This is a collaborative post.
The coffee industry has really taken the UK by strength in recent years, and no longer are people willing to accept subpar coffee or a basic instant beverage to get them going in the morning. Coffee culture is a massive part of many people’s lives, and coffee isn’t just an energy fuel to get going of a morning but a drink to savour and enjoy any time of the day, thanks to decaf varieties.
With so many different flavour profiles to try, brewing methods, and strengths to indulge in, it’s little wonder why people invest time and money into finding the perfect coffee drink for them.
However, for many, it’s a massive case of trial and error as they work towards finding that ideal coffee drink that appeals to their taste buds. Too many mistakes can impact your enjoyment of the drink. That is where this post comes in. It’s going to look at a few coffee brewing mistakes you need to avoid to help you maximise your coffee journey and find the perfect brew for you.
5 Coffee Brewing Mistakes You Need To Avoid
1. Scalding The Beans
The last thing you want to do is to pour boiling water into your coffee, even instant coffee. Doing so can scald the beans and impact the flavour, leaving a bitter or burnt taste in your mouth. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius. Water that is too hot can over-extract the coffee, resulting in a bitter taste, while water that is too cold can under-extract, leading to a sour taste. A thermometer can help you get the right temperatures and eliminate the issue of incorrect water temperatures.
2. The Wrong Grind Size
If you are grinding your own beans, it’s essential to understand how to grind them correctly and the benefits of using an electric grinder over a manual one, and vice versa. The grind size directly affects the extraction rate and the taste of your coffee. A medium grind is suitable for drip coffee, as it allows for a balanced extraction. A coarser grind is ideal for a French press, as it allows for a longer extraction time. If you use an espresso machine, a finer grind is preferable for a more enjoyable drink and better results. Take some time to understand how the grind impacts your drink and what you prefer, and find the perfect balance.
3. Using Stale Coffee Beans
Coffee beans should be fresh and of the best quality you can afford. It’s not about the price; it’s about freshness and quality, as stale beans or poor-quality roasted brains can produce a less-than-desirable cup of coffee.
Ideally, you want to source your beans from a local roaster or a company that roasts beans on demand for order fulfilment, as you want to use them within two weeks of being roasted for the best flavour and freshest taste. Anything outside of this time scale can impair the profile and deliver a different drink, meaning you don’t get to experience the flavour profile as you should.
Store your beans in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed container with minimal light exposure. This storage condition can keep your beans fresh until you use them and avoid them going stale too fast.
4. Incorrect Water-to-Coffee Ratio
The perfect cup of coffee is something that is unique to each person, but the right coffee-to-water ratio can help you perfect your brew for the ultimate drink. The coffee-to-water ratio determines the strength and flavour of your coffee. Start with one part coffee to 18 parts water, which is a common ratio, and adjust the proportions as needed until you achieve a mix that suits your taste. A higher ratio will result in a stronger, more flavourful coffee, while a lower ratio will produce a milder taste. This ratio is often the standard people use, or 1:15, but adapting it from here gives you a starting point to find the right strength and flavour for your taste buds.
5. Dirty Equipment
Neglecting to clean your coffee-making equipment after each use allows oils and residue to build up from the coffee and water, resulting in a different-tasting drink with each subsequent use. While not all methods require daily cleaning, such as coffee machines, they do need regular cleaning. Failing to do so can not only be risky health-wise (mould can grow in tubes on machines if they’re not routinely cleaned), but it can also significantly impact the quality of the drink being made.
These are just a few of the most common coffee brewing mistakes people make. Knowing them and how to avoid them can allow you to skip the trial-and-error part and get right to the experimenting stage, helping you uncover a new coffee that hits the spot every time.
