The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 species of coffee plants, but Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a harsher taste than the earlier.
The finest coffee beans might be a little more expensive however, that shouldn’t frighten anyone, since they’re made with more care and attention. Here are some tips to help you identify top-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When buying high quality coffee beans, the origin is just as important as the roasting process. The region where the beans were cultivated has an impact directly on the flavors, body, acidity and much more.
The most popular and well-known kind of coffee beans are arabica, which are generally considered to be more premium than robusta beans. There are four types of arabica coffee beans each one with a distinct taste and growing conditions.
For example coffee from Ethiopia is known for its floral and fruit flavors, while coffee from Panama is renowned for its bright acidity. Another well-known kind of coffee is the geisha, which are small beans that are grown only in a few areas and must be separated by hand before roasting. The unique beans may have an organic tea-like body with a smooth flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.
When purchasing coffee, you should also think about whether the beans you purchase are fair trade, organic or sustainably sourced. Some of these buzzwords may be just marketing tactics however, others are real indicators of the quality of the coffee bean near me. Single origin coffee refers to all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee signifies that the beans were cultivated in high altitudes, with soil that is rich.
Variety
There are more than 100 kinds of coffee bean near me. However, only two types dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother taste and are considered to be more premium. They are less bitter and contain less caffeine than robusta.
If you’re looking for a complete bean of high quality, look for the seal of a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been examined and evaluated for flavor as well as cup quality and aroma. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted consistently and at the right level of darkness.
A good coffee beans roaster will also have a variety methods of brewing. You can then pick the one that best fits your taste. For example filter coffees is ideal for the french press, whereas espresso is best when paired with an automatic drip machine.
A bag of beans that are whole allows you to test different flavors. The cost can vary, but it’s usually worth the extra cost. There are also a variety of blends in one bag, which will let you taste a variety of flavors at once. Some brands, like Stumptown combine beans from several regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, contains beans from some of the finest regions in the world. It also has a medium body with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
The color of coffee beans will change from green to the rich brown shades we associate with high-quality beans. You can see and even feel the transformation in the flavor of the finished product.
Also, pay attention to the roast level. Several different levels of roast are used in coffee and darker roasts have a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter roasts. When you roast your own coffee, it is possible to control the roast level and experiment to find the best roast for you.
It’s important to choose beans that are uniform in color and size so that you can ensure consistency throughout the roast. It is crucial to stir beans during roasting, as this helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans to a point where they begin to steam. You’ll hear a cracking noise as the steam increases. This means that your beans have started to roast. Now you can turn off the popper, and then spread the beans to cool on the baking tray.
When they’re ready to be chilled, place them in a colander made from metal and shake them until they are warm to the touch (this will help remove 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 to gourmet coffee is to store your beans correctly. This will ensure that they stay fresh and have the best flavor. Heat, humidity and air are the beans’ greatest enemies. It is therefore important to keep your dried beans in a sealed container. This will prevent them from absorbing odors from other food products in your pantry. It will also prevent them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. Beans should be kept in a dark, cool area. This is crucial because light could destroy their flavor. In addition, the heat will cause them to diminish. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans, like a glass canister or a coffee canister vacuum. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long time.
Store the beans as soon you purchase them. However, if unable to use them immediately it is recommended to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf-life however, you must first thaw them prior to roasting.
Many people put their unopened beans in attractive jars in order to showcase them. However, this can actually harm the quality of the beans. It is recommended to store the beans in a separate container and keep them secretly in a convenient place.