Exercise 1 - solution (model answer)

1. Buy whole beans and grind just before brewing (ground coffee deteriorates faster; optimal about 15 minutes).
2. Buy coffee roasted recently; roasted coffee's optimal shelf life is about two weeks (check whether the bag shows a roast date).
3. Choose species, origin and processing to suit your taste: arabica sweeter, robusta more bitter with more caffeine.
4. Store in a bag or container that lets gas out or keeps air out; the sources mention a one-way valve bag (fridge, freezer or light advice is not in the sources) (check).
5. Check labels such as Fairtrade, but treat them as a starting point because the evidence on their impact is mixed.