A morning cup of coffee is the perfect way to start the day — but only if you first avoid some unfortunate mistakes when shopping for java at the grocery store.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to make some boneheaded blunders when picking up coffee. Here are common errors you can easily avoid the next time you head to the supermarket.
1. Going with ground instead of whole bean
Buying ground coffee instead of whole beans is certainly easier, but you will pay a big price for that convenience, according to Death Wish Coffee Co.
Whole beans stay fresher longer than ground coffee. In addition, grinding coffee yourself releases gases and oils that help enhance flavor. Freshly ground coffee also smells better.
2. Failing to check the roast date
There is a bit of an art to drinking coffee at the optimal time after its roast date. North Carolina-based coffee roaster Thomas Costello tells Gear Patrol that you should choose coffee that has been roasted within the last month, and preferably the last week.
If you drink coffee sooner than 72 hours after it was roasted, you risk java with an uneven extraction. After a month, the beans will have released enough carbon dioxide that they will have passed peak freshness.
3. Ignoring the country of origin
Many regions of the world grow coffee. Although Central and South America represent the heart of the industry, you will also find coffee that comes from African countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya. Vietnam and India also have strong reputations for coffee.
Each of these regions has its own flavor profile. So, try coffee from several different places and see which varieties you like best.
4. Settling for low-quality coffee
Everyone wants to save a buck, especially in these inflationary times. But why get your day off on the wrong foot by settling for a cheap, lousy cup of coffee?
Death Wish Coffee Co. suggests a surefire way to determine if your java is junk:
“The perfect cup needs a perfect blend of acidity, bitterness and sweetness. If you aren’t an expert yet, then test the blend by grinding some beans and putting a spoonful on top of a glass of ice water. That might sound strange, but if you purchase a high-quality coffee, the color shouldn’t leak into the water in just a few minutes. If it’s garbage coffee, expect it right away.”
5. Remaining clueless about roast level
All coffee beans receive a roast level that ranges from light to dark. The roast level helps determine the taste and aroma of the coffee.
Those who want a gentler taste should steer toward the lightest roasts. Meanwhile, the darkest roasts are ideal for those who want a stronger, even slightly bitter flavor.
Or, perhaps you prefer a roast somewhere between those extremes. This is another area where a little trial and error can help you discover the cup that is perfect for you.
6. Glossing over the grind size
Grind size can have a substantial impact on coffee extraction and flavor. You will get the best cup of espresso from a fine grind, according to Door County Coffee.
On the other hand, you need a coarse grind if you use a French press.
7. Believing trade-practice claims
Some coffee drinkers will only purchase coffee from roasters that engage in admirable trade practices. But it is easy to be duped by the claims that roasters make on their coffee packaging.
As Costello tells Gear Patrol:
“There’s a lot of greenwashing, like claiming some amount of sustainable purchasing practices without following it up. It’s like saying ‘free-range eggs’ — that can mean a lot of different things.”
If you want to improve the odds of buying from a roaster you respect, do a little more research on the internet or elsewhere to make sure roaster boasts are on the up and up.
8. Using the wrong mug
Finally, even if you avoid all the other mistakes on this list, you can screw up your coffee experience simply by sipping your joe from the wrong mug.
Death Wish Coffee Co. urges you to avoid plastic mugs and mugs that feel flimsy. The heat can escape from these mugs too quickly, ruining the experience. Thick-walled, handcrafted ceramic or glass is the way to go. A quality travel mug can work too.
You might even want to pour hot water into the mug as you brew your coffee, as warming up the mug should keep your coffee hotter for longer.
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