The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 species of coffee plant however, the two species that dominate the market are Arabica and Robusta. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.

The best coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone because more time and effort goes into them. Here are some tips to help you find high-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When you purchase high-quality coffee beans, the source is as important as the roasting process. The area in which the beans are grown has a direct impact on their flavor notes, body, acidity and more.

The most well-known, popular type of coffee beans is arabica, which are generally considered to be higher quality than robusta beans. There are four different types of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and their taste profiles.

Coffee from Ethiopia for instance, is well-known for its fruity and floral flavors, while coffees from Panama are prized for their vibrant acidity. Geisha is another well-known kind of. These tiny beans are only produced in certain regions and must be manually sorted before roasting. These unique beans can have an organic tea-like body as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of citrus or vanilla.

When buying coffee, think about whether the beans you purchase are organic, fair trade or sustainably produced. Some of these buzzwords are just marketing techniques, while others truly signify the quality of the coffee. For instance single origin refers to the fact that all beans in a coffee originate from the same region, and when the coffee is microlot, that means the beans were grown at high altitudes, and in nutrient soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 kinds of coffee, but only two varieties dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans are considered higher quality and have a more smooth flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're in search of an excellent whole bean you should look for the seal of a special roaster. The seal signifies that the beans have been inspected for aroma, cup quality and taste. This process makes sure that the beans are cooked consistently and to the right level of dark.

A good roaster will offer different brew methods. You can then choose the one that best fits your preferences. For instance the filter coffee is a good match for the french press, whereas espresso is best paired with an automatic drip machine.

Buying a bag of whole beans is a great way to experiment with various flavors. The cost of beans can be varied but the additional cost is usually worth it. You can also find many varieties in the same bag, letting you try a few different flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create unique tastes. Their Holler Mountain blend, for example, has beans from some of the world's finest regions. It's medium-bodied with hints of fruit jam and caramel.

Roast

The color of the coffee beans will change from green to rich shades of brown we associate with beans of high-quality. You can even taste the transition in the flavor of the final product.

You should also pay attention to the roast level. There are many different levels of roasting coffee. The darker roasts have a stronger and more intense flavor. When you roast your own coffee, you can regulate the roasting level and test to discover your favorite.

It is essential to select beans that are uniform in size and color, as this will ensure consistency throughout the roast. It is essential to stir beans during roasting as this will help them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.

The first step is to heat the beans until they start to steam. As the steam increases you'll hear a cracking sound and realize that your beans are now beginning to roast. At this point, you'll be able to switch off the popper and spread the beans out on baking sheets to cool.

When they're ready cool, place them in a metal colander and shake them around until they are warm to the touch (this will help get rid of any chaff). Then let the beans cool in an airtight container so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide prior to storage.

Stores

When it comes to gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This ensures that they stay fresh and offer the best taste. The elements of heat, moisture, and air are beans' main enemies. This is the reason it is vital to keep beans in a container that is airtight. This will keep them from absorbing odors of other foods in your pantry, and also stop them from losing their fresh roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a cool, dark place. This is important because the light roast coffee beans can ruin their flavor. The heat can cause the beans to degrade. Choose a container that's transparent for your beans. This could be a glass canister or a vacuum-packed coffee beans unroasted canister. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a longer period of time.

It is recommended to preserve the beans when you purchase them. However, if you are not able to utilize them immediately it is recommended to store them in a freezer. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf-life, but it is important to let them thaw them prior to roasting.

Many people put their unopened beans in attractive jars to display them. However, this could damage the quality of the beans. It is best to use an extra container for storage and to keep the beans that aren't used in an optimal location.