Statistics don’t lie, Canadians sure do love their coffee. In 2020, coffee drinkers in Canada drank on average 2.7 cups of the hot caffeinated beverages per day. This figure has fluctuated over the past years, with consumption peaking in 2008 at an average 3.6 cups per day.
As one of the world's most beloved beverages, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding coffee in both Canada and abroad. However, it is essential to distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to coffee. In this article, we will address seven common myths about coffee that need to be debunked.
1. Right After Waking Up Is The Best Time To Drink Coffee
Does coffee help you wake up? Absolutely! But when you drink coffee immediately after waking up, you may not enjoy the full benefits. In the early morning, your brain pumps out high levels of cortisol, which helps you feel awake and alert. If you drink coffee while your cortisol levels are high, you may not feel any extra caffeine benefit, and the combination can raise your blood pressure level, too. Make sure to check out this blog post to learn about the best times during the day to drink coffee.
2. Stronger or Darker Roast Coffee Has More Caffeine
Whether you’re new to coffee or looking for a stronger caffeine kick, it might be tempting to reach for the dark roast coffee. While it may seem logical that dark roasted coffee would contain more caffeine, it’s actually quite the opposite. Light roast coffee has the most caffeine due to the fact that it spends the least amount of time roasting, so it retains the most amount of caffeine and acidity. When in doubt, choose a medium roast like this house blend from Faema Montreal.
3. If Sugar Floats On It, The Espresso Must Be Good
Even if it is true that the crema of the espresso is a useful indicator, the fact that sugar floats on it or not does not automatically validate the quality of the brew. What matters the most, however, is the texture of the crema, which should not be too foamy and should not be excessively thick. Ideally the hold and consistency of the crema should be somewhat bouncy.
4. Coffee Never Expires
Whether they are in the form of beans or previously ground, coffee is not eternal, and its quality goes hand in hand with the time in which it is consumed. In general, it is preferable to use it as soon as possible, especially if previously ground, to better maintain its aromas. Ideally, you don’t want to buy ground coffee, period. Buy fresh coffee beans and grind them at home.
5. Always Store Coffee In The Fridge
There are various methods for storing coffee, with many arguing that it would be better to keep it in the fridge. In reality the fridge is not the best place, because even though the low temperature helps to slow down the deterioration of coffee’s organoleptic properties, it is humid and full of odours. In order to better preserve the aromatic and organoleptic characteristics of the coffee, it is essential to keep it away from air, humidity, heat and light. It therefore needs a cool, dry place, free from sudden changes in temperature and ideally in airtight containers.
6. You Should Brush Your Teeth After Drinking Coffee
Another common coffee myth is that brushing your teeth right after drinking coffee will prevent it from staining them. Not only is this a bad idea, but it can actually harm your teeth! Coffee is acidic, so if you brush your teeth immediately after drinking coffee, the acidity can damage your enamel. The best plan is to brush your teeth before you drink coffee, which will get rid of the plaque that stains like to latch onto. Another good option is to wait half an hour after you finish your coffee before brushing your teeth. This gives your saliva a chance to rebalance that acidity!
7. On A Diet? Better Stay Away From Coffee
This is silly. A cup of espresso, without adding sugar or milk, provides a maximum of 2 calories. In fact, coffee consumption may help boost weight loss. Research says that coffee appears to have two potential related benefits: decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism.
Coffee Myths: Final Thoughts
When it comes to coffee, the difference between truth and myth can be hard to figure out. While some myths have been proven wrong, other myths won’t be debunked so easily. Before believing in the latest coffee rumour, make sure it’s from a legitimate source. And as with any other beverages out there, enjoy responsibly.
