The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants. Arabica and Robusta are the two most sought-after. The latter has more caffeine and a stronger taste than the earlier.

The finest coffee beans are more expensive, but this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since more time and effort is put into them. Here are some tips to help you identify the top quality coffee beans.

Origin

When buying high quality coffee beans, the origin is just as important as the roasting process. The region in which the beans were grown can influence their flavor notes acidity, body, and much more.

The most well-known, coffees and most popular kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as being higher quality than robusta. There are four types of arabica coffee beans each with its own distinct taste and growing conditions.

Coffee from Ethiopia like Ethiopia is renowned for its floral and fruity flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are coveted for their bright acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are tiny beans that are only produced in a handful of areas and require hand sorting prior to roasting. These beans are unique and can have natural tea-like bodies, mellow flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.

When purchasing coffee, be aware of whether the beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably produced. Some of these buzzwords are just marketing strategies, while others are actually a sign of the quality of the coffee. For instance the term "single origin" refers to the fact that all beans in a cup come from the same region. Likewise, in the case of microlot, it means that the beans were cultivated at high altitudes and in nutrients rich soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 different coffee varieties, but only two dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother flavor and are thought to be superior quality. They also contain a lower amount of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're looking for a complete bean that is of the highest quality you should look for the seal of a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been checked and tested for taste, cup quality, and aroma. This ensures that beans have been cooked to the right degree of darkness and the right consistency.

A good roaster will offer a variety of brewing methods. This means you can select the one that is most suitable to your taste and brewing method. For example filter coffee works well with a French press while espresso works best with an automatic drip maker.

The purchase of a bag of beans is the perfect way to experiment with a variety of flavors. The price tag can vary however the additional cost is usually worth it. There are many blends in one bag, which let you try a few different flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create distinctive flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, is made up of beans from the world's finest regions. It's a medium-bodied flavor with notes of fruit jam and caramel.

Roast

The color of the coffee shop beans will change from green to the rich shades of brown we associate with premium beans. You can taste and see the transformation in the final product.

You must also pay attention to the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roasting for coffee. The darker roasts have greater intensity and a stronger flavor. You can experiment with various roast levels and discover the one you like best when you roast your coffee.

It is crucial to select beans that are uniform in size and color in order to ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's also vital to agitate the beans during the roasting process to ensure they cook evenly and stops them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans to a point where they begin to steam. As the steam increases you'll hear a cracking sound and realize that your beans are starting to roast. Then, turn off the popper, and spread out the beans to cool on baking sheets.

When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander made of metal. Shake them in a circular motion until they feel warm (this will eliminate any chaff). Then let the beans cool in an airtight container so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide prior to storage.

Stores

The most important thing to do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that your beans remain fresh and have excellent flavor. Moisture, air and heat are the beans' biggest enemies. It is therefore important to store your beans dried in a sealed container. This will prevent them from absorbing the odors from other food products in your pantry. It will also stop them from losing their fresh roast taste. The beans should be kept in a cool, dark location. It is important to keep them in a dark, cool place because light can cause a loss of flavor. Heat will also cause them to degrade. It is best to choose an opaque container for your beans like a glass canister or a coffee canister vacuum. These containers will keep your beans fresh for many years.

Store the beans as soon they are purchased. However, if not able to use them right away it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf life, however it is essential to defrost them before roasting.

Some people place their empty beans into attractive jars to display them. However, this can damage the quality of the beans. It is recommended to have an additional container for storage and to secretly keep the beans that are not used in a secure location.