Welcome to the Coffee & Espresso FAQ. This page answers the most common questions about coffee—beans, brewing methods, caffeine, gear, storage, and buying coffee online.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your routine, these answers are written to be clear, practical, and easy to understand—no jargon required.

Looking for gear recommendations or deeper guides? Visit our Amazon Coffee Gear page or explore step-by-step tutorials on the Speedo Espresso blog.

☕ SpeedoEspresso.com – Frequently Asked Questions

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What is coffee, exactly?

Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds found inside coffee cherries. These cherries grow on coffee plants in tropical regions around the world. After harvesting, the beans are processed, dried, roasted, and ground before being brewed into coffee.

Where does coffee come from?

Coffee primarily comes from countries near the equator, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Honduras, and Indonesia. Each region produces beans with unique flavor characteristics influenced by climate, soil, altitude, and processing methods.

What are the main types of coffee beans?

The most common coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for smoother, more complex flavors, while Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter, and higher in caffeine. Less common varieties include Liberica and Excelsa, which offer distinct and unusual flavor profiles.

Which coffee bean is considered higher quality?

Arabica beans are generally considered higher quality due to their smoother taste, lower bitterness, and wider range of flavor notes. However, quality ultimately depends on how the beans are grown, processed, roasted, and brewed.

What does “coffee roast level” mean?

Roast level refers to how long coffee beans are roasted. Light roasts preserve more of the bean’s natural flavors and acidity. Medium roasts balance flavor and body. Dark roasts produce bolder, smokier flavors with lower acidity.

Is dark roast coffee stronger than light roast?

Dark roast coffee tastes stronger, but light roast coffee often contains slightly more caffeine by volume. Strength in flavor and caffeine content are not the same thing.

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?

An average 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 80–100 milligrams of caffeine. The exact amount varies based on bean type, roast level, grind size, and brewing method.

Does coffee go bad?

Coffee doesn’t spoil quickly like fresh food, but it does lose flavor over time. Exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture causes coffee to become stale.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Whole coffee beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee. Once opened, whole beans are best used within two to four weeks for optimal flavor, while ground coffee should be used within one to two weeks.

How should coffee be stored?

Coffee should be stored in an airtight container, away from direct light, heat, moisture, and oxygen. Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer unless it is sealed properly.

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Brewing & Preparation

What is the best way to brew coffee at home?

The best brewing method depends on personal preference. Popular options include drip coffee makers, French press, pour-over, espresso machines, and cold brew. Each method highlights different flavor characteristics.

Does grind size matter?

Yes. Grind size plays a major role in extraction. Coarse grinds work best for French press, medium grinds for drip coffee, and fine grinds for espresso. Using the wrong grind size can lead to bitter or sour coffee.

How much coffee should I use?

A common guideline is one to two tablespoons of coffee per six ounces of water. Adjusting the ratio allows you to fine-tune strength and flavor.

Why does my coffee taste bitter?

Bitter coffee is usually caused by over-extraction. This can happen when the grind is too fine, the water is too hot, or the coffee brews for too long.

Why does my coffee taste sour?

Sour coffee is often under-extracted. This may be due to a coarse grind, water that is too cool, or too short a brewing time.

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is coffee steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee concentrate that can be served over ice or diluted with water or milk.

Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?

Yes. Cold brew generally contains less perceived acidity, making it easier on the stomach for some people.

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Health & Lifestyle

Is coffee good for you?

Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with antioxidants, improved focus, and increased alertness. Individual tolerance varies, so moderation is key.

How much coffee is too much?

Most healthy adults are advised to stay under 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly four standard cups of coffee.

Does coffee dehydrate you?

No. While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, coffee still contributes to daily fluid intake when consumed in moderation.

Is decaf coffee completely caffeine-free?

No. Decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine, usually 2–5 milligrams per cup.

Can coffee help with focus and productivity?

Yes. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving alertness, reaction time, and concentration for many people.

Is coffee good before exercise?

Many people drink coffee before workouts because caffeine can improve endurance, strength, and perceived energy.

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Coffee Equipment

Is a burr grinder better than a blade grinder?

Yes. Burr grinders produce a consistent grind size, which leads to more even extraction and better-tasting coffee.

Do I need an espresso machine to make espresso-style coffee?

True espresso requires pressure only found in espresso machines, but strong coffee can be made using moka pots or AeroPress devices.

How often should coffee equipment be cleaned?

Coffee makers and grinders should be cleaned regularly—at least once a month—to prevent buildup that affects flavor.

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Coffee Industry & Trends

Why has coffee become more expensive?

Coffee prices are influenced by weather conditions, climate challenges, transportation costs, labor shortages, and global demand.

How does climate change affect coffee?

Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather reduce suitable growing regions, impacting supply and long-term sustainability.

What does sustainable coffee mean?

Sustainable coffee focuses on responsible farming practices that protect the environment and support farming communities.

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Buying Coffee Online

What should I look for when buying coffee online?

Look for roast dates, bean origin, grind options, customer reviews, and reputable sellers.

Can you buy fresh coffee online?

Yes. Many respected brands ship coffee shortly after roasting, especially when purchased directly or through trusted retailers.

Are coffee products sold on Amazon reliable?

Many high-quality coffee brands sell through Amazon. Checking reviews and seller reputation helps ensure quality and freshness.

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Peet’s Coffee Questions

What is Peet’s Coffee known for?

Peet’s Coffee is known for bold, deeply roasted coffee with rich flavor and full body. The brand emphasizes quality sourcing and freshness.

What makes Peet’s Coffee different from other brands?

Peet’s focuses on darker roasts and strong flavor profiles, appealing to drinkers who enjoy bold, robust coffee.

Does Peet’s use Arabica beans?

Yes. Peet’s primarily uses high-quality Arabica beans sourced from around the world.

What is Major Dickason’s Blend?

Major Dickason’s Blend is one of Peet’s most popular offerings, known for its complex, full-bodied flavor and loyal following.

Can Peet’s Coffee be purchased online?

Yes. Peet’s Coffee products are widely available online, including through major retailers.

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About SpeedoEspresso.com

What is SpeedoEspresso.com?

SpeedoEspresso.com is an independent coffee resource dedicated to helping readers learn about coffee, brewing methods, gear, and products.

Does SpeedoEspresso.com sell coffee directly?

SpeedoEspresso.com focuses on education, reviews, and recommendations rather than direct sales.

How does SpeedoEspresso.com choose what to recommend?

Recommendations are based on research, quality standards, customer feedback, and relevance to everyday coffee drinkers.

Are recommendations unbiased?

All content is created with honesty and transparency, with the goal of helping readers make informed decisions.

Does using recommended links cost more?

No. Prices remain the same for readers, regardless of where they choose to shop.

Who is SpeedoEspresso.com for?

SpeedoEspresso.com is for everyone—from beginners just learning about coffee to experienced drinkers looking to refine their brew.

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Common Coffee Comparison Questions

What is the best coffee for beginners?

Medium-roast Arabica coffee with balanced flavor and low bitterness is often easiest to enjoy.

What coffee is best for mornings?

Many people prefer medium to dark roasts with higher caffeine content for a strong morning boost.

What coffee is best for low acidity?

Cold brew, darker roasts, and beans from certain regions tend to be lower in perceived acidity.

What coffee works best for French press?

Coarse-ground, medium to dark roasts work well in French press brewing.

What coffee works best for espresso?

Medium-dark to dark roasts with bold flavor and good crema potential are commonly preferred.

Still Have Coffee Questions?

Coffee doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right beans, basic tools, and simple techniques, anyone can brew great coffee at home.

If you’re ready to upgrade your setup or explore trusted recommendations, visit our Amazon Coffee Gear page or browse curated favorites on our Peet’s Coffee page.

Coffee & Espresso FAQs

Is coffee good for you?

Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to antioxidants, improved focus, and increased alertness. Individual tolerance varies, so moderation is recommended.

What coffee gear makes the biggest difference?

Fresh beans and a burr grinder make the biggest improvement. From there, consistent brewing tools like a scale and quality brewer matter most.

Does using Speedo Espresso’s links cost more?

No. Prices remain the same for readers. Some links may earn a small commission that helps support our content at no extra cost.