1. Buy coffee that has a roast date on
it. The flavour compounds of your coffee degrade, the flavour becomes flat and the body of the coffee becomes
weak.
2. Decide what brewing
method you are going to be using. Some coffees are better highlighted by different methods of brewing. A
pour-over technique will not get the most out of a coffee roasted to an espresso profile; a more robust
Italian roast will lend itself well to a French-press preparation while high-altitude coffees with subtle
aromatic notes and flavour can be accentuated by the clean flavours of a pour-over or drip preparation.
Experiment with different beans from different regions of the world, as altitude affects the flavours and
experience.
3. Don’t use a blade
grinder: It creates an inconsistent grind size and will result in an uneven extraction; it also creates heat.
The best are burr grinders that are designed to create a uniform grind size and are adjustable to accommodate
different brew methods. But your local specialty coffee shop will gladly grind your beans for you based on
your brewing method.
4. Do not store your
coffee beans in the freezer. The best place to store your coffee once opened is in a cool, air-tight
container away from heat. Heat, light, moisture and air all cause your fresh coffee to
deteriorate.
5. Only purchase enough
coffee for the week, or two at the most. •
Photo Courtesy:
Kozzi
