The 10 Scariest Things About Coffee Beans To Buy

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a fan of whole coffee beans, your local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to purchase the beans. If you're not fortunate enough to live near one, try searching online for companies that roast and deliver to order.

The origin of the coffee beans can have a significant impact on the taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta

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

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. While a low-quality batch can taste like burned rubber, a high-quality blend made with specialty beans can match the taste of Arabica. The issue is that, with only a few exceptions, the majority of robusta on the market is sourced from plantations who only care about quantity.

The high caffeine content of the beans makes them resistant to diseases and pests. This is why they are the most popular selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. However, even though certain companies advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some form of robusta in order to save money and offer their customers the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta may have a harsher sharp, bitter and more granular taste than arabica. It may also have an nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. These flavors may be unpleasant to some people or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside small, colorful fruit called unroasted coffee beans berries. These berries are plucked from the coffee plant once they have reached ripeness and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to create our beloved drink.

The most sought-after variety of beans is Arabica They are well-known for their smoky flavor which isn't bitter. These beans are also regarded for their richness and capacity to provide a variety flavors. The most popular regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for a high-quality coffee are ideal.

They are more expensive than Robusta, because their growth requires more care. They need specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rain to build their flavor profile. In fact, the best coffee bean shop beans on the planet originate from Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms, and operate at a micro level.

When buying coffee, it is essential to determine if the coffee is single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean many things however, it typically means that the coffee comes from only one farm, or region within the country. This is a big element of what makes third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly the origin of your coffee allows you to experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

A high-quality brew starts with excellent coffee beans but the process of grinding, brewing and serving will affect the final flavor of your cup. You can discover the perfect combination of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods.

The grind size has a significant impact on the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the grounds. This affects the taste of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won't be able to penetrate the ground to pull those soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction and can lead to weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water goes through the coffee too quickly and undergoes an over extraction that results in bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is best to purchase whole beans and then grind them yourself immediately before brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if you were to buy the pre-ground variety.

The burr grinder is preferred to create a consistent grinding however, you can also make use of a food processor, hand-grinders or a mortar-and-pestle. The burr grinder is equipped with two cutting discs that can be adjusted to create a particular grind consistency. A smaller gap creates the finest grind, whereas a larger one produces coarser grind.

Storage

It is best to keep your bean bag tightly sealed and only grind the amount you will need for the next coffee. It is also advisable to look into purchasing a resealable coffee canister, which will remove air and allow CO2 off-gassing that happens when the beans are first ground to be released.

If properly stored, whole bean coffee can last for up to one month. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will degrade in just 30 minutes. It is best to only drink the amount of coffee beans bulk buy you need, and then store the rest in an opaque airtight container.

There is a huge variety of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Some have a one way valve that releases the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which helps prolong the beans' freshness.

The ideal location to store your leftover coffee beans to Buy is in a dark, cool space that is at a constant temperature. Avoid storing your coffee near your oven or stove as the heat can speed up chemical reactions that destroy the coffee. It is also recommended to keep the beans out of direct sunlight as they will absorb it and diminish their flavor.