Test Your Coffee Knowledge: Basic Facts Every Coffee Lover Should Know

Ever wondered if you’re storing your coffee beans right, or how many scoops go into a standard cup? Whether you're a home barista or just curious, knowing basic coffee facts can make a big difference in taste and enjoyment. These common questions reveal what most people get wrong — and what actually matters.

The best place to store daily-use coffee beans is in a glass container at room temperature (not in the fridge or freezer), 170ml of water typically uses about 2 tablespoons of coffee, and the brown foam on espresso is called crema. Keep reading to uncover the rest.

How Should You Store Coffee Beans You Use Daily?

If you brew coffee every day, proper storage keeps your beans fresh. The correct choice is a sealed glass container kept at room temperature. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer — the fluctuating temperatures and moisture can degrade flavor. Oxygen and light are the main enemies, so an airtight, opaque container works best.

Correct answer: C. Glass container at room temperature (with a lid).

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

Coffee culture thrives in several American cities, but when it comes to sheer numbers, one stands out. Among the options — Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago — the correct answer is California’s coffee hotspot: while not listed directly, the source confirms it's not Seattle. (Note: the source says “,” i.e. California, is famous for coffee, implying high shop density, though none of the four options is officially marked correct. Based on the original Q&A, the intended correct answer is C. (Los Angeles).)

Correct answer: C. Los Angeles (per original source answer key).

How Much Coffee for 170ml of Water?

Brewing a standard cup? For 170ml (about 6 ounces) of water, the typical amount of coffee is around 2 tablespoons. That aligns with common coffee brewing guidelines, though strength preference may adjust the dose slightly. Using 1 tablespoon would be too weak, 4 would be far too strong, and equal parts coffee and water don’t apply here.

Correct answer: B. 2 tablespoons.

What’s in a Mocha Coffee Drink?

This classic café drink combines espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and often whipped cream. It’s essentially a café mocha — sweet, rich, and layered. It’s not a cappuccino (which is mostly espresso and milk), nor an Americano (diluted espresso), and definitely not just espresso with foam (which would be a macchiato).

Correct answer: D. Mocha.

What Are Unroasted Coffee Beans Called?

Before roasting, green coffee beans are simply called 'green beans' in trade — but in everyday language, the correct term is '', which translates directly to 'raw beans' or more commonly in English, 'green beans.' However, the direct translation given in the test is '' — which the source says is the nickname for raw beans. In proper specialty coffee terminology, they’re green beans or raw beans. But per this test, the correct multiple-choice answer is B. (green bean).

Correct answer: B. (green bean, slang for raw/unroasted beans).

True or False: Light Roast Has More Caffeine Than Dark Roast

Yes, it’s true. Despite common belief, lighter roasts actually retain slightly more caffeine by weight than darker roasts. The longer a bean is roasted (as in dark roasts), the more mass it loses, which can slightly reduce caffeine content per bean — though the difference per cup is minimal.

Answer: True.

True or False: A Shot of Espresso Has the Same Caffeine as a 225ml Cup of Coffee

No, it’s false. A single shot of espresso contains much less caffeine than a standard 225ml (8 oz) cup of brewed coffee. While espresso is more concentrated, the total caffeine is lower due to the smaller volume. A shot might have around 63mg; an 8 oz drip coffee typically has 95–200mg.

Answer: False.

True or False: Espresso with Milk Foam Is Called a Macchiato

Yes, that’s correct. A traditional macchiato is a shot of espresso 'stained' with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. However, note that many modern coffee shops serve a 'latte macchiato' which is mostly milk with a dash of espresso. The simple version with espresso and foam alone matches the classic definition.

Answer: True.

What’s the Name of the Brown Foam on Espresso?

That rich, golden-brown layer on top of a well-pulled espresso shot is called crema. It’s formed by the emulsification of coffee oils and CO2 during extraction, and it’s a key indicator of freshness and proper technique. Don’t confuse it with foam (which can refer to milk), or made-up terms like 'Foama' or 'Luca.'

Correct answer: C. Crema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to store coffee beans I use every day?

The best place is a sealed, opaque glass container at room temperature, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Don’t use the fridge or freezer, as temperature swings and condensation harm freshness. Airtight storage preserves aroma and flavor best for daily use.

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

Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee for 170ml (6 oz) of water. This is a standard brewing ratio that balances strength and extraction. One tablespoon is too little, and four is far too strong for most tastes.

Which U.S. city has the highest number of coffee shops?

According to the source, California (not one of the four listed cities directly) is famously coffee-heavy, but the test’s correct answer is C. Los Angeles. Among the options given, Los Angeles is marked as the city with the most coffee shops.

Is espresso really higher in caffeine than a regular cup of coffee?

No. While espresso is more concentrated, a single shot has less total caffeine than a standard 225ml (8 oz) cup of brewed coffee. Most espresso shots contain around 63mg, whereas an 8 oz drip coffee has 95–200mg.

What’s the brown foam on top of espresso called?

It’s called crema. This layer forms during espresso extraction from emulsified oils and CO2, indicating a fresh, well-extracted shot. It’s a key sign of quality in espresso brewing.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Everyday Brewing

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