Frequently Asked Questions

Product and Quality

Arabica represents 70% of world production and is characterized by a sweet, aromatic, and slightly acidic taste. Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and contains twice the caffeine content.

Coffee should be stored in an airtight container, in a dark place, at room temperature (18-22°C). Never store it in the fridge or freezer—moisture and odors will irreparably damage the aroma profile.

Oxygen is the number one enemy: once opened, coffee begins to lose its organoleptic properties. Our bags feature a one-way valve that allows CO2 to escape without letting oxygen in.

Roaster's Tip: Consume within 30 days of opening for the best flavor experience. Whole beans preserve freshness significantly longer than pre-ground coffee.

Coffee reaches its flavor peak between 7 and 30 days after roasting. We roast to order and ship within 48 hours to ensure you receive it at its best.

Freshness Timeline:

  • 0-7 days: Degassing period—wait for espresso use.
  • 7-30 days: OPTIMAL PERIOD—peak aromatic expression.
  • 30-60 days: Good—loses about 20-30% of aromatics.
  • Over 90 days: Not recommended for specialty grade brewing.

Brewing Guide

ESPRESSO: FINE (powder sugar texture). Extraction: 25-30 sec.

MOKA POT: MEDIUM-FINE (table salt). Do not tamp the coffee.

FRENCH PRESS: COARSE (sea salt). 4-minute steep time.

V60/FILTER: MEDIUM (granulated sugar). 2.5-3.5 min brew time.

COLD BREW: VERY COARSE. 12-24 hour infusion.

ESPRESSO: 18-20g for a double shot (1:2 ratio).

MOKA: 6-7g per cup. Fill the basket to the brim without pressing.

FRENCH PRESS: 60-65g per liter of water.

V60: 15-18g per 250ml (1:15 ratio).

PRO TIP: Always use a digital scale for consistency!

IDEAL TEMP: 92-96°C (198-205°F)

  • Below 88°C: Under-extraction (sour, thin).
  • 92-96°C: OPTIMAL for specialty coffee.
  • Above 96°C: Over-extraction (bitter, burnt).

COMMON ERROR: Using boiling water (100°C) burns the delicate oils.

Always grind on demand. Ground coffee loses 60% of its aroma within 15 minutes. Grinding increases the surface area exposed to oxygen by 10,000 times, accelerating oxidation instantly.

Roasting & Process

We use the artisanal drum roasting method (14-18 min). We carefully monitor every stage—drying, Maillard reaction, First Crack, and development—to craft a unique profile for every origin.

LIGHT: High acidity, floral, fruity. Best for Filter/V60.

MEDIUM: Balanced, chocolate, and caramel notes. Versatile.

DARK: Low acidity, full body, cocoa, and spice notes. Best for Espresso.

Through Direct Trade: we build direct relationships with farmers, travel to origins, and select only Specialty Grade (>83 SCA) lots via professional cupping sessions.

Orders & Shipping

Italy: 2-5 business days. EU: 5-8 business days. We roast and ship within 48 hours of your order.

YES! FREE shipping on orders over €20 in Italy. EU shipping rates are calculated at checkout.

SÌ! Come visit us in Codigoro (FE). You can pick up your order for free and enjoy a complimentary tasting. Book your visit at info@santoscaffesnc.it.