Are you tired of making weak or stale tasting coffee? Not sure what the problem is? There are really only two components of importance in producing a cup of truly fresh coffee: the coffee and the water. Well, so what, you say. Combine the two and drink. Not so, says the gourmet.

First, you have to make sure the quality of your coffee beans is superior. This means the coffee beans must be 100% Arabica. The other species of coffee is called Robusta and is most often used in cheaper coffees and at best, contains a mix of Robusta and Arabica. Robusta beans lack the complexity of flavor afforded by Arabica and often has bitter or flat notes.

F0r best results, you should buy your Arabica beans whole and grind them yourself.

Be sure to choose a bag which is airtight, made of foil with a shiny surface, over a paper bag with waxed lining. This will help keep your precious beans fresh.

Storage of the beans is also important in flavor retention. Many people store their coffee beans in kitchen canisters, but it’s better to store the bag in the freezer. Heat causes loss of the essential oils, sabotaging your quest for a cup of fresh coffee.