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1475 questions
21
votes
3 answers
How important is tamping coffee for an espresso machine
I observe that coffee servers (I refuse to use the term barista) will apply pressure to the coffee grounds using a variety of methods and pressure. This seems to vary wildly and I'd like to know how important is this? Is there some general rule of…
EdChum
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21
votes
3 answers
What does a coffee cherry taste like?
Do they keep long enough to ship? Can they be ordered from somewhere? Can they be dried/preserved/candied?
Can the flavor be used ... perhaps in a coffee beverage?
In the washed and semi-washing processing, the fruit is completely removed and…
luser droog
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21
votes
1 answer
Is Nespresso 'real' espresso?
When I use an espresso coffee pod, I'm a little skeptical that it qualifies as real espresso. The contents of the cup don't seem to be compressed or 'tamped' in any way, and obviously there's no portafilter involved. As far as I know, steam is…
fredley
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20
votes
2 answers
Does storing coffee in a freezer preserve freshness?
Does storing ground coffee in a freezer make it stay fresh longer? If so, how long will it remain fresh?
Alex
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20
votes
1 answer
How is instant coffee made?
I understand the basic process of making coffee (harvested beans >> roasted >> ground >> brewed), but I don't quite understand how instant coffee is made.
What, exactly, is done differently? At what point in the process does instant coffee diverge…
Shokhet
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19
votes
3 answers
What gives "diner" coffee its distinctive taste?
At least in the US (and probably elsewhere), late-night diners are a popular place to get a cheap cup of joe. In my experience, diner coffee has a taste that's generally not found elsewhere (most people call it "bad", but that's not what this…
user80
19
votes
3 answers
Latte: Milk before or after coffee?
When making a latte, I've seen baristas make it:
With espresso shot first and then milk and art on top (served in a normal cup)
Milk first and espresso shot poured on top (served in a long glass with a handle)
Are both of these technically lattes…
Consume Coffee
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19
votes
12 answers
Why do the coffee shops give sparkling water along with the Espresso?
Why do coffee shops provide sparkling water (mineral water) along with Espresso?
Emilios1995
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19
votes
2 answers
How can I go about developing my ability to taste flavors in coffee?
I've been home-roasting coffee for over a year now, starting with stovetop pan roasting, then moving up to an air popper, and then a small roaster this Christmas. I'm at the point where I can tell a light-roasted, acidic Ethiopian from a dark…
Justin
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19
votes
8 answers
What is the next best milk substitute for a latte?
I used to drink lattes every day and realized the milk (lactose) was making me feel bad. I'm looking for a good substitute that will steam well, taste good, and be nice for making latte art. What will get me closest? Soy milk? Lactaid? Unsweetened…
Michael Pryor
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19
votes
1 answer
End result of Americano vs Long Black?
There have been a few questions now asked about the difference between a Caffe Americano vs a Long Black and the merits of each (here and here). The main difference seems to be that the Long Black method of adding the espresso after the hot water…
PDePree
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19
votes
7 answers
Why would anyone want to hand grind their coffee?
I often buy pre-roasted beans so that they last longer in storage. This means I have to grind the beans.
I have a cheap spice grinder that does a great job at preparing the beans into ground coffee. It is easy to use, takes 5-15 seconds to process…
James
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18
votes
4 answers
Do I need to use a tamp if using a Moka pot stove top espresso maker?
Can I just add the coffee powder to the basket and let the the water vapour do the work or should I make use of a tamp same as with a professional Espresso machine?
lihume
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18
votes
4 answers
Difference between Turkish and Greek coffee?
Is there a difference between Turkish and Greek coffee? Or is it the same thing with different names at different places?
Bob
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18
votes
5 answers
What are the reasons to roast coffee yourself?
Based on some common sense and on (not very numerous) articles online, I could think of the following advantages of roasting at home:
you get the freshest possible coffee as you need it
green beans are significantly cheaper than roasted ones, and…
Ivan Kapitonov
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