The Importance of Buying
High Quality Coffee BeansThere are more than 100 coffee plant species, but the two that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.
The finest coffee beans might be a little more expensive but that shouldn't shock anyone, since they're made with greater care and consideration. Here are some guidelines to help you identify top-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When you purchase high-quality coffee beans, the source is as important as the roasting process. The specific region in which the beans were cultivated can affect the flavor, acidity, body and much more.
The most well-known and popular type of coffee beans are arabica, which are generally thought to be superior to robusta beans. There are four types of arabica coffee beans, each with a distinct flavor and growing conditions.
Coffee from Ethiopia like Ethiopia is renowned for its fruity and floral flavor, while coffees from Panama are prized for their vibrant acidity. Another famous variety is the geisha. They are small beans that can only be found in a handful of regions and must be separated by hand before roasting. Geisha beans are distinct and may be tea-like with sweet flavors, like vanilla or citrus notes.
When purchasing coffee, take into consideration whether the beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably source. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing tactics, but others truly signify the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee refers to the beans were grown in high altitudes and with a rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee but only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother flavor and are thought to be more premium. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.
If you're in search of an authentic whole bean look for the seal of a specialized roaster. This seal signifies that the beans were tested for aroma and cup quality as well as taste. This ensures that the beans are cooked consistently and to the correct level of dark.
A
good coffee beans quality roaster will also offer a variety brew methods. This allows you to select the one that best fits your preferences and the brewing method. For example the filter coffee will work well with french presses, while espresso is best paired with an automatic drip machine.
Buying a bag of whole beans is the perfect way to experiment with various flavors. The cost can vary however, it's generally worth the extra cost. You can find many blends within the same bag. This allows you to explore a variety of flavors at once. Some brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for example, has beans from some of the world's finest regions. It also has a medium-bodied body that includes notes of caramel and fruit jam.
Roast
When they are roast, the top quality beans will change from their green state into the inviting rich shades of brown that we call coffee. You can taste and witness the change in the final product.
Pay attention to the intensity of roasting. There are several different levels of roasting for coffee. Roasts with darker levels have greater intensity and a stronger flavor. If you roast your own coffee, it is possible to control the roast level and test to find the best roast for you.
It is crucial to select beans that are uniform in size and color in order to ensure consistency throughout 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 until they start to steam. As the steam rises you'll hear a cracking sound and realize that your beans are now beginning to roast. At this point, switch off the popper and spread the beans out on baking sheets to cool.
When you're ready to cool them, place them in a metal colander. Shake them in a circular motion until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Let the beans cool in an airtight container in order for them to release carbon dioxide before storage.
Storage
When it comes to gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans properly. This ensures that they remain fresh and have the best flavor. The beans' greatest enemies are moisture, air and heat. It is therefore essential to keep your beans dried in a sealed container. This will stop the beans from absorbing odors from other foods in your pantry, and also stop them from losing their fresh-roasted flavor. Beans should be kept in a cool, dark space. This is because light can ruin their flavor. In addition, the heat will cause them to decrease in quality. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans, such as a glass canister or a vacuum coffee canister. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a number of years.
You should try to store the beans immediately after you purchase them. If you are not able to use them right away then it is recommended to store them in a freezer. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, but it is important to let them thaw the beans prior to roasting.
Some people put their unopened beans in attractive jars so that they can display them. This can harm the beans. It is best to keep the beans in a separate container and store them secretly in a convenient location.
