Why coffee in a cafe always tastes better than at home, and how to make the perfect drink yourself

No matter how much fancy equipment we use to make coffee at home, the iced latte you buy at your local coffee shop still seems to be the best. While this may be a figment of our imagination, professional coffee makers know why. Therefore, the edition Well and good asked an experienced barista and roaster why coffee from a coffee shop is always better than homemade coffee.

Photo: IStock

It all comes down to the techniques the pros have mastered to make the perfect cup of coffee. And these methods play an important role in how tasty the drink will be. There are some easy ways to make your coffee at home more efficient so you don't have to leave the house for a delicious drink.

3 reasons why coffee always tastes better in a coffee shop

Baristas have vast knowledge of coffee preparation.

“In addition to the knowledge, skills and experience that professional baristas have, the coffee shops themselves are equipped with special equipment,” says Genevieve Kappler, master roaster and experienced barista at Roasting Plant Coffee.

This means that it takes a lot of consistency and precision to make great coffee. For example, the ideal temperature for brewing water is between 195°F (90,5°C) and 205°F (96°C). Very few drip coffee machines for home use can reach this temperature.

On the subject: If you want to live longer - drink more coffee: studies have found the healing properties of the drink

“In addition, coffee shops tend to offer more syrups, flavors and dairy offerings than the average coffee consumer can have at home,” she clarifies.

Cafes use super-fresh coffee beans

Fact: Top quality coffee shops use very fresh (and freshly ground) beans.

“If you're looking for just a great cup of coffee, the most delicious coffee comes from a coffee shop that specializes in high-quality fresh beans,” explains the barista.

Professionals roast coffee beans on site

So what makes coffee beans super fresh? It mostly depends on how recently they were roasted.

“Rule of thumb: seven to twenty-one days after coffee is roasted is best, however there is no set expiration date. Just know that beans lose their flavor over time,” said Mackenzie Bryson Jackson, M.D., a nutritionist. “One way to get the freshest beans is to find those coffee shops that roast them on site.”

“Ideally, coffee beans are roasted on the spot, so go for coffee shops when you can,” Kappler advises. “However, this is rare, and many cannot offer it. Try simply asking when their beans were roasted. Research shows that roasted coffee is inherently volatile and can lose 70% of its flavor and aroma in a week or two. After that, exposure to oxygen makes the natural oils bitter. If the store doesn't know when their coffee was roasted, chances are it's expired," she said.

Hint: This means that the coffee you've been hoarding in your pantry for months is long overdue, which is why your morning drink tastes so damn bitter.

How to make better coffee at home

How can you improve your coffee at home? Make sure your beans are fresh. This is the first step.

“To make the highest quality coffee at home, start with the basics: buy good beans that are really fresh. It is advisable to do this at a local specialty store or even order online,” recommends Kappler.

Some coffee companies, such as Roasting Plant Coffee, roast coffee to order to keep the beans as freshly roasted as possible.

In addition, the barista suggests investing in a good coffee grinder.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

“Consider getting a good coffee grinder like the Baratza or the manual TIMEMORE. Having a good coffee grinder allows you to grind the beans just before brewing, let them stay fresh and whole for as long as possible before brewing,” the barista shares his secrets.

Also, she says, don't keep more coffee on hand than you can consume in a week or two.

“Another common mistake that homebrewers make is storing coffee too long. One must follow the seven to ten day rule for optimal freshness and therefore the best taste. People don't usually think of coffee beans as food that can go bad, but coffee lovers should learn to treat coffee beans like fresh fruits and vegetables or baked goods - they spoil quickly and taste much better when fresh," Kappler concluded.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Useful little things: 18 simple and cute life hacks that will make your life more pleasant

If you want to live longer, drink more coffee: studies have discovered the healing properties of the drink

Ten US cities where you can comfortably live on $40 a year

Holiday tips: to whom and how much to give, so as not to be considered a miser

Five records that the Guinness Committee no longer accepts, and this is for the best

Everything is free: the best sites to get goods, services and advice for free

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.