Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a big fan of whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you're not lucky enough to be in the vicinity of one, search online for companies which roast and ship to order.

Geography plays a huge role in what coffee tastes like and so be aware of the country of origin of the beans you're purchasing.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 distinct coffee varieties. The two most commonly used are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to diseases, pests and drought. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica.

Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee that is produced in the world. While it's true that a low-quality batch of robusta can taste like burned rubber, a high-quality coffee made with specialty beans can be able to surpass Arabica in flavor. The problem is with a few exceptions most robusta that is sold on the market comes only from plantations focused on quantity.

The high content of caffeine in beans makes them immune to pests and disease. This is the reason why Robustas a favorite choice for traditional diner and instant coffee. While some companies claim their product to be 100% arabica, they will often mix it with a type of robusta to save money and provide their customers with a subpar cup of coffee. Robusta coffee is typically more harsh and more bitter than arabica. It may also have a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate flavor. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which are cultivated inside small colourful fruits known as coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the fruit are removed from the coffee plant and split into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our favorite beverage.

The most popular variety of beans are Arabica, and they're known for their smooth flavor that doesn't have any bitterness. These beans are also regarded for their complexity and ability to offer a variety of flavors. The primary regions of cultivation for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for a high-quality coffee are optimal.

These beans are more expensive than Robusta, because their growth requires more care. They require specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall to create their flavor profile. The best coffee beans in the entire world are originated from Africa. Many of the farms are family-owned and run on a smaller scale.

In addition to the region in which it is grown, another important factor to take into account when buying coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. "Single Origin" could mean a number of things however it usually means that the coffee bean shop comes from a single farm, crop, or region in a particular country. This is a big component of what makes the third wave coffee shops so amazing knowing exactly where your coffee originated lets you experience it in its purest form.

Grind

A good-quality brew begins with the best coffee beans, but the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can alter the taste of your cup. Experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods will help you discover the best blend of beans that matches your personal preferences.

The size of the grind can have a significant impact on the extraction of the soluble coffee solids from the ground. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won't be able to penetrate the ground to pull the coffee's soluble solids out. This is referred to as under extraction and can result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water flows through the grounds too quickly and undergoes an over extraction, resulting in bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee but it is best to buy whole beans and grind them yourself before brewing. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were pre-ground.

The burr grinding machine is ideal for creating a consistent grinding however, you can utilize a food processor, a hand grinder or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs which can be adjusted to create a particular grind consistency. A smaller gap results in a finer grind while an increased gap creates more coarse grind.

Storage

Coffee beans degrade at a rapid rate after they are opened, so it's a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly closed and grind only enough for the next time you brew. You might also think about purchasing a resealable canister, which will remove air and allow the CO2 off-gassing that occurs when the beans are first crushed to escape.

Whole bean coffee can stay at its peak freshness for up to a month when stored properly. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will diminish in less than 30 minutes. It is recommended to only use as much coffee as you need, and store the rest in an opaque, airtight container.

You can purchase a wide selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from getting in. Some come with a one-way valve that lets out the gases produced by freshly roasted beans, which can prolong the freshness of beans.

The best place to store your unused coffee is a cool, dark area with a constant temperature. Avoid storing it in the cabinet near your stove or oven, as the heat can speed up the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. It is also important to keep the beans away from direct sunlight, best coffee as they absorb sunlight and diminish their flavor.