KitchenAid KPCM050NP User Guide - Page 26

COFFEE BREWING SUGGESTIONS: ADVICE FOR GREAT TASTE The flavor of coffee depends on a variety of factors, including the quality, freshness, and roast of the beans, the fineness and consistency of the grind, the ratio of coffee to brew water, the cleanliness of the brewing equipment, and the brew water purity. Darkly roasted beans - which appear dark brown or nearly black - look great, but the extra roasting will overwhelm the more delicate coffee flavors and caramelize any sugars. A heavy "roasted" coffee flavor, often bitter and sharp, will predominate with a dark roast. Fresh Coffee Beans Great coffee can only come from fresh coffee beans, properly roasted. Many experts recommend buying beans roasted no darker than a medium roast, the color of which appears as an even chocolate brown. This roast preserves the natural sugars and flavor of the bean, and sets the stage for an excellent cup of coffee. A medium roast is the darkest a bean can be roasted without oils developing on the surface. To preserve the freshness of coffee beans: Keep beans in an opaque, air-tight container and store them in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not recommended, as condensation tends to form on the beans whenever the container is opened. Freezing can help preserve beans stored for an extended period, but it will also impair the flavor. 24