The 10 Most Scariest Things About Coffee Beans To Buy

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a fan of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy the beans. If you're not fortunate enough to be near one, search online for companies who roast and then ship to you.

Geography plays a huge factor in the taste of coffee like and so be aware of the origin of the beans you purchase.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 different coffee beans bulk species. The two most commonly used are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is better able to withstand drought, pests and diseases. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper to grow than arabica.

Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee produced around the world. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a superior brew using specialty beans can compete with Arabica's taste. The issue is that, with a few exceptions the majority of robusta on the market comes from plantations who only care about the quantity.

The high level of caffeine in beans makes them immune to pests and disease. This is what makes them a popular option for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. But, even though some companies claim their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta in order to save money and give their customers an unsatisfactory cup of coffee. Robusta coffee is typically more harsh, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It also has the flavor of peanuts or nutty. These flavors can be unpleasant for some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in small, bright fruits called coffee berries. These berries are removed from the coffee plant when ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are roasted, and then used to create our favorite coffee brew.

Arabica is the most well-known variety of beans in the world. They are renowned for their soft, non-bitter flavor. They're also renowned for their richness and offer diverse flavors. The most popular regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and medium roast coffee beans South America, where the conditions for producing high quality coffee are perfect.

These beans usually have an expensive price than Robusta as they require more attention for growth. They require specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall to create their flavor profile. In fact, the finest beans in the world originate from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family farms and operated at a micro level.

Aside from the region that is growing an additional factor to consider when purchasing coffee is whether or not it's of single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things however it usually means that the coffee beans to buy comes from a single farm, crop, or region in a country. This is a large part of what makes third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly where your coffee came from lets you experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you consume will be affected by the method of preparation. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods will allow you to find the perfect blend of coffee bean that is a perfect match for your taste.

The grind size has a major impact on the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the ground. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine and water isn't able penetrate the ground to pull the soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in weak coffee bean suppliers. If the grind isn't fine the water will move through the grounds much faster and will experience an over extraction. This will result in bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee but it is recommended to purchase whole beans and grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will last longer than if you were to purchase the pre-ground coffee.

A burr grinder is a preferred tool to create a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs that break beans into a particular grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap will result in more fine grind, while an increased gap creates an even coarser grind.

Stores

Coffee beans are degraded rapidly after they are opened, so it's best to keep the bag tightly sealed and grind only enough to make the next brew. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a resealable coffee container, which will block out air and allow the CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first ground to escape.

When stored properly If stored properly, whole bean coffee can remain fresh for up to one month. Once ground, your coffee's quality will diminish in less than 30 minutes. That is why it's best to only grind the amount you'll need, and then keep the remaining beans in an airtight and opaque container.

You can pick from a wide selection of attractive and convenient containers to store coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Others have a one-way valve that lets out the gasses released by freshly roasted coffee, which will prolong the beans' freshness.

The best place to store your unused coffee is an area that is cool and dark with a constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your stove or oven since heat can accelerate chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. It is also important to keep the beans out of direct sunlight, as they absorb sunlight and lose their flavor.