The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants, however Arabica and Robusta are the two most sought-after. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a more bitter taste than the former.

The finest coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone as more time and effort is invested in their production. Here are some guidelines to help you find high-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When purchasing premium coffee beans, the origin is as important as the roasting process. The specific region in which the beans were harvested can influence their flavor notes acidity, body, and more.

The most well-known and popular type of coffee bean is arabica. They are generally regarded as being higher quality than robusta. There are four different kinds of arabica beans, which differ greatly in their growing conditions and their taste profiles.

For instance coffee from Ethiopia is well-known for its fruity and floral aromas and the coffee from Panama is prized for its bright acidity. Another popular kind of coffee is the geisha, which are tiny beans that are only produced in a few areas and must be separated by hand before roasting. The unique beans may have a natural tea-like body, mellow flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.

Other things to consider when purchasing coffee include whether the beans are of single origin, microlot, fair trade organic, sustainably-sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing techniques, while others are actually a sign of the quality of the coffee. For example single origin refers to the fact that all beans in a coffee come from the same region, and if the coffee is microlot, that means the beans were cultivated at high altitudes, and in nutrient soil.

Variety

There are over 100 species of coffee. However, only two types of coffee beans dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans are considered higher quality and have a more smooth flavor. They also have a lower caffeine content and less bitterness than robusta.

If you are looking for an authentic whole bean be sure to look for the seal of a special roaster. This means that the beans have been checked and evaluated for flavor as well as cup quality and aroma. This ensures that the beans are cooked consistently and to the coffee bean shop right level of dark.

A good roaster should also provide a variety of methods of brewing. This way, you can choose the one that is most suitable to your preferences and the brewing method. For instance, a filter coffee is a good match for french presses, whereas espresso will pair best with an automatic drip machine.

Buying a bag of whole beans is a great way to experiment with various flavors. The price varies however, it's generally worth the extra cost. There are also a variety of blends in the same bag, which lets you taste a variety of flavors at the same time. Some brands, like Stumptown combine beans from different regions to make unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some the world's best regions. It has a medium-bodied taste with notes of fruit jam and caramel.

Roast

When roasted, high quality beans will change from their green state into the inviting rich shades of brown that we associate with coffee. You can taste and see the transformation in the final product.

Pay attention to the degree of roasting. There are various levels of roasting for coffee. Roasts with darker levels have a stronger and more intense flavor. You can experiment with various roast levels to find your personal preference when roasting your coffee.

It's important to choose beans that are uniform in color and size in order to ensure consistency throughout the roast. It is also essential to stir the beans during the roasting process, which helps them cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans to that they begin to steam. As the steam rises, you'll hear a cracking sound and know that the beans are about to begin roasting. Now you can turn off the popper, and then spread the beans to cool on an oven tray.

When they're ready chilled, place them in an aluminum colander and shake them around until they're warm to the touch (this will help to remove any chaff). Let the beans cool in an airtight container to allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storing them.

Storage

When it comes to premium coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that the beans remain fresh and have a great flavor. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. Therefore, it is essential to keep your beans dried in a sealed container. This will prevent them from taking in the odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool space. This is essential because light can ruin their flavor. Heat will also cause them to lose their flavor. Make sure you use a container that is opaque for your beans. This can be a glass container, or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a long time.

Keep the beans in storage as soon as you buy them. However, if you're unable to use them immediately the best option is to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf-life however, you must first thaw prior to roasting.

Some people keep their unused beans in attractive jars so that they can display them. However, this can harm the quality of the beans. It is recommended to store the beans in an additional container and store them in a secure location.