7 Things About High Quality Coffee Beans You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are over 100 species of coffee plant however, the two species that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a stronger taste than the former.
The top coffee beans may be a bit more expensive however that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone as they are made with greater care and attention. Here are some guidelines to help you identify the top quality coffee beans.
Origin
When you purchase high-quality coffee beans roasting is just as important. The specific region in which the beans were grown can influence the flavors, acidity, body and more.
The most well-known, and most popular kind of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as being superior to robusta. However, there are four varieties of arabica beans that vary wildly in their growing conditions and their taste profiles.
For example coffee from Ethiopia is famous for its floral and fruit flavors and coffee from Panama is sought-after for its vibrant acidity. Another well-known variety is geisha, which are small beans that are produced in a handful of regions and must be hand sorted prior to roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a a natural tea-like body as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of citrus or vanilla.
Other things to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are of single origin microlot, fair trade, sustainably sourced or organic. Some of these buzzwords are just marketing strategies, while others really indicate the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee refers to the beans were cultivated in high altitudes with rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee, however only two types dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans are considered higher quality and have a smoother flavor. They have less bitterness and contain less caffeine than robusta.
If you're looking to purchase a whole bean of top quality look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This seal means that the beans have been inspected for aroma and taste, cup quality and aroma. This ensures that the beans are cooked consistently and at the right degree of darkness.
A good roaster should offer a variety of brewing methods. This allows you to select the one that best fits your taste and brewing method. For example, filter coffee pairs well with a French press, while espresso works best with an automatic drip maker.
A bag of whole beans is a great way to experiment with a variety of flavors. Prices can vary but the cost is usually worth it. There are a variety of blends within the same bag. This allows you to taste a variety of different flavors at once. Some brands, like Stumptown, combine beans from several regions to create distinct flavors. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some the world's best regions. It's a medium-bodied flavor with notes of jam and caramel.
Roast
The color of coffee beans will change from green to the deep brown hues we associate with premium beans. You can taste and feel the change in the final product.
Also, be aware of the roast level. Several different levels of roast are available for coffee, with darker roasts having a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter ones. You can experiment with various roast levels and discover your preferred roast when you roast your coffee.
It is important to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized, as this will help ensure uniformity in the roast. It is also essential to stir the beans throughout the roasting process to ensure they cook evenly and prevents them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans to a point that they begin to steam. You'll hear a cracking noise as the steam rises. This indicates that the beans have begun to roast. You can now turn off the popper, and then spread the beans to cool on the baking tray.
When you're ready to cool them down, place them in a metal colander. Shake them in a circular motion until they feel warm (this will get rid of any chaff). Then let the beans cool in an airtight container so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide prior to 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 remain fresh and offer the best taste. The elements of heat, moisture, and air are the beans' greatest enemies. It is therefore essential to store your beans dried in a sealed container. This will stop them from inhaling odors that are present in other foods in your pantry, and ensure that they don't lose their fresh roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a cool, dark location. This is because light can destroy the flavor. The heat can cause them to lose their flavor. Make sure you use a container that is opaque for your beans. This can be a glass jar, or a coffee canister vacuum-packed. coffee beans bulk buy will keep the beans fresh for a long period of time.
Store the beans as soon they are purchased. If you are unable to utilize them immediately, it's best to freeze them. The beans that are frozen will prolong their shelf life, but it is essential to defrost them before roasting.
Some people put their unopened beans in attractive jars so that they can display them. This can harm the beans. It is preferential to have an additional container to store the beans and to store the unused beans in a safe place.