The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 species of coffee beans in bulk plants, but Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.

The most premium coffee beans might be a little more expensive coffee beans but that shouldn't shock anyone as they are made with greater care and consideration. Here are some helpful tips for identifying high quality coffee beans.

Origin

When purchasing premium coffee beans roasting the process is just as important. The region in which the beans were cultivated can influence their flavor notes, acidity, body and much more.

The most well-known and adored type of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally thought of as superior to robusta. There are four different kinds of arabica beans, which differ wildly in their growing conditions and the taste characteristics.

For instance, coffee from Ethiopia is known for its fruity and floral flavors and the coffee from Panama is prized for its bright acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are small beans that can only be found in a few areas and have to be sorted by hand before roasting. Geisha beans are distinctive and may have a tea-like body with sweet flavors, like vanilla or citrus notes.

When buying coffee, be aware of whether the beans are fair trade, organic or sustainably source. Some of these buzzwords are just marketing tactics, but some really indicate the quality of the coffee. For instance single origin refers to the fact that all beans in a particular coffee come from the same area, and in the case of microlot, this means that the beans were cultivated at high altitudes in nutrient soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee however, only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother taste and are believed to be of higher quality. They are less bitter and contain less caffeine than robusta.

If you're looking for an excellent whole bean, look for the seal of a special roaster. The seal signifies that the beans have been tested for aroma and cup quality, as well as taste. This ensures that the beans are roasted consistently and at the right level of dark.

A quality roaster should also offer a variety of brewing methods. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and brewing technique. For instance, filter coffee pairs well with a French press while espresso is best paired with an automatic drip maker.

Purchasing a bag of whole beans is the perfect way to experiment with a variety of flavors. The price varies however, it's generally worth the extra cost. There are many blends within the same bag. This allows you to taste a variety of different flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown blend beans from several regions to create distinctive flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, includes beans from some of the finest regions in the world. It's medium-bodied with notes of fruit jam and caramel.

Roast

When they are roasted, top quality beans will change from their green color 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.

Also, pay attention to the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roast that are utilized for coffee with darker roasts having greater, more intense flavor than lighter roasts. You can experiment with different roast levels and discover your preferred roast when you roast your coffee.

It is crucial to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized to ensure uniformity in the roast. It is important to stir the beans during roasting as this helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.

The first step is to heat the beans to a point where they begin to steam. As the steam rises you'll hear a crackling sound and realize that your beans are now beginning to roast. At this point, shut off the popper and spread the beans on a baking sheet to cool.

When you're ready to cool them down, place them in a metal colander. Shake them back and fourth until they feel warm (this will get rid of any chaff). Allow the beans to cool in an airtight container in order for them to release carbon dioxide prior to storing.

Storage

When it comes to gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that your beans will remain fresh and retain their a great flavor. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. Therefore, it is essential to keep your beans dried in a sealed container. This will stop them from absorbing odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a cool, dark place. This is because light can destroy their flavor. In addition the heat can cause them to diminish. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans such as a glass canister or a vacuum coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for years.

Keep the beans in storage as soon as you receive them. However, if you're not able to utilize them immediately then it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life but you must defrost them prior to roasting.

Many people store their unopened beans in attractive jars in order to display them. This can actually harm the beans. It is best to keep the beans in an individual container and keep them in a safe location.