How to Coffee
How to Coffee was created to answer some of the common questions we get regarding coffee in general.
Is it a bean or a seed?
Coffee is actually made from the coffee cherry seed. So, it is actually a seed, but it has been called a bean due to its appearance for a long time. No matter what you want to call it, it is awesome sauce!
Does Coffee Go Bad?
One of the most frequently asked questions about coffee is whether or not it goes bad. The answer is yes, but probably not in the way you might expect.
Coffee is an agricultural product, and like all natural foods, it’s best when it’s fresh. However, coffee beans don’t typically spoil the way fruits or dairy do. Once coffee seeds are roasted, they contain very little moisture, which means they don’t easily grow mold under normal conditions. Instead, coffee goes stale.
Why Does Coffee Go Stale?
Roasted coffee seeds are considered a dry good—they have extremely low moisture content. This helps prevent mold and bacterial growth, but it doesn't protect against staleness. The moment coffee seeds are roasted, they begin releasing carbon dioxide in a process called degassing. This chemical reaction also starts to change the structure of the coffee seed itself.
As a result, the delicious, delicate flavors you love in freshly roasted coffee begin to deteriorate. Over time, the complex notes become muted, and the flavor can turn flat or even bitter. In fact, roasted whole coffee seeds are only at peak freshness for about 2–3 weeks. For pre-ground coffee, it's even worse—flavor can start to degrade within 20 to 30 minutes of grinding!
Oxygen: Coffee’s Biggest Enemy
The main culprit behind stale coffee is oxygen. While essential for life, oxygen accelerates the breakdown of organic material in a process known as oxidation. The more surface area something has, the faster it oxidizes. This is why pre-ground coffee loses its freshness so quickly—there's just too much exposed surface area for oxygen to attack.
Whole seeds, on the other hand, retain their freshness a little longer because there’s less surface area exposed. However, once roasted, they still begin to break down over time.
Our Recommendation
If you want the freshest, best-tasting coffee, we recommend buying beans that were roasted within the last 7 days. That gives you at least a full week of optimal flavor. Buying fresh beans isn’t hard—many local cafés and online roasters list their roast dates right on the bag.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Fresh beans are only part of the equation. There are several other key factors that contribute to making a great cup of coffee, including water quality, temperature, grind size, and brew ratio.
1. Use High-Quality Water
Since coffee is 99% water, it’s crucial that you use clean, great-tasting water. Avoid using distilled water, which has had all its minerals removed. Why? Because those natural minerals actually interact with the coffee and help enhance its flavor during the brewing process.
2. Watch the Water Temperature
The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F. Water that’s too hot can over-extract the coffee and produce a bitter taste, while water that’s too cool will under-extract, leaving your brew weak and sour.
If you’re using a manual brewing method like a French press or pour-over, a gooseneck kettle with a built-in thermometer is ideal. Don’t have one? No problem—just bring your water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and let it sit for about 2 minutes before pouring it over your coffee grounds.
3. Match the Grind to the Brew Method
Grind size plays a huge role in how your coffee extracts during brewing. The finer the grind, the faster the extraction. Matching the grind to your brewing method is key:
- Coarse grind – Best for French press
- Medium-coarse grind (sometimes called “regular”) – Ideal for automatic drip brewers
- Medium grind – Works well for pour-over filter cone methods
- Fine grind – Required for espresso machines
If possible, grind your beans just before brewing. This preserves the maximum amount of flavor. However, if you don’t have a grinder at home, it’s okay to have your beans ground at the time of purchase—just use them quickly.
4. Follow the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio
No matter how you brew, your coffee will benefit from a consistent ratio of grounds to water. A general guideline is:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water
This can vary based on your brewing method and personal taste:
- For a French press, start with 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water.
- For an automatic drip machine, 1 tablespoon is often enough.
- You can always adjust the ratio based on whether you like your coffee stronger or milder. A good place to start is with a heaping tablespoon, then fine-tune it from there.
Storing Coffee for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage can make a big difference in how long your coffee stays flavorful. Here are some tips:
- Use an airtight container made of glass or ceramic—avoid plastic or metal, which can affect flavor.
- Store your coffee in a cool, dark place, away from light, heat, and moisture.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze your coffee. Contrary to popular belief, this can introduce moisture and actually accelerate staling.
- Buy only as much coffee as you’ll use within 1.5 to 2 weeks to ensure you’re always drinking it fresh.