Coffee is an integral part of many people’s daily routine, yet there are numerous myths and uncertainties surrounding its preparation and consumption. Dr. Christopher Hendon, a computational materials scientist, sheds light on some of the most common coffee-related questions. Contrary to popular belief, pre-ground coffee does not significantly lose caffeine during the grinding process, but instant coffee does have less caffeine. Coffee should not be stored in the fridge due to moisture; instead, a dry, room-temperature location is recommended, unless you opt for freezing to preserve flavor and assist in grinding. Cold brew coffee, despite its reputation, contains less caffeine than hot coffee due to lower extraction efficiency at cool temperatures. The notion of 'burnt' coffee is a misinterpretation; what some identify as a burnt taste is actually the result of certain roasting profiles, not the brewing process itself. Decaffeinated coffee, while not entirely caffeine-free, does have significantly reduced caffeine levels. Light and dark roast coffees have similar caffeine contents, with the main difference being in flavor profiles. Finally, the taste of coffee can vary greatly depending on the beans, with high-quality coffees often featuring pronounced acidity and sweetness.
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