Coffee 101: Tips & Guides for Beginners
If you’ve just started exploring the world of coffee, welcome! You’re in for a fun ride. We understand that between brewing method debates, roast levels, and mysterious barista lingo, it can be really easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve put together a beginner-friendly guide to help start brewing with confidence (and joy). 1. Start with Fresh, Quality Beans. (That’s where we come in.)
1. The best coffee begins with the beans. Look for:
- Fresh Roasted - Fresh coffee should be used within 2-4 weeks of roasting for optimal flavor.
- Whole Beans- Grinding right before brewing locks in aroma and taste.
- Roast Level - Light roasts are bright and very fruity, medium roasts are balanced and smooth (we consider this optimal roast), and dark roasts are bold and rich.
2. Invest in a Grinder (It’s worth it)
A good burr grinder is a beginner’s secret weapon! It ensures consistent grind size, which means your coffee will taste the way it’s supposed to…not too bitter or weak.
- Coarse grind for French press.
- Medium grind for drip coffee.
- Fine grind for espresso.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Water Quality
Since coffee is over 98% water, the quality of your water matters. If your tap water tastes off, use filtered water.
4. Use the Right Water-to-Coffee Ratio for Different Brewing Methods
A simple starting point for an automatic drip home coffee maker:
- 1 Tablespoon of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. From here, adjust to taste. Too Strong? Use a little less coffee. Too weak? Add more. To explore other brewing method follow this chart.
You don’t need Fancy equipment to make great coffee, but each brewing method offers its own personality.
5. Experiment with Add-Ins and Spices
Once you’ve got your base brew down, try enhancing it:
- Cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
- A splash of oat milk or cream for smoothness.
- Vanilla or cocoa powder for sweetness.
6. Keep Your Gear Clean
Old bean oils can ruin fresh brews. Rinse your gear daily and give it a deeper clean weekly.
7. Storing Your Coffee
When stored properly, freezing can dramatically slow down the staling process by locking in the coffee’s aromatic compounds and preventing oils from going rancid. Alternatively you can use an Airscpe that will protect it from light and air.
How to Freeze Coffee the Right Way
Divide into small portions – Store coffee in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags in batches you’ll use within a week. This prevents repeated thawing and refreezing.
Use opaque, airtight containers – Keep light and moisture out. Vacuum-sealed bags or tightly sealed mason jars work great.
Freeze immediately after roasting – The sooner you store it, the more flavor you lock in.
Use only what you need – Remove a portion from the freezer and let it come to room temperature before opening, to avoid condensation forming on the beans.
Want your coffee to taste as good as the day it was roasted? An Airscape® container helps lock in freshness and lock out the enemies of flavor — oxygen, light, and moisture.
- Fill it up: Pour your whole beans or ground coffee into the container, leaving a little room at the top.
- Press out the air: Gently push the inner lid down until it sits right on top of the coffee — you’ll hear the satisfying whoosh as air escapes.
- Seal it tight: Place the outer lid on top to protect from light and extra air exposure.
- Store smart: Keep the container in a cool, dry place — away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Scoop and repeat: Open, scoop, press, and seal each time you make coffee to keep every brew tasting its best.
Final Sip
Coffee is as much about the ritual as the drink itself. Whether you’re brewing for energy, comfort, or creativity, start simple, explore slowly, and most importantly…enjoy every cup!