Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a big fan of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not fortunate enough to live close to one, try searching online for companies that roast and ship to customers who order.

The origin of your coffee beans will have a big impact on the flavor.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee species, but the two most commonly utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica.

Robusta accounts for 40% of all coffee produced in the world. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a premium coffee brewed with specialty beans could surpass the flavor of Arabica. The problem is that, with a few exceptions the majority of robusta available on the market is sourced from plantations that are only concerned about the quantity.

The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to disease and pests. This is why they are a popular choice for traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. But, even though some companies claim their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with a variety of robusta in order to save money and give their customers the less than ideal cup of coffee. Robusta can have a harsher bitter, more bitter and a more grainy taste than arabica. It also has a nutty or peanut flavor. These flavors can be unpleasant to some or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which develop inside of small fruit that are colorful and sour, called coffee berries. These berries are plucked from the coffee plant when ripe and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to make our cherished drink.

The most sought-after variety of beans is Arabica and are renowned for their smooth flavor that isn't bitter. These beans are also regarded for their richness and capacity to offer a variety of flavors. The main regions that grow these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for producing high quality coffee are perfect.

They are more expensive than Robusta because their growth requires more attention. They require specific temperatures and enough rainfall to establish their flavor profile. In reality, the best coffee beans originate from Africa, where many coffee farms are run by family farms and operated on a micro scale.

When buying coffee, it is crucial to consider whether the coffee is single origin or not. "Single origin" can refer to a variety of things, fresh Bean coffee but generally it means that the coffee beans london is sourced from one farm, a crop or region within one country. This is a large aspect of what makes third wave coffee beans starbucks so amazing knowing exactly where your coffee originated allows you to experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

A great-quality brew begins with great coffee beans, however, the process of grinding, brewing and serving will affect the final flavor of your drink. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to find the best blend of coffee that suits your individual taste.

The size of the grind plays a significant factor in how the soluble coffee components are extracted from the ground during making, and this affects the flavor of your coffee. If the grind is too fine it will be difficult for water to penetrate into the ground and extract soluble coffee solids. This is known as under extraction and can cause a weak cup of 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 pre-ground coffee but it's recommended to purchase a whole bean and grind your own beans immediately before making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were already ground.

The burr grinder is preferred for creating a consistent grinding however, you can make use of a food processor, a hand grinder or a mortar-and-pestle. The burr grinder is equipped with two cutting discs that can be adjusted to ensure a specific consistency in the grind. A smaller gap produces a finer grinding, while an increased gap produces the coarser grinding.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your bag tightly closed and only grind the amount you will need for the next brew. You may also consider purchasing a resealable coffee canister, which will eliminate air and allow CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first ground to escape.

If stored properly Whole bean coffee can remain fresh bean coffee for up to one month. However, once the coffee is ground the quality of your coffee can begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. It's best to only use as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in a transparent airtight container.

You can pick from a selection of attractive and convenient containers for storing coffee. Some are vacuum sealed to stop moisture from entering. Others have a one-way valve that lets out the gasses released by freshly roasted coffee, which will preserve the freshness of the beans.

The ideal location to store your leftover coffee is in a dark, cool area with a stable temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet that is near your oven or stove as the heat could accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy costa coffee coffee beans. It is also recommended to keep the beans away from direct sunlight since they will absorb the light and reduce their flavor.