Coffee Knowledge & FAQ

Welcome to the Green Wall Coffee archive. Find answers to all your questions about preparation, beans, and equipment.

cafe besuch

Why does coffee taste better in the cafe than at home?

Professional equipment, filtered water, freshly roasted beans, trained baristas, and the atmospheric...

Where can I find specialty coffee in Berlin-Lichtenberg?

You can find outstanding specialty coffee at Green Wall Coffee at Sophienstraße 27 in 10317 Berlin-L...

What distinguishes a specialty cafe from a regular cafe?

A specialty cafe focuses uncompromisingly on the quality of the coffee bean, works with transparent ...

Why do some cafes not have syrups?

Specialty cafes deliberately avoid syrups because they mask the natural aroma of the bean. High-qual...

What does the third place concept mean in the cafe?

The "Third Place" describes a social meeting space that is neither the home nor the workplace, but p...

Why are some cafes laptop-free?

Many cafes ban laptops in the dining area because screens disrupt the cozy atmosphere, prevent conve...

What is the Coffee Run Club in Berlin?

The Coffee Run Club is an open running group that combines athletic activity with relaxed coffee enj...

cold brew

What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Cold brew is extracted with cold water over 12–24 hours — gentle, low acidity, sweet. Iced coffee is...

How to make cold brew at home?

Combine 100 g coarsely ground coffee with 1 liter of cold water, let it steep in the fridge for 12–2...

What coffee-to-water ratio do I need for cold brew?

As a concentrate: 1:5 to 1:8 (150–200 g per liter), dilute 1:1 before drinking. As a ready-to-drink ...

How long does cold brew need to steep?

12–24 hours. 16 hours in the fridge is the sweet spot. Shorter gets watery, longer gets bitter. Prep...

Which beans are best for cold brew?

Medium to light roasts with a fruity-sweet profile. Cold brew highlights natural sweetness and fruit...

How long does cold brew last?

In an airtight container in the fridge: 7–14 days. It tastes best during the first 5 days. Undiluted...

Does cold brew have more or less caffeine than regular coffee?

It depends: Cold brew concentrate has significantly more caffeine per sip. Diluted to drinking stren...

What is nitro cold brew?

Cold brew that is infused with nitrogen and poured under pressure — like Guinness beer. This creates...

What is cold drip coffee?

A cold extraction method where cold water slowly drips through a coffee bed over 3–6 hours. Clearer,...

Can I make cold brew in a French press?

Yes — the French press is actually perfect for it. Add coarsely ground coffee, fill with cold water,...

espresso

How do I make the perfect espresso?

Four variables: 18 g of coffee, yielding 36 g of espresso in 25–30 seconds at 92–94 °C. Tastes sour?...

What are the four most important variables in espresso preparation?

Grind size, dose (amount of coffee), water temperature, and extraction time. The grind size is your ...

How long should an espresso shot take?

25–30 seconds for a double espresso with an 18 g dose yielding 36 g. Faster means under-extracted (s...

What is the ideal espresso ratio?

The brew ratio describes the relationship between the coffee grounds and the final espresso yield. S...

What does tamping mean and how do you do it right?

Tamping means pressing the coffee grounds down evenly in the portafilter so the water doesn't shoot ...

How much pressure do I need when tamping?

About 10–15 kg — more is simply unnecessary. It is far more important that the tamper is level and t...

What is channeling and how do I prevent it?

Channeling refers to small channels forming in the coffee puck that the water shoots through prefere...

Why does my espresso have no crema?

Most common causes: coffee is too old (over 2 months past roast date), grind is too coarse, pressure...

My espresso gushes through — what to do?

Grind finer. If your espresso finishes in under 20 seconds, the grind is too coarse. Other causes: t...

My espresso only drips — what to do?

Grind coarser. If the shot takes over 35 seconds, the coffee is usually too fine. Other causes: too ...

What is a bottomless portafilter and do I need one?

A bottomless (naked) portafilter has no spout — you watch the espresso flow directly from the basket...

How much coffee goes into a single or double shot?

Single: 7–9 g of coffee for 25–30 ml of espresso. Double: 16–20 g (standard is 18 g) for 36–40 ml. T...

Why is water more important than the machine?

Water makes up 90–98% of your coffee. An expensive machine cannot fix bad water. The proper order of...

How hot should the brewing water be for espresso?

90–94 °C. Light roasts need 94–96 °C, dark roasts prefer 90–92 °C. Too hot yields bitterness; too co...

What is pre-infusion and what is it good for?

Pre-infusion is the gentle pre-wetting of the coffee puck at low pressure (1–3 bars) before the full...

Why does my espresso taste bitter?

Most common reasons: grind is too fine, extraction took too long, water was too hot, or the coffee i...

Why does my espresso taste sour?

Most common reasons: grind is too coarse, extraction was too short, water was too cold — the coffee ...

What is a ristretto and what is a lungo?

A Ristretto is a restricted espresso pulled with less water (1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio) — it is highly conc...

Is an espresso machine worth it at home?

Yes, if you drink espresso daily, like to tinker, and accept a learning curve. For quick push-button...

filterkaffee

What distinguishes pour-over from a regular drip coffee maker?

With pour-over, you manually pour water over the coffee grounds in a controlled manner — directing t...

How to brew Hario V60 correctly?

Basic recipe: 15 g of medium-fine coffee, 250 g of water at 94 °C. Rinse the filter, pour 30 g of wa...

What does blooming mean in filter coffee?

Blooming is the pre-wetting of the coffee grounds with double their weight in water (e.g., 30 g of w...

How long should a pour-over coffee take?

V60: 2:30–3:30 minutes. Chemex: 4–5 minutes. Kalita Wave: 3–4 minutes. Too fast equals under-extract...

What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for filter coffee?

Standard: 1:15 to 1:17, meaning 60 g of coffee per liter of water (SCA Golden Ratio). For one cup (2...

What is the difference between V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave?

V60: conical filter, fast flow, clear bright cup, lots of control. Chemex: thick filter, clean cup, ...

Should I rinse the paper filter with hot water first?

Yes. It rinses out the papery taste and preheats the brewer. With thick filters (Chemex) it makes a ...

Which beans are best for filter coffee?

Light to medium roasts, ideally fruity and acidic single origins. Ethiopian, Kenyan, or Colombian co...

Filter coffee from a machine – how to get the best out of it?

Freshly grind fresh beans, use soft water (filtered), correct dose (60 g per liter), pre-warmed pot....

frische lagerung

How Should I Store Coffee Beans?

Avoid four enemies: oxygen, light, moisture, and heat. Best kept in the original bag with its aroma ...

Should Coffee Go in the Fridge?

No. The fridge is humid, and coffee absorbs odours. Repeatedly taking it out creates condensation on...

Can You Freeze Coffee?

Yes, for long-term storage — but only in airtight, small portions. Don't refreeze once thawed. Let b...

How Long Does Coffee Last After Opening?

Whole beans taste best 2–4 weeks after opening, espresso beans up to 5 weeks. After that the coffee ...

How Long Does Ground Coffee Stay Fresh?

Ground coffee loses many volatile aromatics within 15–30 minutes. In airtight packaging it lasts a f...

Which is better: whole beans or pre-ground coffee?

Whole beans — clearly. They retain their aroma significantly longer and are ground just before brewi...

Whole Beans or Ground Coffee — Which Is Better?

Whole beans — clearly. They retain their aroma much longer and are only ground just before brewing. ...

How can I tell if coffee has gone bad?

Coffee rarely becomes a health risk, but it loses aroma. Warning signs: musty, cardboard-like smell,...

Why do quality coffee bags have a valve?

Freshly roasted coffee releases CO₂ for days. The one-way valve lets this gas escape without letting...

How meaningful is the best-before date on coffee?

Not very. The best-before date is typically set 12–24 months after roasting — by that time, coffee i...

Does expired coffee still taste good?

Drinkable yes, enjoyable not really. Expired coffee is usually perfectly safe to drink, but it incre...

geschmack sensorik

How do I train my coffee palate?

Drink consciously, taste comparatively, and attend cuppings. Drinking two coffees side-by-side train...

What is the SCA Flavor Wheel?

A circular diagram with over 100 aroma terms developed by the Specialty Coffee Association. It organ...

Which flavors come from which origin country?

Ethiopia tastes floral-fruity (berries, jasmine), Kenya is acidity-driven (blackcurrant), Colombia i...

What is the difference between acidity, bitterness, and body in coffee?

Acidity is the enlivening, tingling sensation at the tip of the tongue (citrus, apple). Bitterness i...

How many aroma compounds does coffee have?

Over 800 identified chemical compounds — making coffee one of the most aromatic foods in existence. ...

gesundheit

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?

Filter coffee: 80–120 mg per cup (200 ml). Espresso: 50–70 mg per shot (30 ml). French press: 80–100...

Does espresso or filter coffee have more caffeine?

Per serving, filter coffee has more (80–120 mg vs. 50–70 mg). Per milliliter, espresso has more (abo...

Is coffee healthy or unhealthy?

In moderate amounts (3–4 cups a day), studies show coffee has positive effects: lower risk of type 2...

How many cups of coffee a day are safe?

The EFSA considers up to 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for healthy adults—about 4 cups of filter c...

Is coffee really addictive?

Caffeine is not considered an addictive substance in the strict sense—the DSM-5 doesn't classify it ...

Does coffee dehydrate the body?

No — a long-debunked myth. Coffee has a slightly diuretic effect, but the fluid balances out. The DG...

Does coffee help against tiredness - or is it a myth?

It helps in the short term. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain that signal fatigue. Ef...

How long does caffeine stay in the body?

Half-life in adults: 4–6 hours. After 8–10 hours, most of it is metabolized. For pregnant women, up ...

Does coffee help with headaches?

For some headaches, yes—caffeine constricts dilated blood vessels and enhances the effect of painkil...

Is coffee bad for blood pressure?

In the short term, caffeine slightly raises blood pressure and heart rate. With regular consumption,...

Does coffee harm the stomach?

For sensitive individuals, acids and bitter compounds can trigger heartburn or stomach aches. Espres...

Which coffee is stomach-friendly?

Darker roasts, espresso, and cold brew contain fewer acids. Beans from Brazil, India, or Sumatra are...

How much coffee can I drink during pregnancy?

The EFSA and WHO recommend a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day—about two cups of filter coffee o...

Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?

Yes, in moderation. Less than 1–2 % of the caffeine passes into breast milk. Up to 200–300 mg per da...

Can children drink coffee?

Not recommended. Children are more sensitive to caffeine—sleep problems, nervousness, and poor conce...

Which coffee is low in acid?

Darker roasts, espresso, and cold brew. Beans from lower altitudes (Brazil, Sumatra) are naturally l...

Does coffee make you slim?

Indirectly: caffeine slightly increases your basal metabolic rate (by 3–10% for a few hours) and can...

How is coffee decaffeinated?

Before roasting: green beans are moistened, then caffeine is extracted using water, CO₂, or a solven...

What decaffeination methods are there?

Four common methods: 1) DCM method (dichloromethane), 2) Ethyl acetate method, 3) Swiss Water Proces...

Does decaf coffee really have no caffeine?

Not quite—trace amounts of 1–3% remain. A cup of decaf coffee contains about 2–5 mg of caffeine inst...

Does decaf coffee taste different than regular coffee?

Slightly—the decaffeination process can influence the flavor profile. But modern methods like Swiss ...

Is decaf coffee healthy?

Yes—much like regular coffee, decaf contains antioxidants and protective compounds. Most of the heal...

grundlagen

What Is Coffee, Exactly – Plant, Bean, or Beverage?

Coffee refers to three things at once: the plant of the genus Coffea, the roasted seed of the coffee...

Where Does Coffee Originally Come From?

Coffee originates from the highlands of Ethiopia, specifically the Kaffa region. From there, it spre...

Who Discovered Coffee? (The Legend of Kaldi)

The most famous legend names Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder whose goats became unusually lively aft...

When Was Coffee First Drunk in Europe?

In the early 17th century, coffee reached Europe via Venice. The oldest European coffeehouse opened ...

How Much Coffee Do Germans Drink per Year?

Around 160–165 litres per capita, roughly 450 cups per person. Coffee is Germany's most popular beve...

Which Country Drinks the Most Coffee Worldwide?

Finland leads the per capita statistics with around 10–12 kg of roasted coffee per year. Norway, Swe...

What Is the Most Expensive Coffee in the World?

Kopi Luwak was long considered the priciest, but Geisha coffee from Panama and Black Ivory Coffee fr...

Why Is Coffee So Popular?

Three reasons: the stimulating effect of caffeine, an enormous flavour complexity with over 800 iden...

How Many Coffee Species Exist Worldwide?

Botanically, over 120 species of the genus Coffea have been described. Commercially, only two matter...

kaffeesorten

What Is the Difference Between Arabica and Robusta?

Arabica grows at high altitude, tastes more complex, and contains less caffeine (1.2–1.5 %). Robusta...

Is Arabica Really Better Than Robusta?

Not categorically. Arabica has a more complex flavour spectrum, but high-quality Specialty Robusta c...

What Does 100 % Arabica Mean on the Packaging?

It means only beans of the species Coffea arabica were used — no Robusta blended in. But it says not...

Why Does Robusta Contain More Caffeine Than Arabica?

Caffeine is a natural insect repellent for the coffee plant. Robusta grows in hot lowlands with high...

What Is Specialty Robusta and Why Is It Being Rediscovered?

Specialty Robusta refers to high-quality Robusta beans scoring above 80 SCA points. Climate change a...

Are There Other Coffee Species Besides Arabica and Robusta?

Yes, mainly Liberica and Excelsa. Combined, they account for less than 1 % of global trade and are g...

What Is a Coffee Variety? (Bourbon, Typica, Geisha, etc.)

Varieties are genetic subgroups within a coffee species — comparable to grape varieties in wine. The...

What Is Geisha Coffee and Why Is It So Expensive?

Geisha (also Gesha) is an Arabica variety with a floral, tea-like flavour profile. Low yields and re...

What does peaberry mean?

A peaberry forms when only one seed develops inside a coffee cherry instead of two. The single bean ...

What Is a Peaberry?

A peaberry forms when only one seed develops inside a coffee cherry instead of the usual two. The si...

What Sets Highland Coffee Apart from Lowland Coffee?

Highland coffee (above 1,000 metres) ripens more slowly and develops more sugar, more complex flavou...

Where is coffee grown around the world?

In the coffee belt between the 23rd parallel north and the 25th parallel south around the equator. T...

Where Is Coffee Grown Worldwide?

In the coffee belt between the 23rd parallel north and 25th parallel south around the equator. The l...

Why Doesn't Coffee Grow in Europe?

Europe is too cold. The coffee plant needs year-round temperatures of 18–25 °C, sufficient rainfall,...

Which Countries Produce the Most Coffee?

Brazil leads with roughly one-third of global production, followed by Vietnam (mainly Robusta), Colo...

What Does Single Origin Mean?

Single Origin means the coffee comes from a single source — one country, one region, or one farm. Un...

What Is a Coffee Blend and Why Is It Blended?

A blend is a mix of two or more coffees from different origins. The goal is a balanced, consistent f...

What Is the Difference Between Single Origin and a Microlot?

Single Origin can be broadly defined (a country, a region). A microlot is a small batch from a singl...

Why Does Ethiopian Coffee Taste Fruity and Brazilian Nutty?

Flavour depends on terroir: variety, soil, altitude, and processing. Ethiopia has genetically divers...

How Many Years Until a Coffee Plant Bears Fruit?

Three to four years after planting, a coffee plant produces its first fruit. It reaches full product...

What Is a Coffee Cherry and Is It Edible?

The coffee cherry is the fruit of the coffee plant and contains the coffee beans as seeds. The flesh...

Can You Grow Coffee at Home as a Houseplant?

Yes, Coffea arabica makes a good houseplant — plenty of light, no direct midday sun, above 15 °C. Bu...

How Does Climate Change Affect Coffee Growing?

Climate change is the greatest threat to coffee cultivation. Studies project that by 2050, roughly h...

What Are the Big Three Coffee-Producing Countries?

Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. Brazil dominates Arabica with one-third of global production, Vietnam...

How Is Coffee Harvested?

There are three methods: picking (selective hand-harvesting of ripe cherries only), stripping (strip...

What Is the Difference Between Picking, Stripping, and Machine Harvesting?

Picking selects individual ripe cherries by hand — highest quality. Stripping strips all cherries of...

When Is Coffee Harvest Season?

It depends on the region. North of the equator (e.g. Central America) harvest runs from September to...

Why Isn't Coffee Harvested Year-Round?

Globally it is — but each region harvests only once a year, because coffee cherries need 8–10 months...

What Is Washed Processing?

In washed processing, the fruit pulp is removed immediately after harvest, the bean is fermented in ...

What Is Natural Processing?

In natural processing, whole coffee cherries dry in the sun for 2–4 weeks with the fruit pulp still ...

What Is Honey Process and What Variants Exist?

Honey process is a middle ground: the fruit pulp is removed, but part of the sticky mucilage dries o...

What Is Anaerobic Fermentation in Coffee?

In anaerobic fermentation, coffee cherries or beans are fermented in sealed tanks without oxygen. Th...

How Does the Processing Method Affect Flavour?

Massively. Washed produces clear, acidity-driven profiles. Natural brings sweetness, fruit, and body...

What Is Green Coffee and What Does It Look Like?

Green coffee is the unroasted coffee bean — greenish, hard, and nearly odourless. It's shipped from ...

How Long Does Green Coffee Last?

Stored properly (dry, cool, dark), green coffee lasts 1–2 years. Over time it loses freshness and ar...

kaffeespezialitaeten

What is the difference between cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white?

Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam (150–180 ml). Latte macchiato: lots of milk with foam, ...

What distinguishes a latte from a café au lait?

Latte: espresso plus hot milk (1:3–1:5) with a foam head. Café au lait: filter coffee with hot milk ...

What is an Americano and how is it different from a lungo?

Americano: espresso subsequently lengthened with hot water to 150–200 ml. Lungo: more water is press...

What is a cortado?

An espresso with an equal amount of warm milk (1:1), without significant foam. Originates from Spain...

What is an espresso macchiato? And a latte macchiato?

Espresso macchiato: espresso with a small dollop of milk foam. Latte macchiato: hot milk with foam, ...

What is an affogato?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with a hot espresso. An Italian dessert that is both a drink an...

What is an espresso tonic?

A refreshing summer drink: tonic water with ice, carefully poured over with espresso. The bitter not...

What is Turkish coffee and how is it prepared?

Very finely ground coffee is heated slowly with cold water and sugar in a cezve without boiling. Pou...

What is bulletproof coffee and is it healthy?

Filter coffee mixed with butter and MCT oil, often part of a ketogenic diet. It's supposed to keep y...

What distinguishes espresso from regular coffee?

Espresso is a brewing method: 7–9 g of finely ground coffee, 9 bars of pressure, 25–30 seconds, yiel...

mahlen equipment

Why should you grind coffee fresh?

Grinding increases the bean's surface area exponentially, causing aroma compounds to escape within m...

What grind size do I need for espresso?

Very fine — like powdered sugar or fine sand. The coffee grounds should feel slightly sticky between...

What grind size do I need for filter coffee?

Medium — about the consistency of coarse sand or fine sea salt. The coffee should finish brewing in ...

What grind size do I need for cold brew?

Coarse — even coarser than for French press. With a contact time of 12–24 hours, a fine grind would ...

Which is better: flat burr or conical burr grinder?

Both have strengths. Flat burrs deliver more uniform particles and are considered superior for espre...

Why choose a manual grinder vs. electric grinder?

Manual grinders offer astonishing quality starting at 100 Euros and are quiet, compact, and travel-f...

Is an expensive coffee grinder really worth it?

Yes — more than any other piece of equipment. A bad grinder is the most common reason for bad coffee...

How do I clean my coffee grinder?

Brush it out every 1–2 weeks to remove old coffee residues and oils. For espresso grinders, use clea...

When should I replace the burrs in my grinder?

For home use, steel burrs last 500–1,000 kg of coffee; ceramic often lasts longer. Signs of wear: a ...

How to clean my fully automatic coffee machine properly?

Clean the drip tray, grounds container, and water tank daily. Rinse the brew group under water weekl...

How often should I descale my fully automatic machine?

With hard water and daily use every 4–6 weeks, with soft water every 2–3 months. The machine usually...

Which descaling agent is the right one?

It's best to use the products recommended by the manufacturer — otherwise, the warranty may become v...

Can I use vinegar or citric acid for descaling?

For fully automatic and espresso machines: no. Vinegar and citric acid attack seals and aluminum par...

How to clean the milk system hygienically?

Rinse with water after each use. Flush with milk system cleaner once a day. At least once a week, ta...

Which beans are best for fully automatic machines?

Medium to darker roasts without too much oil on the surface — heavily oily beans gum up the grinder....

Why does the coffee from my fully automatic machine suddenly taste bad?

Probably needs cleaning: old coffee oils, limescale, or a dirty milk system. Also possible: old bean...

How do I adjust the grind size on my fully automatic machine?

Turn the adjustment dial while the machine is grinding — not when idle, otherwise you risk damaging ...

Should I grease the brew group regularly?

Yes — every 2–6 months with food-safe silicone grease from the manufacturer. When it becomes stiff o...

Is a water filter worth it in a fully automatic machine?

With hard water (over 14 °dH) yes — it reduces calcification and often improves the taste. With soft...

What equipment do I need for good coffee at home?

For filter coffee: good hand grinder (from 100 €), scale, V60 or French Press, kettle with temperatu...

What is the most important investment: machine, grinder, or beans?

The most important investment is always fresh, high-quality coffee beans, directly followed by a goo...

How much money do I have to spend on good equipment?

For a good filter coffee setup, 150 to 300 euros are sufficient, while an entry-level espresso scena...

milch milchschaum

Which milk is best for cappuccino?

Fresh whole milk with 3.5% fat. The fat content provides a creamy texture, while the protein content...

Why does oat milk work better in coffee than almond milk?

Oat milk has a creamier, more milk-like consistency and pairs better with coffee flavor-wise. Almond...

What is barista oat milk and what is in it?

Barista editions contain added proteins (pea or sunflower-based), oils, and stabilizers for better f...

What temperature should milk foam be?

Not over 65 °C. Above that, the protein denatures, the foam collapses, and the milk tastes burnt. Id...

Why does my soy milk curdle in coffee?

Soy proteins flocculate upon contact with coffee acidity and heat. Remedy: use barista soy milk (con...

How do I froth milk without a steam wand?

Heat in a pot to max. 65 °C and beat vigorously with a whisk. Or: pour warm milk into a French press...

How to learn latte art at home?

Three requirements: good espresso with a firm crema, fine microfoam (glossy, without large bubbles),...

Which milk is best for latte art?

Whole milk with 3.5% fat provides the finest foam texture and the best contrast to the crema. Barist...

Why does my milk foam disappear so quickly?

Too much air incorporated (dry bubble bath foam) or frothed too hot (over 65 °C, protein destroyed)....

What is microfoam?

Milk foam with very fine, evenly distributed air bubbles — glossy, velvety, almost liquid. Unlike co...

Which milk has the most protein for stable foam?

Whole milk has 3.3–3.5% protein. Higher values (3.8–4%) can be found in high-protein milk or sheep/g...

nachhaltigkeit

Is coffee sustainable or climate-damaging?

Both: coffee cultivation has a relevant ecological footprint through water consumption, transport, a...

What can I do to drink coffee more sustainably?

Four levers: buy specialty or direct trade (fair prices to farmers), prefer organic and shade-grown,...

Which coffee certifications are really meaningful?

Fairtrade (fair minimum prices, social standards), Organic/EU-Organic (no pesticide use), Rainforest...

What can I do with coffee grounds?

Fertilizer for plants (hydrangeas, blueberries, rhododendrons), skin peeling, odor neutralization in...

Is coffee capsule coffee unecological?

Generally yes — aluminum and plastic single-use capsules create significantly more packaging waste p...

Do coffee farmers really make money from the coffee price?

In the conventional chain mostly very little — a farmer often receives only 5–10% of the final price...

roestung

What Happens to the Silverskin During Roasting?

The silverskin is a thin membrane around each bean. During roasting it detaches as chaff and is extr...

Why Does Coffee Need to Be Roasted?

Green coffee is undrinkable — grassy, sour, with no coffee aroma. Only roasting at 180–230 °C create...

How Long Is Coffee Roasted?

In specialty roasteries, a drum roast takes 12–20 minutes. Industrial hot-air roasting finishes in 2...

At What Temperature Is Coffee Roasted?

Bean temperature during drum roasting ranges from 180 to 240 °C. First Crack happens at around 196 °...

What Is First Crack and Second Crack?

At First Crack (196–205 °C) the bean pops audibly — similar to popcorn. Second Crack (224–228 °C) is...

What Is the Difference Between Light, Medium, and Dark Roast?

Light roast: acidity-forward, fruity, origin character dominates. Medium: balanced, classic. Dark: l...

Which roast level suits which brewing method?

Light to medium roasts suit filter methods (pour-over, French press, AeroPress). Darker roasts are t...

Which Roast Suits Which Brewing Method?

Light to medium roasts suit filter methods (pour-over, French press, AeroPress). Darker roasts are t...

What Is the Difference Between Drum Roasting and Hot-Air Roasting?

Drum roasting heats beans gently in a rotating drum over 12–20 minutes — the standard in specialty r...

Why Does Industrial Coffee Often Taste Bitter?

Three reasons: dark roasting to standardise flavour, often low-quality green coffee with defects, an...

How Long Should Coffee Rest After Roasting Before Drinking?

Filter coffee needs 7–14 days of rest after roasting, espresso 10–21 days. During this time, CO₂ deg...

What Is Espresso Roast vs Filter Roast?

Espresso roast is darker and longer roasted — less acidity, more body, optimised for short extractio...

How Can I Tell If Coffee Is Freshly Roasted?

The most important indicator: the roast date on the packaging. Fresh coffee smells intense, the bag ...

Can You Roast Coffee at Home?

Yes — with a pan, oven, popcorn machine, or dedicated home roasters. The result is usually uneven bu...

Why Do Coffee Beans Crack During Roasting?

When heated, water inside the bean evaporates and CO₂ and other gases form. Internal pressure builds...

What Happens During the Maillard Reaction in Coffee?

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars starting at around 140 °...

specialty coffee

What is specialty coffee?

Coffee that scores at least 80 out of 100 points in a standardized SCA tasting. Evaluated criteria i...

What does the 80-point SCA score mean?

Points are awarded by trained Q-Graders in a standardized cupping across ten criteria: aroma, flavor...

What is third wave coffee?

A movement since the 2000s that treats coffee as an artisanal specialty product—like wine. Focus on ...

What is the difference between Fairtrade, Direct Trade and Rainforest Alliance?

Fairtrade: certified seal with minimum prices and social standards. Direct Trade: roastery buys dire...

What is Direct Trade and why is it considered fairer?

The roastery buys directly from the producer—without middlemen. This allows a larger share to reach ...

Who is the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association)?

The global industry organization for specialty coffee, formed in 2017 from the SCAA and SCAE. It def...

What is cupping and how does it work?

Standardized coffee tasting: ground coffee is covered with hot water, after 4 minutes the crust is b...

What do "Tasting Notes" on a coffee bag mean?

Flavor descriptions perceived by roasters or cuppers during tasting—e.g., blueberry, chocolate, cara...

Why does specialty coffee cost more than supermarket coffee?

Higher quality requirements in cultivation, selective manual harvesting, smaller quantities, fair pr...

What does "Cup of Excellence" mean?

An international award for the best coffees in a country. A jury blind-tastes hundreds of coffees an...

Why does coffee taste like blueberries or chocolate?

Coffee contains over 800 aroma compounds — many of which also occur in other foods. The exact same c...

What do terms like fruity, chocolatey, nutty mean on the packaging?

These are tasting notes — flavor descriptions that the roaster perceived during tasting. They are no...

wasser

How important is water quality for good coffee?

Very important — coffee is over 98% water. Water that is too hard mutes flavors and calcifies machin...

What is the ideal water hardness for coffee?

Around 4–8 °dH total hardness and a pH of around 7. The SCA recommends 50–175 ppm total hardness and...

What is the optimal water temperature for brewing?

For most methods, 92–96 °C. Lighter roasts can take higher temperatures, darker roasts prefer lower ...

Do I need a water filter for my coffee machine?

In areas with water hardness over 14 °dH (Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart), a filter is highly recommended...

Brita or BWT: Which water filter is better for coffee?

Both effectively reduce water hardness. BWT enriches the water with magnesium, which tends to positi...

Should I use distilled water for coffee?

Pure distilled water, no — it tastes flat and extracts poorly because minerals are necessary to diss...

What does Third Wave Water mean?

Third Wave Water is a brand of mineral salt packets that you add to distilled water to create scient...

Why does my coffee taste different with tap water than in the café?

Cafés use professional water filters that optimize the water exactly for brewing. Add to that calibr...

How do I measure water hardness myself?

With test strips from the pharmacy or drugstore for under 10 euros. Alternatively, your local water ...