Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you’re a fan of whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you’re unable to live close to one, you can search for online companies that roast and ship to you.
Geography plays a huge influence on what coffee tastes like and so be aware of the country of origin of the beans you’re purchasing.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 distinct coffee species. The two most popular are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to diseases, drought and pests. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica.
Robusta is responsible for 40 percent of all coffees produced in the world. While a poor quality batch may taste like burned rubber, a premium coffee brewed with specialty beans could match the taste of Arabica. The problem is there are some exceptions, however, most of the robusta sold on the market is from plantations that are only focused on quantity.
The high content of caffeine in beans makes them immune to diseases and pests. This is the reason they are a common choice for traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, while some companies might advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some form of robusta to cut costs and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It can also have the flavor of peanuts or nutty. Some people find these flavors unpleasant, or even overwhelming.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that are cultivated inside small, colorful fruits called coffee berries. These berries are pulled from the coffee plant when ripe and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to make our beloved brew.
The most popular variety of beans are Arabica They are well-known for their smooth flavor which isn’t bitter. These beans are also regarded for their complexity and ability to provide a variety flavors. The most popular regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for the production types of coffee beans high-quality coffee are optimal.
These beans tend to have more expensive prices than Robusta due to the fact that they require more attention in order to flourish. In order for the flavor profile to develop, they need specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The best coffee beans in the world come originate from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale.
When buying coffee, it is important to determine if the coffee is of single origin or not. “Single origin” can mean a variety of things, but typically it means that the coffee comes from one farm, a crop or region within a specific country. Third wave coffee is so great because you can taste it in its purest form by knowing where it came from.
Grind
The quality of the coffee you consume is affected by the method of preparation. You can discover the perfect blend of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods.
The size of the grind plays a significant role in the way that the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during making, and this affects the flavor of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won’t be able to get through the grind to extract the soluble coffee bean solids out. This is known as under extraction and could result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water passes through the grounds too quickly and experiences an over extraction, which results in bitterness.
You can purchase top rated Coffee Beans that has been ground however it is preferential to buy whole beans and then grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they had been pre-ground.
A burr grinder is the preferred tool for creating an even grind, but you can also use a hand grinder, a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs, which break beans into a particular grind consistency by altering the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in more fine grind, while the larger gap produces an even coarser grind.
Storage
It is best to keep your bean bag tightly closed and only grind as much as you will need for the next coffee. You may want to purchase the resealable containers that remove the air and allow CO2 to escape after the beans are ground.
If properly stored Whole bean coffee can last for up to one month. Once ground the quality of your highest rated coffee beans can deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. It’s best to only use as much coffee as you need, and store the rest in an opaque airtight container.
You can pick from a selection of attractive and practical containers for storing coffee. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that releases the gasses produced by freshly roasted beans, which helps prolong the beans’ freshness.
The ideal storage space for your unopened coffee is in a cool, dark roast coffee beans area that has a steady temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet by the oven or stove, as the heat can speed up the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight will cause them to absorb the coffee and lose its flavor.