The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are over 100 species of coffee plant and the two that dominate the market are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a harsher taste than the former.

The most premium coffee beans might be a bit more expensive however, that shouldn't frighten anyone, since they're made with greater care and attention. Here are some tips to help you identify high-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When purchasing premium coffee beans, the origin is just as important as the roasting process. The place where the beans were cultivated directly affects the flavor notes, body, acidity and more.

The most well-known, popular kind of coffee bean suppliers near me beans are arabica beans, which are generally considered to be higher quality than robusta beans. There are four kinds of arabica coffee beans each with a distinct flavor and growing conditions.

Coffee from Ethiopia, for example, is renowned for its fruity and floral flavors, while coffees from Panama are sought-after for their vibrant acidity. Another popular variety is the geisha. They are tiny beans that are produced in a handful of regions and must be separated by hand prior to roasting. They are distinctive and may have a tea-like body and mild flavors, such as vanilla or citrus notes.

When buying coffee, think about whether the beans you purchase are organic, fair trade or sustainably procured. Some of these buzzwords are merely marketing techniques, while others really indicate the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee refers to all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee means the beans were cultivated in high altitudes with rich soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 coffee species and varieties, but two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother taste and are considered to be superior quality. They are less bitter and more caffeine than robusta.

If you're looking to purchase the highest-quality whole bean, look for the seal of a specialist roaster. This seal signifies that the beans have been tested for aroma and cup quality, as well as taste. This ensures that the beans have been cooked to the right level of darkness and the proper consistency.

A good roaster will provide a variety of brewing methods. Then, you can choose the one that best suits your taste. For example filter coffee will work well with a french press, while espresso will work best with an automatic drip machine.

The purchase of a bag of beans is an excellent way to play with various flavors. The price tag can vary, but the extra cost is generally worth it. There are numerous flavors in the same bag. This allows you to explore a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create distinctive tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the world's top regions. It also has a medium body, with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.

Roast

The color of the coffee beans will change from green to rich brown shades that we associate with premium beans. You can taste and see the change in the final product.

You must also pay attention to the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roasting for coffee. Darker roasts have greater intensity and a stronger flavor. You can experiment with different roast levels to find your favorite when you roast your coffee.

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

The first step is to warm the beans to a point that they begin to steam. As the steam rises, you'll hear a crackling sound and you'll know that your beans are about to begin roasting. You can now turn off the popper and spread the beans to cool on a baking tray.

When they're ready to be cool, place them in an aluminum colander and shake them back and forth until they're warm to the touch (this will help remove any chaff). Then, let the beans cool in an airtight container so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide before storage.

Storage

The most important thing you can do when it comes to gourmet coffee is to properly store your beans. This will ensure that your beans stay fresh and have an excellent taste. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. It is therefore essential to store your beans dried in a sealed container. This will prevent them from inhaling odors that are present in other food items in your pantry, and will prevent them from losing their freshly roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool location. This is important because the light can destroy the flavor. It also causes them to lose their flavor. Choose a container that's transparent for your beans. This could be a glass container, or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long time.

It is recommended to keep the beans in storage the moment you purchase them. If you can't use them immediately it is best to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life however, you must first thaw them first prior to roasting.

Many people put their unopened beans in attractive jars in order to display them. However, this could cause damage to the beans. It is best to store the beans in a separate container and store them in a safe location.