8 important coffee myths to avoid
We hear things about coffee everyday. About what is good and what is not. I thought I would do some investigative work and found out about some of those “urban coffee legends”.
Myth: Keeping coffee grinds or beans in the freezer is a good idea.
Fact: The freezer creates condensation, which hastens flavour loss. Keep your beans in a cool place, like the fridge.
Myth: Boiling water is best for making coffee.
Fact: You don’t need your water to be boiling to have a great tasting cup of coffee, through any method of preparation. Boiling water does not bring out more flavour. Just before boiling is good enough. Once it boils, the water looses oxygen, which makes the coffee taste a bit flat.
Myth: You can reheat coffee and still have it taste just as great.
Fact: Reheating coffee is a big ‘no-no’. As much as you might be tempted to zapping it in the microwave or reheating it on the stove, it will not taste as good. Reheating the coffee will simply burn it and give it a bad bitter taste. Always go fresh.
Myth: If you find your coffee too bitter, use a smaller quantity and it will be less bitter!
Fact: False… bitterness often comes from using too little coffee, which causes coffee flavour to be over-extracted. Using more coffee will provide a more balanced flavour and reduce bitterness.
Myth: Scalded milk makes a great latte.
Fact: Scalded milk, or milk that has boiled, will give a burnt and off taste to coffee. To make the perfect latte, milk should be steamed to reach a maximum temperature of 155°F. Heating the milk can work too but it won’t be as creamy!
Myth: Flavoured coffees are rich in calories.
Fact: Brewed coffee contains no calories regardless of the brewing method. It’s the milk and sugar that add calories to this beverage and flavoured coffees are no exception: with no calories a cup, go ahead and indulge in this guilt-free pleasure!
Myth: Dark roast coffee contains more caffeine than light roast coffee.
Fact: Dark roasted coffee actually has less caffeine than light roasted and here is why… Caffeine burns off during the roasting process, so the longer a coffee is roasted, the less caffeine it contains.
Myth: Espresso contains more caffeine than filter coffee.
Fact: Contrary to most beliefs, espresso contains less caffeine than drip coffee. This is in part due to the darker roast of the coffee and to the quick extraction method.
