Scales for weighing sacks of dried coffee beans ready for roasting coffee at the Hacienda San Alberto. (Buenavista, Quindio). A sophisticated consumer knows that coffee should be consumed freshly prepared. Thus, the drink retains many volatile aromas that tend to get lost in a short time. It is for this reason that the coffee tastes best when freshly prepared. Take it as soon as possible, the coffee deteriorates when stored for more than an hour and should never be reheated or cooked. Maintain the freshness of coffee prepared is a function both of temperature and the conditions in which has the coffee after infusion. Maintain uniform temperature between 80 ° C to 85 ° C in a sealed container without the application of direct heat, keeps a pleasant tasting drink. Although the temperature used is a matter of taste, it is advisable to provide the beverage in the temperature range for hot drinks average of 70 ° C to 80 ° C, so that it is really pleasant. On the issue of conservation, it is important to also consider the conservation of roasted coffee beverage is prepared. Roasted coffee is perishable because air, moisture, heat, oxidizes over time and also absorbs odors. It is therefore a delicate product. To preserve its quality is important to remember: Buy your coffee in a facility that handles proper product rotation. Keep the product tightly closed, avoiding contact with air. After opening the package, it is important to consume in the next few days. This will achieve the original taste. It is better to keep roasted coffee, not ground. Buy quantities consumed quickly. Do not store for long periods of time roasted and / or ground. It is important to note that coffee roasted and packaged in bags normally be considered fresh, when ground, up to a month, and beans for two months, depending of course on the conditions where it is stored. Places with high humidity and high temperature affect negatively the quality and strong. Also key is the quality of packaging. When using high-barrier packaging, with relief valve modified atmosphere can protect flavor and freshness for longer periods. The industrial process can also affect the freshness. Overall a vacuum-packed coffee could have a lifespan of about 18 months. A freeze-dried coffee with similar packaging conditions could have a life even more. In short, always keep in mind that once you opened the package, it is important to store coffee in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. If using roasted coffee beans, grind only the amount you take