Coffee FAQs

How long does ground coffee last? We recommend buying the amount of coffee you will use within 30-45 days, to get the maximum flavor and aroma. Coffee generally goes stale and loses its exotic flavor 6-8 weeks from roasting. Purchase whole bean coffee and store it whole - ground coffee goes bad faster.

What is the best way to store coffee? Moisture, air, light and heat are all enemies of roasted coffee. Store it in an airtight (lid with rubber seal is best), opaque container, (porcelin works well) and keep it at room temperature. Putting it in the freezer is a not a good idea, as the grounds can absorb moisture and food odors from other items nearby. If you have to freeze it, never put it back in after you’ve taken it out – the frozen moisture in the coffee will melt and be reabsorbed.

What is Kopi Luwak Coffee? At roughly $175.00 per pound, this is the world's most expensive coffee, and it goes 'through' an unusual process. In Indonesia, a small wild animal called a civet, with the local name of Kopi Luwak, eats only the ripest coffee beans. Unable to process them, the animal deposits them on the jungle floor where they are collected. The stomach acids and enzimes involved in this unique fermentation are said to produce the world's rarest coffee beverage, and only a few hundred pounds are available each year.

What is arabica coffee? There are two main species of coffee plants in the world – arabica and robusta. Arabica accounts for 75-80% of the world’s coffee production. Robusta has an inferior taste and higher caffeine content.

Can I recycle my coffee grounds? Absolutely. Coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen.

What is the difference between blade and burr coffee grinders? Blade grinders are cheaper, but can grind the beans unevenly and are often messy. Burr grinders are slightly more expensive, but grind evenly and are easy to clean and use.

Where does coffee come from? Coffee is grown around the world in the equatorial belt between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The plants need fertile soil and no frost. The best coffees are grown in mountainous regions between 4,000-6,000 feet above sea level.

How long has coffee been popular in the USA? Since the tea hit Boston Harbor! The American love of coffee started way back in 1773. The war with England prevented tea imports, and coffee was abundant so people switched readily.

What does espresso mean? Espresso is Italian for express. A one ounce measure of coffee is made in a particular way, has water forced through it at exactly the right temperature, right pressure and the right amount of time.

What does roasting the beans do? The heat releases the sugars, fats and starches from the green beans, creating the coffee oil, caffeol, which gives coffee its unique aroma and taste.

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee? An 8 oz cup generally contains 65-120 mg of caffeine.

What is the approximate percentage of caffeine in decaf coffee? From 97%-98% of caffeine is removed during the decaffeination process.

What do the different roasting terms mean? A light roast means the coffee is milder, sweeter and heavier in body due to the sugars left in the beans. A darker roast is stronger, less sweet and has less caffeine, as the higher temperatures used burn both sugar and caffeine out of the beans.