there are dozens of great coffee spots all over the city, but that original coffee search got me wondering - why is it that we don't drink amazing coffee every day? Especially at home where we control the ingredients and brewing?

After much research and sampling, I learned that the secret is in the freshness of the beans and the consistency of the roast. When it comes to coffee, fresh tastes best. Most coffee we buy is at least a couple months old before it gets to our kitchens. This is true whether we buy from the grocery store or a specialty coffee shop. Unlike wine, coffee does not improve with age and should be used up when fresh, ideally within two months of the roast date.Consistency is another factor. I found it frustrating to discover a really yummy coffee and then either not have that exact coffee available again or, even worse, have it taste completely different the next time I bought it.