Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a fan of whole coffee beans The local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not lucky enough to be near one, you can search for online companies that roast and ship to customers who order.

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

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee species. The two most common are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, disease and pests. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries in a year. It is also cheaper than arabica in terms of cultivation.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. While a poor quality batch may taste like burned rubber, a high quality coffee beans-quality coffee brewed with specialty beans could rival Arabica's flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most of the robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.

The high caffeine content of the beans makes them resistant to pests and disease. This is why they are a favorite choice in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, while some companies claim their product as 100 arabica-based, they typically mix it with some form of robusta to save money and provide their customers with the less than ideal cup of coffee. Robusta may have a harsher sharp, bitter and more granular taste than arabica. It also has a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the berries are taken from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved coffee brew.

Arabica is the most sought-after variety of bean in the world. They are renowned for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also renowned for their complexity and can provide an array of flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee.

These beans typically have a higher price tag than Robusta due to the fact that they require more attention in order to flourish. They require certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall to create their flavor cheaper profile. In reality, the best beans in the world originate from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family farms and operated on a micro-scale.

When purchasing coffee, it's important to consider whether the coffee is single origin or not. "Single origin" can mean a number of things, but most often it means that the coffee comes from one farm, crop or region within one country. This is a significant aspect of what makes third wave coffee so great knowing exactly the source of your coffee lets you enjoy it in its most pure form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you consume will be affected by the way it is prepared. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing techniques will allow you to find the best blend of beans that matches your personal preferences.

The size of the grind is a significant factor in the extraction of soluble coffee particles from the grounds. This affects the taste of the coffee. If the grind is too fine and water is unable to penetrate the ground and extract coffee solids that are soluble. This is known as under extraction, cheaper and could result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, water is able to pass through the ground too quickly, and it experiences an over extraction, resulting in bitterness.

It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee however, it is recommended to buy whole bean and grind your own beans as soon as you can before brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground coffee.

The burr grinding machine is ideal to ensure a consistent grinding however, you can make use of a food processor, hand grinder or mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs, which break the beans into a certain grind consistency by altering the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in the finest grind, whereas the larger gap produces an even coarser grind.

Storage

It is best to keep your bag tightly sealed and only grind the amount you'll need for the next brew. You may also want to consider purchasing a resealable coffee canister that will shut out air and allow CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first ground to escape.

When stored properly When stored properly, whole bean coffee will be kept fresh for as long as one month. Once the coffee is ground, its quality will decrease in only 30 minutes. It's best to only use as much coffee as you'll need, and keep the remainder in a transparent, airtight container.

You can find a vast selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that lets out the gasses that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which extends the freshness of beans.

The best place to keep your coffee that is not used is an area that is cool and dark with an even temperature. Avoid storing it in the cabinet that is near your oven or stove, as the heat could accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Be sure to keep the beans out of direct sunlight will cause the coffee to absorb and lose flavor.