Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a lover of whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search online for companies who will roast and deliver your order.

The origin of your coffee beans will affect the taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta

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

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. While it's true that a poor quality batch of robusta can taste like burnt rubber, a quality robusta brewed with specialty beans can be able to rival Arabica in flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most robusta that is sold on the market comes only from plantations concerned about quantity.

The high caffeine content of the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is why they are a popular choice in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Even though some companies advertise their product to be 100 arabica-based, they often mix it with some kind of robusta to save money, and provide their customers with a lower quality cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger sharp, bitter and more granular taste than arabica. It can also have an nutty or peanut taste. These flavors may be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant when they are ripe and then split into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved beverage.

Arabica is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are renowned for their smooth, non-bitter taste. They're also regarded for their complexity and ability to offer a variety of flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of top-quality coffee.

These beans usually have an expense that is higher than Robusta, due to the fact that they require more care for growth. They need specific temperatures and enough rainfall to develop their flavor profile. In fact, the finest coffee beans on the planet originate from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family farms and operated on a micro scale.

Apart from the region of production another crucial aspect to take into account when buying coffee is whether or not it's of single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things however, it typically refers to the fact that the coffee comes from one farm, pret a manger coffee Beans crop, or region in a country. Third wave lavazza coffee beans is good because it allows you to experience it in the purest form by knowing where it came from.

Grind

A high-quality cup starts with excellent coffee beans however the process of grinding, brewing, and serving will affect the final flavor of your drink. You can find the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brewing techniques.

The size of the grind plays a significant factor in how the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during the brewing process, which affects the flavor of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine it will be difficult for water to penetrate into the grounds to extract the coffee solids that are soluble. This is known as under extraction and may result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine, the water will pass through the coffee grounds faster and will experience an over extraction. This can cause bitterness.

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

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. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs that cut beans into a particular grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap will result in a finer grind while the larger gap produces a coarser grind.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your bag tightly closed and only grind what you'll need for the next coffee. You may want to buy a resealable canister that will eliminate the air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are ground.

If properly stored When stored properly, whole bean coffee will be kept fresh for as long as one month. However, illy Coffee beans once ground, the quality of your coffee may deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. This is why it's recommended to only grind the amount you'll need and then store the rest in an airtight, clear container.

You can choose from a wide selection of attractive and easy-to-use containers to store coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from getting inside. Some even have a one-way valve that lets out the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which prolongs the beans' freshness.

The ideal place to store your unused coffee is in a dark, cool area that has a steady temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your oven or stove since the heat can speed up chemical reactions that can degrade the coffee. Keep the beans away as direct sunlight will cause them to absorb the coffee and degrade the flavor.