General Coffee Tips-Part III

1. Vacuum-packed coffee requires the coffee to set for a minimum of five days after roasting before it can be vacuum-packed. You get the false impression of fresh coffee from the packaging when actually vacuum-packed coffee is just the opposite. 

2. If you are seeking coffee perfection use a stainless steel French Press. The French Press engages the essence of the flavors and oils simultaneously, leaving nothing out, for a perfect cup of coffee. 

3. If you prefer your coffee weaker, make it full strength, then dilute it with hot water or milk. It will taste much better than trying to use less coffee. 

4. The Arabica bean is the bean of choice in gourmet coffee. Arabica beans have more flavor, aroma and contain less caffeine than their counterpart, the "Robusta." 

5. Water softeners are great but not for your coffee. Artifically softened water will produce bitter tasting coffee. Since coffee is 98% water it makes sense to use pure and clean water with no artificial ingredients. 

6. If you grind your own coffee here are two tips. Too coarse a grind will produce a weak cup of coffee. Too fine a grind can cause the brewer to clog and produce a bitter cup. Experiment with your grinder a few times you'll become an expert. 

7. The best solution for keeping your coffee fresh and hot is transferring your coffee into a thermos or air pot coffee dispensor. This isolates the coffee from air, slowing down the oxidation process. The coffee will last up to 1 hour before you start losing the good flavor.