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 adored. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a sourer flavor than the earlier.
The most premium coffee beans might be a bit more expensive but that shouldn’t shock anyone since they are produced with more care and attention. Here are some helpful tips to help you determine high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When buying high quality coffee beans, the origin is as important as the roasting process. The area in which the beans are grown directly affects their flavors acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known and well-loved kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally thought of as superior to robusta. There are four distinct varieties of arabica beans, which differ wildly in their growing conditions and their taste profiles.
Coffee from Ethiopia for instance, is known for its floral and fruity flavors, while coffees from Panama are coveted for their vibrant acidity. Geisha is a different popular kind of. These tiny beans are only available in certain regions and need to be sorted by hand prior to roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a an organic tea-like body, mellow flavor and notes of citrus or vanilla.
When purchasing coffee, consider whether the beans are fair trade, organic or sustainably source. Some of these buzzwords may be just marketing tactics however, others are real indicators of the quality of the coffee. For example single origin refers to the fact that all beans in a coffee bean coffee come from the same region, and in the case of microlot, it means that the beans were grown at high altitudes and in nutrient rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 coffee species and varieties, but two dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a more smooth taste and are believed to be of higher quality. They have less bitterness and contain less caffeine than robusta.
If you’re looking to purchase a whole bean of superior quality you should look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This seal means that the beans were tested for aroma and taste, cup quality and aroma. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted consistently and to the right degree of darkness.
A good roaster should provide a variety of brewing methods. This allows you to select the one that best suits your preferences and brewing technique. For instance filter bulk buy coffee beans works well with a French-press, while espresso is best paired with drip makers that are automated.
Purchasing a bag of whole beans is an excellent way to play with a variety of flavors. The price tag varies but it’s usually worth the additional cost. There are also a variety of blends in the same bag, which lets you sample a variety of flavors at the same time. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from different regions to create distinct flavors. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some of the world’s most renowned regions. It also has a medium body with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
When roasted, high quality beans will change from their green state to the rich shades of brown that we call coffee. You can taste and witness the transformation in the final product.
You should also be aware of the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roasting for coffee. The darker roasts have more of a strong and intense flavor. You can play around with different roast levels to find your preferred roast when you roast your coffee.
It is essential to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized, to ensure consistency in the roast. It is essential to stir beans while roasting, since this ensures that they cook evenly and prevents them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans to a point that they begin to steam. As the steam increases, you’ll hear a crackling sound and know 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 down, place them in a colander that is 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.
Storage
The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans properly. This ensures that they remain fresh and have the best taste. Heat, humidity and air are the beans’ greatest enemies. This is the reason it is vital to store your beans in a container that is airtight. This will keep the beans from absorbing odors from other foods in your pantry, and prevent them from losing their freshly roasted taste. The beans should be stored in a cool, dark place. This is important because the light could destroy their flavor. Additionally, the heat will cause them to diminish. It is best to use an opaque container for your beans like a glass canister or a vacuum bulk buy coffee beans canister. These containers will keep your beans fresh for many years.
Keep the beans in the fridge as soon as you receive them. However, if you’re not able to use them immediately then it is recommended to store them in a freezer. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, however it is essential to defrost them before roasting.
Some people store their unused beans into attractive jars to display them. This could end up harming the beans. It is best to keep the beans in a separate container and store them secretly in a convenient location.