Sip & Learn: Unveiling 6 Surprising Secrets About Coffee!
Hey there, fellow coffee enthusiasts! Today we’re getting right into important secrets you may now know about coffee! Let’s begin!
Where you store your coffee matters!
Coffee storage is important! Yes, you heard it right, where you stash your beans can make a huge difference in your daily brew experience! So, let's spill the beans on how to keep your coffee fresher for longer!
1. Cool, Dark, and Air-Tight:
Think of your coffee beans like treasures. To preserve their flavor, store them in a cool, dark spot away from sunlight and heat. And hey, don't forget to seal them up tight to keep oxygen out! It's the secret to freshness!
2. Out of the Fridge and Freezer:
Hold up! Before you start tossing those beans into the fridge or freezer, let's take a moment to think! Moisture is the enemy here, and your fridge and freezer are full of it. Keep your beans cozy at room temperature instead, and they'll thank you with richer, more flavorful brews.
BIG NO!
Don’t store your coffee beans in the refrigerator. Please and thank you!
3. Say No to Transparent Containers:
Sure, those glass jars might look chic on your countertop, but they're not doing your coffee any favors. Light can zap away those precious flavors faster than you can say "Brew me another cup!" Opt for opaque containers to keep those beans in the dark where they belong.
4. Buy in Small Batches:
We get it – buying coffee in bulk can seem like a money-saving move. But unless you're hosting a coffee party that I better be invited to, it's best to purchase just enough beans to last you a couple of weeks. Trust us your taste buds will thank you for the freshness!
5. Grind Just Before Brewing:
Ah, the sweet aroma of freshly ground coffee! There's nothing quite like it! Maximize that flavor punch by grinding your beans just before brewing. It's like giving your morning routine a new sense of fun and excitement in my opinion!
So there you have it about how you should go about storing your coffee! Onto the next secret!
2. Have you ever wondered about the best water you should consider using for brewing coffee?
Ever found yourself pondering over the importance of water in your daily brew? Well, stop wondering. Because we're getting into water and its important role in making that perfect cup of joe!
Firstly, let's talk about purity. Just like how you wouldn't want any unwanted guests at your coffee party, you don't want impurities in your water. Go for filtered water to ensure a clean and crisp base for your brew, free from any funky tastes or odors that might otherwise creep in.
WATER!
No such thing as good coffee without good water!
Secondly, temperature matters – big time! Think of water temperature as the Goldilocks principle – not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Aim for that sweet spot between 195°F and 205°F (or around 90°C to 96°C) to ensure proper extraction of flavors without scorching your precious beans.
Thirdly, freshness is key. Just like how you wouldn't use stale coffee beans, you shouldn't use stale water either. Keep it fresh and lively, avoiding any water that's been sitting around for too long. Fresh water equals fresh flavor! It's as simple as that!
Last but not least, remember to enjoy the journey. Brewing coffee is as much an art as it is a science, and water plays a important role in this caffeinated adventure. So, embrace the process and savor each sip!
While water might seem like a simple ingredient, its significance in coffee brewing cannot be emphasized more than enough! So, raise your mugs to the unsung hero of our daily coffee – WATER, the magical elixir that transforms beans into brews you enjoy! Cheers!
3. Coffee grounds can benefit your plants!
DON’T throw away your used coffee grounds! Used coffee grounds can actually be beneficial for your garden. They're rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, making them excellent natural fertilizers. So, next time you brew a pot, consider giving your plants caffeine too!
Do your part for the environment!
reduce waste and reuse your coffee grounds for gardening!
By repurposing your used coffee grounds in the garden, you're also doing your part for the environment. Instead of sending them to the landfill where they'll take years to decompose, you're giving them a second life as a beneficial soil amendment. It's a small but meaningful way to reduce waste and promote sustainability in your gardening practices.
The lighter the roast- the more caffeine
Did you know that there are different levels to roasting and sometimes that matters in terms of flavor, aroma, and caffeine content? Yes- lighter roast has slightly more caffeine than a dark roast coffee. This a myth I wanted to address because the assumption that “espresso beans” or dark roast coffee gives you stronger coffee is actually about the flavor of the coffee being stronger, not necessarily the strength of the caffeine. As you roast your beans you will actually burn away some of the caffeine molecules thus giving you a different flavor profile and a little less caffeine.
What is the “coffee Belt”
A LOT of coffee comes out of Brazil, located within an area we call the “coffee belt”. The coffee belt is a belt of area around the earth that is ideal for coffee growing. This belt is usually known for being tropical and for having rich soil- perfect for growing our favorite source of caffeine. The flavor and quality of coffee actually changes with the altitude its grown at which explains the different qualities you get when buying specialty coffees such as Geisha coffee.
Coffee beans pop like popcorn
Have you ever wondered what happens when you roast raw coffee? When you roast coffee beans you are essentially drying them out and heating them up. In turn this releases gases from the coffee causing it to pop, similarly to popcorn. As you continue to roast the beans after the “first crack” you will hear a “second crack” which indicated a darker roast! The flavor of the coffee changes as you roast it too, the bitterness of the coffee increases while the acidity decreases as you get further into the roasting process. This may be why most people like medium-dark roasts rather than light roasts.
References
Hoffmann, J. (2022). How to Make the Best Coffee at Home. Mitchell Beazley Ltd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6BJVM5tvnw
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee
https://coffee.fandom.com/wiki/Coffee
