Articles: Tea
Basics; Coffee Roasting;
Brewing a better cup; Coffee Q & A
Written by Sarah McCray
Making great coffee is a science and anyone can brew a better cup by
following the simple steps listed below:
Purchasing Coffee
Believe it or not, roasted coffee is a highly perishable product and
coffee beans start to lose small amounts of flavor within two weeks.
Ground coffee, on the other hand, begins to lose its flavor within minutes
so we recommend that you buy whole bean coffee to grind at home right
before brewing. Try to limit your purchase to that which you would use
within 7-10 days, ensuring freshness.
Storage
Many factors such as light, oxygen and moisture may affect coffee while
it is simply sitting on your shelf. Storing your coffee in an airtight
container in a dark place at a temperature between 50? - 70? will dramatically
improve the storage time of your coffee. Never store your coffee in the
refrigerator or freezer!
Grind
The strength and flavor of coffee is dependent on the grind of the beans.
The size of grind should be determined by the kind of brewing system
you use. For a flat bottomed or cone shaped filter, the grind will have
a slightly sandy texture. For a French press or percolator a more coarse
setting should be used. Using the proper grind allows the water to flow
through the grounds more evenly during the brewing time.
Amount
Coffee should be prepared using one standard coffee measure – 2
tsp. per one 6 oz. cup
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