Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're in love with whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you're unable to find a roaster, search online for companies who will roast and then ship your order.

The origin of the coffee beans can affect the flavor.

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 against diseases, pests and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also less expensive than arabica for cultivation.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a superior coffee brewed with specialty beans could rival Arabica's flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most of the robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.

The high level of caffeine in beans makes them immune to pests and disease. This is why they are the most popular option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, even though some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta to save money and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger bitter, sour and more grainy taste than arabica. It also has the flavor of peanuts or nutty. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside tiny vibrant fruits, referred to as coffee berries. When ripe, these fruit are removed from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are roasted and then used to make our most-loved drink.

The world's most popular variety of beans are Arabica and are known for their smoky flavor that isn't bitter. They are also regarded as complex and able to offer a variety of flavors. These beans are primarily grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of top-quality coffee.

These beans tend to have a higher price tag than Robusta because they require more attention to ensure their growth. In order for the flavor profile to develop, they need specific temperatures and adequate rainfall. The finest coffee beans in the world come originated from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a small scale.

In addition to the region in which it is grown another crucial aspect to consider when buying coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. "Single origin" can refer to a variety of things, but most often it means that the coffee comes from one farm, crop or region within a specific country. Third wave coffee is so great because you can taste it in its most pure form knowing where it originated from.

Grind

A high-quality cup starts with the finest Unroasted coffee beans beans, but the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can alter the flavor of your cup. You can find the perfect blend of coffee by playing around with different grind sizes and brewing techniques.

Grind size plays a big factor in how the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during the brewing process, and it affects the taste of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won't be able to penetrate the ground to pull the coffee solids that are soluble out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water flows through the grounds too quickly and suffers an over extraction, resulting in bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee but it is better to purchase whole beans and grind them yourself prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground coffee.

A burr grinder is the best tool for creating a consistent grind. However, you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs that cut the beans into a specific grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap creates a finer grind while the larger gap produces a coarser grind.

Stores

It is recommended to keep your coffee bag tightly closed and only grind what you will need for the next brew. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a resealable coffee container, which will block out air and allow CO2 emissions that occur when the beans are first ground to be released.

Whole bean coffee will remain in its best condition for up to a month when kept in a proper storage. Once the coffee is ground, its quality coffee beans will diminish in less than 30 minutes. It is recommended to only use as much coffee as you'll need, and keep the remainder in a transparent airtight container.

You can choose from a range of attractive and practical containers for storing coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. Some have a one-way valve that will release the gasses released by freshly roasted coffee which will preserve the beans' freshness.

The best place to store your unused coffee is a cool, dark area with an even temperature. Avoid placing it in the cabinet near your stove or oven, as the heat can accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Keep the beans away as direct sunlight will cause the beans to absorb the caffeine and lose its flavor.