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The flavor of coffee depends on a variety
of factors, including the quality, freshness,
and roast of the beans, the fineness and
consistency of the grind, the ratio of coffee
to brew water, the cleanliness of the brewing
equipment, and the brew water purity.
Fresh Coffee Beans
Great coffee can only come from fresh coffee
beans, properly roasted. Many experts
recommend buying beans roasted no darker than
a medium roast, the color of which appears as an
even chocolate brown. This roast preserves the natural sugars
and flavor of the bean, and sets the stage for an excellent cup
of coffee. A medium roast is the darkest a bean can be roasted
without oils developing on the surface.
Darkly roasted beans – which appear dark brown or
nearly black – look great, but the extra roasting
will overwhelm the more delicate coffee flavors
and caramelize any sugars. A heavy “roasted”
coffee flavor, often bitter and sharp, will
predominate with a dark roast.
To preserve the freshness of coffee beans:
Keep beans in an opaque, air-tight container and
store them in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not
recommended, as condensation tends to form on
the beans whenever the container is opened. Freezing
can help preserve beans stored for an extended period, but it will
also impair the flavor.