All About the Java

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks on the planet, but knowledge of how to purchase, store, and grind coffee is not widespread. In addition, many people do not know how to brew a decent cup of coffee.

Coffee is meant to be enjoyed in much the same way as wine, when it is done right, it should yield a delicate balance of aroma, body, and flavor. The next time you are in the mood for a good up of joe, you do not need to run out to your local barista and spend a wad of cash on a single cup - learn how to do it yourself instead.

How to Buy Coffee

Coffee will lose its freshness shortly after it is roasted. If you want the freshest java, taste available, forgo the supermarket shelved jars and opt for a store or kiosk that roasts its coffee on a regular basis.

If you just have to have that Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts signature taste, hit up your local store and grab a bag of their freshly roasted coffee beans, this alternative is usually better than supermarket shelved jars as well.

How to Store Coffee

Coffee beans should be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Some people mistakenly believe that coffee should be stored in the refrigerator, but keeping it in the fridge will dry out the oils that give it flavor.

In order to store coffee beans for a longer period than 2 weeks, you can refrigerate them or store them in the freezer, but be aware of the loss of flavor due to the drying out of the oils as mentioned in the paragraph above. Remember, never freeze coffee that has already been ground, it will lose its flavor rapidly.

How to Brew Coffee

To start with, always begin by using the correct amount of coffee - 2 Tbsp. of freshly ground coffee to each 6 ounces of purified water is the most commonly accepted measurement ratio for making coffee. If you are using an electric coffee maker, you should be sure to use cold water.

When using methods other than an electric coffee maker to brew your java, you should bring the water to a boil, and then let it sit for half a minute. Many a cup of coffee is prepared with boiling hot water, and nothing is better for bringing out the bitter taste in coffee than boiled water.

If you use these simple guidelines to purchase, store, and brew, your coffee will turn out perfect each time. For a decadent coffee drink, try the following recipe for Mocha Coffee:

Mocha Coffee Recipe

1 cup of hot brewed coffee

1 tblsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tblsp. white sugar

2 tblsp. whole milk

Pour the hot brewed coffee into a mug, and add the cocoa powder, white sugar, and whole milk. Mocha coffee has a rich, velvety chocolate taste, and it is perfect to drink on a cold winter day.

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