It's The Next Big Thing In Coffee Beans To Buy
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 purchase the beans. If you're not close to a roaster, search online for companies who will roast and then ship your order.
The origin of the coffee beans can have a significant impact on the taste.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are over 100 different coffee species, but the two most commonly used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to diseases, drought and pests. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper to grow than arabica.
Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. While it's true that a subpar batch of robusta can taste like burned rubber, a good coffee made with special beans can rival Arabica in flavor. The issue is that, with a few exceptions, the majority of robusta sold on the market comes from plantations that only care about quantity.
The high caffeine content of the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. It's this fact that makes Robusta a popular option for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. However, while some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with a variety of robusta to save money and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee may be more bitter, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It also has a nutty or peanut flavor. These flavors may be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside of small fruit that are colorful and sour, called coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant when they are ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our favorite drink.
The most well-known variety of beans is Arabica, and they're known for their smooth flavor that isn't bitter. These beans are also renowned for their complexity and are able to provide many different flavors. coffee beans in bulk are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for brewing high-quality coffee.
They are generally an expense that is higher than Robusta because they require more care for growth. They require specific temperatures and sufficient rain to build their flavor profile. The best coffee beans in the entire world come made from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale.
In addition to the region in which it is grown, another important factor to consider when buying coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things however, it typically means that the coffee originates from one farm, a or region within a particular country. This is a big aspect of what makes third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly where your coffee came from lets you enjoy it in its most pure form.
Grind
The quality of the coffee you drink can be affected by the way it is prepared. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to discover the best blend of beans that fits your personal taste.
Grind size plays a big factor in how the soluble coffee particles are extracted from the ground during making, and this affects the flavor of your coffee. If the grind is too fine, water isn't able to penetrate the grounds to get the soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction and may cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, water is able to pass through the ground too quickly and undergoes an over extraction, which results in bitterness.
You can purchase coffee that has been ground, but it's best to buy whole bean and grind your own beans immediately before brewing. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were pre-ground.
A burr grinder is the preferred tool for creating an even grind, but you can also use a hand grinder as well as a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs which can be adjusted to create a specific consistency in the grind. A smaller gap will result in the finest grind, whereas the one with a larger gap results in more coarse grind.
Storage
It is best to keep your bean bag tightly shut and only grind as much as you'll require for the next brew. You may want to buy an resealable container that will remove the air and allow CO2 to escape when the beans are crushed.
When stored properly, whole bean coffee can keep fresh for up to one month. However, once ground the quality of your coffee can begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind the amount you'll need, and then keep the rest in an airtight, clear container.
There is a huge variety of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from getting inside. Some come with a one-way valve that releases the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which can prolong the freshness of beans.
The ideal place to store your empty coffee is in a dark, cool location that has a steady temperature. Avoid storing your coffee near your oven or stove since the heat can speed up chemical reactions that destroy the coffee. You should also keep the beans out of direct sunlight, since they absorb sunlight and diminish their flavor.