How To Outsmart Your Boss With Coffee Beans To Buy
Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you're a lover of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to purchase the beans. If you're not lucky enough to live near one, you can search for online companies who roast and then ship to order.
The origin of the coffee beans can have a significant impact on the flavor.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 coffee species however, the two most commonly utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also cheaper than arabica to grow.
Robusta accounts for 40% of all coffee produced in the world. While a poor quality batch may taste like burnt rubber, a premium coffee brewed with specialty beans could surpass the flavor of Arabica. The problem is with a few exceptions most of the robusta sold on the market comes from plantations who are concerned about quantity.
The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is the reason they are a common choice for traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, even though some companies might advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with a variety of robusta to save money and offer their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It can also have a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, colorful fruit called coffee berries. These berries are pulled from the coffee plant once they have reached ripeness and then divided into two beans. The beans are roasted and then used to make our most-loved beverage.
Arabica is the most adored bean variety in the world. They are known for their smooth, non-bitter taste. They're also renowned for their richness, and they can offer many different flavors. The main regions that grow these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for a high-quality coffee are optimal.
They are generally an expense that is higher than Robusta due to the fact that they require more care in order to thrive. For the flavor profile to develop, they need certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall. In reality, the top coffee beans originate from Africa in the region where a lot of coffee farms are owned by family farms and operated on a micro-scale.
When buying coffee, it is essential to determine if the coffee is of single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean many things however it usually means that the coffee originates from a single farm, or region within the country. This is a big element of what makes third wave coffee so wonderful knowing the origin of your coffee allows you to experience it in its most pure form.
Grind
A great-quality brew begins with the best coffee beans, however the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can affect the final taste of your cup. Experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods will help you discover the best blend of coffee that matches your personal preferences.
Grind size plays a big factor in how the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during the brewing process, which affects the flavor of your coffee. If the grind is too fine, water cannot penetrate the grounds to extract the solids in the coffee that are soluble. This is known as under extraction, and can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine the water will flow through the grounds more quickly and experience an over extraction. This will result in bitterness.
You can purchase pre-ground coffee, but it's best to purchase the whole bean and grind your own beans right away prior to brewing. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were ground pre-priced.
A burr grinder is the best tool to create a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. The burr grinder is equipped with two cutting discs which can be adjusted to produce a specific consistency in the grind. Coffeee produces a finer grinding, while a bigger one produces an even coarser grinding.
Stores
It is recommended to keep your bag tightly sealed and only grind as much as you'll require for the next brew. You may also look into purchasing a resealable coffee container, which will block out air and allow CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first crushed to be released.
Whole bean coffee can remain at its peak freshness for up to a month if stored correctly. However, once ground, the quality of your coffee could diminish in as little as 30 minutes. It is best to use as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in a transparent airtight container.
There is a huge assortment of attractive, simple-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed, which prevents moisture from getting inside. Some come with a one-way valve that lets out the gasses generated by freshly roasted beans, which can prolong the beans' freshness.
The ideal location to store your leftover coffee is in a cool, dark space that is at a constant temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet by the oven or stove, as it can be heated and accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Also, keep the beans out of direct sunlight, as they will absorb sunlight and reduce their flavor.