Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you're a lover of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're unable to find a roaster, go online for companies who will roast and ship your order.
Geography plays a major impact on how coffee tastes like and so be aware of the origin of the beans you're purchasing.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 distinct coffee species. The two most common are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also less expensive than arabica for cultivation.
Robusta accounts for 40% of all coffee produced in the world. While it's true that an inferior batch of robusta might taste like burnt rubber, a good robusta brewed with specific beans can easily surpass Arabica in flavor. The problem is that, with only a few exceptions, the majority of the robusta available on the market is sourced from plantations that only care about the quantity.
The high amount of caffeine in the beans makes them resistant to pests and disease. This is why they are Robustas a favorite option for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. However, although some companies claim their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta in order to save money and offer their customers a less than desirable cup of
coffee beans unroasted. Robusta can have a harsher, bitter and more grainy taste than arabica. It also has a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in small, bright fruits called
Coffee beans To buy berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant once they have reached ripeness and then divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to make our cherished brew.
Arabica is the most popular variety of bean in the world. They are well-known for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also known for their complexity and ability 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.
These beans tend to have a higher price tag than Robusta as they require more attention in order to flourish. They require specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rainfall to create their flavor profile. In fact, the finest coffee beans come from Africa in the region where a lot of coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms and operated on a micro-scale.
When buying
coffee beans shop, it is essential to consider whether the coffee is of single origin or not. "Single origin" could mean a range of things, but generally it means that the coffee comes from a single farm, crop or region within a particular country. Third wave coffee is so excellent because you get to experience it in its most pure form by knowing where it came from.
Grind
The quality of the coffee you drink can be affected by way it is prepared. You can find the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brew methods.
Grind size plays a big factor in how the soluble coffee particles are extracted from the grounds during the brewing process, which affects the taste of your coffee. If the grind is too fine the water won't be able to penetrate the grounds to get the coffee solids that are soluble out. This is known as under extraction. It can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind isn't fine it will allow the water to pass through the coffee grounds faster and suffer from an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.
You can purchase pre-ground coffee however it is preferential to purchase whole beans and grind them yourself immediately before brewing. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were ground pre-priced.
A burr grinder is the most popular tool for creating a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs which cut the beans to a specific grind consistency by altering the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in a finer grind while the larger gap produces an even coarser grind.
Stores
It is best to keep your bag tightly closed and only grind the amount you'll need for your next brew. You might also look into purchasing a resealable coffee canister that will shut out air and allow the CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first crushed to escape.
If stored properly, whole bean coffee can be kept fresh for as long as one month. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will decrease in only 30 minutes. It is best to use as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in a transparent airtight container.
You can buy a wide selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that releases the gases created by freshly roasted beans, which helps prolong the beans' freshness.
The best place to store your unused coffee is a cool, dark area with a constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee near the oven or stove since heat can accelerate chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. It is also important to keep the beans out of direct sunlight since they will absorb the light and reduce their flavor.
