quick note on coffee.
The flavor we extract from coffee comes from the oils in the beans. When we grind the beans we are able to get at the oils. The finer the grind, the more we can extract.
Suprisingly, the darker the roast, the deeper the flavor....but with less caffeine. Roasting actually breaks down the caffeine molecules, and the darker the roast, the less caffeine content. Thats why you get more caffeine from a cup of breakfast roast (light-medium roast) than you do from a pulled doppio shot of espresso (very dark roast, fine grind).
Storage of beans is one thing that people have a lot of trouble agreeing on. Like tobacco,(another item that gets flavoring from oils) storing in a cool place can keep the items from going rancid and prolong life and flavor. However, storing in a frozen place can do more damage than good. getting below the freezing point can not only cause chemical changes in the oils and the flavonoids in the oils, but any existing moisture can cause micro-crystalline fractures in the goods, when the moisture turns to ice. This leads to breakdown in the items and loss of flavor. Short term freezing normally doesn't do much damage and can prolong life, long term freezing can do damage, plus the fact that oils are little magnets for floating flavors/smells/odors in the freezer (they do exist, even if you don't notice them...don't believe me...place some oil in an ice tray or shallow bowl in the freezer for a month....let it defrost and smell it afterwards..)
If you look back into olden times(civil war and before), a lot of travelers and soldiers would carry green beans, and roast them in the field before grinding and brewing. Keeping beans whole and grinding as needed has been a long popular way among coffee aficionado's to ensure the best flavors, and it does work because once ground the oils are exposed and start the breakdown process.
But, the most popular method among the military since WWII is Freeze Dried. Freeze dried has been featured in almost all rations since C-rations were introduced. Mountain House has proven that Freeze Dried foods, as long as they are kept sealed and dry, can retain flavor for at least 30 years.
One of the best cups of coffee I have had was a Coffee, Type 1 out of a 38 year old Meal, Combat Individual. Other reviewers have had FD coffee from as far back as Korea, that has been absolutely fine. Plus, all you need for FD coffee is water. No roasting, no brewing, no grinding....just add to water, add cream or sweetener, and enjoy.
