The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants. Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular. Robusta is a lot more caffeine-rich and a sourer flavor than the earlier.
The top coffee beans may be a little more expensive however that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone since they are produced with more care and attention. Here are some tips to help you determine high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When you purchase high-quality coffee beans, the roasting process is equally important. The location where the beans were cultivated directly affects their flavors acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known, and most popular type of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as being superior to robusta. There are cafe coffee beans of arabica beans, each with its own distinct taste and growing conditions.
For example, coffee from Ethiopia is famous for its fruit and floral notes, while coffee from Panama is prized for its bright acidity. Another famous variety is the geisha. They are small beans that are produced in a handful of areas and have to be sorted by hand prior to roasting. The unique beans may have an unnatural tea-like body, mellow flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.
Other factors to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are single origin, microlot, fair trade, sustainably sourced or organic. Some of these buzzwords serve as marketing tactics, but others are actually a sign of the quality of the coffee. For example, single origin refers to the fact that all the beans in a coffee come from the same area, and when the coffee is microlot, that means the beans were grown at high altitudes and in nutrients rich soil.
Variety
There are over 100 species of coffee, however two varieties dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother taste and are considered to be of higher quality. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.
If you're looking for a high-quality whole bean you should look for the seal of a special roaster. This means that the beans have been inspected and evaluated for taste the cup's quality, cup size, and aroma. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted consistently and to the correct level of darkness.
A good roaster will also offer a variety methods of brewing. This allows you to select the one that's best suited to your preferences and brewing technique. For example the filter coffee works well with french presses, whereas espresso will pair best with an automatic drip machine.
Purchasing a bag of whole beans is a great way to experiment with a variety of flavors. The cost of beans can be varied, but the extra cost is usually worth it. There are a number of flavors in the same bag, which lets you sample a variety of flavors at the same time. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to create distinctive tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some of the world's most renowned regions. It also has a medium body, with notes of caramel and fruit jam.
Roast
When they are roast, the top quality beans will change from a green state to the deep browns we call coffee. You can taste and see the change in the final product.
You should also pay attention to the roast level. There are a variety of levels of roasting for coffee. Darker roasts are known to have a stronger and more intense flavor. You can experiment with different roast levels until you find your favorite when you roast your coffee.
It is crucial to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized to ensure that the roast is uniform in its cooking. It is essential to stir beans during roasting, as this will help them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans until they begin to steam. There will be a crackling sound as the steam rises. This means that the beans have begun to roast. Then, turn off the popper, and spread out the beans to cool on a baking tray.
When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander that is made of metal. Shake them around until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Then let them cool in an airtight container leaving them enough time to let off carbon dioxide before storage.
Storage
When it comes time to make gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is to store your beans properly. This will ensure that your beans stay fresh and have excellent flavor. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat. This is why it is important to store beans in an airtight container. This will stop the beans from absorbing the smells from other food items in your pantry and it will also keep them from losing their fresh, roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool place. It is crucial to store them in a dark, cool place because light can affect their taste. The heat can cause them to degrade. It is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans such as a glass container or a vacuum-filled coffee canister. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long period of time.
Store the beans as soon you receive them. However, if you're unable to use them immediately then it is recommended to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf life, but you must thaw them first before roasting.
Some people put their unopened beans in attractive jars 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 secure location.