The fact that the coffee beans were kept in a plastic container may have harmed the beans’ flavor, which is another explanation. To preserve the flavor of the coffee beans and to avoid an unpleasant plastic taste, it is imperative to store them in an airtight container made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
One of the most important elements in deciding the flavor and caliber of your espresso is the size of the coffee beans’ grind. According to the general rule, a finer grind causes water to pass through coffee grounds more slowly, producing a shot that is more potent and flavorful. Espresso needs to be ground finely in order to fit through the portafilter snuggly. Should espresso be ground more finely or more coarsely?
Espresso needs to be ground finely in order to fit through the portafilter snuggly. A weak, watery shot will result if the grind is too coarse since the water will travel through it too soon. However, if the grind is too fine, the water will flow through too slowly and produce an over-extracted shot that has a burnt and harsh flavor.
Because too much of the coffee’s oils and flavors were extracted by the hot water, over-extracted espresso has a harsh, burnt flavor and is overly potent. Most likely, the water was too hot, the coffee grinds were packed too closely, or the shot was pulled for too long.
The oils in the coffee and the hot water are emulsified to give espresso its creamy texture. The crema that forms on top of the shot gives it a creamy texture and a rich flavor when water is squeezed through finely ground coffee. A good espresso must have crema, which is a sign of a well-extracted shot.
To sum up, if your coffee tastes plasticky, make sure your coffee maker or pot is constructed of metal and that the coffee beans are being stored in the right container. For a tasty and well-balanced shot, it’s also essential to make sure your espresso is ground finely, packed tightly, and extracted properly. You can consistently enjoy a good cup of coffee by taking a little time and care.