The 10 Most Scariest Things About Coffee Beans To Buy

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you are a fan of whole coffee beans, your local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy the beans. If you don't live near an espresso machine, look online for companies that will roast and deliver your order.

The origin of your coffee bean beans will affect the flavor.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee varieties. The two most commonly used are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive than arabica for cultivation.

Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a poor quality batch of robusta might taste like burnt rubber, a high-quality coffee made with specific beans can easily compete with Arabica in flavor. The issue is that with a few exceptions most of the robusta sold on the market is from plantations who are concerned about quantity.

Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes, and their resistance to disease and pests is the result of the high amount of caffeine in the beans. This is the reason they are a common choice for traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Even though some companies advertise their product as being 100 percent arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta to save money, but give their customers an inferior cup of coffee bean suppliers. Robusta can have a harsher bitter, more bitter and a more grainy taste than arabica. It can also have the flavor of peanuts or nutty. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in small, bright fruits called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the berries are removed from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are roasted, and then used to create our favorite brew.

Arabica is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are known for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also renowned for their complexity and can provide diverse flavors. The most popular regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for a high-quality coffee are perfect.

These beans are more expensive than Robusta, because their growth requires more attention. They require certain temperatures and sufficient rain to build their flavor profile. In fact, the finest coffee beans originate from Africa which is where the majority of coffee farms are run by family-owned farms, and operate in a small scale.

When buying coffee, it is crucial to consider whether the coffee is single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean many things however it usually means that the coffee comes from a single farm, crop, or region in a particular country. Third wave coffee is great because you can taste it in the purest form by knowing where it originated from.

Grind

A high-quality brew starts with great coffee beans, but the process of grinding, brewing and serving can alter the flavor of your cup. Try different grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to discover the best blend of beans that matches your personal preferences.

The size of the grind plays a significant influence on the way that the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the grounds during the brewing process, which affects the flavor of your coffee. If the grind is too coarse, water cannot penetrate the grounds to extract the soluble coffee solids. This is known as under extraction and can lead to a weak cup of coffee. If the grind isn't fine it will allow the water to pass through the grounds much faster and suffer from an over extraction. This can lead to bitterness.

It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee, but it's best to purchase whole beans and grind your own beans directly before making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were already ground.

A burr grinder is the best tool for creating an even grind, but you can also use a hand grinder or a food processor as well as a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs that cut the beans into a certain grind consistency by adjusting the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces a finer grinding, while larger ones result in more coarse grinding.

Stores

Coffee beans are degraded rapidly after they've been opened. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly closed and only grind the amount you'll need to make your next cup. You might want to invest in the resealable containers that remove the air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are crushed.

Whole bean top rated coffee beans can remain at its freshest for up to a month when stored correctly. But once it's ground, the quality of your coffee will begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind as much as you need and then store the remainder of your beans in an airtight, opaque container.

You can choose from a wide selection of attractive and convenient containers to store organic coffee beans. Some are vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that lets out the gasses generated by freshly roasted beans, which extends the beans' freshness.

The ideal place to store your empty coffee is in a dark, cool area that has a steady temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your stove or oven since heat can accelerate chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. Keep the beans away from direct sunlight can cause the beans to absorb the caffeine and lose its flavor.