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How to Store Coffee Beans for Maximum Freshness

Post author By Ryan Mejia
Post date June 2, 2026
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How to Store Coffee Beans for Maximum Freshness

Fresh coffee makes all the difference in your cup. From aroma to flavor clarity, how you store your coffee beans plays a major role in how long they stay vibrant and delicious. At Mariposa Coffee Company, we roast with freshness in mind—and with the right storage, you can enjoy that freshness for weeks (and even months) after roasting.

Here’s our practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your coffee at its best.

The Enemies of Fresh Coffee

Coffee beans are sensitive. Once roasted, they begin a slow process of aging. The biggest factors that speed up flavor loss are:

Oxygen – causes oxidation and stale flavors
Moisture – dulls aromas and can lead to off-tastes
Light – breaks down flavor compounds
Heat – accelerates aging

Good storage is all about minimizing exposure to these four elements.

Use an Airtight Container

The single most important rule: keep air out.

Store your beans in an airtight container with a strong seal. Opaque containers are best, as they also block light. Avoid loosely sealed jars or bags that allow oxygen to sneak in every time you open them.

Pro tip: Keep the container just large enough for your coffee. Extra air space means faster staling.

Skip the Countertop Display

While coffee bags and glass jars can look great on the counter, it’s not ideal for freshness.

Instead:

Store coffee in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet
Keep it away from ovens, dishwashers, or windows

Consistent, moderate temperatures help preserve flavor longer.

Whole Bean > Ground Coffee

If freshness is your goal, always buy whole bean coffee and grind just before brewing.

Grinding increases the surface area exposed to air, causing coffee to lose aroma and flavor much faster. Even the best storage can’t fully protect pre-ground coffee for long periods.

Should You Refrigerate Coffee? (Short Answer: No)

Refrigerators introduce moisture and odors—two things coffee loves to absorb. Every time you open the door, condensation can form on the beans, degrading flavor.

For daily use, room-temperature storage in a sealed container is best.

Freezing Coffee: Yes—If Done Correctly

Freezing coffee can be an excellent option for long-term storage when done properly.

This is where Mariposa Coffee stands apart.

Why Mariposa Coffee Freezes Better

At Mariposa Coffee Company, we do not quench our coffee during roasting. Many roasters rapidly cool beans with water, which introduces extra moisture into the coffee.

By avoiding quenching:

Our coffee contains less internal moisture
Beans stay naturally fresher longer
Coffee is far more stable in the freezer

Lower moisture means less risk of freezer burn, condensation, or flavor degradation.

How to Freeze Coffee the Right Way

If you plan to freeze coffee:

Freeze only whole beans
Portion coffee into airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers
Remove as much air as possible before sealing
Freeze once—avoid repeated thawing and refreezing

When ready to use, let the coffee come fully to room temperature before opening the container. This prevents condensation from forming on the beans.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fresh

To recap:

Airtight, opaque containers are your best friend
Store coffee cool, dark, and dry
Buy whole beans and grind fresh
Skip the fridge
Freeze only when needed—and do it right

Because of our roasting approach and low-moisture beans, Mariposa Coffee is crafted to stay fresh longer from the start—giving you more flexibility and better flavor in every cup.

Fresh coffee isn’t complicated. It’s intentional.

Happy brewing,

Mariposa Coffee Company

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Coffee not Tasting Like it Used To? (Check the Equipment)

Post author By Ryan Mejia
Post date June 3, 2025
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Coffee not Tasting Like it Used To? (Check the Equipment)

We all know the feeling – we have things in our home that, whether by regular use or the passing of time, slowly get dirty. When we get around to cleaning it, it catches us by surprise every time we walk in the room. Of course, your next thought is “Geez, that was dirty. Why did I wait so long to clean it?”

Believe it or not, the inside of your coffee maker is also one of those household items and there is a few ways this happens.

Moisture: We fill our coffee pots with water each use. Sometimes, we fill them the night before and set the timer for the morning. We enjoy the coffee but leave the top of the reservoir closed when finished. Open this occasionally to let it air dry.
Old Grounds: Coffee grounds are small and can get into the nooks and crannies of our
coffee maker. Perhaps some fell into the water reservoir when we fill the basket, sometimes the basket can overflow and grinds fall back into the reservoir. Occasionally, use a paper towel to wipe grounds out of the inside of the reservoir. PRO TIP: if the reservoir is narrow, put the paper towel on the end of something skinny, like the handle of a wooden spatula.
Coffee residue: Each time we brew, residual amounts of the brewed coffee can adhere to the inside of the brew basket and coffee pot. As this accumulates, it can lead to hints of old coffee making its way into the next brew. Occasionally remove the brew basket and coffee pot and put them in the dishwasher.
Hard water (BIGGEST CULPRIT): Many regions have issues with hard water. This will lead to calcium build-up inside the coffee pot. Every few months, fill the coffee maker with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water (1:2) and run the cleaning cycle on the machine. If your coffee maker does not have a cleaning cycle, then brew the vinegar solution twice. After running the vinegar, run the cleaning cycle two more times with water-only to remove lingering vinegar flavor (believe us, you wouldn’t like the vinegar notes). Then wash the removable components. This cleaning can make a BIG difference in the coffee taste.

If it’s been a while since the coffee maker has been cleaned, you will have that “Geez, why did I wait this long?” feeling with your next cup of coffee!

Disclaimer: this advice is for drip coffee makers. If using an espresso, follow the manufacture recommendations. Bottom line – clean equipment leads to better tasting coffee.

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BIG NEWS!!

Thanks to you, our loyal customers, Mariposa Coffee has continued to grow each and every year. Our little shop on the side of Highway 49 has been bursting at the seams with how much coffee we need to
keep up with the demand. This growth has caused us to sharpen our pencil and figure out how to
handle this growth now and into the future.

We are proud to announce that we opened a second roastery in Fresno to increase our roasting
capacity.

This new facility will enable us to be more responsive to our customers and continue growing for the coming years.

Now, we know what you’re thinking…What about the retail shop?! Is Gerry still roasting and doing customer demonstrations?! Who is running the new place?!

Here is the good news – That little shop on the side of Highway 49 is still going! You can stop by for a

roasting demonstration and continue buying our freshly roasted beans (packaged on the spot!) as well
as our mugs and gift items. Gerry would love to visit with you and show you the process while giving a
little history of our company.

Sooo…who is running the new place?? The short answer: Generation 2.0. Over the years, you have
seen family members and family friends (are they that different?) working in the retail store. Gerry
and Daryel Lee’s daughter, Rachael, was a long-time employee of Mariposa Coffee and eventually her
husband, Philip, joined the family business.

As the business grew and the future path was being decided, Philip’s college friend, Ryan, was brought
into the mix. Ryan worked up in the Mariposa store, serving customers and roasting coffee for a little
over a year before Philip and Ryan left to oversee the new warehouse.

The new roastery uses the same roasting process that Gerry crafted at the original location. We still,
and will continue to, strive to provide fresh, quality coffee and focus on making a great customer
experience for everyone we interact with.

Thank you for all the years of continued support and we look forward to being your favorite coffee
provider for the years to come.

Sincerely,
All of us at Mariposa Coffee

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Thanksgiving Message 2023

Post author By David Northcutt
Post date November 23, 2023
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Every. Single. Order…

As we approach Thanksgiving—a time to reflect and give thanks—we wanted to share why
we’re grateful for every single order and what they represent, both professionally and
personally.

We know every single customer, at one point in time, took a chance on us. Perhaps you
stumbled upon our shop in Mariposa or received a recommendation from a friend. Maybe you
saw our simple kraft bags in the coffee aisle and noticed the handwritten Enjoys above each
label.

However you found us, we couldn’t be more grateful you gave us a try.
For those of you who buy our coffee at your local grocery store, thank you! It’s not only a
privilege to be the coffee you serve at home, but your purchase also supports and strengthens
our relationship with local businesses like your favorite grocer.

To the customers who order faithfully online, we know you have endless options at your
fingertips. It means so much to us that you’ve chosen us as your go-to coffee amid the
countless brands available today.

To anyone who’s experienced a mistake on your order, thank you for granting us the opportunity
to make it right. We’re human, and mistakes can sometimes happen, but we’re committed to
you and our product. We love happy customers!

To our wholesale partners who serve Mariposa Coffee as part of your menu, we thank you for
the trust you’ve placed in us to uphold your business’ reputation. We take the responsibility
seriously and will strive to exceed your customer’s expectations and help your business thrive.

Lastly, selling coffee has brought many, many people into our lives. Sometimes, it’s through a
visit to our store or a friendly conversation over the phone. Each new connection reminds us
what makes this industry special, and we love hearing stories about your recent visit to the shop
in Mariposa or how our coffee has impacted your life and family traditions.

While we may be in the coffee business, selling coffee is so much more than transactional. It’s
building connections and a community, one cup of coffee at a time.

Thank you for another year of business, for enriching our lives, and granting us the honor of
being your go-to coffee provider.

From the bottom of our hearts—and our cups!—Happy Thanksgiving!

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So Many Coffees, How Do You Decide?

Post author By David Northcutt
Post date February 10, 2019
No Comments on So Many Coffees, How Do You Decide?

If you’re new to coffee, or just new to our coffee, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which amazing roast to try first.

We understand and want to help you out a little! Here are a few simple steps to help you find your perfect match if it’s your first time here:

1. Do you want a regular coffee or a flavored coffee?

A regular coffee is only flavored by what comes naturally in the bean. Depending where and how the bean was grown and how it is roasted, we’ll be able to draw out different notes. Our “flavored” coffees have a little assistance from flavorings such as raspberry, kahlua, cinnamon… we get creative with these! Some people love having a slightly stronger “flavor” in their coffee, while others prefer just the straight up coffee taste – you’ll have to decide for yourself!

(Personally, I like them all and usually have a variety on hand depending what mood I’m in!)

2. Do you want decaf coffee?

All flavors come in decaf, but only some regular coffees come in decaf. So make sure to check the decaf category next if you’re looking for a regular roast.

If you’ve chosen to try a regular coffee…

3. Do you like a blonde, medium or dark roast?

Blonde roasts can have stronger earthy flavors while dark roasts will draw out more of the chocolate, nut and berry tannins. A medium roast is a good middle ground for anyone unsure what they want!

Our lightest roasts are the Kona Blend and Guatemalan, though we do have a secret blonde roast, Legally Blonde, available on special request. Our most popular dark roast is French Silk, an all-around classic. And our signature house blend is the medium roast, The 49er Blend .

If you’ve chosen to try a flavored coffee….

3. Check out the different flavor categories, which sounds yummiest?

We have the coffees in the “Flavors” category organized by the predominating taste. For this part, you’ll just have to browse through and see what sounds the best to you! If you’re unsure how you’ll like a flavored coffee, Cinnamon Swirl is a good entry-level flavor. Cinnamon is a perfect compliment to the coffee, it’s a really common flavor to find in coffee and it comes off as slightly more subtle.

If you want to try something different and unique, the Mariposa Honey and Mariposa Blueberry are some of our most popular flavors. And if you want something super bold with a “wow” factor, try the Chocolate Cherry or Kahlua .

4. When you add the coffee to your cart, choose your grind.

To help you pick the best grind for your needs, read this article next.

The best way to find the right coffee for you is to talk to an expert.

If you still haven’t decided what sounds the most delicious to you, give us a call (209-742-7339). Gerry is our master coffee roaster – he knows these coffees inside out! He is always available to answer your questions. The rest of our family can also help you out too, so don’t hesitate to ask!

As always, we hope you,

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Shoot! I forgot about Valentine’s Day!

Post author By David Northcutt
Post date February 10, 2019
No Comments on Shoot! I forgot about Valentine’s Day!

Is your loved one far away for Valentine’s Day?

Shoot, it’s Valentine’s Day! Let me go order a chocolate heart from this site… a candle from over here… maybe some flowers delivered from another site? Rats! The candle got here a day late. Now I’m going to have to get all this stuff packaged into another box and pay… what?? $30 for express shipping? The stuff in the box wasn’t even worth $30!?!

Take a breath. We have your solution.

We have a box especially put together just for your Valentine. One item in the cart, sent directly to your boo. If you order before Monday, it’ll likely still get to your Valentine in time, but we can’t guarantee it. It’s okay, even if it’s a day late, I’m sure they’ll understand! This gift will blow them away either way!

What you’ll get:

An awesome (and funny) t-shirt for your loved one to express their undying love for coffee:

A pound of a coffee of your choice. Please select “other” and then write in the “Note to Seller” at checkout which coffee you’d like! Or you can just choose Chocolate Cherry or our Medium Roast, Be My Valentine from the dropdown menu. You really can’t go wrong with a cute, festive coffee bag!

They’ll also get a half pound of dark chocolate covered espresso beans (YUM) and a Mariposa Coffee Company sticker!

It will be nicely packaged just for your Valentine.

You can purchase your gift box here!

We hope this makes your shopping just a little bit easier! Remember, this isn’t a time to stress over a gift or to feel grumpy or guilty or any of the other slew of emotions we often feel at this time of year. Valentine’s Day is ultimately just a nice excuse to bless someone in your life, making them feel a little extra special 🙂 We hope you feel extra special as well because we appreciate you SO MUCH! Thank you for being a part of our community!

As always, we hope you,

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Top 10 Ways to Fall-ify Your Coffee

Post author By David Northcutt
Post date November 7, 2018
No Comments on Top 10 Ways to Fall-ify Your Coffee

It’s here, guys. Fall is finally here!

Of course, I drink coffee all year round. And I won’t ever say “no” to cold brew. But there’s something special about drinking coffee during the fall. Maybe it’s the cooler weather, the cozy knit sweaters, or the intoxicating smell of impending rain… whatever it is… it’s heaven.

Which means my coffee obsession gets turned up a few notches. In a good way. 😉

While a strong cup of bold, black coffee will always be my go-to, I have a little extra fun during the fall.

Here are my top ten ways to spice up fall’s favorite beverage:

1. Go for a Flavor. The simplest way to infuse some autumn vibes into your cup o’ Joe, is to choose some fall-inspired flavors. Pumpkin Spice is the obvious (and delicious) choice. But Cinnamon Swirl, Southern Pecan, and Macadamia Nut are close runner-ups. Oh, and Caramel. And don’t forget Toasted Almond! Or Kahlua. Speaking of Kahlua…

2. Add a Little Somethin’ Somethin’. Kahlua, Irish cream, and brandy are all yummy additions to take your coffee from “hello” to “helloooo there.” Now, I’m not your mother, but I’d recommend this little twist for your late afternoon cup, not first thing in the A.M.

3. A Dash of the Good Stuff. I LOVE cinnamon. Cinnamon rolls are by far the best breakfast pastry (I’ll die on this hill). And I’d crown a snickerdoodle queen of the cookies any day. So, naturally, I love cinnamon in my coffee. This can be done in several ways. From cinnamon creamer to placing a cinnamon stick in the bottom of your mug. The easiest method is to add a dash straight to the coffee grinds before you brew. Then, close your eyes and inhale the spicy sweet aroma wafting your way. Ahhhh…

4. Opt for Some of Nature’s Sugar. No, not honey. Although, it’s also delicious as a refined sugar substitute. But for fall, try maple syrup instead. Maybe it’s because I always picture the brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves of its origin, but, to me, maple syrup is the perfect autumn sweetener.

5. Pumpkin Spice is Always Nice. And you probably expected to see it as tip #1. But I decided to plop it right in the middle. Because, while it’s undeniably scrumptious, it’s definitely not the only flavor fall has to offer. Again, like cinnamon, you can sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice blend right into the coffee grounds. Then, as long as it’s out anyway, try the recipe for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake featured in our November Newsletter.

6. Nuts about Nutella. Chocolate and hazelnuts are a perfect pair. But they’re even better paired with coffee. Now, before you go scooping Nutella straight from the jar and into your mug (which you’re certainly free to do), thin it out first by simmering it over the stove with a splash or two of cream. Once it reaches a syrupy consistency, add it to your favorite brew! Then, if you happen to add a scoop straight from the jar and into your mouth, we won’t tell. 😉

7. Cardamom for a Kick. Arab countries have been savoring the sultry flavor of cardamom in their coffee for centuries. Simply place a few cardamom seeds in the bottom of your mug, pour your coffee over the top, and enjoy! For an extra treat, try your hand at Turkish coffee.

8. Cha-Cha-Chai. Let’s continue the international coffee theme by pairing our coffee with the decadence of chai tea. Now, I get it- not everyone has an espresso machine. And that’s okay. You don’t have to (yet). Here’s an easy way to get all the flavor of a chai latte at home, without the coffee shop equipment.

9. Some Like it Hot. Hot chocolate that is. If grinding your own chai tea spices with your coffee beans was too much work for you, here’s another fall inspired option that’s as easy as it is delicious. Simply stir the hot chocolate mix into your mug of coffee, add a splash of cream (if you like it extra rich), and you’ve got yourself the perfect autumn treat. Bonus: we happen to have the PERFECT hot chocolate blend for this (in store and on our website).

10. Move over Pumpkin. Apple is making a play for fall’s favorite flavor. Now, I rarely play favorites. And pumpkin spice will always hold a beloved place in my heart, but I’m more than willing to make room for this drool-worthy addition. To make your own Apple Pie Syrup, it’s as easy as simmering apple juice or cider with brown sugar and spices of your choosing (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, etc.) If you’d like it extra thick, sprinkle in some cornstarch. Once it’s simmered a few moments, drizzle the syrup in your cup of coffee, take that first sip, and fall into heaven. *wink, wink. Get it? Fall into heaven? Okay… moving on. While you’re at it, try this syrup on some pancakes, too!

Phew! We made it through all ten tips. Hope you enjoyed them! If you have any that I missed, please let us know on our Facebook page. Happy Fall!

And as always,

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Salted Caramel Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Post author By David Northcutt
Post date September 26, 2018
No Comments on Salted Caramel Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

It may officially be fall, but some of us still feel like we’re in summer as the air cools off very slooowly. You know what that means for your wardrobe- t-shirts and light sweaters- but what does it mean for your mid-day coffee?? You see the iconic Pumpkin Spice released on the Mariposa Coffee site, but you’re not quite ready to fully dive in to hot, frothy spiced lattes… what do you do?

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Brew a strong pot of Mariposa Coffee Pumpkin Spice coffee. Separate out one cup of coffee and set aside to let cool.
In a blender, add cooled coffee, caramel syrup, milk (or milk substitute, I use cashew milk!) and a pinch of salt. Blend. I do this first so the caramel can get evenly distributed. With some caramel syrups, the cold ice can cause it to clump up and not mix well if added all at once.
Add your desired amount of ice and blend.
Hold your cup at an angle and drizzle extra caramel syrup along the sides of the cup. Pour in your frapp and top with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Enjoy!

Variations: add some nutritional value!

I also add additional seasoning because I looove strong, spicey flavors. But the flavor in the coffee is enough if you want something a little more subtle. I add a dash or two of cinnamon, tumeric and a tiny bit of black pepper (the black pepper helps your body absorb the benefits of the tumeric).
I also like to add some actual pumpkin to the blender! A few spoonfuls is enough to get the flavor and creamy texture of the pumpkin.

We hope you enjoy! As a special thank you for checking out this blog post, use the code “PumpkinSpiceFrapp” to receive 10% off Pumpkin Spice until the end of September.

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Coffee— Beyond the Cup

Cooking with Coffee

If you’re anything like me, you’re a bit obsessed with coffee. Not only does it taste delicious and offer a quick pick-me-up, but it’s good for you, too!

Understandably, I imbibe coffee in many forms. Drip. French Press. Pour over. Cold brew. Espresso. Latte. Cappuccino. Frappe. Affogato. And many others.

But did you know that you can ingest coffee in its nonliquid form? And I’m not just talking about chocolate covered coffee beans. Although, they are one of my favorite things. Coffee AND chocolate?! Hardly a more perfect pair ever existed. Don’t even try telling me peanut butter and jelly. Forget it. Not even close.

So, then, what am I talking about? Allow me to blow your mind with three simple words: cooking with coffee. Say what??? You heard me. You can add finely ground coffee to almost any recipe for a drool-worthy secret ingredient people will be begging you to reveal.

Picture this: You bring a big pot of chili to your next company picnic. After one bite, your boss is dying to know what gives your chili that extra zing. After a thematic drumroll, you bestow your profound culinary wisdom. Mega brownie points follow.

Speaking of brownies… add a tablespoon of fresh coffee grounds to your next batch and prepare to marvel at your genius. You should also prepare to jog a few miles after you eat the entire pan. Seriously, they’re that good.

Cooking with coffee doesn’t end there. In fact, the options are endless. Your favorite caffeine fix can be used in marinades, rubs, butters, dressings, sauces, and even coffee jelly! Wait a second… peanut butter and coffee jelly?! Now we’re on to something.

Questioning where to begin? Take your favorite recipe and try adding a teaspoon of finely ground coffee. If you’re feeling really adventurous, add a little more. Worried about the caffeine if you’re cooking a late dinner? Go ahead and use decaf. I won’t tell. But if you come up with a killer recipe, I hope you’ll share.

Or, you could try one of these: