We're committed to creating a higher quality of life for our coffee communities all over the world, and a better cup of coffee for you. That's why we're excited to announce that one of our best-selling and most loved coffees, Green Mountain Coffee® Nantucket Blend®, is now one hundred percent Fair Trade Certified™!

That’s right. One hundred percent fair trade!

This means approximately five million pounds of our coffee will switch to being fair trade this fiscal year alone!  That's almost $1 million in fair trade social premiums that go back to the farmers each year.  Named the world’s largest purchaser of Fair Trade coffees in 2010 and 2011, this is just another step in toward our commitment to support fair trade - and other opportunity to share the great quality and familiar tastes that a conversion of such a beloved coffee can do for fans!

Take part in our quest to do good and pop in a Fair Trade Nantucket Blend K-Cup® in your Keurig® brewer.  Brew a Better Day™!

Today marks Single Awareness Day. While couples take time to show they care for their other half on Valentine’s Day, singles everywhere should take today to show some love to themselves. And what better way than to brew something just for yourself, one cup at a time?  Here is a list of our teams’ favorite K-Cup® packs that will make your Single Awareness Day the best it can be.

1. 1.  Café Escapes® Chai Latte is a black tea blended with spices and sweet and creamy milk. It’s okay to take a little "me-time" for once and fully enjoy a delicious beverage, just for you.

2. 2.  It’s all about you and your wellness when you brew a cup of Green Mountain Coffee® Focus Blend™. Part of our Wellness Collection, this coffee helps make sure you are primed to get the most out of your day.

3. 3.   Take a sip of Barista Prima® Italian Roast  and close your eyes. Instantly, you will be transported to one of Europe’s finest coffee houses. Who doesn’t love a mini vacation?

4. 4.   Green Mountain Coffee® Special Reserve Colombia Geisha  is the rarest coffee that we offer. Try a cup of this limited edition brew and treat yourself to the finer things in life.  

5. 5.   Celestial Seasonings® Sleepytime® K-Cup® Herbal Tea is the perfect way to help you unwind and get a good night's sleep. Nothing is more important than getting that full seven hours a night, so you can be the best you can be!

 

Which will you treat yourself to today?

 

Today marks a first for Green Mountain Coffee® Special Reserve.  For years we’ve offered exquisite, rare coffees in limited supply through our Special Reserve collection, but this marks the first time it is also available in K-Cup® packs for Keurig® brewers, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!  Introducing the latest Green Mountain Coffee Special Reserve, Colombia Geisha:

I recently had the opportunity to visit the farm where this coffee is grown and to get a rare, first-hand glimpse into the process that is meticulously followed to bring you this amazing coffee.  I was astounded to learn of the care and dedication that is put into each step of growing, harvesting and processing this coffee.  For example, only the tiny plants in the nurseries with straight roots are used for growing the Geisha varietal.   The coffee cherry pickers are trained for four-twelve months to ensure only the best cherries are selected.  Plus, once harvested, the coffee is processed in a wet mill that is dedicated for Geisha and is then dried in a mechanical dryer so the flavors are preserved.   That’s a lot of extra care and consideration – which you can taste in every cup. 

While we were in Colombia at Finca Cerro Azul, we had the opportunity to go and cup a variety of coffees, and when I got to Sample #4, I had my ah-ha moment.  I instantly knew that the coffee I just tasted was this Special Reserve – it was no ordinary coffee.  This coffee is known for its sweet, dynamic citrus-like flavor profile.  As you sip it, it turns gently from honey to blood orange, with hints of juicy cherry, lime and orange blossoms. 

I’ll take a lot away from this trip, but the most important is that the coffee I sip on while getting ready each morning will never be seen as “just a cup of coffee” ever again!  I hope you enjoy this coffee as much as I do!

Colombia Geisha  is available online in whole bean bags and K-Cup®  packs, while supplies last, exclusively on www.GreenMountainCoffee.com and www.Keurig.com.

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  And yes, I am singing that line - because right now is Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice time. My favorite of all Green Mountain Coffee® blends, made even better because it is Fair Trade Certified™. I big puffy heart developing recipes around all the Green Mountain Coffees that I do, but anyone who's known me for a while knows that Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice is the end-all, be-all in my coffee world. Developing a recipe with this scrumptious coffee is a highlight for me every Fall.

Let's talk about classic combinations for a second. Peanut butter and jelly. Cookies and milk. Doughnuts and coffee. Just a few simple ingredients: pumpkin doughnuts from your favorite bakery, vanilla pudding with a Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice kick, and fresh, decadent whipped cream. Put them together and what have you got? Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice Coffee & Doughnuts Trifle! Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice coffee provides the perfect flavor profile for a decadent Autumnal dessert fancy enough for Thanksgiving, but also at home on a Tuesday. These trifles are make-ahead, and look adorable in mini trifle cups or Mason jars, which also means they'd be easy to transport to the next football tailgate too. Just a couple of Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice K-Cup® packs and you'll be on your way. Just make sure you get your K-Cup® packs ordered soon. They're known to sell out quickly!

Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice Coffee & Doughnuts Trifle

serves 8

Ingredients

4 Pumpkin doughnuts from your favorite bakery (Cake doughnuts with a sugar glaze work best.)
1 3 oz package Vanilla Cook & Serve Pudding
3 8 fl oz cups Green Mountain Coffee Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice coffee, divided
2 pints heavy whipping cream, divided
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons granulated sugar Pumpkin Pie Spice for garnish

Directions

Prepare the vanilla pudding mix. The cook and serve style calls for 2 cups of milk on the package. Instead, use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream (You will have 3 cups of heavy whipping cream left over) and brew one cup of Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice coffee. Add both to a small saucepan, and then add the pudding mix.

Stir constantly over medium heat until just reaching a bubbling boil. Remove from heat, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place the pudding in the refrigerator - it will thicken as it cools.

After about an hour, the pudding should be the perfect consistency, and nicely chilled.

Slice each of the doughnuts in half, and then chop each halve into smaller pieces. Fit 1/2 a donut into each vessel, whether it be a mini trifle cup or an 8 oz mason jar.

Brew two 8 oz cups of Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice Coffee. Pour 2 oz (the size of a shot glass) over the pumpkin doughnut pieces in each vessel and set aside.

Spoon about 3-4 tablespoonfuls of pudding over the donuts in each serving glass. Distribute evenly among the glasses until all the pudding is used.

Add the remaining cream to a large bowl, along with the pure vanilla extract and granulated sugar. Whip on high speed in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until the cream has stiff peaks.

Spoon whipped cream over the pudding layer in each trifle, making sure each cup gets an equal amount until the cream is all gone.

Cover each trifle with plastic wrap (or screw on lids if you're using mason jars) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle each trifle lightly with pumpkin pie spice for garnish.

Trifles can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

 

[Psst - if you go over to Bluebonnets & Brownies, there's a Pumpkin Spice giveaway going on, too!  Go on over and check-it out!]

Who doesn’t love a potluck?

It’s the trifecta of good things: Friends, mingling, and great food – the signature items that you bring plus a slew of dishes you’d have never thought to make yourself.  A buffet of creativity that you get to enjoy with your best buds.  Win, win, win all around.

Those are just some of the reasons why we’re excitedly packing our bags for this weekend’s Big Summer Potluck, an annual gathering of food lovers put on by The Ivory Hut and Three Many Cooks.  It’s three days jam-packed with schmoozing with old and new friends, workshops galore, and of course, dishes from some of the best cooks around – the hosts and attendees!  Some of our very own K-Cup^® Ambassadors will even be on the ground, taking the weekend in for all its foodie worth and sharing the K-Cup^® love.    

So, what does a coffee company bring to a potluck?  We do have a lot of spectacular recipes using Green Mountain Coffee^® varieties thanks to Bluebonnets & Brownies, so we have some options. 

But let’s be honest: when it’s 8 AM on Saturday and you’re in need of a revelation, what do you want?  Coffee – hot and caffeinated.  When it’s 3 PM in the summer after a full day of inspiring workshops, what do you need? Coffee – cool and creamy.  Iced, hot, and creatively mixed (we’re talking to you, K-Cup^®  Mixologists!) we’ll be bringing a pallet of Green Mountain Coffee^® K-Cup^® packs for Big Summer Potluck guests to enjoy throughout the day.     

If you can’t make it to Big Summer Potluck, don’t worry!  Follow the weekend activity on Twitter with hasttag #bsp3 and have your own potluck at home! What’s your go-to potluck dish?  Wild Mountain Blueberry™ Pound Cake is a showstopper with crowds!

With summer now in full swing I must admit I have found myself struggling to keep my cool when it is 95 ̊degrees outside. Add to that 80-90% humidity and you have all the ingredients for a sweaty afternoon. This past weekend I developed a recipe of my own to add some refreshment to these seemingly endless days of heat of humidity. Drum roll please! Introducing the French Vanilla Coffee Gelato!  Please see the recipe below and let me know what you think! 

French Vanilla Coffee Gelato
 

1- Green Mountain Coffee® French Vanilla Iced Coffee K-Cup® pack on 4 oz. setting
1/2 C sugar
2 2/3 C milk - 2% or whole is best
2/3C heavy cream

• Brew K-Cup® pack on 4 oz setting.
• Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Measure out milk and cream and add cooled coffee to mixture. Mix well.
• Add mixture to ice cream maker. Prepare according to directions provided with your ice cream maker.

Enjoy!

 

Yesterday was not only the first official day of summer, but here in Vermont the temperature reached a record-breaking 95 degrees! While we native Vermonters are used to winter conditions – it can snow anytime between November and April around these parts – this heat wave is really throwing us for a loop. We know how to keep warm with a down snowsuit, a hand-knit hat, and a steamy mug of coffee but keeping cool is a new phenomenon altogether.

As someone who drives a non-air-conditioned truck, and whose house is kept cool by a series of fans and open windows, beating the heat can be a bit of an art form. These past two days have seen me relying on my Keurig® brewer to chill me out, brewing cup after cup (after cup, after cup) of my favorite Brew Over Ice iced beverages.  I’ve been drinking my favorite summer treat, Brew Over Ice Nantucket Blend Iced Coffee, to both cool me down, and perk me up.  Until today.

You can imagine my horror today when I realized I was not the only one at the office using Brew Over Ice to beat this week’s heat – when I went to the break room to make myself a cup, I discovered the box of Nantucket Blend Iced coffee was completely empty! After frantically searching for just one more K-Cup® pack, I had to accept that I was going to find a different way to refresh myself.

I decided to try and fend off my disappointment, and the high temperatures, with the Original Donut Shop’s new Sweet and Creamy Nutty Hazelnut Iced Coffee. After all, it was sitting right next to my beloved Nantucket Blend on the shelf. I filled up my plastic cup with ice, popped the K-Cup® pack in the brewer, and pressed the 8-oz. brew setting. I took a curious first sip, and then another deep slurp. The mix of toasty hazelnut and coffee flavors, and the sweet cream notes was the perfect way to beat the heat, and give me that afternoon perk I craved.

I think I’ve just found the best way for a Vermonter to keep cool in the summer months - how are you beating the heat today?

 

I wasn't going to waste a second of the gorgeous spring weather, so I gathered a couple of buddies for some pickup games at the rec park. It was nice to shed sweaters and raincoats in favor of a t-shirt and shorts as we took in the warm sunshine. We started off with some half-field soccer and finished up by just throwing a Frisbee around for the last couple hours - just how a nice spring afternoon should be spent.

Honestly, one of my favorite parts of playing with close friends on the weekends is the sideline banter. Even though we don't take our games all that seriously, we all have a bit of a competitive side that tends to come out as we play. The amount of good-natured trash talk that's thrown around during our water breaks is hilarious and makes the games much more fun. Minor boasting turns into bragging, and soon enough it just goes straight to outright insults.

We had all gotten so used to the cool, rainy weather that we all forgot how hot it gets running around in the sun all day. By the end of the afternoon, we were all a little burned, or parched, or both and looking for a cool place to relax. I invited everyone back to my house, which happens to be the closest and the one with by far the best selection of iced tea and iced coffee (might have something to do with working for a coffee company...) . Luckily, I stocked up on plenty of K-Cup® packs for my Keurig® brewer before the weekend, so I had plenty to go around.

Some of my friends are relative newcomers to the one-touch convenience of the Keurig® system, and they were especially surprised by the Brew Over Ice varieties. It only took a quick demo before I had requests for both iced tea and iced coffee - vital caffeine supplements to help us recover from our post-sports malaise.

All in all, it was a great afternoon with the guys that I hope we can keep going all spring and summer long. Here's to hoping that Mother Nature is willing to play along with the good weather...

While I wasn't initially planning on moving in with my girlfriend, Lena, so young - even though we've been dating since high school - I've found that it's been a really great experience for both personal and financial reasons. I wouldn't recommend that everyone live with their significant other right out of college, it seems to be working for me.

I shouldn't be too surprised that the two of us make such good roommates - after all, we have a number of similar interests, including - what else? - coffee. I can recall one instance in college when Lena and I were preparing for a final exam - we probably each bought about six or seven cups of coffee that day. Needless to say, that caffeine binge cost us both a pretty penny at the local coffee shop, although when it comes to money, living in the post-college world has showed us both that undergraduate studies are nothing compared to professional life. 

More than just cheaper rent, Lena and I save an immense amount of money by splitting most of our costs right down the middle. In particular, we still tend to blow a lot of money on coffee every week, so sharing the cost of Green Mountain Coffee® and our Keurig® makes enjoying multiple cups a day (and we do) much easier on our bank accounts. Now we can pack up a couple of travel mugs full of our favorite French Roast or Donut House® K-Cup® packs before work - avoiding the trouble of running to the coffee shop several times a day.

There have certainly been some road bumps along the way, but I can safely say that moving in with my girlfriend has unexpectedly become one of the best decisions of my life.

I’ve always believed that a penny saved is a penny earned. But, if you’re like me, you know the only reason people save money is so they can eventually spend it. The money that Café Express® members save yearly on their favorite Vue™ Pack and K-Cup® coffees, bagged coffee, Keurig® Single Cup Brewers  and coffee accessories allows them to buy the things they really want in life.  Here’s a list of our top 5 ways some of our members want to spend the money saved with the Café Express® Savings Club.

5. A Trip to the Spa

Everybody deserves to be pampered once in a while. The spa is a great way to rejuvenate your body and mind for a relatively low price.

4. Ski Lift Tickets

We may be biased living here in Vermont but we think the best way to enjoy the fruits of our labor is to go skiing down a snow covered slope at top speed. If winter is your season too, then this may be the perfect way to spend your Café Express savings.  And then enjoy a piping hot cup of Double Black Diamond® in the lodge.

3. Outdoor Gear

It’s time to do away with your thirty year old (AKA stinky) outdoor recreation gear and get new stuff. New gear will help keep you on your game in the great outdoors while enjoying Mother Nature in style.

2. Theme Park Tickets

Nothing brings back childhood memories more than screaming like a little girl on your local park’s roller coaster. For the non-thrill seekers there is always the Ferris wheel and plenty of fried dough. Theme parks are always a great way to put some excitement in your summer.

1. The New Keurig® Vue™ Brewer

The Keurig Vue Brewing System gives all Keurig® fanatics more beverage and brewing options than ever before. I personally love the new Café Beverages like Vanilla Latte and Sweetened Cappuccino. This new brewer will be on the top of everyone’s list!

Even though the cooler months are coming to an end, a nice mug of Hot Cocoa from our Keurig^® brewer can be a warm welcome on a chilly morning or a ray of sunshine on a grey, uninviting day.

When our family comes home from a late afternoon walk and everyone’s hands and noses are a little cold, there isn’t a more comforting feeling than a warm drink in your hands.  Typically, I love sipping on Swiss Miss^® Cocoa K-Cup^® and Dad likes to sit back with a strong cup of coffee, but on weekend afternoons, the whole family gravitates towards hot cocoa. And every weekend we end up in the same debate: which is the best K-Cup^® hot cocoa?

We keep a variety of Café Escapes^® K-Cup® packs on hand - Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and even Café Mocha for when we need a little extra kick. Now that we’ve discovered the Swiss Miss^® Cocoa K-Cup^® pack, we keep those stocked up for when the nieces and nephews come over, too!

The kids love the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa, which is rich and creamy, and Dad goes for the sophisticated flavor of the Cafe Escapes Dark Chocolate. I prefer the Milk Chocolate - classic, sweet, and really decadent!

No matter how long we discuss it, there’s really no way to settle this debate - each flavor has its own appeal. You just have to try them for yourself.

In our family, the best hot cocoa K-Cup^® pack is topped with a healthy dollop of whipped cream. I sometimes add extra goodies, like marshmallows, sprinkles, a stick of cinnamon, or a little cocoa sprinkled lightly over everything. Yum!

I often get asked by my family and friends, “Where can I get K-Cup® coupons?” or “How can I save money on my K-Cup® packs?” I drink a lot of coffee, so I found out awhile back that one of the best ways to save on K-Cup® packs is through our Café Express® Savings Club.  As a club member, every time you shop at Green Mountain Coffee® you’ll get great savings (15% off!)on Keurig® K-Cup® and Vue™ packs, bagged coffee, gifts, coffee makers & coffee accessories.

I shared this with the family and they were thrilled, especially Uncle Morty!  I’ll admit: To stop the “Where can I get K-Cup® coupons,” question, I’ve given Café Express® Savings Club memberships to my family and friends during the holidays.  It’s a special way to treat every coffee lover on my list throughout the year (and get major brownie points).

If you just want to purchase a few K-Cup® packs and save money with a coffee coupon, take a look at the Coffee Coupon Page or the Deal of the Week Page.  There are new deals every week, so check back often!

When it comes to holiday gifts, there are two schools of thought. Some people love surprises while others take a “wish list” approach. Either way, you want to make sure your presents are perfect. And we’re here to help.

Our team’s pulled together a great online holiday shopping guides that we hope will help you find the right gift for everyone on your list – holiday gift baskets for far away friends, artisan chocolates for the teacher with a sweet tooth, and Keurig® Single Cup Coffee Makers for just about anyone! With our carefully curated collection of gift ideas and stocking stuffers, you’ll find everything you need in record time.  Here are some of our favorites:

For Him:

We’ll admit it: Shopping for men can be tricky. Sometimes you find the perfect gift, only to learn he has already bought it for himself! That is less likely to happen with our unique selection of coffee mugs, rugged gear and high-tech single-cup coffee makers. If he’s particularly adventurous, our Coffee Tours are a great way to discover a new favorite coffee, and make a wonderful gift for coffee lovers who like to try new things. If your young man is still in college, the popular Keurig® Mini Plus has free shipping and is a must for all-night study sessions and early-morning classes.

For Her:

Whether she’s your mom or daughter, sweetheart or friend, treat her to something special from our collection of Gift ideas for Her. Chocolate is always a hit, and several of our offerings will fit easily into her holiday stocking. Encourage her to take a moment for herself with a handcrafted mug, or give her a few extra minutes with the convenience of a Cuisinart® Keurig® Single Cup Coffee Maker. If she likes to entertain, make it easy with our Keurig® K-Cup Carousel or Hot Cocoa K-Cup® Pack Gift.

For the Office:

A gift from our office collection is a perfect way to say “thank you” to everyone who has shared in your business success throughout the year. Chocolate dipped shortbread and biscotti make coffee breaks even sweeter! Thermal mugs keep desk-top coffee warm all morning long. Of course, the best gifts are large enough to share with everyone in the office, so choose from our wide assortment of gift baskets with plenty to go around.

For Everyone:

If time is what you want to give, consider a membership to our Café EXPRESS Coffee Club. Create an account and we’ll send bagged coffee or K-Cup® packs automatically to the address of your choice. They’ll never run out again! Treat your loved one to a coffee and beverage service with the gift of club membership. Send four or more boxes of K-Cup® packs and the shipping will be FREE.

With these ideas by your side, we hope your holiday shopping will be easy as pie!

You all know we have brewing down cold, but did you know the same can be said for barbequing?

A few months ago, as the Green Mountain Coffee and the Brew Over Ice teams were ironing out a schedule for our current sampling tour, it was decided that we couldn't pass up the opportunity for Brew Over Ice to sponsor the Safeway Barbeque Battle in Washington, D.C..  This is one of the top barbeque events of the summer, shutting down Pennsylvania Avenue with games, music, and lots and lots of barbeque.  Perfect for iced coffee and iced tea, right?  As excited discussion around the event ensued, it surfaced that Derek, Green Mountain Coffee brand manager, is a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) competition judge.  It turns out that not only is he a judge, but at the time Derek was finalizing plans to enter a team in various BBQ competitions around New England.  We put two and two together, and decided to enter our own team for the D.C. event, and compete alongside some of the most decorated teams on the competitive BBQ circuit.

Now it’s time to put our BBQ where our mouth is.

So, at the end of this very week, members of the Brew Over Ice and Green Mountain Coffee teams are traveling to our nation’s capitol to take part in this exciting contest on June 25^th and 26^th.  Derek, who moved to Vermont from Rhode Island by way of Massachusetts several years ago, lovingly dubbed his team “Flatlander BBQ”, playing off the word that Vermonters tend to call folks from outside of the Green Mountain state.

Technically, the Flatlander team consists of Derek and his wife Meghan, but for this weekend’s event, the team will temporarily expand to Extra Bold levels to include Kristen from Public Relations, Chris from Brew Over Ice, and Tyler and Roger from the Green Mountain Coffee team.  Together we're competing in all four competition categories – chicken, beef, pork ribs, and pork shoulder (for pulled pork).  We are also entering the “America’s Best Sauce Contest” to really put it over the top.

We hope to add to Flatlander’s recent success (Derek and Meghan took second place for pork and fifth place for chicken at the recent Cape Cod BBQ contest) by utilizing the special rubs and recipes that Derek concocted … oh, and did I mention that all of our entries will feature our bagged coffee and/or tea from Brew Over Ice K-Cup® portion packs? For additional authenticity, we will even be going so far as to use green coffee beans in the smokers, hopefully imparting the winning essence for all our entries.

So, as you’re doing your own backyard grilling this weekend, think of us as we attempt to smoke the competition (bad pun intended) at this national showdown!  Or if thinking seems like too little, follow our progress on Twitter (search for the #BBQBattle hashtag) and Facebook – or even come down to cheer us on (and try free Brew Over Ice samples in the Sampling Pavilion, too)!  Just remember, low and slow is the way to go, so let’s hear it for Flatlander BBQ!!!

We are pleased to announce that the Mr. Coffee® single serve brewer is now part of our family of brewers!

Mr. Coffee, a trusted name in household coffee makers, has partnered with Keurig® technology to bring you the best of both worlds--the quality and value you'd expect from a Mr. Coffee machine, along with the convenience of single cup brewing.

It takes just a few simple steps to enjoy your favorite coffee, tea, or hot cocoa:

1. Insert a K-Cup


2. Fill water tank


3. Brew


4. Voila!

The small footprint of the Mr. Coffee brewer makes a great fit for limited spaces, and it's compact size makes it easy to take with you on the road if you want to enjoy the Keurig experience in your camper, or even in your hotel room.

Someone once said that,  "Forever is the time it takes to brew the first pot of coffee in the morning."  The Mr. Coffee single serve brewer shortens forever to under three minutes for a perfectly brewed 8-ounce cup of Joe!  It also features an auto shut-off feature and a removable drip tray.  It comes with a variety pack of five K-Cup®  portion packs.

People have been relying on Mr. Coffee coffeemakers to start their day for nearly 40 years.  No doubt the Mr. Coffee single serve brewer will help to carry on this legacy.

"Should I store my beans in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer? I've heard a few different theories. What do GMCR experts say?"

- Steven on our Facebook Page

--

Great question - and one that we get a lot. Of course, the easy answer is to start buying K-Cup^® portion packs and not worry about it – they’re already sealed from coffee’s worst enemies: air, light, heat, and moisture. That's one of the reasons they're so popular. That said, I only grind and brew coffee in my house, so I'm in your camp: How do I best store my coffee?

The answer is really quite simple. I grabbed one of our bags of coffee off the shelf in the coffee lab and looked for guidance. Our humble 10/12 ounce bag says:

"Store in an airtight container, away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.”

See? Simple. If you protect your coffee from air, heat, light, and moisture, you’re golden.  However, if you want to get a little more detailed, there are only a few more things to add.

When you store your beans, there’s no need to take them out of the bag by pouring them into the container. An unopened bag, stored away from heat, sun, and moisture will last a long time (in fact, we guarantee it for 9-months).

Then there’s oxygen. Of coffee’s worst enemies, Oxygen is the ringleader.  The oxidization process stales the coffee, so an airtight container is your best option to elude this fierce predator. Moisture is oxygen’s right hand man – and your next opponent.  Best way to beat it: Don’t put your coffee in the refrigerator! The refrigerator is a moisture haven and is highly discouraged for coffee storage. That old tuna casserole will spoil a nice cup of coffee any day.

“But what about the freezer? I always put my coffee in the freezer,” you say.  The freezer is a great place to store unopened bags of coffee, but removing and refreezing an opened bag only helps the oxidization process (staling) along since the coffee is exposed to oxygen and moisture in the form of condensation (two of the big coffee enemies) each and every time you open the freezer door.

It's helpful to use the fish analogy when it comes to coffee storage. A nice brook trout you caught on a Saturday morning will be great for dinner Saturday night. If you're going to eat it Sunday night, you'd better put it in the refrigerator (or, in coffee’s case, an airtight container away from heat, sunlight, and moisture). If you want to save it for Christmas (say, 6-months away), you'd better freeze it. It won't taste as good as it did that same day you caught it, but it will still be tasty.

Here are a few easy tips about keeping your coffee as fresh as possible:

• Only buy and open what you can brew in a week to fend off coffee's worst enemies, see below.
  


• Oxygen is bad for coffee; airtight containers are ideal.


• Light, moisture, and humidity are bad for coffee; Dark, dry places are good for coffee.


• The refrigerator is bad for coffee; the freezer is okay for unopened bags of coffee.

Follow these tips as much as you can.   In the end, just drink good coffee and enjoy!

TOP TEN OFFICE GIFTS

#10 Small Revelation Travel Mug $2.95

We here at Business Coffee Express are often asked, "What is the best way to take my Green Mountain Coffee wakeboarding?" The answer is this cute little 12-oz. Revelation Travel Mug with a spill-proof, screw-on lid. It features a beautiful scene of the Vermont Green Mountains, and is the perfect size to grab and go whether you are free soloing, sky surfing, or even wakeboarding.  At this price you should buy one for everyone in the office!

#9 Logo Backpacker Thermos $19.95

The sleek, slender shape looks like you after the holidays, thanks to all the wakeboarding you've been doing! This compact, no-leak Thermos®, made by Nissan™ is so stylish it might just put mugs and tumblers out of style. Features an easy-to-open, spring loaded lid. Completely leak proof perfect for backpacks and travel. Double Insulation means your coffee stays hot for hours.

#8 Stoneware Logo Mug $14.95

Perfect for the boss who needs to be reminded on a daily basis that every office deserves great coffee! Each is individually hand-thrown by American master potters. Slight color and size variations showcase the unique properties of each one-of-a-kind mug. Solid and sizable, each of these mugs can stand on its own, but two make a nice pair.

#7 Bodum Milk Frother $19.95

The next time someone in your office tells you not to get worked up into such a lather, say "Why Not?" and show them this! This easy-to-use, battery-powered frother is perfect for foamy milk for your coffee without the hassle of an espresso machine. You will probably decide to keep it for yourself so buy two.

#6 Lake Champlain Chocolates Organic Truffles $22.95

Lake Champlain truffles— on the list because it's made in VT of course, and because they are the best Truffles I've ever had. Sorry Belgium, but cheer up, GMCR will probably never make a $25 raspberry beer aged in oak. Lake Champlain Chocolates has reached new heights with this collection of 15 all-natural, preservative-free truffles. Includes Ethiopian Coffee, Honey Fig, Ginger Lemon, Aztec, Mango, and Vanilla.

#5 Better World Gift Bag $59.95

Isn't dreaming of a better world what the Holidays are all about? Our exquisite chocolates, cocoa, coffees and tea help actually make it happen— plus they taste amazing. Includes 7 fabulous products contributing to a better world and a reusable shopping tote.

#4 Organic Breakfast Crate $37.95

Why a Crate? Because "Crate" just sounds cool, and who wouldn’t rather have a "crate" of something they love rather than just a box? Besides, it doubles as an "In" box. Filled with Fair Trade Organic coffee and Cocoa and Organic pancake mix and maple syrup, all from Vermont.

#3 K-Cup Ultimate Gift Basket $44.95

C'mon, "Ultimate" is right there in the name, of course it has to be in the top 10! The perfect gift if their office already enjoys a Keurig® Brewer. If not, get them one of those too! Our K-Cup Gift Basket gives you great coffee right away, and wonderful sustenance for the rest of the day. Includes 24 Green Mountain Coffee Sampler K-Cups.

#2 The Ultimate Office Gift Basket $49.95

Is it possible for two Green Mountain Coffee gifts to be called "Ultimate" at the same time? Yes, it's a holiday miracle! Packed full of delicious treats, and there’s more than enough to share. Brew up a pot of Breakfast Blend or French Roast while everyone in the office digs in to sweet granola, delicate shortbread, maple candy, or chocolate indulgences. It’ll be the most memorable Holiday coffee break ever!

#1 Keurig Office Pro Coffee Brewer $129.95

Not only the greatest invention in the history of humankind, but perhaps the greatest gift since frankincense and myrrh. (Gold is still hard to beat.) Even small offices deserve great coffee and the B145 Office Pro delivers. Designed for offices with 15 or fewer people, its small footprint makes it a perfect fit for conference rooms, board rooms and reception areas. Guaranteed to ward off office revolts, palace coups, passive-aggressive behavior and Monday sick days. They should rename it "Ultimate."

With so much of the holidays already dedicated to the stresses of the season, we’re here to provide you with trouble-free gift giving to even the pickiest person on your list.  Yes, even the pickiest person on your list.  You know the kind: The friends you love dearly but have expensive tastes (that’s Luxury Larry), your restaurateur neighbor (Foodie Fran), you socially-conscious coworker (Advocating Anne), or your sibling who has absolutely everything (Been-there-Done-That Ben).  Have no fear this year – Green Mountain Coffee’s got you covered.

• For Luxury Larry, a bag of our rarest, most exquisite coffee: Special Reserve Papua New Guinea.

Give something truly exceptional this holiday season with Green Mountain Coffee’s Special Reserve coffee.  Four times a year, we seek out some of the rarest coffees from around the world and batch roast them to display the coffee’s fullest flavor and aroma.  Each Special Reserve comes from a single origin – like our latest Papua New Guinea Wahgi Valley – and produces a very limited batch, only around 1,000 bags.  Our Special Reserve selections pair the farmers’ best work with the art and craft of our Master Roasters – all so true coffee connoisseurs can experience the unique qualities of these origins in their morning cup. This website exclusive is available for $17.95 for 10-12 ounce bag or you can join the Tour to get the latest Reserves shipped right to your door before anyone else.

• For Foodie Fran, a meal fitting of her naturalist palate: our Organic Breakfast Crate.

Be the toast of the breakfast table by giving a delicious breakfast that will fill those on your list with good feelings and food. Start with our own Organic House Blend coffee or Lake Champlain Hot Cocoa— both are Fair Trade and organic. Follow up with organic treats from Highland Sugarworks: multi-grain pancakes topped with exquisite maple syrup.  Share this gift with your holiday hosts and they’ll be asking you to come back as soon as possible! Available for $37.95.

• For Advocating Anne, coffees with a social mission: our Fair Trade Organic Coffee Sampler.

If variety is the spice of your loved ones life, Green Mountain Coffee has a coffee selection for you.  This sampler includes three 10-oz. bags of coffee to fit every mood – bold and dark with French Roast, sweet and swanky with Sumatran Reserve, and bright and vibrant with our Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Each certified Fair Trade and Organic, our sampler is perfect for the socially-minded with a coffee habit that’s never routine. Available for $24.95.

• Finally, for Been-There-Done-That Ben, the toughest person on the list, a Keurig® Single-Cup Brewer:

Keurig® single-cup brewing is the latest trend in coffee – bringing fast, affordable, and café quality hot beverages to the home. Each of the over 200 varieties of K-Cup® portion packs make the perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, hot cider, and iced coffee and teas at the touch of a button. There's no measuring, grinding, or mess.  With five Keurig brewers available, from the red hot Mini Plus Personal Brewer ($99.95) to the luxury Cuisinart® Keurig Single-Cup Brewer ($199.99), there’s a style and price point for everyone. Even the gadget guru with everything will want to thank you every time they push the button.  Available at GreenMountainCoffee.com (and there’s free shipping on all brewers when shipping within the continuous US).

No matter the stresses this season may bring, we’re here to make your holidays a happy one.

Been craving an even richer, deeper, darker K-Cup® portion pack? An intense flavor and complexity that sings of the world’s finest coffee house brews? Good news: Our friends at Barista Prima Coffeehouse™ have a new K-Cup® collection made to satiate just that feeling.

As an exclusive collection of the world’s finest Arabica coffees roasted in the tradition of Europe's most celebrated coffee houses, Barista Prima Coffeehouse brings you rich, deep-roasted brews in convenient, single serve K-Cups®.  Bold and complex, yet perfectly balanced, each cup reflects the consummate artistry and handcrafted care that only the most skilled baristas can deliver.  This select line is comprised of four richly flavored brews:

Colombia

• High altitude treasure from a land of legendary coffee. A prized coffee, born of the mountains in a land steeped in the coffee-growing tradition. Accented by bright, bold fruit notes and a distinctive hint of walnut, this deep-roasted cup possesses a sweet, full-bodied finish that elevates satisfaction into a realm all its own.

French Roast

• A sweet, smoky love song to the cafés of Paris. This intensely bold yet gracefully-bodied cup provides indisputable proof of our roast masters' artistry. The absolute finest Arabica beans are heated to the very edge of noir - then meticulously eased back to reveal their rich, full-flavored complexity. The result? A daringly dark, smoky-sweet brew with a surprisingly light mouthfeel.

House Blend

• The timeless perfection of your best-loved coffee house cup. Classically balanced, with a lively splash of citrus, subtle hints of bittersweet chocolate and a well rounded, toasted-nut finish. Its roasty sweet, supremely satisfying taste evokes all the familiar comforts of your favorite coffee house.

Italian Roast

• A deep, dark-roasted delight, done right. This robust, heavy-bodied cup with its ripe fruit and berry notes epitomizes the time-honored Italian tradition of dark-roasted coffeehouse brews. Bold yet ideally balanced, with a subtle hint of smokiness and a bright clean finish, our Italian Roast is a hearty and flavorful testament to the art of dark roasting.

The small team of Barista Prima™ coffee experts spent years in search of a way to recreate the intense flavor and complexity of the world’s finest coffee house brews.  They worked tirelessly to develop exquisite blends that could meet their own impossibly high expectations so they and you could be proud to serve it to family and friends.  And now, it’s here and ready to satisfy your need for coffee house richness at home.

Now available online for $19.45 for a 24ct box.