FAQ's

**Q: How should I store my Modern Delights coffee beans to maintain freshness?**


A: Since we roast your coffee fresh to order, proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality and flavor notes our farmers worked so hard to develop. Store your beans in an airtight container at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer, as temperature fluctuations can cause condensation that damages the beans. A cool, dark pantry or cabinet works perfectly. Your coffee will taste best within 2-4 weeks of the roast date printed on your bag.


**Q: Should I store whole beans or ground coffee?**


A: Always store whole beans when possible! Coffee begins losing flavor within minutes of grinding due to increased surface area exposure to oxygen. Since we carefully roast each batch to highlight specific flavor notes - like the milk chocolate and dried cherry notes in our upcoming Guatemala blend - grinding just before brewing preserves these delicate characteristics. If you must pre-grind, use your coffee within a week for best results.


**Q: What's the best container for storing coffee?**


A: Use an opaque, airtight container made of ceramic, glass, or food-grade plastic. Avoid clear containers that let in light, which degrades coffee oils. The container should be just large enough for your coffee supply to minimize air exposure. Clean your storage container regularly to prevent oil buildup that can make fresh coffee taste stale.


#### Brewing Method FAQ Responses


**Q: What's the best brewing method for Modern Delights coffee?**


A: The best method depends on your taste preferences and which blend you're enjoying! Our Brooklyn Blend works beautifully in pour-over methods like V60 or Chemex, which highlight its complexity. Our Espresso Roast is specifically developed for espresso machines and moka pots. For our Cold Brew Blend, we recommend a 18-22 hour steep with coarse grounds and filtered cold water. Experiment to find what brings out the flavors you love most - that's part of the coffee journey we're passionate about sharing!


**Q: What coffee-to-water ratio should I use?**


A: Start with a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio (1 gram coffee to 15-17 grams water) for most brewing methods. For stronger coffee, use 1:14. For our Cold Brew Blend, try 1:8 for concentrate that you can dilute. Since our beans are roasted to highlight specific origin characteristics, you might find certain blends taste better with slight ratio adjustments. Keep notes on what works best for your palate!


**Q: What water temperature is ideal for brewing?**


A: Use water between 195-205°F (90-96°C) for hot brewing methods. If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds. Water that's too hot will over-extract and create bitter flavors, while water that's too cool won't properly extract the beautiful flavor compounds our roasting process develops. For our Mexico Decaf, slightly cooler water (around 195°F) often works best.


**Q: How fine should I grind my coffee?**


A: Grind size depends on your brewing method and affects extraction time. Use coarse grounds for cold brew and French press, medium for drip coffee makers, medium-fine for pour-over, and fine for espresso. Since we roast each origin to highlight specific characteristics, proper grind size ensures you taste the work of both our roasting and the farmers' cultivation. When in doubt, start medium and adjust based on taste - bitter coffee usually means too fine, while sour coffee suggests too coarse.


#### Blend-Specific Recommendations


**Q: Any special tips for brewing specific Modern Delights blends?**


A: Absolutely! Our Brooklyn Blend shines with pour-over methods that let you taste its full complexity. The Cold Brew Blend is formulated specifically for cold extraction - it'll taste different if brewed hot. Our Espresso Roast is designed for pressure brewing and makes excellent espresso or moka pot coffee. Mexico Decaf responds well to slightly gentler brewing parameters since decaffeination affects the bean structure. Try our Sample Pouches to experiment with different brewing methods before committing to a full bag!


### Product & Ordering FAQs


**Q: What makes Modern Delights coffee different from grocery store coffee?**


A: We specialize in limited-harvest Arabica beans sourced from specific regions across the coffee belt, each with unique flavor profiles shaped by their terroir. Unlike mass-produced coffee that sits on shelves for months, we roast your order fresh - meaning your beans are roasted specifically for you after you place your order. This ensures maximum freshness and allows you to experience the true character of each origin, from the milk chocolate notes of our upcoming Guatemala blend to the carefully balanced profile of our Brooklyn Blend.


**Q: Why are some products showing as sold out?**


A: Since we roast fresh to order and source limited-harvest beans, availability can vary based on seasonal harvests and our small-batch roasting schedule. Popular items like our Brooklyn 11oz Mug, Brooklyn Blend 12oz Tin, and Sample Pouches sometimes sell out quickly. Sign up for our email newsletter to get notified when sold-out items are back in stock, and follow us on Instagram @moderndelightscafe for real-time updates on product availability.


**Q: What's the difference between your coffee blends?**


A: Each blend is crafted to highlight different flavor experiences:

- **Brooklyn Blend** ($22+): Our signature blend with complex, balanced flavors perfect for everyday brewing

- **Cold Brew Blend** ($25+): Specifically formulated for cold extraction methods, creating smooth, less acidic coffee

- **Espresso Roast** ($22+): Developed for pressure brewing methods like espresso machines and moka pots

- **Mexico Decaf** ($22+): Full-bodied decaffeinated option that doesn't compromise on flavor

Try our $5 Sample Pouches to discover which blend suits your taste preferences best!


### Wholesale & Business FAQs


**Q: Do you offer wholesale pricing for businesses?**


A: Absolutely! We work with local businesses, cafes, and event planners. Our wholesale pricing includes:

- 5lb bags: $100 each

- 10+ bags: $85 per bag

- 35+ bags: $75 per bag

- Sample pouches available with tiered pricing

- One-time label design fee: $50 for custom branding

Contact us through our website for a detailed wholesale quote and to discuss your specific needs.


**Q: Can you provide coffee for events or special occasions?**


A: Yes! We love being part of special moments. Our wholesale options work great for events, and we can provide sample pouches for guests to take home. While our bar cart services are currently in the planning stage, we can work with you on bulk orders and custom packaging solutions. Reach out to discuss your event needs and timeline.


### Freshness & Quality FAQs


**Q: How fresh is my coffee when it arrives?**


A: Your coffee is roasted fresh to order, meaning we don't roast your beans until after you place your order. This ensures you receive coffee at its peak freshness, typically within days of roasting. Each bag includes the roast date so you know exactly when your coffee was prepared. This fresh-roasted approach is part of our commitment to delivering the quality that honors the farmers' hard work.


**Q: What does "limited-harvest" mean?**


A: Limited-harvest refers to our focus on sourcing beans from specific seasonal harvests rather than year-round commercial blends. This means we work with smaller quantities of higher-quality beans that showcase the unique characteristics of their growing region and harvest conditions. It's like choosing a vintage wine - each harvest has its own personality based on that year's weather, soil conditions, and farming practices.


**Q: How do you ensure quality in your roasting process?**


A: As head roaster, I personally oversee each batch to ensure consistency and quality. We roast in small batches to maintain control over the process and highlight each origin's unique characteristics. Our roasting profiles are developed specifically for each bean type to bring out their best flavors - whether that's the stone fruit notes in our Guatemala blend or the balanced profile of our Brooklyn Blend.


### Shipping & Payment FAQs


**Q: What payment methods do you accept?**


A: We accept all major payment methods for your convenience: American Express, Apple Pay, Discover, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, Venmo, and Visa. Our secure Shopify checkout makes ordering quick and easy.


**Q: Do you ship nationwide?**


A: Yes! Since we roast fresh to order, we can ship our specialty coffee anywhere in the US. Shipping details and timing are provided at checkout. We package carefully to ensure your coffee arrives in perfect condition, ready to brew.


### Sustainability & Sourcing FAQs


**Q: How do you source your coffee beans?**


A: We source specialty-graded Arabica beans from various regions across the coffee belt through trusted third-party suppliers. While we don't currently have direct farm relationships, we prioritize beans that meet our quality standards and support sustainable farming practices. We're passionate about educating our customers on the environmental impact and origin story of each coffee we offer.


**Q: What should I know about the environmental impact of my coffee?**


A: Coffee farming has significant environmental considerations, from water usage to soil health to biodiversity. We believe in educating our customers about these impacts because understanding your coffee's journey makes each cup more meaningful. The regions we source from - like Guatemala and Mexico - face unique environmental challenges, and supporting quality coffee helps sustain farming communities and their land stewardship practices.


### Brewing Support FAQs


**Q: I'm new to specialty coffee - where should I start?**


A: Welcome to the world of specialty coffee! Start with our Sample Pouches ($5 each) to explore different flavor profiles without committing to full bags. Our Brooklyn Blend is a great introduction to specialty coffee with its balanced, approachable flavor. Begin with a simple brewing method like a drip coffee maker or French press, then experiment as you discover what you enjoy most.


**Q: My coffee tastes different than expected - what might be wrong?**


A: Several factors affect taste: grind size, water temperature, brewing time, and coffee-to-water ratio. Since our beans are roasted to highlight specific characteristics, small changes in brewing can significantly impact flavor. Try adjusting one variable at a time - if it's bitter, use a coarser grind or cooler water; if it's sour or weak, try a finer grind or hotter water. Don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to help you get the perfect cup!


### Community & Updates FAQs


**Q: How can I stay updated on new products and availability?**


A: Join our email newsletter for exclusive updates on new blends, restocked items, and coffee education content. Follow us on Instagram @moderndelightscafe for behind-the-scenes roasting content, brewing tips, and real-time product updates. We love sharing the story behind each coffee and connecting with our community of coffee enthusiasts.


**Q: Do you offer coffee education or brewing classes?**


A: While we don't currently offer formal classes, education is at the heart of what we do! Our website, social media, and email newsletter regularly feature brewing tips, origin stories, and coffee science. We're always happy to answer questions about brewing techniques or help you troubleshoot your coffee experience.