If you’re anything like me, you may strive to make the perfect cup of coffee at home, but can feel overwhelmed (or let’s be honest, lazy) when scales and tampers come into play. That’s why I turned to Sarina Prabasi, the founder of the Buunni roastery and trio of coffeehouses in Northern Manhattan, to help me uncover the simple mistakes people often overlook when brewing coffee at home.
Buunni specializes in ethically sourced beans from various regions in Ethiopia, where coffee boasts fruity, floral, and sometimes fragrant notes reminiscent of tea. Prabasi and her husband, who relocated from Ethiopia, bring with them the country’s emphasis on hospitality and high-quality coffee. They even create custom Buunni blends using beans from around the world.
As a micro-roaster and board member of the Specialty Coffee Association, Prabasi shared some valuable insights on how to make simple adjustments for a better coffee experience. And she’s not one to take things too seriously. “We take coffee seriously, but we also want to enjoy the process. Otherwise, what’s the point?” she remarked.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when brewing coffee at home:
1. Washing your coffee maker too often with detergent: Skip the soap and opt for a simple rinse with hot water to prevent any residue from affecting the flavor of your coffee.
2. Buying more coffee than you can brew fresh: Purchase smaller quantities of beans to avoid drinking stale coffee that tastes like a mere shadow of itself.
3. Adjusting more than one thing at a time: Start with the basics and only adjust one element at a time, such as the water-to-coffee ratio, to determine what works best for your taste preferences.
4. Taking water straight from the tap: Use filtered water to enhance the final flavor of your coffee and avoid any unwanted tastes from tap water.
5. Ignoring the coffee aroma: Stale coffee lacks a rich aroma and complex tasting notes, so be sure to use fresh beans for the best flavor.
6. Skipping the organic label: Look for organic coffee to ensure quality and avoid pesticides that can affect the taste of your brew.
7. Always taking your coffee ‘to go’: Take the time to savor your coffee and appreciate the experience, rather than treating it as just a quick energy boost.
By making these simple adjustments, you can elevate your at-home coffee brewing experience and enjoy a delicious cup every time.