The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are over 100 coffee plant species, but the two that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a stronger taste than the earlier.

The finest coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, since a lot of time and effort goes into them. Here are some helpful tips to identify high-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When you purchase high-quality coffee beans, the source is just as important as the roasting process. The area in which the beans were cultivated directly influences their flavor notes acidity, body, and much more.

The most well-known and well-known type of coffee beans are arabica beans, which are generally considered to be more premium than robusta beans. However, there are four distinct varieties of arabica beans that vary drastically in their climatic conditions and taste profiles.

For instance, coffee from Ethiopia is well-known for its fruity and floral aromas and coffee from Panama is sought-after for its bright acidity. Geisha is a different popular variety. These tiny beans are only available in specific regions and have to be sorted manually before roasting. Geisha beans are distinctive and may have a tea-like body and sweet flavors, such as vanilla or citrus notes.

Other considerations to take into account when purchasing coffee include whether the beans are of single origin, microlot, fair trade, sustainably sourced or organic. Some of these buzzwords serve as marketing tactics, but others really reflect the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee means the beans were grown in high altitudes and with a rich soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 different coffee varieties but only two dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a more smooth taste and are considered to be superior quality. They have less bitterness and contain less caffeine than robusta.

If you're looking to purchase an excellent whole bean you should look for the seal of a specialist roaster. This means that the beans have been inspected and evaluated for flavor, cup quality, and aroma. This ensures that the beans have been roasted to the correct degree of darkness and at the right consistency.

A quality roaster should also offer a variety of brewing techniques. You can then pick the one that is most suitable to your preferences. For example filter coffees works well with the french press, whereas espresso is best when paired with an automatic drip machine.

A bag of beans that are whole allows you to test different flavors. The cost can vary however, it's generally worth the extra cost. There are many flavors in the same bag. This lets you try several different flavors all at once. Some brands, like Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the world's top regions. It's a medium-bodied flavor with notes of jam and caramel.

Roast

When they are roasted, top quality beans transform from their green color to the rich brown hues that we associate with coffee. You can even feel the transformation in the flavor of the finished product.

You should also pay attention to the roast level. There are various levels of roasting for coffee. Roasts with darker levels have an intense and stronger flavor. You can play around with different roast levels until you find your preferred roast when you roast your coffee.

It is essential to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized because this will ensure uniformity in the roast. It is crucial to stir beans during roasting as it helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans to a level where they begin to steam. There will be a crackling sound as the steam rises. This indicates that the beans have begun to roast. It's time to shut off the popper, and spread the beans to cool on a baking tray.

When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander that is made of metal. Shake them in a circular motion until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Then, let the beans cool in an airtight container, so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide prior to storage.

Storage

When it comes down to gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that your beans will remain fresh and retain their an excellent taste. Air, moisture and heat are the beans' greatest enemies. This is why it is crucial to store your beans in a sealed container. This will stop them from taking in the odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh roast taste. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool space. It is essential to store them in a dark, cool area as light roast coffee beans can cause a loss of flavor. Heat will also cause the beans to degrade. Choose a container that's transparent for your beans. This could be a glass canister, or a vacuum-packed coffee canister. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a number of years.

You should try to keep the beans in storage when you purchase them. If you can't use them immediately you should consider freezing them. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, however it is important to let them thaw them before roasting.

Some people place their empty beans in attractive jars so that they can display them. This can actually harm the beans. It is best to keep the beans in an individual container and keep them in a safe location.