Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a lover of whole coffee beans Your local roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not lucky enough to be near one, look for online companies who roast and then ship to customers who order.

Geography plays a significant factor in the taste of coffee like So, be sure to consider the source of the beans you're buying.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee species however, the two most frequently utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to drought, disease and pests. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also less expensive to cultivate than arabica.

Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee that is produced around the world. While it's true that an inferior batch of robusta can taste like burnt rubber, a good quality coffee beans blend made from specific beans can easily surpass Arabica in taste. The problem is that, with a few exceptions the majority of robusta on the market is sourced from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.

The high content of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is what makes Robustas a popular choice for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. However, even though certain companies advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with other varieties of robusta to save money and give their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee may be more bitter and more bitter than arabica. It can also have the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate flavor. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which develop inside of small fruit that are colorful and sour, called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the berries are taken from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved beverage.

The world's most popular variety of beans are Arabica, and they're known for their smoky flavor which isn't bitter. These beans are also regarded as complex and able to provide a variety flavors. These beans are primarily grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee.

They are generally more expensive prices than Robusta because they require more attention for growth. To allow the flavor profile to develop, they require specific temperatures and adequate rainfall. The best coffee beans in the world are originate from Africa. A lot of farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale.

When purchasing coffee, it is important to know if the coffee is of single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things however it usually means that the coffee comes from one farm, a or region within a particular country. This is a large aspect of what makes third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly where your coffee originated lets you experience it in its purest form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you drink can be affected by method of preparation. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods will help you find the best blend of beans that fits your personal taste.

The grind size can have a significant impact on the extraction of coffee solids soluble from the ground. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse and water isn't able penetrate the ground to pull the soluble bulk coffee beans solids out. This is known as under extraction. It can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine the water will flow through the grounds much faster and result in an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is best to buy whole beans and then grind them yourself prior to brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will also last longer than if you were to purchase the pre-ground variety.

A burr grinder is the most popular tool for creating a consistent grind. However, you can also use a hand-grinder as well as a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs that break the beans into a certain grind consistency by adjusting the distance between burrs. A smaller gap creates a finer grind while an increased gap creates coarser grind.

Stores

Coffee beans degrade at a rapid rate after they've been opened, so it's a good idea to keep the bag tightly sealed and grind only as much as you need for the next time you brew. You might also think about purchasing a resealable canister that will shut out air and allow CO2 off-gassing that occurs when the beans are first crushed to escape.

Whole bean coffee can stay at its peak freshness for up to a month if stored properly. Once ground, your coffee's quality will begin to diminish in just 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind the amount you require and then store the rest in an airtight, opaque container.

You can choose from a selection of attractive and convenient containers for storing coffee. Some are vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from entering. Some have a one way valve that lets out the gasses generated by freshly roasted beans, which extends the freshness of beans.

The best place to store the coffee you haven't used is in a dark, cool place with constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your stove or oven since the heat can speed up chemical reactions that degrade the coffee. Keep the beans away as direct sunlight can cause them to absorb the coffee and lose its flavor.