Test Your Coffee Knowledge: 9 Basic Facts You Should Know

Ever found yourself staring at your coffee beans, wondering if the fridge is really the best place to keep them fresh? Or debating with a friend over whether espresso packs more caffeine punch than a regular cup? These aren’t just casual coffee chat topics—they’re real questions that trip up even dedicated coffee drinkers. If you’ve ever second-guessed your coffee routine or wanted to settle a debate over milk foam, this guide is for you.

Quick answers? Store your daily-use beans in an airtight glass container at room temperature—not the fridge or freezer. Use about two level tablespoons (one standard coffee scoop) of ground coffee for 170ml of water. And no, light roast doesn’t have more caffeine than dark roast.

Coffee Storage: Where Should You Keep Your Beans?

If you’re brewing coffee every day, proper storage is essential to preserve freshness and flavour. The best practice is to keep your coffee beans in an airtight glass container at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer—even the chill can introduce condensation and degrade bean quality over time. Always use a sealed, opaque container kept in a cool, dry cupboard or shelf.

How Many Spoons of Coffee per 170ml of Water?

The standard guideline for brewing a balanced cup is to use about two level tablespoons (or one standard coffee scoop) of ground coffee for 170ml (approximately 6 fluid ounces) of water. This aligns with common brew ratios used in both home and café settings and helps achieve a well-extracted cup without being too strong or weak.

Popular Coffee Drinks: What’s Really in Them?

Ever ordered a “mocha” and wondered what exactly you’re getting? A mocha combines Italian espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream. It’s essentially a café mocha, blending coffee and cocoa flavours. Other drinks like cappuccinos include espresso and steamed milk with foam, while macchiatos are made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of milk foam.

Espresso Myths: Debunked

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions. First, contrary to popular belief, lighter roasts do not contain more caffeine than darker roasts—both start with roughly the same levels, and any minor differences are negligible in the cup. Second, a single shot of espresso (about 30ml) actually has less total caffeine than a standard 225ml cup of drip coffee, even though espresso is more concentrated. Third, a drink made with a shot of espresso and a dollop of milk foam is correctly called a macchiato—though many cafés use the term differently. Finally, that rich, reddish-brown layer on top of a well-pulled espresso shot is called crema, and it’s a key indicator of good extraction.

What Are Green Coffee Beans Called?

Before they’re roasted, coffee beans are referred to as green beans—or more plainly, “” in Chinese, translated accurately here as “raw beans” or “unroasted beans.” These beans are hard, pale green, and have none of the flavours we associate with brewed coffee. The roasting process unlocks aroma, sweetness, acidity, and body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store coffee beans I use every day?

The best way to store daily-use coffee beans is in an airtight glass container kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid the fridge or freezer, as temperature fluctuations and moisture can harm freshness. Opaque containers help protect against light degradation.

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

For 170ml of water, use about two level tablespoons (one standard coffee scoop) of ground coffee. This is a standard brew ratio that produces a balanced extraction suitable for most drip or pour-over methods.

Which U.S. city has the most coffee shops?

According to the article, Los Angeles is not the city with the most coffee shops—Seattle often holds that reputation, but the article specifically names Los Angeles as not the top, and California (which includes cities like San Francisco and LA) is noted for its coffee culture. However, the direct answer given is Los Angeles, though the phrasing implies it may not actually be the top. For clarity, Seattle is widely recognised as the U.S. city with the highest concentration of coffee shops.

Does light roast coffee have more caffeine than dark roast?

No, light roast coffee does not contain more caffeine than dark roast. Both light and dark roasts start with similar caffeine content in the green bean, and any difference after roasting is minimal and not practically significant in the cup.

What is the name of the brown foam on top of espresso?

The brown foam layer on top of a properly extracted espresso shot is called crema. It’s composed of emulsified oils and tiny coffee particles, and is a key sign of a well-brewed espresso.

What is a drink made with espresso, chocolate, milk, and cream called?

This drink is called a mocha (or café mocha). It combines espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and is typically topped with whipped cream. It blends coffee and chocolate flavours in one beverage.

Is a drink with espresso and milk foam called a macchiato?

Yes, a drink made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of milk foam is correctly called a macchiato. In some cafes, the term may be used more loosely, but traditionally it refers to “marked” espresso with a touch of milk.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Coffee Basics

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright, floral notes ideal for testing brew ratios, and their Yirgacheffe offering with citrus and stone fruit brightness—perfect for practicing espresso or pour-over basics. Their Classic Blend delivers balanced body and caramel sweetness, great for exploring crema and milk drinks like mochas. All are expertly roasted, with tasting notes suited for learning roast impact and extraction fundamentals. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.