Can I freeze my coffee beans to keep them fresh longer?

Yes. Keeping beans in the freezer makes sense if you don't plan to grind it in the next 3 weeks.  Use an airtight container and thaw the beans to room temperature before you open the container - thawing overnight works well.  Avoid  opening the container while frozen, water condensation will get the beans wet.  I've enjoyed coffee that I had frozen for four months.  It's not as good as fresh but beats having to thaw out rancid beans!

Does filtered water really make a big difference?

Yes, definitely! Coffee is 98% water and good water makes good coffee. Boiling water only purifies the water - it does not change the flavor. Whether in a kettle or in your coffee machine, the water you use will greatly affect the flavor of your cup of coffee.

Does the type of grinder I use affect the flavor of my coffee?

Yes, a burr grinder is what we recommend. This type of grinder will improve the flavor of your coffee. We also recommend using the right grind level for the way you are brewing the coffee. The finer the grind, the shorter amount of time the beans should be exposed to the water.

How should I store my coffee?

Coffee should be able to breathe for the first 3-7 days after roasting, as the beans are letting off carbon dioxide. After this they should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Should I refrigerate my coffee beans?

Coffee should never be refrigerated. If longer storage is required, freezing in an airtight container is a better option. If possible buy what you will use in 1-3 weeks time. This will really improve your coffee flavor.

What are the top 5 things I can do to improve my coffee?

1. Buy freshly roasted, quality, Arabica beans.
2. Use filtered or spring water.
3. Grind only what you need at that time.
4. Experiment with different brewing methods.
5. Share coffee with friends.

What ratio of coffee to water is best?

We recommend 2 tablespoons for every 6 fluid ounces of water used, but we encourage you to try different ratios and come up with what you like the most.

Why does my home drip machine make bitter or less flavorful coffee?

There are two reasons, one you can address and one you can't. The one you can't address is that most drip brewers don't get the water hot enough to extract the best flavors and may even introduce a sour taste. That's the main reason we recommend using a french press to experience the fullest flavor. The other reason is a grind that's too fine. Generally, the finer the grind, the more surface area is presented to the water. Too much surface area means over-extraction. Over-extraction means bitterness. Try a courser grind setting and increasing the amount of ground coffee to eliminate bitterness.