Make Sure It's Fresh
When it comes to preparing coffee, there are literally hundreds of opinions. One thing everyone agrees on, the fresher, the better. We recommend grinding & consuming your coffee within a week or two of our roast.
Ground vs Whole Bean
Buying 'pre-ground' coffee can be appealing for its simplicity, but you might want to think twice. Much of the great taste we enjoy in our cup is stored in the oils from the bean. Once ground, these oils will be exposed and will evaporate. The flavor of 'freshly ground' coffee is much more robust.
Of course, grinding coffee can have it's own set of intricacies, and there are several types of grinders to choose from. Blade grinders are inexpensive, but can be inconsistent and, since the blades are spinning a high speeds, you risk burning the coffee. Old fashioned burr grinders, like the one shown, are excellent devices - produce a consistent grind - and very affordable. There are burr grinders that are powered by electric motors, which takes the effort out. Disk and conical grinders are the most precise and the right choice for high quality coffee ... but also the most expensive.
Finally, storage matters. To preserve your beans’ fresh roasted flavor as long as possible, store them in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature.
Pour or Press?
The French Press method of preparing coffee has been around for well over a century. This method entails pouring boiling hot water over coarsely ground beans, allowing it to steep, and then 'pressing' the plunger to separate the coffee for drinking. With a French Press, the coffee grounds sit in the brew, so the result is a coffee that tastes authentic to the source.
Pour over coffee is becoming increasingly popular. Here the coffee sits in a filter, and doesn't come in contact with the brew. Still, with freshly ground coffee from a recent roast, you can taste the flavor and it's even a bit subdued from the French Press. Cleanup is much easier with Pour Over coffee, and it is a great choice for 1 or 2 cups.
Of course, Automatic Drip coffee machines are still very popular, and a great option for larger groups. Many people like the 'set-it-and-forget-it' convenience of prepping your morning brew before you go to sleep at night. Just remember, the closer to the grind, the fresher the taste.