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1475 questions
18
votes
6 answers
How do I get started in roasting my own beans at home?
I'd like to experiment with roasting my own beans at home.
I'd like to keep the equipment requirements as basic as possible. No fancy gizmos or machines. I have a gas stove.
Jev Björsell
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18
votes
4 answers
Coffee cup patina; is there any logic in not washing the cup
I first encountered the practice of never washing a coffee cup, when I was sternly warned, and nearly physically threatened by a former employer to never wash his coffee cup.
Apparently it is an old military tradition to never wash out your coffee…
apaul
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18
votes
0 answers
Research funding for health benefits by coffee trade associations
How much funding is provided by the coffee industry for research on the health benefits of coffee?
I came across a statistic that surprised me by its meagerness. According to their website, the National Coffee Association USA has spent $6 million…
hardmath
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18
votes
3 answers
Does coffee cause dehydration?
Actual scientific information on the effects of food and drink is notoriously hard to sift from all the dieting pseudoscience. I know that caffeine is a diuretic, which means it will cause me to lose more water, but given that I'm dosing up on it…
fredley
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18
votes
4 answers
What is the difference between Robusta and Arabica?
Different coffee packets advertise different amounts of 'Robusta' and 'Arabica'? What do these terms refer to, and how does it affect the taste of the coffee?
fredley
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17
votes
3 answers
Why do we need to fold the border of filters?
Standard and V60 paper filters require we fold the border before spreading them for dripping.
I believe this is just because of their manufacturing process. But would there be any other reason?
Folding that border makes the surface uneven in the…
Eric Platon
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17
votes
4 answers
What's the recommended coffee to water ratio for cold brew?
I was interested today in making some cold brew. I have a french press so I'd like to use that.
What is your recommended brewing time?
Does this make a concentrate?
What ratio do you use later to dilute that concentrate?
Nate
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17
votes
2 answers
Coffee Bean Vs Espresso Bean
What is the difference between beans intended for coffee use vs beans intended for espresso? My understanding is the beans come from the same plants as mentioned previously but they are prepared differently?
What happens to coffee beans before they…
PDePree
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17
votes
2 answers
What's the difference between a percolator and a moka pot?
What's the difference between a percolator and a moka pot? For example, differences in the device itself, the method of use, and the resulting brew? They seem somewhat similar, since both are stovetop coffee production devices. I see some…
hoc_age
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17
votes
2 answers
Is reheating coffee in the microwave a bad idea?
Sometimes I get distracted, and realise I've got a cold cup of coffee on my desk. Will reheating it in the microwave do bad things to it? I've heard people say it will alter the flavour, and some people even say that the effect of the microwave on…
fredley
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17
votes
7 answers
How long should I steep in French press before decanting?
I have a 12-cup (51 oz.) Bodum French press. Generally how long am I supposed to wait for the freshly pressed grounds to steep before I decant?
Sol Crenshaw
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17
votes
1 answer
Why does water remain in the bottom chamber after brewing with a moka pot?
We are new owners of a Espress Nero four cup Moka Pot by Vev-Vigano. We have followed instructions from print sources, on-line articles, and YouTube videos and have yet to see reference as to why the pouring pot is only half full while the boiler…
satterly.butte
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17
votes
5 answers
Freezing brewed coffee
The other day, I had stupid idea:
What if I made my coffee in big batch and freeze what I did not manage to drink?
Let's put away why would I even want to do it. And for sake of argument, I know it is probably bad idea, but still:
Why is it bad…
Pavel Janicek
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17
votes
1 answer
How is decaffeinated coffee made?
Okay but seriously, how is decaffeinated coffee made? How does this process affect the flavour? (I'm assuming it does because decaffeinated coffee seems to be the source of much derision...)
fredley
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17
votes
2 answers
Should I thoroughly clean the portafilter basket between shots?
When I'm making lots of individual drinks I tend to clean the portafilter basket thoroughly and then dry it before filling it again etc.
I've watched baristas and they tend to just knock the old coffee out and immediately refil the portafilter…
William Moore
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