“I Hate Coffee!…I’m a Tea Person.
As a coffee lover, I can go on, and on, and on…and on about the many reasons why coffee is so amazing. However, I also understand that not everyone shares my love for coffee, and that for some reason many people prefer tea! Don’t get me wrong, I like tea as well. Just not nearly as much as I love coffee. But, as someone who tries to be objective about things in life, I want to take a moment to explain why I believe that everyone should, at the very least, give coffee a chance.
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I hate coffee because….
…It’s too bitter and harsh tasting!
Many people think that coffee is bitter and harsh. Are you one of the ones who thinks this??? Newsflash, I think so too. Most of the time folks say this because they get “fast service” or store bought coffee (myself included). There are a number of potential reasons why your coffee tastes less than ideal. Here are a few:
- Old Beans: One of the main reasons coffee can taste bitter or burnt is because the beans are old. Coffee beans are best consumed within a few weeks of being roasted, as the flavor begins to degrade after that. If you’re using old beans, the coffee will likely taste stale and bitter.
- Over-roasted/burnt Beans: Another reason coffee can taste bitter or burnt is because the beans have been over-roasted. Over-roasting can cause the beans to lose their natural flavors and develop a burnt taste.
- Incorrect Brewing Temperature: The temperature of the water used to brew coffee can also affect the taste. If the water is too hot, it can extract too many of the bitter compounds from the beans, resulting in a bitter or burnt taste.
- Over-extraction: Over-extraction occurs when the water is in contact with the coffee for too long, extracting too many compounds and leaving a bitter or burnt taste.
- Poor Quality Beans: Low-quality beans that are grown in poor conditions and are not properly processed can also result in a bitter or burnt taste.
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Coffee can be amazing if….
…you get the true essence of coffee. The picture here, may look like peanuts. I assure you, the are NOT 😂. The are “green coffee beans”. Believe it or not, this is what your whole, or ground, coffee beans look like before they are roasted. If future posts, we’ll discuss where to buy green coffee beans, how to roast, and most importantly how to prepare a good cup of java.
Each of us are at different stages on our journey to elevate our coffee experience. So, take a minute or so to review the following ways to improve the taste of coffee.
- Fresh coffee beans: Freshly roasted coffee beans are essential for a good cup of coffee. The flavor of coffee begins to degrade after a few weeks of being roasted, so it’s important to use beans that were roasted within the last two weeks.
- Brewing method: Different brewing methods can produce different flavors and strengths of coffee. Experimenting with different methods, such as French press, pour-over, or drip coffee, can help you find the perfect brew for your taste preferences.
- Ratio of coffee to water: The right ratio of coffee to water is essential for a well-balanced cup of coffee. Too much coffee or too little water can result in a strong or weak brew.
- The water is at the right temperature: The temperature of the water used to brew coffee can also affect the taste. Generally, a temperature between 195 and 205 Fahrenheit is considered optimal for brewing.
- High quality beans: High-quality beans grown in good conditions, and properly processed can make a huge difference in the taste of your coffee. Specialty coffee beans are graded and evaluated by a panel of certified cuppers (coffee tasters) to ensure that they meet the standard of quality.
- Focus on the ambiance: Surroundings and company can make a big difference when it comes to enjoying a cup of coffee. Whether it’s a quiet morning at home or a casual conversation with friends at a café, the ambiance can enhance the overall experience of drinking coffee.
I know one post won’t convince the staunch tea lovers to convert to coffee. However, I hope this has been a bit educational. It took me years to make a decent cup of coffee. I’m still working to perfect it myself. But if there’s any advice I can give you – start small. Focus on just one of the points above. Once you notice improvement, commit to this amazing journey of elevating your coffee experience!
In our next post, we’ll discuss the many different flavor profiles of coffee beans. Until then, sip, savor, and make every moment count.
The Coffee Bean Connoisseur
CBC