Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you are a fan of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're unable to live close to one, look for online companies which roast and ship to customers who order.

The origin of the coffee beans can have a big impact on the taste.

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 against drought, pests and diseases. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive to grow than arabica.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of world's coffee production. While a poor quality batch may taste like burned rubber, a superior brew using specialty beans can surpass the flavor local of Arabica. The problem is that, with a few exceptions the majority of robusta sold on the market is from plantations that care only about the quantity.

The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them invulnerable to pests and disease. This is the reason they are a favorite option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Even though some companies proclaim their product to be 100 arabica-based, they often mix it with some kind of robusta to save money, but provide their customers with a subpar cup of coffee. Robusta can have a harsher, bitter and more grainy taste than arabica. It also has a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant, or even overwhelming.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside tiny, colorful fruits called coffee berries. When they are mature, the fruit are removed from the coffee plant and split into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to create our favorite drink.

The most well-known variety of beans is Arabica They are well-known for their smoky flavor that isn't bitter. They are also regarded for their complexity and ability to provide a variety of flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee.

They are more expensive than Robusta due to their growth requires more care. For the flavor profile to develop, they require specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The finest coffee beans in the entire world come from Africa. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated on a small scale.

In addition to the region in which it is grown an additional factor to take into account when buying coffee is whether or if it's of a single origin. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things but generally means that the coffee comes from one farm, a or region within the country. This is a large element of what makes third wave coffee so great knowing where your coffee originated lets you experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you drink is affected by the method of preparation. You can discover the perfect blend of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing techniques.

The size of the grind has a major impact on the extraction of soluble coffee particles from the ground. This affects the taste of the coffee. If the grind is too fine and water isn't able penetrate the ground to pull the coffee's soluble solids out. This is called under extraction and can result in a weak coffee. If the grind is fine the water will move through the grounds much faster and Local suffer from an over extraction. This can lead to bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee, but it's best to buy whole bean and grind your own beans directly prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were ground pre-priced.

The burr grinder is preferred for a consistent grind however, you can use a food processor, hand grinder or mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs that can be adjusted to ensure a particular grind consistency. A smaller gap will result in an easier grinding, whereas larger ones result in an even coarser grinding.

Storage

Coffee beans degrade at an astonishing rate once they've been opened. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly sealed and only grind enough to make the next brew. You may want to purchase a resealable canister that will eliminate air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are ground.

Whole bean coffee will remain in its best condition for up to a month when stored correctly. However, once the coffee is ground the quality of your coffee could 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 and opaque container.

You can purchase a wide assortment of attractive, simple-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum sealed to stop moisture from getting inside. Some even have a one-way valve that releases the gases produced by freshly roasted beans, which helps prolong the beans' freshness.

The best place to store your coffee that you don't use is in a cool, dark area with a constant temperature. Avoid storing it in a cabinet that is near your oven or stove, since the heat could accelerate the chemical reactions that degrade coffee. It is also important to keep the beans away from direct sunlight since they will absorb it and diminish their flavor.