(a) State four rules to observe when making coffee. (b) Give two reasons each for the following bad results in coffee: (i) Weak coffee (ii) Bitter coffee.

Answer Details

(a) Four rules to observe when making coffee

• Use freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee of good quality and use the correct measured quantity for the amount of water.
• Use freshly boiled water that is just off the boil (about 92 to 96 degrees Celsius), never water that is boiling violently, as this scalds the coffee and makes it bitter.
• Keep all coffee-making equipment scrupulously clean, since stale coffee oils cling to pots and give a rancid, bitter taste.
• Serve the coffee freshly made and at the correct temperature, and never re-boil or keep it standing on heat for long.

(b) Two reasons each for the following bad results in coffee

(i) Weak coffee

• Too little coffee was used for the quantity of water.
• The water was not hot enough, or the brewing (infusion) time was too short to extract the flavour.

(ii) Bitter coffee

• The water used was boiling too vigorously, or the coffee was over-brewed (left in contact with the water too long).
• The coffee was re-boiled or kept hot for a long time, or stale coffee and dirty equipment were used.