Coffee Knowledge Test: 9 Facts Every Home Brewer Should Know

Ever wondered if your coffee routine is costing you flavor—or just making you feel fancy? Whether you’re storing beans in the fridge or guessing your espresso’s caffeine punch, these nine questions uncover what every home coffee drinker should actually know. No fluff, just facts from the grinder to the cup.

Quick answer: Store whole beans in an airtight glass container at room temperature (not the fridge or freezer), use roughly two tablespoons (one standard scoop) of coffee per 170ml of water, and yes—light roast coffee doesn’t have more caffeine than dark roast. Keep reading for the full breakdown.

How Should You Store Coffee Beans?

If you brew coffee daily, the best place to keep your beans is in a glass container at room temperature, sealed tightly. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer—the fluctuating temperatures and moisture can degrade freshness. Airtight storage at stable room conditions preserves aroma and flavor far better than cold environments.

Which U.S. City Has the Most Coffee Shops?

While Seattle often claims the coffee crown, the city with the actual highest number of coffee shops is Los Angeles. Though Seattle (and nearby FrontStreet Coffee’s home base in Guangzhou) helped shape specialty coffee culture, LA’s sheer size and shop density top the list.

What’s the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio for 170ml?

For 170ml (about 6 ounces) of water, the standard brewing recommendation is two tablespoons of coffee—roughly equivalent to one standard coffee scoop. This aligns with common home brewer guides and ensures balanced extraction without over- or under-dosing.

Can You Name These Classic Coffee Drinks?

Some popular coffee beverages are easy to mix up. Here’s how to tell them apart: A mocha combines espresso, chocolate syrup, milk, and cream. A macchiato is simply espresso with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. And an espresso shot’s crema—that tan-brown foam layer on top—is called crema, not ‘foama’ or anything else.

The Truth About Coffee Roasts and Caffeine

Two big myths debunked: First, light roast coffee does not contain more caffeine than dark roast. The difference in roast level doesn’t significantly alter caffeine content by volume. Second, a single shot of espresso (about 30ml) has far less caffeine than a full 225ml (8-ounce) cup of brewed coffee—so don’t assume a quick espresso hits harder.

What’s Crema and Why Does It Matter?

That rich, brownish layer on top of a well-pulled espresso shot is called crema. It forms naturally during extraction due to the release of CO2 and oils from freshly ground beans. Crema isn’t just aesthetic—it’s a sign of proper pressure, fresh beans, and good technique.

Milk-Based Coffee Names Explained

Not all coffee drinks with milk are the same. A macchiato is espresso “stained” with a bit of milk foam. A mocha adds chocolate syrup to espresso, then tops it with milk and cream. Knowing these differences helps you order (or make) exactly what you want.

Coffee Bean Basics

Before roasting, raw coffee beans are called green beans—or more commonly, ‘’ in Chinese, translated here as ‘green beans’ or ‘unroasted beans.’ They look pale and grassy, and only develop aroma, flavor, and color through the roasting process. That fresh, untouched state is where all potential starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I store my coffee beans in the fridge or freezer?

No—both the fridge and freezer introduce moisture and temperature swings that harm freshness. Whole beans stay fresher longest in an airtight glass or ceramic container at stable room temperature, away from light and heat. That’s why experts recommend room storage over cold compartments.

How many tablespoons of coffee should I use per 170ml of water?

Use approximately two tablespoons (or one standard coffee scoop) of ground coffee for 170ml (around 6 ounces) of water. This ratio helps achieve balanced strength and extraction for most drip or pour-over brewing methods.

Does light roast coffee have more caffeine than dark roast?

No, that’s a myth. While roast level affects flavor, the actual caffeine content per bean doesn’t change significantly between light and dark roasts. A cup’s total caffeine depends more on bean dose and brew size than roast color.

What’s the name of the foam on top of espresso?

That tan-brown layer is called crema. It forms during espresso extraction as gases and oils are released from fresh grounds under pressure. Crema is a key indicator of a properly pulled shot and contributes to aroma and texture.

What’s the difference between a macchiato and a mocha?

A macchiato is a shot of espresso “marked” with a small amount of milk foam, while a mocha combines espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and often cream. They’re very different drinks despite both involving espresso and milk.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Brewers

For everyday brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright with citrus and floral notes, ideal for testing grind and ratio. Their Yirgacheffe offers juicy berry tones, perfect for pour-over experiments. Both beans highlight why fresh, properly stored green beans shine after roasting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.