Frequently Asked Questions

Are your coffees considered mold-free?

Reading Coffee Company: Mold-Free Isn’t Just a Buzzword — It’s Proven
At Reading Coffee Company, we understand that “mold-free” has become something of a buzzword in the coffee world. But for us, it’s more than just a trend—it's about delivering truly clean, high-quality coffee. Beyond the hype, we went the extra mile to make sure our coffee is free from mold and mycotoxins. Through careful testing and quality assurance, we can proudly say that our coffee is proven to be mold-free, including tests for Salmonella, E-Coli, Aerobic Bacteria, Staphylococcus, Yeast & Mold.

Why Mold-Free Coffee Matters
While "mold-free" might sound like a fad, we’re committed to offering you a healthier, cleaner cup of coffee. Mold can develop in improperly handled beans, leading to potential health risks. That’s why we don’t rely on marketing buzz—we test our coffee to ensure it’s completely free from mold, so you can sip with confidence. We have professional, laboratory, third party assurance that our coffee is safe.

How We Ensure It
  • Thorough Testing: We scientifically test our beans to detect and eliminate any mold or harmful mycotoxins. These tests confirm that our coffee is as clean and safe as it is flavorful.

  • Sourcing and Processing: We work with coffee farms that share our commitment to quality. By sourcing beans from trusted growers and processing them in mold-free environments, we ensure that mold never becomes an issue in the first place.

  • Storage and Roasting: Proper storage and precision roasting further protect your coffee from mold contamination, preserving both the purity and the taste of the beans.

 

Can you explain the difference in grind types for your coffees?

What do different grinds of coffee mean?

The grind of coffee beans affects the flavor of the coffee and how long it takes to brew:

Coarser Grind

Brew Examples: Cold Brew, French Press, Chemex

Water moves quickly through the looser particles of coarsely ground coffee, extracting less flavor and resulting in a shorter brew time. To get the full flavor, you should brew coarsely ground coffee for a bit longer.

Medium Grind

Brew Examples: Drip Coffee Pot, Pour Over (most), Percolator, Refillable K-Cup

The usual and most common grind setting used for what many consider the "plain old Mr. Coffee Drip Coffee Maker Setting." This can be used for a re-usable K-Cup, too and many other brew styles, too, based off preference.

Finer Grind

Brew Examples: Moka Pot, Espresso

The particles of finely ground coffee are packed more closely together, so water flows more slowly and has more contact with the grounds. This results in greater extraction and a more robust flavor. Because of this, you can brew finely ground coffee for a shorter amount of time.

Under-Extraction

If water has very little time in contact with the coffee grounds, the coffee can taste weak, sour, and thin.

Over-Extraction

If you brew coffee for too long after extraction, it can taste bitter.