SELECTING BEANS

The best coffee, it is fresh coffee. Buy small quantities more often, for maximum freshness.

GRINDING

Never grind more coffee than you will use for immediate brewing. Once ground, coffee will begin to lose its flavor almost immediately. Different methods of brewing will require different grind consistencies.

WATER

Use only clean, cold tap water, or quality bottled spring water. Do not use mineral water, distilled water, or tap water with an odor.

EQUIPMENT

Whatever brewing method you choose, keep equipment clean, inside and out. A good soak in baking soda and water followed by a thorough cleaning is helpful for glass pots. There are also cleansing solutions made especially for automatic drip brewers.

STORAGE

Air is a coffee bean's worst enemy. Store ground or whole beans in an airtight container in a clean, cool, dark place - but not in the refrigerator. Do not store next to onions, garlic, or strongly aromatic foods. (Coffee absorbs odors.)

SUGAR

If you like your espresso coffee sweet, you should use granulated sugar, which dissolves more quickly, rather than sugar cubes; white sugar rather than brown sugar or candy; and real sugar rather than sweeteners which alter the taste of the coffee.

CAFFEINE

Dark roasted coffees actually have LESS caffeine than medium roasts. The longer a coffee is roasted, the more caffeine burns off during the process. Espresso has 1/3 of the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee.