5 Killer Quora Answers On High Quality Coffee Beans
The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 coffee plant species however, the two species most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is more robust and has more caffeine than the former.
The top coffee beans may be a little more expensive however that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, since they're made with greater care and consideration. Here are some suggestions to help you find high-quality coffee beans in bulk beans.
Origin
When purchasing high-quality coffee bean beans the roasting process is equally important. The region where the beans were cultivated can influence their flavor notes, acidity, body and much more.
The most popular and well-known type of coffee beans is arabica, which are generally considered to be higher quality than robusta beans. However, there are four varieties of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and the taste characteristics.
Coffee from Ethiopia, for example, is well-known for its fruity and floral flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are prized for their vibrant acidity. Geisha is another well-known variety. These small beans are only produced in certain regions and must be sorted by hand prior to roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a an unnatural tea-like body that is mellow and has notes of vanilla or citrus.
Other factors to consider when purchasing coffee include whether the beans are of single origin microlot, fair trade, single origin, sustainably sourced or organic. Some of these buzzwords may be merely marketing techniques however, others are real indicators of the quality of coffee beans for sale. For instance single origin refers the fact that all beans in a cup come from the same region, and in the case of microlot, that means the beans were grown at high altitudes and in nutrients soil.
Variety
There are over 100 species of coffee bean suppliers, but only two varieties dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans are thought to be higher quality and have a smoother flavor. They are less bitter and caffeine than robusta.
If you're looking to purchase a whole bean of top quality you should look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been scrutinized and evaluated for flavor as well as cup quality and aroma. This ensures that the beans are roasted consistently and to the correct level of dark.
A good roaster should provide a variety of brewing methods. This lets you choose the one that best fits your preferences and the brewing method. For example filter coffee works well with a french press, while espresso will pair best with an automatic drip machine.
A bag of whole beans allows you to test different flavors. Prices can vary but the cost is usually worth it. There are a number of blends in one bag, which will let you try several different flavors at the same time. Some brands, like Stumptown, combine beans from various regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, is made up of beans from a variety of the finest regions in the world. It's medium-bodied with notes of jam and caramel.
Roast
The color of the coffee beans will change from green to the rich brown shades we associate with beans of high-quality. You can smell and see the transformation in the final product.
Pay attention to the level of roasting. Several different levels of roast are utilized for coffee bean shop with darker roasts having a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter roasts. When you roast your own coffee, you are able to adjust the roasting temperature and test to find your favorite.
It is essential to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized since this will ensure uniformity in the roast. It's also crucial to stir the beans during the roasting process, which helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans to that they begin to steam. As the steam increases, you'll hear a crackling sound and know that your beans are about to begin roasting. At this point, you can switch off the popper and spread the beans out on a baking sheet to cool.
When you're ready to cool them down, place them in a colander made from metal. Shake them back and fourth until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Then let them cool in an airtight container, so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide before storage.
Storage
The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans properly. This ensures that they remain fresh and have the best taste. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. Therefore, it is essential to keep your dried beans in an airtight container. This will prevent them from absorbing the odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh roast taste. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool location. It is important to keep beans in a dark and cool location as light can alter their taste. In addition, the heat will cause them to diminish. Use a container that is opaque for your beans. This can be a glass container, or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a number of years.
You should try to preserve the beans immediately after you purchase them. If you are unable to use them right away, it's best to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf life but you must defrost them first prior to roasting.
Some people place their empty beans in attractive jars to display them. However, this can actually harm the quality of the beans. It is recommended to have a separate container for storage and to store the beans that aren't used in a suitable location.