Coffee experts, I have a question

[bkpan]

Why does my coffee change from day to day?? I use Folgers Breakfast Blend (usually) and some days it is delicious and other days somewhat bitter and tasteless. I think that I make it the same way day after day. Any ideas??:confused:

[Rachel]

if you use regular tap water that can change the taste a lot from day to day. True coffee affecienados use bottled water......not distilled though.

Also, in packaged coffe, the quality of beans can vary greatly, so you may get some good beans and then the next day a few bad beans can affect the entire taste.

[Canada_Mom]

The temperature of the water makes a big difference. Coffee tastes better if it is perked with the hottest water possible. And yes... tap water will affect the taste.

Taste can also be affected by how long it sits in the pot before pouring.

[OC Mom]

Maybe it's your taste buds. My coffee tastes different when I'm eating different things. For example, coffee with Mexican breakfast (b'fast taco, etc.) is even yummier than usual - something about the spiciness on my palate makes the coffee taste really smooth.

So maybe it's what you're eating...or it could be hormonal. Or it could be the water as Rachel said.

[BarbaraL in OK]

Ditto what Rachel said. I really like good coffee, but I have to admit that a good fresh cup of Folger's is a perfectly fine cup of coffee -- most days. I found that the quality did vary, and I always felt the last third of the big container made terrible coffee 'cause it was old by the time I used it.

You could try a slightly better quality of coffee (try different brands that are sold in bags, preground & ready to use) and see if the taste is more consistent.

[melissel]

What an interesting thread! I've been pondering the exact same question lately.

[Karen sn]

I would like to recommend organic coffee. Newman's and Seattle's Best make a good fair trade coffee you can buy at most chain grocers.

[PrairieAir]

I think all of the things mentioned so far are factors, but after the comment about the last part of the container being old, I may start keeping my coffee in the freezer to keep it fresher.

[Rachel]

I thought of a few other tips....
While you want the water to be HOT, do NOT start with hot water....ever......you need to start with cold water.

Also, consider grinding your own beans....it makes such a huge difference.

Don't sneak a cup early from the pot.......this will affect the entire pot as the first coffe is stronger than the last....

Add a tiny, tiny pinch of salt to your coffee filter........this will preven bitterness.......don't use too much or your coffee will taste salty

I refuse to drink preground coffee anymore now that I know how good coffee can be...it really is worth it.

I recently spent some bucks on a coffee maker that has a built in grinder........love, love, LOVE it........no effort at all to have awesome coffee.

Play with beans........mild, medium, dark roast make huge differences in taste so experiment and see what "intensity" of flavor you like.

[Montana Peach]

I second the suggestions as to buying whole beans. I grind them as I need and the coffee is far better. I, too, always keep my coffee in the freezer adn it tastes great for a long time.

[OH_Homeschooler]

One other thing, are you measuring the coffee consistently? I know some days I scoop a little extra or use a little more water, and that obviously could affect the taste.

Good old Alton Brown did a show on coffee. I think that's where I heard it's actually not a good idea to keep your coffee in the freezer because once you take it out there's condensation on the beans (or something) and that ultimately does more damage to the coffee. I think his suggestion was just to keep smaller quantities on hand so it will be fresh.

He also said that you should measure one cup of water (I guess a six ounce cup) to one tablespoon of ground beans, not just a teaspoon. If you use less coffee, this actually increases the bitter flavor because of the screwed up water/coffee ratio.

Alton explains it all much better than I!

Finally, I personally start with hot water most of the time. I just like my coffee that way.

[Call Me Cordelia]

I work for a coffee shop (Caribou.) As stated by others, water quality and temperature are of huge importance in making coffee. However, Caribou totally says not to put coffee in the frig or freezer. I have forgotten all the reasons (don't tell my boss -they take this stuff seriously!) but a main one is that coffee readily absorbs aromas and flavors of whatever is in the frig/freezer with it. That could explain varying flavors!

[imeverywoman]

That I'm addicted to buying coffee. I buy it all the time and really have to exercise restraint when at the supermarket. I need help.

As for the taste, I'm of no use. I just know that when I smell it, I started giggling and humming to myself, "Coffee-coffee-coffee. Oooohhh.. Coffee-coffee-coffee." My husband is worried. :D

[Jenny in Atl]

: ( I can no longer drink coffee. Heck, I didn't drink coffee, I drank espresso, and numerous cups a day. But age and a type-A personality came between the love affair.

I too believe strongly in buying coffee in whole bean form (Costco actually has great coffee at a good price) and grinding it right before you use it. I also agree not to freeze or refrigerate it. But instead keep the beans in an airtight glass container. Use good quality water and be careful not to let the water get too hot. Like tea, just under boiling is perfect. You could let it come to boil then let it sit a second or two to come back off the high temp. Also one of the best ways to make just coffee is the simple pour over method.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/coffee/coffee/10442-10.shtml

Or the French Press..
http://www.illyusa.com/AB1666000/showprod.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=251

Enjoy!!

OK, I will go back to my herbal tea and fake barley/hickory coffee and weep...:(