Grind
For optimum flavor, always grind your beans right before brewing. When you grind your coffee you are increasing the size of the exposed surface area and when ground coffee is exposed to air it can become stale within just minutes, unless it is used immediately. Compare ground coffee to the taste difference with ground or "freshly ground" pepper.
When grinding, set your grinder to fine for espresso, medium for drip and coarse for a French Press (aka "Bodum").
Proportion
We recommend 1 tablespoon (.25oz) of freshly roasted coffee for every 8oz. cup of cold, filtered water. Taste is purely objective, so take some time to adjust the strength to your personal preference. Strong coffee lovers may brew 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup while milder coffee lovers may use 1/2 a tablespoon per cup. Play around, and enjoy your coffee however you like it best.
Keeping Your Coffee Fresh
Always store your beans in an airtight bag or container away from moisture, air, and light. It is best to only buy coffee as you need it and to avoid storing it for more than a few weeks. Coffee is the seed of a fruit and is a perishable food product.
The three enemies of your freshly roasted coffee are: light, air and moisture.
Is it okay to store your beans in the fridge or freezer? There is no proof that the fridge or freezer will keep your coffee fresh. One thing to keep in mind is that by bringing your coffee in and out of the the cold you are allowing condensation to build up on your beans which will increase the staling process. By storing your coffee in the fridge or freezer you are also exposing your beans to other aromas that it may absorb.
