HOW TO BREW THE PERFECT COFFEE

Once roasted, coffee beans go stale after about 10 days, so buy directly from a roaster or from a retailer who knows when the coffee was roasted. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ROASTER PUTS THE ROAST DATE ON THE BAG. Buy no more than what you'll use in one or two weeks.
If at all possible, buy whole beans and grind them just before using. Freshness disintegrates much more quickly once the coffee has been ground.
Different brewing methods require different fineness of grind. A French press takes a coarser grind than a flat- bottomed filter, and a cone filter requires even a finer grind.
Never pour boiling water directly on the grounds. The optimal temperature for the water is 194 to 204 degrees. When the water comes to a boil, take it off the heat for 30 seconds before pouring.
If you use a cone filter, purchase a reusable gold mesh filter. Paper filters absorb some of the coffee's oils, resulting in a loss of flavor.
Figure on 2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee per 6-8 ounces of water.
Don't store your coffee in the fridge or freezer. Keep it in an airtight container (such as the bag in which it was purchased) and keep it out of direct sunlight, away from heat, cold, and moisture.