What is the first step performed in a cupping?

In the cupping process, the first step involves assessing the aroma of the ground coffee before brewing. Prior to the actual tasting, coffee grounds are typically placed in cupping bowls and hot water is poured over them. This is done to allow the essential oils and aromas to be released.

Once the coffee has steeped for a few minutes, the next step is to break the crust that forms on the surface, which allows for a more intense evaluation of the aroma. Following that, the coffee is tasted by slurping with inhalation to fully assess the flavors and mouthfeel.

So, recognizing the proper sequence in cupping is crucial for a comprehensive sensory evaluation, and it begins with smelling the aroma of the dry coffee grounds before moving on to the next steps.