The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 coffee plant species, but the two that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.

The highest quality coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but it should not come as a surprise to anyone since more time and effort is put into the production of them. Here are some helpful tips for identifying high quality coffee beans.

Origin

When you purchase high-quality coffee beans roasting the process is equally crucial. The area where the beans were cultivated has a direct impact on their flavors acidity, body, and much more.

The most well-known and adored kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as being superior to robusta. There are four types of arabica coffee beans each with a different taste and growing conditions.

Coffee from Ethiopia is a good example. It is renowned for its floral and fruity tastes, while coffees made in Panama are sought-after for their bright acidity. Another famous variety is the geisha. They are small beans that are grown only in a few areas and must be separated by hand before roasting. Geisha beans are distinct and can have a tea-like body with mellow flavors, vanilla or citrus notes.

Other aspects to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are single origin, microlot, fair trade, sustainably sourced or Organic Tanzanian Kilimanjaro Ground Coffee 227g - Eco-Friendly. Some of these buzzwords may be merely marketing techniques but others are genuine indicators of the quality of coffee. For instance the term "single origin" refers to the fact that all the beans in a cup come from the same region. Also, if the coffee is microlot, that means the beans were grown at high altitudes, and in nutrient soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 kinds of coffee, however only two types dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans are regarded as higher quality and have a more smooth flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're looking for a complete bean that is of the highest quality Look for the seal of a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been scrutinized and tested for taste quality, cup quality, and aroma. This process ensures that the beans have been cooked to the right degree of darkness and the right consistency.

A quality roaster will also offer a variety brew methods. Then, you can choose the one that best fits your taste. For example filter coffees will work well with the french press, whereas espresso will pair best with an automatic drip machine.

A bag of whole beans allows you to experiment with different flavors. Prices can vary however the additional cost is usually worth it. There are many blends in the same bag, letting you try several different flavors at the same time. Certain brands, like Stumptown combine beans from several regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for example, has beans from a variety of the finest regions in the world. It also has a medium body with notes of caramel and fruit jam.

Roast

When they are roasted, the best beans will change from their green hue to the rich brown shades that we are familiar with when we think of coffee. You can smell and see the transformation in the final product.

Be aware of the level of roasting. Different levels of roast are used in coffee with darker roasts having an intense, stronger flavor than lighter ones. If you roast your own coffee beans sale, it is possible to alter the level of roast and play around to discover your preferred.

It's important to choose beans that are uniform in color and size to ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's important to agitate beans while roasting, since this ensures that they cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans until they reach a temperature where they begin to steam. You'll hear a crackling noise as the steam rises. This means that your beans are beginning to roast. At this point, you can turn off the popper and place the beans out on baking sheets to cool.

When they're ready cooled, place them into an aluminum colander and shake them around until they're warm to the touch (this will help to remove any chaff). Then let the beans cool in an airtight container leaving them enough time to let off carbon dioxide before storage.

Storage

When it comes to gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This ensures that they stay fresh and have the best flavor. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. It is therefore important to store your beans dried in an airtight container. This will stop them from absorbing the odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh roast flavor. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool place. This is essential because light could destroy their flavor. In addition the heat can cause them to degrade. Make sure to use a container which is transparent for your beans. This could be a glass jar, or a vacuum-packed coffee canister. These containers will keep your beans fresh for many years.

It is recommended to keep the beans in storage immediately after you purchase them. However, if you are not able to use them right away the best option is to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf life, but it is essential to defrost the beans prior to roasting.

Some people place their empty beans into attractive jars to display them. This can actually harm the beans. It is better to have an additional container for storage and to store the beans that are not used in an optimal location.