The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are over 100 varieties of coffee plants however, the two species that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is more caffeine-rich and a more bitter taste than the former.
The finest coffee beans might be a little more expensive but that shouldn’t shock anyone since they are produced with greater care and consideration. Here are some helpful tips to help you find high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When purchasing high-quality coffee beans roasting is just as crucial. The specific region where the beans were cultivated may influence their flavor notes acidity, body, and more.
The most popular and well-known type of coffee beans are arabica beans, which are generally considered higher quality than robusta beans. However, there are four different kinds of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and their taste profiles.
Coffee from Ethiopia like Ethiopia is well-known for its fruity and floral flavor, while coffees from Panama are sought-after for their bright acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are small beans that are grown only in a few areas and require hand sorting prior to roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a an unnatural tea-like body as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of citrus or vanilla.
Other aspects to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are of single origin microlot, fair trade, single origin organic, sustainably sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing strategies, while others really reflect the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee refers to all the beans coming from the same region. Microlot coffee signifies that the beans were grown in high altitudes, with soil that is rich.
Variety
There are more than 100 species of coffee, however only two types dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a more smooth flavor and are thought to be superior quality. They are less bitter and more caffeine than robusta.
If you’re searching for a whole bean of high quality look for the seal from a specialty roaster. The seal signifies that the beans were inspected for aroma, cup quality and taste. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted in a consistent manner and to the appropriate level of dark.
A quality roaster will also have a variety ways to brew. You can then choose the one that best fits your preferences. For instance, a filter coffee is a good match for the french press, whereas espresso will work best with an automatic drip machine.
A bag of beans in whole form allows you to test different flavors. The price tag varies, but it’s usually worth the additional cost. You can find many blends within the same bag. This allows you to test a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some the world’s best regions. It’s a medium-bodied flavor with notes of fruit jam and caramel.
Roast
The color of the coffee beans will change from green to the rich brown shades we associate with beans of high-quality. You can see and even taste the transformation in the flavor of the finished product.
Also, be aware of the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roasting coffee. Darker roasts are known to have a stronger and more intense flavor. You can experiment with various roast levels until you find your preferred roast when you roast your coffee beans delivery.
It is essential to choose beans that are uniformly sized and colored, because this will ensure consistency in the roast. It is crucial to stir beans throughout roasting, as this ensures that they cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans until they reach a temperature 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. It’s time to shut off the popper and spread the beans to cool on an oven tray.
When you’re ready to cool them down, place them in a colander made of metal. Shake them around until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Let the beans cool down in an airtight container so that they can allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storage.
Storage
When it comes to gourmet coffee, the most important step is storing your beans in a proper manner. 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 beans in a container that is airtight. This will stop them from absorbing odors of other foods in your pantry, and will also keep them from losing their freshly roasted taste. Beans should be kept in a cool, dark location. It is important to keep them in a dark, cool area as light can ruin their flavor. The heat can cause them to lose their flavor. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans like a glass jar or a coffee canister vacuum. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long time.
You should try to keep the beans in storage as soon as you buy them. If you can’t use them immediately then it is recommended to freeze them. The beans that are frozen will prolong their shelf life, however it is essential to defrost them before roasting.
Many people store their unopened beans in attractive jars to showcase them. This can be harmful to the beans. It is best to keep the beans in a separate container and keep them in a safe place.
