11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Coffee Beans To Buy
Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you're a big fan of whole beans, the best place to buy them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search online for companies that roast and then ship your order.
The origin of the coffee beans can have a significant impact on the taste.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 distinct coffee varieties. The two most common are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is better able to withstand diseases, pests and drought. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive than arabica for cultivation.
Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a low-quality batch of robusta might taste like burned rubber, a high-quality coffee made with special beans can surpass Arabica in flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most robusta that is sold on the market comes from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.
The high content of caffeine in the beans makes them resistant to disease and pests. It's this fact that makes them a popular option for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. Even though some companies proclaim their product to be 100 percent arabica, they often mix it with a type of robusta to save money, and offer their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be more harsh, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It can also have the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant, or even overwhelming.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside of small vibrant fruits, referred to as coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the fruit are removed from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our favourite drink.
Arabica is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are renowned for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also known for their richness and capacity to provide a variety of flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee.
They are more expensive than Robusta due to their growth requires more care. For the flavor profile of these beans to develop, they require specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall. In reality, the top coffee beans around originate from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms that operate in a small scale.
In addition to the region in which it is grown, another important factor to take into consideration when purchasing coffee is whether or not it's single origin. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things however it usually refers to the fact that the coffee comes from one farm, a crop, or region in a country. This is a big component of what makes the third wave coffee so wonderful knowing exactly the source of your coffee allows you to experience it in its purest form.
Grind
A great-quality brew begins with great coffee beans, however the process of grinding, brewing and serving can affect the final taste of your cup. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods will allow you to discover the perfect blend of coffee that is a perfect match for your taste.
The size of the grind plays a significant role in the way that the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during brewing, and this impacts the taste of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too coarse, water cannot penetrate the grounds and extract the solids in the coffee that are soluble. This is known as under extraction. It can cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine it will allow the water to pass through the ground much more quickly and experience an over extraction. This will result in bitterness.
You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is recommended to buy whole beans and grind the coffee yourself prior to brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground coffee.
The burr grinder is the most popular to ensure a consistent grinding, but you can make use of a food processor, a hand grinder or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs that can be adjusted to ensure an exact grind consistency. A smaller gap results in more fine grinding, whereas a bigger one produces a coarser grinding.
Stores
Coffee beans deteriorate at a rapid rate after they've been opened. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly shut and only grind as much as you need to make your next cup. You might want to invest in the resealable containers that eliminate the air and allow CO2 to escape when the beans are crushed.
Whole bean coffee can stay at its freshest for up to a month when kept in a proper storage. Once the coffee is ground, its quality will decrease in only 30 minutes. It is best to only drink as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in a transparent, airtight container.
You can pick from a range of attractive and convenient containers for storing coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from getting inside. Some have a one way valve that releases the gasses created by freshly roasted beans, which extends the beans' freshness.
The best place to store your coffee that is not used is a dark, cool area with constant temperature. Do not store unroasted coffee beans in the cabinet that is near your oven or stove, as the heat can speed up the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. It is also recommended to keep the beans out of direct sunlight, since they absorb sunlight and reduce their flavor.