When it comes to coffee the fact that freshness matters should come as no great surprise to those who love this liquid best. Of course freshness isn't as important before the beans are roasted as after. Once the beans are roasted they only retain optimal freshness for a matter of days.

With this in mind, it is best if you have the time, means, and ability that you roast your own coffee beans if the fullest extent of flavor is of utmost importance to your delicate palate. Roasting your own coffee beans means that you not only know exactly when the beans were roasted but also that you have absolute control over how the beans are roasted. All coffee drinkers are not created equal and the bean that is roasted perfectly for others is not necessarily the roast of choice for your coffee drinking pleasure.

If you decide to roast your own coffee beans you will definitely need the means by which to grind your coffee beans. There are typically two types of bean grinders: burr grinders and plate grinders. While plate grinders tend to be less pricey if you are going to all the trouble to roast your own coffee beans you should also go with the best quality when it comes to grinding your beans. If this is the case you will typically want to go with a burr grinder for your coffee grinding.

You should be aware that grinding and roasting in bulk are not good ideas. First of all, once coffee has been roasted it will only retain maximum freshness for about 5 to 7 days. Once you have ground your coffee it will only provide the very best in flavor for about two days. You should also take great care that you store your beans and grounds properly in order to protect and preserve the wonderful flavor you've gone to all the trouble of creating.

Coffee beans do not mix well with moisture, light, air, or heat. In order to keep them fresh and delicious you should take great pains to store them in an airtight container that doesn't allow light to penetrate. Many people have been told that it is acceptable to store coffee beans in the freezer. This is actually not the best course of action for your coffee beans, as it will break down the oils that give your coffee the delicious flavor and aroma that makes it so valuable to your daily drinking routine. Some people claim that the coffee will absorb the flavor of other foods kept in the freezer as well. I feel that the risk of destroying the flavor of the beans is deterrent enough.

Once you've found the best possible way to roast, grind, and store coffee for the ultimate in personal preferences you can move on to some of the more entertaining endeavors such as creating special blends and adding spices, syrups, and seasonings to your coffee for the ultimate morning brew. Coffee is breakfast of champions around the world, there is no reason that it cannot or should not also be the drink of choice when it comes to the perfect treat any time day or night. Learning your likes and dislikes will help you define your needs as a coffee lover.