things in mind next time you’re brewing up a pot of coffee!
6. You need to measure properly
If you are brewing your own coffee at home, be sure to use the right measurements. The standard ratio is 2 tsp of ground beans per cup of water. If you want something stronger then increase the amount by .5 tsp increments until you find the perfect balance for your tastes! Be aware that if your coffee machine has an automatic feature, it might have a different measuring system for making single cups vs. larger pots so pay attention to these details as well!
7. Time is important too
One mistake that people often make is that they do not brew their coffee for long enough or at the correct temperature! Brewing coffee requires patience and time to allow all of those wonderful flavors to come together and create a fantastic cup. If you under-brew your coffee then it might be weaker than you’d like and if you over-brew it, then it will become bitter and overly acidic for your palate. Ideally, the perfect brewing time is around 5 minutes but everyone’s tastes are different so play around with times to see what works best for your needs!
8. There are several types of espresso machines
Espresso machines come in all shapes and sizes but the most common ones are semi-automatic, super-automatic, and manual. Obviously, semi-automatic machines provide more control for users because they require you to grind the beans and fill the portafilter with coffee. On the other hand, there are super-automatic espresso machines that do everything for you including grinding your beans! While these machines might be easier to use, some people enjoy learning how to make coffee manually so that it is exactly what they want without any unnecessary additives or features.
There are so many different things to consider when it comes to coffee that the possibilities seem endless! By keeping these eight tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to making fantastic cups of coffee with ease. Whether you like light or dark roasts, blends, or single-origin beans, experimenting with grind sizes and brewing times will help you find what works best for your palate. No matter what machine you have or how much experience you have behind the grinder, always remember these important points and enjoy creating unique coffee concoctions!
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