The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 species of coffee plants, however Arabica and Robusta are the two most well-known. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.

The top coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but this should not come as a shock to anyone, since a lot of time and effort is invested in these beans. Here are some helpful tips for identifying high quality coffee beans.

Origin

When buying high quality coffee beans to buy beans, the source is as important as the roasting process. The region in which the beans were cultivated directly affects the flavors, body, acidity and more.

The most well-known and popular type of coffee beans is arabica, and are generally considered to be more premium than robusta beans. However, there are four different types of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and the taste characteristics.

For instance, coffee from Ethiopia is well-known for its fruity and floral flavors and coffee from Panama is prized for its bright acidity. Geisha is yet another popular variety. These tiny beans are only available in certain regions and need to be sorted manually before roasting. These beans are unique and can have natural tea-like bodies as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of vanilla or citrus.

When buying coffee, take into consideration whether the beans are organic, ground beans coffee fair trade or sustainably procured. Some of these buzzwords might be merely marketing techniques however, others are real indicators of the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all the beans coming from the same region. Microlot coffee indicates that the beans were grown at high altitudes with fertile soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 different coffee varieties, but only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans are regarded as higher quality and have a more smooth flavor. They also contain less caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you are looking for a high-quality whole bean you should look for the seal of a special roaster. This seal means that the beans have been tested for aroma, cup quality and taste. This ensures that the beans are roasted consistently and at the right degree of darkness.

A good quality roaster will also have a variety methods of brewing. You can then select the one that best suits your taste. For example filter coffee works well with a French press, while espresso is best paired with drip makers that are automated.

A bag of beans that are whole allows you to experiment with different flavors. Prices can vary, but the extra cost is generally worth it. There are many flavors in the same bag, which will let you try a few different flavors at the same time. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from several regions to create distinctive flavors. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the best regions. It also features a medium body and notes of caramel and jams of fruit.

Roast

When they are roasted, the best beans will change from their green color to the rich brown shades that we are familiar with when we think of coffee. You can smell and see the transformation in the final product.

You should also be aware of the roast level. Different levels of roast are available for ground coffee beans, with darker roasts having more intense, stronger flavor than lighter ones. You can experiment with various roast levels until you find the one you like best when you roast your coffee.

It is essential to select beans that are uniform in size and color, as this will ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's important to agitate beans during roasting as this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

The first step is heating the beans until they begin to steam. As the steam increases you'll hear a cracking sound and realize that your beans are now beginning to roast. Then, turn off the popper and spread out the beans to cool on a baking tray.

When you're ready to cool them, place them in a colander made of metal. Shake them back and fourth until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Allow the beans to cool in an airtight container to allow them to release carbon dioxide prior to storage.

Stores

The most important thing to do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your Ground Beans Coffee properly. This will ensure that the beans will remain fresh and retain their excellent flavor. Heat, humidity and air are the beans' biggest enemies. It is therefore essential to keep your beans dried in an airtight container. This will prevent them from taking in the odors from other food items in your pantry and it will also prevent them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool space. It is essential to store beans in a dark, cool area as light can affect their taste. Heat will also cause them to lose their flavor. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans, like a glass canister or a vacuum coffee canister. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long period of time.

It is recommended to keep the beans in a container as soon as you buy coffee beans them. If you can't immediately use them it is best to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life, but it is important to thaw them prior to roasting.

Many people keep their unused beans in attractive jars to display them. This can actually harm the beans. It is preferential to have an additional container to store the beans and to secretly keep the beans that are not used in an optimal location.