Start with clean equipment. Coffee gets its flavor from essential oils in the beans. These oils, however, can cause a stale flavor if they build up. Scrub all coffee equipment, especially metal pots and parts, in hot, soapy water after each use.
Use fresh coffee. Store whole beans and ground coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Unopened cans of vacuum-packed coffee and jars of instant coffee will keep one year at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Once opened, coffee stays fresh for two to three weeks in a cool place, eight weeks in the refrigerator and six months in the freezer.
Use high-quality or gold filters for the best flavor. Poor-quality filters can add an "off" flavor.
Serve coffee immediately after brewing. Use an insulated carafe or jug rather than keeping the pot on a warmer.
Tips for Perfect Coffee comes from the Cook'n with Pillsbury collection. Click here to order this CD or download this brand-name recipe set right now!