How To Save Money On High Quality Coffee Beans
The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants, but Arabica and Robusta are the two most sought-after. Robusta is stronger and has more caffeine than the earlier.
The highest quality coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but it should not come as a shock to anyone, since a lot of time and effort is put into the production of them. Here are some tips to help you determine high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When buying high-quality coffee beans roasting is equally important. The area where the beans were grown has an impact directly on the flavors acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known and well-loved type of coffee bean is arabica. They are generally regarded as being superior to robusta. There are four kinds of arabica coffee beans each one with a distinct taste and growing conditions.
For instance, coffee from Ethiopia is well-known for its fruit and floral notes and coffee from Panama is renowned for its vibrant acidity. Another famous kind of coffee is the geisha, which are tiny beans that can only be found in a select few regions and must be hand sorted before roasting. These unique beans can have natural tea-like bodies, mellow flavor and notes of citrus or vanilla.
Other things to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are single origin microlot, fair trade organic, sustainably-sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords could be merely marketing techniques but others are genuine indicators of the quality of coffee. For instance single origin refers the fact that all the beans in a particular coffee come from the same region, and if the coffee is microlot, it means that the beans were grown at high altitudes, and in nutrient rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee, but only two dominate the market: arabica and robusta. good coffee beans have a smoother taste and are considered to be higher quality. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.
If you're looking to purchase the highest-quality whole bean, look for the seal of a specialist roaster. This seal indicates that the beans were inspected for aroma and cup quality, as well as taste. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted in a consistent manner and to the appropriate level of dark.
A good roaster should also offer a variety of ways to brew. You can then select the one that best fits your preferences. For instance, a filter coffee is ideal for french presses, while espresso will pair best with an automatic drip machine.
Buying a bag of whole beans is an excellent way to experiment with different flavors. The cost can vary however, it's generally worth the additional cost. There are a variety of varieties in the same bag. This lets you test a variety of flavors at one time. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to make unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the best regions. It also has a medium body, with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
When roasted, high quality beans transform from their green color to the rich shades of brown that we call coffee. You can even taste the transformation in the flavor of the finished product.
Also, pay attention to the roast level. Different levels of roast are available for coffee, with darker roasts having a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter ones. If you roast your own coffee, you are able to adjust the roasting temperature and play around to discover your favorite.
It is essential to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized, because this will ensure that the roast is uniform in its cooking. It is essential to stir beans while roasting, since it helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans to a level where they begin to steam. You'll hear a crackling sound as the steam increases. This means that your beans have begun to roast. You can now turn off the popper and spread out the beans to cool on an oven tray.
When you're ready to cool them, place them in a colander made from metal. Shake them around until they feel warm (this will get rid of any chaff). Then, let the beans cool in an airtight container leaving them enough time to let off carbon dioxide prior to storage.
Stores
When it comes down to gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans properly. This will ensure that they stay fresh and provide the best flavor. The beans' biggest enemies are air, moisture and heat. This is why it is important to keep beans in an airtight container. This will prevent the beans from absorbing the smells from other food products in your pantry. It will also prevent them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool area. This is crucial because light can destroy the flavor. It also causes them to degrade. Make sure to use a container which is opaque for your beans. This could be a glass container, or a coffee canister that is vacuum packed. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a long period of time.
You should try to preserve the beans as soon as you buy them. If you are unable to use them immediately, it is best to store them in a freezer. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, however it is essential to defrost them prior to roasting.
Some people place their empty beans into attractive jars to display them. This can be harmful to the beans. It is best to keep the beans in a separate container and store them secretly in a convenient place.