Coffee grows in tropical and subtropical climates, from sea level up to 6,000 ft. It is found mainly in volcanic soil types, predominately between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Coffee trees can grow to a height exceeding 20 ft. and will produce their best fruit yield for approximately 25 years. The coffee tree is self-pollinating, with Jasmine-scented blossoms. The trees produce a fruit called "cherries." Arabica beans make up 75% of all commercial coffees sold. Arabica beans require very special care and must grow on hillsides above 2,000 ft., with best results at 5,000 ft. Fertile soil with an adequate supply of essential mineral elements, temperature, moisture, friability, pH, drainage and degree and orientation of slope are important. Volcanic soils are favorable for coffee. With frost the trees will die, but they cannot take extremes of heat either. Ideally, rainfall should be between 60 - 100 inches of water per year, with a peak wet season, moderate wind and high humidity. Arabica beans prefers well drained volcanic soil, two hours of sunshine a day and shade, whether by cloud cover (as in Hawaii) by trellises (as in Brazil), or by naturally larger trees (as in Ethiopia).

Melitta uses a wide range of premium coffee beans to acheive its signature flavor profiles. These beans come from countries such as Guatamala, Colombia, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Brazil.

Melitta currently uses two methods of decaffeination. Our Café de Europa Riviera Sunset uses a water process: Unroasted coffee beans are immersed in heated water for several hours to remove the water-soluble caffeine present in the beans, as well as those coffee components that easily dissolve in water. The water is then drained from the beans and filtered or processed to remove the caffeine from the water. This decaffeinated water is then reintroduced to the coffee beans, allowing the flavor and aroma components to be absorbed by the coffee. Finally, the coffee is dried and ready for roasting.

Our Classic Blend Decaf coffee uses an Ethyl Acetate Decaffeination process: Ethyl acetate occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. The substance itself is a colorless liquid with a fruit-like odor. Unroasted coffee beans are soaked in the liquid to remove the caffeine, and the ethyl acetate and caffeine are then separated by evaporation.

To brew Melitta's Extra Fine Grind Premium Coffees, start by using two level teaspoons for each 6 ounces of fresh water. Melitta coffee scoops help you measure your coffee perfectly! To receive a coffee scoop, please contact us at 888-635-4882.

Of course, depending on your personal preference in coffee strength and flavor, you may want to revise the measurements to suit your taste. See "Why is grind so important?" for more information about brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Coffee should be ground to match the brewing process and the coffeemaker you are using. For example, slower brewing devices (urn, French press and percolator) need coarsely ground coffee, as the longer brewing process requires a slower extraction. If the coffee is ground incorrectly, you’ll get either very strong, thick coffee or very weak, thin coffee.

Coffee can be purchased already ground, or, if whole bean coffee is your choice, you'll use a mill or grinder to achieve the right grind. If you use a cone brewer, you should use an extra fine grind coffee such as Melitta Classic Blend or decaffeinated. Melitta Extra Fine Grind allows you to use less coffee to extract more flavor.

While we highly recommend the cone coffee making system, if you have a basket coffeemaker or use a percolator, you should use medium or coarse grind, respectively. The rule of thumb is the finer the grind, the more flavor you extract, using less coffee.

Always store your coffee in an airtight container away from direct light, heat and exposure to moisture. Ground coffee will begin staling soon after the package is opened, so storing it in an airtight container is crucial. An airtight container keeps out odors and protects the internal moisture of the coffee bean, in the case of whole bean. Direct light and heat will begin to degrade the coffee oils, and will affect the flavor and aroma properties. Melitta packaging goes a long way to ensure the freshness of coffee, but once the can or the bag is opened oxygen, light and heat will affect whole bean and ground coffee if not protected from these elements.

To ensure at ­home freshness, coffee can be stored temporarily in opaque, tightly sealed canister and kept in a cabinet or pantry at room temperature. Coffee can also be stored in the refrigerator, with all same precautions taken. It is not advisable storing coffee in the freezer unless properly protected, airtight containers are crucial; freezing will negatively impact the natural oils and crystallize the moisture. If not properly protected ice particles will adversely affect the flavor and aroma qualities of the coffee.

To learn more, check out Tips to a Better Cup.

Melitta coffee products are 100% coffee with no additives. Melitta does produce and sell flavored coffees that contain artificial flavorings.

Coffee beans are graded based on bean size, and total number of defects found in a sample. The standards for grading coffee are universal, and are used by producers, processors and roasters, and by the coffee commodity exchange. Other tests for the coffee include raw color, raw aroma, roasted aroma, roasted taste, moisture and density.
Melitta's coffee experts analyze the grade and quality of each delivery of coffee. After a full compliment of tests are performed, they make a decision regarding the overall quality of the coffee delivery. If the coffee is not consistent with Melitta's strict standards, the coffee is not used.

Caffeine is a bitter, odorless white powder that occurs naturally in many plants commonly used in foods and beverages, including tea leaves, cocoa beans, cola nuts and coffee beans. Caffeine levels differ depending on the species of the bean.

Both these Melitta coffee products are made from premium coffee beans, fire roasted in small batches, ground extra fine in true European tradition and packaged with a vacuum seal for ultimate freshness.

Melitta Colombian Supreme contains coffee predominantly grown in the country of Colombia, as well as other countries located in the Latin America region of the "Bean Belt." Colombian Supreme has a distinct richness with sharp acidity, and a pleasing mellow finish.

Melitta Classic Blend features a blend of premium coffees from several different countries and has a sharp acidity matched with an equally rich body and a clean finish.

Melitta's canned, Cafe de Europa bagged, and single serve capsule coffee products are all certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. The Melitta roasting facility is inspected by a Rabbi representing the Orthodox Union every three months to ensure full compliance with kosher laws and restrictions.

There is no added sugar in any of our flavored coffees.

All of our filters are chlorine free, it is really about consumer preference. You will experience the same great tasting coffee using either product.