QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND TASTY FACTOIDS

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Coffee
Start with fresh coffee that has been stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Match the grind of coffee to the type of coffee maker being used.

• Measure-do not guess-the amount of coffee. The recommended amount for regular strength coffee is two (2) level tablespoons (1 coffee measure) per six (6) ounces of water. Adjust this to suit individual taste.

• Use fresh, cold water. For best results the coffee maker should heat the water to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Make sure the coffee brewer and server are clean and thoroughly rinsed before using. Brewed coffee absorbs other flavors easily.

• Serve brewed coffee immediately. Never leave on the warmer over 20 minutes. If it won’t be used before that time, transfer the brewed coffee to an insulated container, such as an airpot. This will help keep the coffee from breaking down and losing flavor. Plus, it will stay warm longer.

• Keep the coffee maker clean. Remove grounds from the brewer as soon as the brewing cycle is complete.

How should I store my coffee?
Coffee is perishable and will stale quickly if not stored properly. Buy only the amount of coffee that you will use between visits to the store and keep it in a moisture-proof, airtight container.

If you brew coffee daily and use up your supply frequently, place your airtight container in your cabinet or cupboard. Any coffee that will not be used in ten days or less should be stored in your freezer and thawed out before use.

The most important part is a good, moisture-proof, airtight container!

How much caffeine is in coffee?
The following guide gives the caffeine content of various foods and beverages. Remember that the caffeine content varies widely depending on how the food or drink is prepared (weak coffee versus strong coffee).

Source: Men's Fitness June 2000

How is coffee decaffeinated?
The decaffeination process starts by increasing the moisture content of the green (unroasted) coffee beans, to make it easier to remove the caffeine. Then one of several solvents is used to extract the caffeine. The solvents are safe and meet FDA standards for coffees sold in the U.S.

The flavor of decaffeinated coffee depends on the quality of the beans, the blend, the roasting technique and the decaffeination method. All decaffeination methods remove 97-99% of the caffeine.

Are all specialty coffees dark and oily?
No, although many specialty coffees are marketed this way. Roasters choose the level of roast color development for each coffee sold—from a very light roast, to a medium roast, to a heavy roast, to a roast where the oils come to the surface of the beans. At each level of roast color, the aromatics and flavor profile of the coffee change. Our roasting standards for each individual coffee bring out the peak of the flavor characteristics inherent in the green coffees. Roast color is a roaster’s choice—subjective.

How are coffees flavored?
Freshly roasted coffees are combined with a liquid flavoring (hazelnut, vanilla, etc.) to produce flavored coffees. The coffee beans absorb the flavoring and release it during the brewing process to produce an aromatic and flavorful beverage alternative.

Are flavored coffees higher in calories?
The number of calories in a flavored unsweetened cup of coffee are not significantly different from those found in a plain (unflavored) cup of coffee—3 to 4 more calories per 6 ounce cup.