The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants. Arabica and Robusta are the two most sought-after. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a more bitter taste than the former.
The finest coffee beans are more expensive, but it should not come as a shock to anyone because more time and effort goes into them. Here are some suggestions to help you identify top-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When purchasing high-quality coffee beans, the source is as important as the roasting process. The region where the beans were grown directly affects their flavors, body, acidity and more.
The most well-known, and most popular type of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally thought of as being higher quality than robusta. There are four types of arabica beans, each one with a distinct taste and growing conditions.
Coffee from Ethiopia like Ethiopia is known for its floral and fruity flavor, while coffees from Panama are sought-after for their bright acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are tiny beans that are produced in a select few regions and have to be sorted by hand before roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a an organic tea-like body that is mellow and has notes of citrus or vanilla.
When buying coffee, be aware of whether the beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably procured. Some of these buzzwords could be just marketing tactics, but others are true indicators of the quality of the coffee. For example single origin refers the fact that all beans in a particular coffee come from the same region. Also, when the coffee is microlot, that means the beans were grown at high altitudes and in nutrients rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee, however two types dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans have a more smooth flavor and are thought to be of higher quality. They are less bitter and more caffeine than robusta.
If you're looking for a high-quality whole bean, look for the seal of a special roaster. This means that the beans have been examined and tested for taste quality, cup quality, and aroma. This process guarantees that the beans have been cooked to the right level of darkness and at the proper consistency.
A good roaster should also offer a variety of ways to brew. This allows you to select the one that is most suitable to your taste and brewing style. For instance filter coffee works well with a French press and espresso is best when paired with an automatic drip maker.
A bag of whole beans allows you to try out different flavors. The cost of beans can be varied, but the extra cost is generally worth it. There are light roast coffee beans in one bag, letting you try a few different flavors at once. Some brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from various regions to create distinctive flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for example, has beans from a few of the most renowned regions of the world. 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 the rich shades of brown we associate with premium beans. You can observe and taste the change in the taste of the finished product.
Be aware of the level of roasting. There are many different levels of roasting for coffee. Darker roasts are known to have a stronger and more intense flavor. You can play around with different roast levels until you find your personal preference when roasting your coffee.
It is crucial to select beans that are uniform in color and size, as this will ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's important to agitate beans during roasting, as it helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans until they start to steam. As the steam rises, you'll hear a cracking sound and know that the beans are now beginning to roast. At this point, you'll be able to turn off the popper and spread the beans out on a baking sheet to cool.
When they're ready cooled, place them into an aluminum colander and shake them back and forth until they're warm to the touch (this will help get rid of any chaff). Let the beans cool down in an airtight container to allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storing them.
Stores
The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that your beans stay fresh and have delicious flavor. The elements of heat, moisture, and air are beans' main enemies. It is therefore crucial to keep your beans dried in a sealed container. This will prevent the beans from absorbing odors from other food items in your pantry, and stop them from losing their fresh-roasted flavor. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool place. It is crucial to store them in a dark, cool location because light could cause a loss of flavor. Additionally, the heat will cause them to reduce their quality. Use a container that is transparent for your beans. This can be a glass canister or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a long period of time.
Store the beans as soon you buy them. If you are not able to use them immediately it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf life but you must defrost prior to roasting.
Some people place their empty beans into attractive jars to display them. But, this can harm the quality of the beans. It is preferential to have a separate container for storage and to secretly keep the beans that aren't being used in an optimal location.