How to find the best coffee

Choose pure Arabica beans. Grown at high altitude, they have a far superior flavour to the cheaper Robusta variety.

Make sure the coffee is fresh. Roasting it develops flavour, but once roasted the aromatic oils start to evaporate. Use roast beans within a month, ground coffee within two weeks.

Choose a dark roast coffee. Espresso should be black and strong, never bitter.

Get the grind right. If you do not have a grinder, get your coffee store to grind your coffee for your machine.

Don't settle for an anonymous blend. Choose blends from different areas until you find one that is to your taste.