The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are over 100 varieties of coffee plants however, the two species most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is more robust and has more caffeine than the former.
The most premium coffee beans might be a bit more expensive however, that shouldn't frighten anyone because they are made with more care and focus. Here are some suggestions to identify high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When buying high quality coffee beans, the origin is just as important as the roasting process. The region where the beans were harvested can influence the taste acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known and adored type of coffee bean is arabica. They are generally regarded as superior to robusta. However, there are four varieties of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and the taste characteristics.
Coffee from Ethiopia, for example, is famous for its fruity and floral flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are coveted for their vibrant acidity. Another popular kind of coffee is the geisha, which are tiny beans that are only produced in a select few regions and must be hand sorted before roasting. These unique beans can have natural tea-like bodies with a smooth flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.
When buying coffee, be aware of whether the beans are fair trade, organic or sustainably produced. strong coffee beans of these buzzwords may be marketing tricks however, others are real indicators of the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee refers to all beans that originate from the same region. Microlot coffee signifies that the beans were cultivated in high altitudes and with a rich soil.
Variety
There are over 100 species of coffee, however only two varieties dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans are thought to be higher quality and have a more smooth flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.
If you're looking to purchase a whole bean of top quality you should look for the seal of a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been inspected and evaluated for flavor, cup quality, and aroma. This ensures that the beans are roasted in a consistent manner and to the appropriate degree of darkness.
A good roaster must also offer a variety of brewing techniques. You can then choose the one that best fits your preferences. For instance filter coffee works well with a French press while espresso works best with an automatic drip maker.
Purchasing a bag of whole beans is an excellent way to play with various flavors. The cost can vary but the additional cost is generally worth it. There are many kinds of blends in the same bag. This lets you taste a variety of different flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to create unique flavors. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the world's top regions. It also has a medium body, with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
When roasted, high quality beans transform from their green color to the rich shades of brown that we call coffee. You can even taste the transition in the taste of the final product.
It is also important to pay attention to the roast level. There are several different levels of roasting coffee. Darker roasts have an intense and stronger flavor. You can experiment with different roast levels and discover the one you like best when you roast your coffee.
It is crucial to select beans that are uniform in both size and color to ensure consistency throughout the roast. It is also essential to stir the beans during roasting that helps cook them evenly and stops them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans to a point where they begin to steam. There will be a crackling sound as the steam rises. This means that your beans are beginning to roast. At this point, turn off the popper and place the beans on an oven sheet to cool.
When you're ready to cool them, place them in a colander made of metal. Shake them back and fourth until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Then let them cool in an airtight container, giving them time to release carbon dioxide before storage.
Storage
When it comes time to make gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is storing your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that the beans stay fresh and have a great flavor. Heat, humidity and air are beans' primary enemies. This is why it is essential to keep your beans in a sealed container. This will prevent them from inhaling odors that are present in other foods in your pantry, and will also keep them from losing their fresh-roasted flavor. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool place. It is essential to store beans in a dark, cool area as light can alter their taste. In addition, the heat will cause them to decrease in quality. Use a container that is opaque for your beans. This can be a glass container, or a coffee canister that is vacuum packed. These containers will keep your beans fresh for years.
It is recommended to keep the beans in storage the moment you purchase them. If you don't want to use them immediately, it's best to freeze them. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, however it is important to thaw them prior to roasting.
Many people put their unopened beans in attractive jars in order to display them. But, this can affect the quality of the beans. It is better to have an additional container to store the beans and to store the unused beans in a secure location.