How To Buy
Buy fresh, buy a few, buy often. If you can, always look to your local roast shop for the freshest roasted beans you can get. Only buy what you think you will need for 3-7 days and simply return to buy a new, freshly roasted batch. And Buy Whole if you can. Grind what you need when you need it.

How to Grind
You should buy whole beans if you can. If possible, avoid grinding the night before, as air and area surface exposed to air is the enemy of freshness. You will grind according to how you brew. A finer grind is needed for espresso or the "Melitta"-style pour over. A medium grind for drip; a coarser grind for percolator or press pot. Experiment with the grind that optimizes extraction without the pour coming on too fast (weak brew) or too slow (bitter, strong overextracted). Let your roaster know what you brew with if you want her or him to grind your coffee.

How to Brew

Cold fresh and pure water, with lots of oxygen is best (at Coastal Roasters we only use locally bottled spring water for all of our beverages). Like the raisin bran cereal, 2 scoops of grounds or beans per cup (cup - 8 to 10 oz); if using a pour over or press, do not boil...only bring the water to 200-204 degrees (just bubbling). Use a thermometer if you need to test your water.

How to Store

The most frequent question we get. DO NOT REFRIGERATE. Your frig/freezer are life sucking storage vessels for your coffee. Arid inside, the moisture will be pulled from your beans and the oils will crystallize (think freezer burn). Staling happens quickly. Coffee is also like a sponge. Odors will absorb right into your beans and grounds. Simply place your half- to whole-pound of beans in an airtight container, away from heat and light. Even a ziploc or tupperware type container will work. Coastal Roasters carries an affordable selection of jars for you.