🫘

Beans: The Soul

Freshness, origin, and roast level change everything.

TL;DR

  • Buy fresh. Roast date matters. 2–4 weeks old max.Learn more →
  • Single origin. Try Ethiopian, Colombian, or Kenyan to start.Learn more →
  • Whole bean only. Grind at home. Flavor dies fast once ground.Learn more →
  • Store properly. Cool, dark, airtight. Not the fridge.Learn more →

📅 Freshness Matters

The roast date is everything. Coffee peaks 2–4 weeks after roasting.

0–1 week: Too fresh. CO2 still off-gassing. Can taste flat.

1–4 weeks: 🎯 Sweet spot. Flavor is peak.

4–8 weeks: Still drinkable. Flavor starts to fade.

8+ weeks: Skip it. Stale.

Always check the roast date on the bag. Most bags show it prominently. Look for freshly roasted local roasters.

← Back to top

🌍 Coffee Origins

Region determines flavor. Try different origins to find what you like.

Ethiopian

Bright, fruity, floral. Berries and citrus notes. For light roasts.

Colombian

Balanced. Chocolate, caramel, nuts. Works for any roast level.

Kenyan

Bold, complex. Berries, wine-like acidity. Medium roasts shine here.

Brazilian

Smooth, full-bodied. Chocolate, nutty. Great for espresso or dark roasts.

← Back to top

🔥 Roast Levels

Roast level changes the flavor profile dramatically.

Light Roast

Bright, complex, acidic. Highlights origin flavors. Best for pour-over.

Medium Roast

Balanced. More body than light. Good for any method. Most versatile.

Dark Roast

Bold, full-bodied, smoky. Less acidity. French press, espresso favorite.

🏺 Storage Tips

Stale beans ruin everything. Store them right.

  • ✓ Cool & dark
  • ✓ Airtight container
  • ✗ Not the fridge (condensation = bad)
  • ✗ Not the freezer (unless vacuum-sealed)
  • ✗ Not clear containers (light degrades beans)
← Back to top

💡 Where to Buy

  • Sisters Coffee— Specialty roaster with diverse single origins and blends.
  • Stumptown Coffee— High-quality, carefully sourced beans. Online & café locations.
  • Counter Culture— Exceptional coffee, direct trade. Available online.
  • Coava— Micro-roaster with experimental blends and single origins.
  • Good With Us— Ethical, sustainable coffee. Excellent quality & sourcing.
  • Local Roasters — Find one near you. Talk to them. They'll point you to what's good.
← Water☕ HOMEGrinder →