COMMON MISTAKES WHEN BREWING COFFEE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

How to Avoid the most Common Mistakes when Brewing Coffee

In the quest for the perfect cup of coffee, making mistakes when brewing coffee is more common than it seems. Even the most dedicated enthusiasts can make mistakes, affecting the flavor and quality of the specialty coffee. From IRREVERENTES, your online specialty coffee shop, we bring you a practical guide to help you identify and correct these errors, ensuring that every sip is unmatched.

1. Not choosing the right grind

One of the most frequent mistakes is using a grind size that is not suitable for the selected brewing method. Coffee that is too fine in a French press can result in a cloudy cup, while a coarse grind in an espresso will result in a watery and tasteless coffee. Be sure to adjust the grind according to the method: fine for espresso, medium for methods such as V60 and Chemex, and medium to coarse for the French press.

2. Not measuring the coffee and water proportions

The lack of precision in the proportions is another very common mistake that can ruin your experience. Too much coffee in proportion to the water used can result in a cup that is too strong or bitter, while too little specialty coffee will result in a weak and body-less drink. An easy way to prepare an espresso is to use a 1:2 ratio, that is, twice as much water as coffee. So, for 15 grams of fine-ground specialty coffee for espresso, we will use about 30 ml of water. Ideally, this preparation should also be done in about 25 seconds to prepare the perfect espresso.

3. Not taking daily care and cleaning of the equipment used

Over time, coffee residues and oils accumulate, affecting the flavor of your preparations. Regularly clean all your equipment, from the coffee maker to the grinders, to avoid unwanted flavors. Remember, a delicious cup starts with an impeccable machine.

4. Incorrect water temperature

Preparing specialty coffee with water that is too hot burns the beans, while cold water will not adequately extract the flavor. The ideal temperature is between 90°C and 96°C (195°F – 205°F). A thermometer can be useful, or letting the water sit for about 30 seconds after boiling will help it stay within the appropriate range.

5. Improper coffee storage

Specialty coffee loses flavor if exposed to air, humidity, or light. Store your beans in an airtight container, away from light and heat, to preserve their freshness and quality for longer. You can also store it in its original bag, equipped with a valve that will prevent moisture and light from reaching the bean, but be sure to store it in a cabinet or place where it does not get sunlight or suffer drastic temperature changes. Now you know the mistakes to avoid so that the coffee at home is not only the best, but is also prepared in a way that will make you enjoy it to the fullest. Need more information? Don’t miss all the content we are uploading to our blog, we are sure you will find it very useful! 🙂 Now yes, enjoy your cup of coffee. Thanks for reading! See you @cafeirreverentes!