Here are the top 7 things you should know about preparing a great cup of coffee.

Coffee Bean Quality – single origin coffees are best and far superior to blended coffees.

Coffee Roast – not all coffee beans can withstand a dark roast and yet, some coffees taste their very best only as a dark roast.

Age of the Roasted Coffee Bean – keep it vacuum sealed, keep it in a cool dry place and open only when you are ready to use it.

Coffee Grind – buy whole bean, grind immediately before use and grind according to the needs of your brewing equipment.

Type of Coffee Brewing Equipment – how do you like your coffee? Drip coffee machines deliver a completely different cup of coffee than a French Press, or an espresso machine.

Temperature of the Water – what a difference just a few degrees can make; the optimal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 95 and 98 degrees celius.

Water Quality – it should go without saying, but let’s say it anyway…always use only fresh water.