The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants and the two most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a sourer flavor than the earlier.

The top coffee beans may be a bit more expensive, but that shouldn't surprise anyone since they are produced with greater care and attention. Here are some tips to help you identify the top quality coffee beans.

Origin

When you purchase high-quality coffee beans, the source is just as important as the roasting process. The location in which the beans are grown directly affects the flavors, body, acidity and more.

The most expensive coffee beans well-known and well-loved kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as being higher quality than robusta. There are four kinds of arabica coffee beans, each with a distinct flavor and growing conditions.

Coffee from Ethiopia for instance, is famous for its fruity and floral flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are coveted for their bright acidity. Another famous variety is the geisha. They are small beans that are produced in a handful of areas and have to be sorted by hand before roasting. They are distinctive and may be tea-like with mellow flavors, such as vanilla or citrus notes.

When purchasing coffee, consider whether the beans are fair trade, organic or sustainably procured. Some of these buzzwords could be mere marketing strategies but some are actually indicators of the quality of coffee. Single origin coffee refers to all beans from the same region. Microlot coffee signifies that the beans were grown at high altitudes and with a rich soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 different coffee varieties however, only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans are thought to be higher quality and have a smoother flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're looking for an excellent whole bean, look for the seal of a specialized roaster. This seal means that the beans were inspected for aroma and cup quality as well as taste. This process guarantees that the beans have been roasted to the correct degree of darkness and at the right consistency.

A good roaster must also offer a variety of brewing methods. This allows you to select the one that is most suitable to your taste and brewing style. For instance filter coffees is a good match for a french press, while espresso will work best with an automatic drip machine.

A bag of whole beans allows you to experiment with different flavors. The cost can vary, but it's usually worth the additional cost. You can also find many flavors in the same bag, which let you sample a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to make unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the best regions. It's a medium-bodied flavor with notes of jam and caramel.

Roast

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

Pay attention to the level of roasting. There are a variety of levels of roast that are used in coffee, with darker roasts having a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter roasts. You can experiment with various roast levels and discover your favorite when you roast your coffee.

It is crucial to select beans that are uniform in both size and color, as this will ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's also crucial to stir the beans during roasting that helps cook them evenly and keeps them from burning.

The first step is to heat the beans until they begin to steam. You'll hear a crackling sound as the steam increases. This indicates that your beans have started to roast. At this point, you'll be able to stop the popper, and spread beans on a baking sheet to cool.

Once they're ready to be cooled, place them into an aluminum colander and shake them until they're warm to the touch (this will help get rid of any chaff). Allow the beans to cool in an airtight container to allow them to release carbon dioxide before storage.

Storage

When it comes to premium coffee, the most crucial step is storing your beans properly. This will ensure that the beans stay fresh and have excellent flavor. The beans' greatest enemies are moisture, air and heat. This is why it is essential to store your beans in an airtight container. This will prevent them from absorbing the odors of other foods in your pantry, and will keep them from losing their fresh-roasted flavor. Beans should be kept in a cool, dark location. This is crucial because light can destroy the flavor. Also, heat can cause the beans to degrade. Make sure to use a container which is transparent for your beans. This can be a glass jar, or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for many years.

You should try to store the beans immediately after you purchase them. However, if you are not able to use them immediately it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life however, you must allow them to thaw them first before roasting.

Some people keep their unused beans into attractive jars to display them. This can be harmful to the beans. It is best to store the beans in an additional container and store them in a secure place.