We’ve all done it at least once: you’re in a hurry, you pour the water, you take a sip and you spit it out in disgust. You’ve made a big mess with your coffee and cream.
But today, we invite you to look back at some of your most treasured moments with coffee, or at least, the memories that aren’t tainted by bitterness.
Let’s talk about the common coffee brewing mistakes that you can correct.
1. Over-Extraction and Bitter Coffee
Brewing for too long can cause the coffee to become over-extracted and bitter. Another mistake is brewing with water that is too hot. This can also lead to over-extraction and bitter coffee. To avoid these mistakes, make sure to brew for the recommended time and with water that is not too hot.
2 . Under-Extraction and Weak Coffee
Under-extraction and weak coffee are caused by a variety of factors, such as using too much water, not enough coffee, or grinding the beans too finely. It can also be caused by brewing for too short of a time, not using a filter, or using a coffee brewing method that doesn’t allow for proper extraction.
To avoid under-extraction, make sure to use the proper ratio of coffee to water, grind the beans to the correct coarseness, and brew for the recommended time.
3. Inconsistent Brewing
Inconsistent grind size is often the result of not having a consistent grinding method. This can be avoided by using a burr grinder, which will produce a consistent grind size.
Brewing time is often the most inconsistent element of the coffee brewing process. To avoid this use a timer and brew for the same amount of time. Here’s a blog on light roast coffee to guide you on avoiding making this mistake.
4. Tampers That Are Too Tight or Too Loose
A tamper that is too tight or too loose can lead to an inconsistent extraction and poor-tasting coffee. To avoid this, make sure to use a tamper that is the right size for your coffee grinder and use a light, even pressure when tamping the coffee.
5. Improper Storage of Coffee Beans
One of the most common coffee brewing mistakes is improper storage of coffee beans. Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can cause the beans to become stale. If coffee beans are stored in a warm or humid place, they will go bad quickly.
6. Inconsistent Water Temperature
The water should be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or just shy of boiling. Use a thermometer to ensure that the water is at the same temperature each time you brew. Another way to avoid this is to use a coffee maker that has a built-in water heater.
Avoiding Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes
There are a few common coffee brewing mistakes that people make which can result in an unpleasant cup of coffee. Luckily, these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little bit of knowledge and care.
Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you.
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