How to tell if a coffee is good quality before drinking it

Coffee is a beloved beverage around the world, but not all coffees are created equal. The quality of a cup can vary greatly, profoundly influencing the tasting experience. But how can we understand if a coffee is truly good before even bringing it to our lips? Let's find out together!

The importance of the senses: sight, smell and taste

• The eye wants its share:
  • Cream Color: A dense, hazelnut-colored cream with light streaks is a sign of good extraction. Avoid creams that are too light or too dark, and those with bubbles that are too large or too small.
  • Cream surface: The ideal cream is smooth, compact and slightly velvety.
• The nose is the first to judge:
  • Intense and pleasant aromas: A good coffee releases intense and inviting aromas, which can vary depending on the blend (fruity, floral, chocolatey, roasted).
  • No off-flavors: Avoid coffee with burnt, damp, or stale odors.
• The taste confirms:
  • Balance between bitter, acidic and sweet: A quality coffee has a harmonious balance between these three flavors. The bitterness should not be excessive, the acidity should be fruity and the sweetness should balance it all.
  • Persistence of taste: A good coffee leaves a pleasant and persistent aftertaste, which invites you to take another sip.

Other factors to consider:

• Freshness: Coffee is a fresh product and should be consumed within a certain period of time after roasting. An old coffee will lose much of its aromatic properties.
• Roasting: Roasting is a fundamental process that profoundly influences the flavor of coffee. A light roast will enhance the more delicate aromas, while a dark roast will give a more intense and bitter taste.
• Grinding: The grinding must be suitable for the extraction method used. A grind that is too fine or too coarse can compromise the extraction and the taste of the coffee.
• Water: The water used to prepare the coffee affects the final flavor. Good quality water, light and not very mineralized, will enhance the aromas of the coffee.

Conclusions

Recognizing a quality coffee requires a bit of practice and attention to detail. By learning to evaluate the different aspects of a cup, you will be able to better appreciate this drink and always choose the product that best suits your tastes.

And you, how do you prefer your coffee? What are the characteristics you look for in a perfect cup?