Coffee Freshness Cups makes every effort to deliver to you the freshest coffee beans possible.  We want you to enjoy the best coffee you can when you bring home our beans.  The following information should help in keeping your coffee at its freshest. Buy whole beans and grind only enough for one pot of coffee at a time.  Whole beans retain their flavors, oils and aromas much longer than ground coffee.  Buy only enough coffee beans as you will use in one or two weeks; this will help insure freshness. Store your beans in air tight glass, ceramic or plastic containers.  If you use plastic, you should use the beans in one week or less. Never store beans or ground coffee in the refrigerator or freezer; Both the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the National Coffee Association of USA  recommend storing whole coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry location (in a cabinet); never freeze or refrigerate the beans. Roasted coffee beans contain volatile flavor oils and essences that can crystallize in cold temperatures. Once crystallized, they are locked up and can no longer contribute to coffee flavor or taste.  To learn more about how we roast our coffee click here.

Brewing Coffee Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is easy. Always start with fresh, filtered water and freshly ground coffee beans. Always consume brewed coffee within 30 minutes or, store in a thermal carafe (a carafe will hold coffee for up to 2 hours). The method of brewing is up to your personal taste. Here are the most popular methods. Automatic Drip This is probably the most popular method of brewing.  This method produces a clear, crisp cup of coffee with little or no particulates.  Depending on preferences, you can use either a permanent gold filter or disposable paper filters. If you use paper, always use natural unbleached or pre-washed filters. If you use regular filters, rinse with water prior to using. Never reuse a paper filter. Always brew at least 80% of the coffee maker's capacity unless it has a short brew cycle. French Press The french press has a loyal following. It produces a very rich, full bodied cup of coffee with a small amount of coffee particulate that many find desirable.  To brew, take coarsely (standard perk) ground coffee and add it to the bottom of the container.  Add hot water (about 190 degrees), put the cover in place and push the plunger down about 1/4 of the way and let steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on taste.  Push the plunger down to trap the grounds and stop the brewing and serve immediately. Vacuum Brewing Vacuum brewing was popular and substantial in the 1940s.  It is now making a comeback.  This method produces full bodied coffee with very little particulate.  Most brewers use a nylon filter that filters out most of the particulate but allows body and flavor through.  Place cold water in the lower part, insert the upper part and add coffee grounds (grind to standard drip or electric perk).  Follow instructions for your particular maker.  The water is heated to near boiling, forced into the top and steeps.  As the lower part cools it forms a vacuum and draws the brewed coffee back down. Serve immediately or pour into a thermal carafe.  To learn more about how we roast our coffee click here.  Back to home page