Brew guide
An intro to coffee
Before you start brewing your own coffee, there are a few
things you should know in order to get the best result.
Use fresh coffee
The first step to getting the best flavour in your cup is coffee freshness. Here are some FAQs on the subject. If you want to learn more, check out our coffee freshness post.
Why is coffee freshness important?
Like fruit, roasted coffee is a perishable product that changes over time. It can be too fresh or not fresh enough, kind of like fruit can be not ripe, gone bad, or
just right. Coffee that's 'just right', is easier to use (especially when making espresso coffee) and tastes better.
Where do I get fresh coffee from?
Aotearoa! Buy coffee that's roasted here in Aotearoa as coffee that's imported can take months (or longer) to get here. Not to mention, Kiwis roast the best coffee in the world...
You can buy high quality, fresh coffee by local roasters online, in cafes, and in many supermarkets.
How long will coffee last?
The exact amount of time depends on the coffee blend, but we recommend around 2-3 weeks from the time you open the bag.
How do I store my coffee?
Once you've opened the bag, store your coffee in an airtight container. Always store your sealed coffee bag and your airtight container in a cool, dark place.
If you can, grind as you go
Once you've got your hands on some fresh coffee, keep it that way by grinding whole beans as you need it.
Why should I grind as I go?
While it's ok to buy pre-ground coffee, one way to get the most out of your coffee is by grinding it fresh. This is because coffee is a perishable product and once it's ground, it starts losing all those
good oils, flavours, and aromas that are kept within the whole bean.
What kind of grinder should I get?
The most cost-effective grinder is a manual hand-grinder (kind of like a pepper grinder). The next step up is an electric grinder, and from there the sky's the limit. Regardless of which you go for, make sure you get a conical burr grinder (using a blade or spice grinder isn’t as good for grinding coffee).
Figure out a ratio you like
The amount of coffee and water you use when brewing your coffee will affect the taste – just like when you’re making cordial. Figure out a ratio you like and stick with it.
What water coffee ratio should I use?
The water to coffee ratio that you use will firstly depend on the way you are brewing the coffee e.g. French Press, stove-top or espresso Check out our brew guides for a place to start for some of the most popular methods. Once you've got this, you just tweak it to suit your own personal preferences.
How do I stick with it?
Again, it depends a little bit on the way you are brewing your coffee. For some brewers, it can be as simple as a measuring spoon and cups. A more precise way to do it is with digital scales. Check out our brew guides for more info on your brewing method.
If you can, use filtered water
The better the water, the better the coffee.
Do I HAVE to use filtered water?
For nearly all brewers, no, you don't have to use filtered water. But it is better. However, espresso machines are different and most of them should be used with filtered water. This is because some water can do a lot of damage to the inner workings - many pipes and parts. There are actually some espresso machines that REFUSE to use non-filtered water.
How often should I change the water filter?
This depends on the type of water filter you have and how much coffee you use. But you do need to change it!
