How To Avoid the Top 5 Brewing Mistakes That Coffee Lovers Make
The average person has been making coffee as part of their daily routine for so long that they think they’ve got the process down pat. But even if you consider yourself a coffee-brewing guru, you’re likely making at least one of these five common brewing mistakes. Review our list and adjust your technique accordingly for an even better cup of joe.
Top 5 Common Coffee-Brewing Mistakes
1. Serving stale coffee
Although coffee never actually “goes bad,” coffee beans begin to lose their optimum flavor potential about a month after being roasted and a few weeks after ground coffee is unsealed. Always keep your coffee tightly sealed and in a dark, cool, dry place.
2. Not using enough coffee
The correct amount of coffee to use when brewing is a subjective thing as people’s tastes will differ. To produce a great cup of coffee consistently, the National Coffee Association recommends starting by following the “Golden Ratio” of one to two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water, then adjust for your personal taste preference.
3. Using an unclean machine
If you start to notice your coffee tasting bitter and gritty, there’s a good chance it’s because you haven’t cleaned your coffee maker lately. Brewed coffee contains natural oils and essences that give it its distinct flavor, but these oils also build up in your machine and inside your pot and eventually turn rancid, ruining the taste. Clean your machine and pot often and thoroughly.
4. Incorrect grind
Each coffee brewing method requires a specific grind size to work properly because of the differing extraction times and water temperatures used to release the flavor essences. Using the wrong type of grind for your method is the surest way to ruin your coffee. An inconsistent grind with a mixture of sizes will also produce less-than-optimal coffee.
5. Problems with your water
Coffee is mostly water, and the quality of that water will greatly influence the taste. Consider using bottled or filtered water to avoid the impurities and chemicals that can ruin your coffee’s flavor. Also, make sure you’re using the correct water temperature for your coffee brewing method.
While we didn’t add it to the list, BostonbeaN thinks the No. 1 coffee mistake Boston business owners make is not having our team deliver coffee, tea and snacks to their employees. Our machines will ensure the perfect cup of coffee for your team every time.
