Mathew Deshotel

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 these beans. If you're unable to find the roaster, you can search online for companies that roast and then ship your order.

Geography plays a huge factor in the taste of coffee like So, be sure to consider the source of the beans you purchase.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee varieties The two most frequently used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also less expensive than arabica to grow.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of world's coffee production. While a low-quality batch can taste like burned rubber, a premium brew using specialty beans can match the taste of Arabica. The problem is, with few exceptions, most robusta that is sold on the market is from plantations who are focused on quantity.

The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them resistant to diseases and pests. It's this fact that makes Robustas a favorite choice for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. Even though some companies advertise their product as 100 arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta to save money and provide their customers with a subpar cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger sharp, bitter and more granular taste than arabica. It may also have a nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. These flavors may be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside tiny fruit that are colorful and sour, called coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant when ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to create our beloved drink.

The most sought-after variety of beans is Arabica and are known for their smooth flavor which isn't bitter. These beans are also regarded for their richness and capacity to provide a variety of flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of top-quality coffee.

They are more expensive than Robusta because their growth requires more attention. For the flavor profile to develop, they require certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall. In fact, the finest coffee beans around come from Africa which is where the majority of coffee farms are owned by family farms and operated at a micro level.

In addition to the region in which it is grown an additional factor to take into consideration when purchasing coffee beans types is whether or not it's of single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things however, it typically indicates that the coffee is from only one farm, crop, or region in the same country. This is a big aspect of what makes third wave coffee so great knowing the source of your coffee lets you enjoy it in its purest form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee beans for sale you drink will be affected by the method of preparation. You can discover the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brew methods.

The size of the grind has a significant impact on the extraction of coffee solids soluble from the grounds. This affects the taste of the gourmet coffee beans. If the grind is too coarse, water isn't able to penetrate the grounds to get the soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, water passes through the grounds too quickly and suffers an over extraction that results in bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is best to buy whole beans and then grind them yourself prior to brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground coffee.

The burr grinder is preferred to create a consistent grinding, but you can use a food processor, hand grinder or mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs which can be adjusted to produce a specific consistency in the grind. A smaller gap leads to the finest grinding, while larger ones result in the coarser grinding.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your coffee bag tightly closed and only grind the amount you'll need for the next brew. You may also want to look into purchasing a resealable coffee canister that will shut out air and allow CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first crushed to be released.

Whole bean coffee will remain in its best condition for up to a month if stored correctly. Once ground the quality of your coffee may begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. It is best to only drink as much coffee as you need, and store the remainder in a transparent, airtight container.

You can buy a wide variety of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Some have a one-way valve that lets out the gases produced by freshly roasted coffee Beans to Buy which will extend the freshness of the beans.

The best place to keep your coffee that you don't use is in a dark, cool area with an even temperature. Avoid placing your coffee near the stove or the oven as heat can accelerate chemical reactions that can degrade the coffee. Also, keep the beans out of direct sunlight, since they will absorb the light and lose their flavor.