The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are over 100 coffee plant species and the two that dominate the market are Arabica and Robusta. The latter has more caffeine and a stronger taste than the former.

The most premium 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 helpful tips to help you identify top-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When purchasing high-quality coffee beans the roasting process is equally crucial. The region in which the beans were cultivated can influence the taste acidity, body, and much more.

The most well-known and adored kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as having higher quality than robusta. There are four kinds of arabica coffee beans each with its own distinct taste and growing conditions.

Coffee from Ethiopia for instance, is well-known for its fruity and floral flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are sought-after for their bright acidity. Another well-known variety is the geisha. They are tiny beans that are grown only in a handful of regions and require hand sorting before roasting. The unique beans may have natural tea-like bodies that is mellow and has notes of vanilla or citrus.

When purchasing coffee, consider whether the beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably source. Some of these buzzwords may be marketing tricks, but others are true indicators of the quality of coffee. For instance single origin refers the fact that all beans in a coffee originate from the same area, and when the coffee is microlot, it means that the beans were cultivated at high altitudes and in nutrients soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee however, only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother flavor coffee beans and are thought to be superior quality. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're looking for a complete bean of superior quality you should look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This seal indicates that the beans have been tested for aroma and cup quality as well as taste. This ensures that the beans are roasted consistently and to the right degree of darkness.

A good roaster should also provide a variety of different brewing methods. You can then pick the one that best suits your taste. For example, filter coffee pairs well with a French press while espresso pairs best with an automatic drip maker.

A bag of whole beans allows you to experiment with different flavors. The cost can vary however the additional cost is generally worth it. There are numerous blends within the same bag. This lets you taste a variety of different flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to make unique tastes. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, includes beans from the most renowned regions of the world. It's a medium-bodied flavor coffee beans with hints of fruit jam and caramel.

Roast

When they are roasted, top quality beans will transform from their green state to the rich shades of brown that we associate with coffee. You can taste and feel the transformation in the final product.

Be aware of the level of roasting. There are several different levels of roasting coffee. Darker roasts have a stronger and more intense flavor. When roasting your own coffee, you can alter the level of roast and experiment to discover your preferred.

It is essential to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized to ensure uniformity in the roast. It is important to stir the beans during roasting, as this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans to a level that they begin to steam. There will be a crackling sound as the steam increases. This indicates that your beans have begun to roast. At this point, you can switch off the popper and place the beans on baking sheets to cool.

When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander made of metal. Shake them around until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Let the beans cool in an airtight container so that they can allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storage.

Stores

When it comes time to make gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is storing your beans properly. This will ensure that the beans remain fresh and have a great flavor. The elements of heat, moisture, and air are the beans' biggest enemies. This is why it is essential to store beans in a container that is airtight. This will prevent them from absorbing odors of other food items in your pantry, and also prevent them from losing their fresh roasted flavor. Beans should be kept in a cool, dark place. It is important to store them in a dark, cool area as light can alter their taste. Heat will also cause the beans to degrade. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans like a glass canister or a vacuum coffee container. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a longer period of time.

It is recommended to store the beans immediately after you purchase them. However, if you are not able to use them immediately then it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life however, you must first thaw prior to roasting.

Some people place their empty beans into attractive jars to display them. However, this can actually cause damage to the beans. It is best to use a separate container for storage and to store the beans that aren't being used in an optimal location.