While there is no absolute guarantee of great coffee every time, following certain steps throughout the entire process - from selection of the store to storage of coffee - can significantly improve your chances. Remember, even small things like ensuring you're buying from a reliable source and storing it properly makes a huge difference.
Most people buy their coffee from a supermarket, but there are many reasons to avoid this practice; one of the most important being that you want to have fresh coffee. Everyone agrees that fresh-roasted coffee is better, so try to buy your coffee within two weeks of roasting and buy coffee that has a clear roast date on the packaging. Buy only enough coffee for a couple of weeks at a time and buy whole beans and grind them yourself if you can.
Buying your coffee from a specialty store, like 413 Inspired Coffee is more enjoyable than buying it from a supermarket, because they roast within days of delivery and have so many flavors to choose from. Dealing with someone directly means you have a better chance of buying a coffee you’ll really enjoy, especially if you test the small sample sizes prior to placing a large order.
People's perception towards coffee has often been misguided, with instant coffee being their only reference point. But the truth is that coffee is a perishable food item which can go stale and needs to be consumed on time. Coffee available in supermarkets has an expiry date that typically falls within 12-24 months of when it was brewed. Alternatively you can expect fresh coffee at your local coffee shop or online store. Coffee has a significantly lengthy shelf-life and is safe to consume after two years of roasting, albeit with a subpar taste. This makes it easier to handle and transport without having to worry too much about freshness. The only concern would be the consumer, who deserves the best quality coffee.
Coffee aficionados now suggest that freshly-roasted coffee should be consumed within a month for optimum flavor. The taste becomes less vibrant over time and eventually, an unpleasant stale flavor will emerge. Thus, to get the best out of your cup of coffee, it's recommended to use the beans within a month of roasting. Many specialist shops stock bags of coffee that were recently roasted and delivered, and buying online direct from the roaster usually ensures your coffee is delivered to your home within a few days of roasting.