Brewing Tips THE BASICS Use freshly roasted beans (you'll be happy you did). Grind beans immediately before the brewing. Use clean, good-tasting water (it's the upright thing to do). Approximately two tablespoons of grounds for every 8 oz. of H20. Experiment for taste. Go with your preferred brewing method: plunger, drip, percolator, french press and others. Follow the instruction for each and allow yourself enough time to brew it right. Warm your cup or mug before filling with coffee (okay, don't sweat it, this suggestion is for the coffee zealots out there). Enjoy your freshly brewed Peace Coffee as soon as possible. KEEP THE PEACE Cache your beans and ground coffee in an airtight container at an average room temperature. As a matter of fact, our Peace Coffee bags are space-age tight and tidy. GRIND REFINED Sure, we'll grind your beans. Happy to do it. But truth be told – your coffee will taste better if you grind the beans yourself. Whole beans hold the flavor more efficiently. You make the call when to release the power one fully potent pot at a time. We suggest burr grinders over metal bladed grinders for a more consistent, refined texture. The shorter the brew time, the finer grind: Espresso – very fine. Drip – medium grind. French press – coarse grind. Percolator – extra coarse grind. For grinding tips, go to BURRRRR! THE FLOW Filters are important. Gold filters are the standard of excellence. Consider an investment in this precious metal filter. On the pulp side, we recommend oxygenated paper filters for their environmental fondness. Most white filters are chemically pumped and can alter the coffee's flavor. Natural brown filters tend to add a woody taste. ESPECIALLY ESPRESSO If you want to make café quality espresso, use a pump machine and look for the good crema. The crema is the final blow of water, air and coffee that arrives evenly colored and about a 1/4 inch deep to top your cup (the coffee gods willing). A dark brown crema indicates over-extraction for a harsh and bitter result. On the flip side, a light crema will come off weak and wimpy (so what's the point?). Generally, extracting beyond thirty seconds will cause bitterness. Get to know your machine and live happily ever after. For espresso brewing tips, go to ESPRESSO-LOVE. GIVE US A BUZZ We can help you find the equipment and accessories that ensure you brew the right bean right every time! …Brewers, Espresso Machines, Grinders. Just email us at info@PeaceCoffee.com or call for the heavy details on brewing specifics and/or gear recommendation at 1-888-324-7872.