Frequently Asked Questions . . .
1. Where can I buy Princess Valiant Coffee on the Olympic Peninsula? See the Locations Page.
2. How should coffee be stored?
Whole bean coffee should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard — not a refrigerator. The enemies of coffee are air, heat and light. Keep it in an airtight container with a good seal, and only purchase what you will use in a few weeks at most. If you must keep it longer, freezing is acceptable but the coffee won't be at its best once frozen.
4. What is the best type of coffee grinder?
A burr grinder is better than the little whirly-blade grinders. The latter doesn't give a consistent grind — creates both powder and chunks, which isn't as bad for drip coffee with a paper filter but in a French Press makes for lots of "schmutz" in the bottom. Good burr grinders aren't cheap. Check out www.sweetmarias.com for reviews and good products.
5. What's the best way to brew coffee?
The Aeropress is best for a one-cup brew, and produces coffee close to espresso. A French press is great, though it is a little messy. When brewing in an Aeropress or French Press, when pouring the hot water in you should notice a bubbling or foaming action called "bloom" that is an indicator of fresh-roasted, quality coffree. No bloom? — old beans. For automatic drip, the new Krups Dahlstrom is good — available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The "turbo" version of this brewer at Williams Sonoma is rumored to be very noisy. Check out www.sweetmarias.com and www.coffeegeek.com for the scoop on everything coffee!
French Press tips:
Use the finest even grind coffee you can, but coarse enough so grinds don't pass through the filter. A little more coarse than filter drip is best. A burr-type grinder is best. If a "whirly-blade" grinder is used, you can't get a consistent grind and sediment will get through. Use 1/3 cup of whole beans, and see where your preference is from there. While you're grinding — pull the lid and plunger out of the glass beaker and preheat the French Press pot with hot tap water.
Put the ground coffee into the pot. Pour a cup of 195 to 200 degree water (about 30 seconds off the boil) into the press. The water temperature is critical. Stir the coffee so that no dry islands are present, and let the coffee "bloom" or bubble for a few seconds as it releases the goodness of the bean. Add the rest of the water, and stir. The water/coffee needs to be just at, or a little below the bottom of the beaker spout.
Pick up the plunger by the knob so that the lid is down against the screen. Place it lightly on top of the press so that it keeps the heat in, but does not start to push down on the grounds. Leave it for 4 minutes. I wrap a kitchen towel around the press to keep the heat in. After 4 minutes remove the lid and briefly stir the coffee with a plastic or wooden spoon. (Not all the grinds sink, they resurface at the top again.) Replace the top.
Now the plunge: Hold the lid in place with one hand, and carefully start to push slowly on the knob at the top to force the plunger screen downward, pushing the grinds with it to the bottom. Take care right at first, because its easy to have the filter disc in crooked and allow a flurry of grounds to escape around it. If disaster strikes, don't worry. Just pull out the plunger and lid, rinse quickly in hot water, and start over right away. Push steadily and the plunger should reach the bottom in 20-30 seconds or less. There should be some resistance. Pour and serve! Coffee is best right away, within the first 10 minutes. If you must save part of it, put it in a well insulated thermal carafe preheated with hot tap water.
6. How do I roast coffee at home?
Check the Homeroasting forum at www.coffeegeek.com for instructions on roasting via various appliances and methods. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area!
7. Does Princess Valiant Coffee sell green coffee beans?
Yes — please click onthe Green Coffee page for coffee to see what's available for home roasters. E-mail what you're interested in and I'll provide the price. Up to about 15 lbs. can be shipped in USPS Flat Rate Boxes.
8. Does Princess Valiant Coffee create espresso blends?
Yes. We can discuss the espresso profile you're interested in and provide a great blend.
9. Can I buy wholesale from Princess Valiant Coffee?
Yes, but I don't post those prices. We can talk about what your company needs and a quote will be provided. I do not provide "free" coffee brewing equipment to restaurants, however, as that requires major capital and getting into the coffee brewing equipment maintenance business as well. I can sell drip brewing equipment at a deeply discounted rate with a contract for whole bean coffee.
10. I'm interested in a fundraiser coffee for my favorite charity or service organization.
For institutions or organizations/clubs/teams interested in selling coffee as a fundraiser, I can provide fresh, roasted-to-order coffee with your logo — or we can create a suitable label. Pricing is determined by the coffee and volume purchased. Payment is expected at the time of purchase, and there is a small charge for ground coffee.
11. Can coffee that I purchase online be shipped internationally?
Yes — I ship coffee all over the world.
12. Where can I learn more about coffee in general?
I like www.coffeegeek.com and www.sweetmarias.com.