Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you are a fan of whole coffee beans, your local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy the beans. If you don't live near a roaster, go online for companies who will roast and deliver your order.

Geography plays a significant factor in the taste of coffee like and so be aware of the origin of the beans you're buying.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are over 100 different coffee varieties, but the two most commonly used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to drought, disease and pests. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also cheaper to grow than arabica.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch may taste like burned rubber, a superior coffee made from specialty beans can match the taste of Arabica. The problem is that, with a few exceptions, the majority of robusta available on the market comes from plantations that care only about quantity.

Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes, and their resistance to diseases and pests is a result of the high caffeine content in the beans. This is what makes them a popular choice for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. However, even though some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some type of robusta to save money and provide their customers with an unsatisfactory cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger, bitter and more grainy taste than arabica. It also has the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside tiny, vibrant fruits called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the fruit are removed from the coffee plant, and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to make our beloved beverage.

The world's most popular variety of beans is Arabica and are known for their smooth flavor that isn't bitter. They are also renowned for their richness and are able to provide diverse flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of top-quality coffee.

These beans are more expensive than Robusta as their growth requires more attention. They require specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rainfall to establish their flavor profile. In fact, the best coffee beans come from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms that operate on a micro-scale.

Apart from the region of production an additional factor to take into consideration when purchasing coffee is whether or if it's of a single origin. "Single origin" can refer to a variety of things, but most commonly it means that the coffee comes from one farm, a crop or region within one country. Third wave coffee is good because you can experience it in its most pure form knowing where it originated from.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you consume is affected by the method of preparation. You can find the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brewing methods.

The size of the grind has a significant impact on the extraction of coffee solids soluble from the grounds. This affects the taste of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse and Coffee Gift water is unable to penetrate the grounds to extract the solids of the coffee brands that are soluble. This is known as under extraction. It can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water goes through the coffee too quickly and suffers an over extraction, resulting in bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee however it is preferential to buy whole beans and grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground coffee.

A burr grinder is the best tool to create an even grind, but you can also use a hand types of coffeee grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs which can be adjusted to ensure the perfect grind consistency. A smaller gap will result in an easier grind, while a larger one produces a coarser grind.

Stores

It is recommended to keep your coffee bag tightly shut and only grind as much as you will need for the next coffee. It is also advisable to look into buying a resealable canister, which will remove air and allow the CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first ground to escape.

Whole bean coffee will remain in its best condition for up to a month when stored properly. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will begin to diminish in just 30 minutes. It is recommended to only use the amount of coffee you'll need, and keep the remainder in a transparent, airtight container.

There is a huge variety types of coffeee attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed, which prevents moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that lets out the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which helps prolong the freshness of beans.

The ideal place to store your empty coffee is in a dark, cool location that has a steady temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet next to your oven or stove, as it can be heated and accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight can cause them to absorb it and degrade the flavor.