Keep An Eye On This: How Coffee Beans To Buy Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

Where to Buy coffeebeans If you're a fan of whole coffee beans, your local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not lucky enough to be in the vicinity of one, try searching online for companies which roast and 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. The two most common are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, pests and diseases. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica. Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced in the world. While a low-quality batch can taste like burned rubber, a premium coffee brewed with specialty beans could surpass the flavor of Arabica. The issue is that there are some exceptions, however, most robusta that is sold on the market is from plantations that are concerned about quantity. The high caffeine content of the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is the reason they are a common selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. However, although some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta in order to save money and offer their customers an unsatisfactory cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It also has the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate taste. These flavors may be unpleasant for some or too strong. Origin Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside small, colorful fruit called coffee berries. When ripe, these berries are removed from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved beverage. Arabica is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are renowned for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also renowned for their richness and offer a wide range of flavors. These beans are primarily grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee. These beans usually have more expensive prices than Robusta due to the fact that they require more attention in order to flourish. To allow the flavor profile to develop, they require certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The best coffee beans in the world are originate from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale. Aside from the growing region an additional factor to take into consideration when purchasing coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. “Single Origin” can mean many things however, it typically indicates that the coffee is from only one farm, or region within a particular country. This is a big part of what makes third wave coffee so amazing knowing the origin of your coffee lets you enjoy it in its purest form. Grind A good-quality brew begins with the best coffee beans, however, the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can alter the taste of your cup. You can find the perfect blend of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brew techniques. The size of the grind can have a significant impact on the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the grounds. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse and water is unable to penetrate the grounds and extract the solids in the coffee that are soluble. This is known as under extraction and could result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water flows through the grounds too quickly and experiences an over extraction that results in bitterness. It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee but it is recommended to buy whole beans and grind them yourself prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were already ground. A burr grinder is the best tool to create an even grind, but you can also use a hand grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs that can be adjusted to provide a particular grind consistency. A smaller gap creates a finer grind while an increased gap creates coarser grind. Stores Coffee beans are degraded at a rapid rate after they are opened, so it's a good idea to keep the bag tightly sealed and grind only as much as you need to make the next brew. It is possible to purchase the resealable containers that eliminate air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are ground. If properly stored Whole bean coffee can last for up to one month. Once ground the quality of your coffee may diminish in as little as 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind the amount you'll need and then store the remaining beans in an airtight, opaque container. You can purchase a wide variety of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from getting in. Some have a one way valve that releases the gasses that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which helps prolong the freshness of beans. The best place to keep your coffee that is not used is an area that is cool and dark with the same temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your stove or oven since heat can accelerate chemical reactions that can degrade the coffee. Also, keep the beans away from direct sunlight, as they will absorb sunlight and lose their flavor.