Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you’re a lover of whole beans the best place to bulk buy coffee beans them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you don’t live near an espresso machine, look on the internet for companies that can roast and then ship your order.
The origin of your coffee beans will affect the taste.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 different coffee species. The two most common 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 every year. It is also less expensive to cultivate than arabica.
Robusta is responsible for 40% of world’s coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a premium brew using specialty beans can compete with Arabica’s taste. The issue is that, with few exceptions, most of the robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.
The high amount of caffeine in beans makes them immune to disease and pests. This is the reason why them a popular option for traditional cafes and instant coffee. Even though some companies advertise their product as being 100% arabica, they will often mix it with a kind of robusta to save money and provide their customers with a lower quality cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger sharp, bitter and more granular taste than arabica. It also has the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate taste. These flavors can be unpleasant for some or too strong for others.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. When ripe, these berries are removed from the coffee plant, and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our most-loved drink.
Arabica is the most adored variety of beans in the world. They are known for their smooth, non-bitter taste. These beans are also renowned for their complexity and are able to provide a wide range of flavors. The main growing regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for producing high quality coffee are ideal.
These beans are more expensive than Robusta, because their growth requires more attention. For the flavor profile of these beans to develop, they require specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The top coffee beans in the entire world come from Africa. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated on a smaller scale.
When purchasing coffee, it’s important to be aware of whether the coffee is of single origin or not. “Single Origin” can mean a variety of things however it usually means that the coffee beans to buy originates from one particular farm, or region within the same country. Third wave coffee is good because it allows you to experience it in the most pure form knowing where it originated from.
Grind
The quality of the coffee you drink is affected by the method of preparation. Making a variety of grind sizes and brew methods will help you find the most optimal blend of coffee that fits your personal taste.
Grind size plays a big influence on how the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the grounds during brewing, and this impacts the flavor of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine it will be difficult for water to penetrate into the ground and extract coffee solids that are soluble. This is called under extraction, and could result in weak coffee. If the grind is fine the water will flow through the grounds much faster and will experience an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.
You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is recommended to bulk buy coffee beans whole beans and then grind them yourself before making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were already ground.
The burr grinder is favored for creating a consistent grinding but you can also use a food processor, hand grinder or mortar-and-pestle. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs that break beans into a particular grind consistency by adjusting the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces the finest grind, whereas the one with a larger gap results in an even coarser grind.
Storage
Coffee beans degrade in a rapid manner once they’ve been opened, so it is a good idea to keep the bag tightly closed and grind only the amount you’ll need for your next brew. You might want to invest in an open-top canister that is resealable to eliminate air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are crushed.
Whole bean to cup coffee beans coffee can remain at its freshest state for up to a month if stored in a safe manner. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will begin to diminish in just 30 minutes. It is best to only drink as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in an opaque, airtight container.
You can bulk buy coffee beans a wide selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum sealed to stop moisture from getting inside. Some have a one-way valve that will release the gasses that are produced by freshly roasted coffee, which will preserve the freshness of the beans.
The ideal location to store your leftover coffee is in a dark, cool location that has a steady temperature. Avoid storing it in a cabinet next to your stove or oven, as the heat can speed up the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. It is also important to keep the beans out of direct sunlight since they will absorb it and reduce their flavor.