4 Ways to Tell if You’re Drinking Quality Coffee
Maybe making a cup of coffee every morning is a beloved routine or maybe you like the feeling of community that comes with queuing in line with other coffee lovers for your daily order. Or maybe you just like the shot of energy that comes with every cup. Whatever your reasons for loving coffee, you want to make sure that the quality of your coffee is up to par. Drinking an inferior cup of coffee is not just unpleasant, it might even contain undesirable chemicals.
Here are four ways to tell if you’re drinking quality coffee.
The Smell
Many people love the smell of coffee, and chances are that part of the reason you’re a coffee lover is because of the aroma.
The smell of coffee is influenced by many factors including the type of bean, where it’s grown, and how it’s roasted. Thus, you can usually tell a lot about the quality of coffee just by taking a whiff. For example, if it smells burnt or acrid, that’s a sign that it’s been over-roasted.
So what should coffee actually smell like? The best coffee will have a balanced aroma that is slightly sweet with notes of chocolate, fruit, or spices depending on its origin. For example , coffee beans from Ethiopia tend to have floral and citrus notes while beans from Nicaragua often smell of chocolate or caramel.
The Taste
Of course, a primary test of quality coffee is taste.
A good cup of coffee will have a rich flavor that is neither too weak nor too strong. Well-balanced and smooth, with no bitter aftertaste. Again, the type of bean and where it’s from will also affect the flavor; Nicaraguan coffee will likely taste sweeter than Mexican coffee.
Also, keep in mind that the way you make your coffee influences the taste. For example, if you’re on a strict no-sugar diet on orders from a dietician at your assisted living facility, your coffee will taste different from that of a college freshman with a sweet tooth.
The Appearance
When it comes to quality coffee, appearance isn’t everything but it can still be telling.
What is the color of the coffee? Is it a deep rich brown or is it more on the lighter side? The darker the coffee, the longer it was roasted, and the richer the flavor will be.
The best coffee will also have a glossy sheen to it. If the coffee looks dull, that’s a sign that the beans are old.
The Price
There are many factors that influence the price of coffee. For example, some coffee beans from certain regions are more expensive simply because they’re rarer. But in general, you should be prepared to pay a little more for quality coffee.
If you’re buying coffee beans that are pre-packaged and mass-produced, chances are they’re not going to be the best quality. On the other hand, if you’re paying more for coffee beans that are freshly roasted and packaged in front of you, chances are they’re going to be of a higher quality.
So, if you’re looking for quality coffee, be sure to keep all of these factors in mind. By taking the time to choose wisely, you can ensure that each cup of coffee is as enjoyable as possible.