Blog entry by Mathew Deshotel
Where to Buy coffee beans near me Beans
If you're in love with whole beans the best place to bulk buy coffee beans them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you don't live near a roaster, search online for companies who will roast and then ship your order.
Geography plays a major influence on what coffee tastes like therefore, pay attention to the source of the beans you purchase.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 distinct coffee species. The two most commonly used are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant against pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive than arabica to cultivate.
Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a poor quality batch of robusta can taste like burnt rubber, a good brew made with special beans can surpass Arabica in taste. The problem is that, with a few exceptions, the majority of robusta sold on the market is from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.
Robusta plants thrive at lower elevations and their resistance to diseases and pests is the result of the high caffeine content in the beans. This is why they are the most popular option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, even though certain companies advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta to cut costs and provide their customers with the less than ideal cup of coffee. Robusta can have a harsher bitter, more bitter and a more grainy taste than arabica. It also has an nutty or peanut taste. These flavors may be unpleasant for some or too strong for others.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside of small fruit that are colorful and sour, called coffee berries. When they are mature, the berries are taken from the coffee plant, and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved brew.
The most well-known variety of beans is Arabica, and they're known for their smoky flavor which isn't bitter. They're also renowned for their complexity and can provide diverse flavors. The main growing regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for making high-quality coffee are perfect.
These beans typically have a higher price tag than Robusta, due to the fact that they require more attention for growth. They need certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall to create their flavor profile. In fact, the finest beans in the world come from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms, and operate in a small scale.
When buying coffee, it is important to consider whether the coffee is single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things however it usually means that the coffee beans in bulk comes from a single farm, crop, or region in a country. This is a big part of what makes third wave Coffee Beans To Buy so appealing knowing where your coffee bean suppliers came from allows you to experience it in its purest form.
Grind
A high-quality brew starts with the finest coffee beans, however the process of grinding, brewing and serving can alter the taste of your cup. Making a variety of grind sizes and brewing methods will help you find the best blend of coffee that fits your personal taste.
The size of the grind can have a significant impact on the extraction of the soluble coffee solids from the ground. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine it is unable to penetrate the ground to pull the soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction. It can cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water is able to pass through the ground too quickly and undergoes an over extraction that results in bitterness.
You can buy pre-ground coffee but it is best to buy whole beans and then grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were already ground.
A burr grinder is the preferred tool for creating an even grind, however you can also use a hand-grinder, a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs that can be adjusted to provide an exact grind consistency. A smaller gap produces the finest grind, whereas an increased gap creates coarser grind.
Storage
It is recommended to keep your bag tightly shut and only grind the amount you'll need for your next brew. You may want to purchase the resealable containers that rid the air and permit CO2 to escape when the beans are ground.
Whole bean coffee will stay at its peak freshness for up to a month when kept in a proper storage. Once the coffee is ground, its quality will degrade in just 30 minutes. It's best to only use the amount of coffee you need, and then store the rest in an opaque, airtight container.
You can buy a wide assortment of attractive, simple-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which will eliminate moisture from entering. Others have a one-way valve that will release the gasses that are produced by freshly roasted coffee, which can prolong the freshness of the beans.
The ideal storage space for your unopened coffee is in a cool, dark area with a stable temperature. Avoid storing it in a cabinet that is near your stove or oven, as it can be heated and accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. Keep the beans away as direct sunlight can cause them to absorb the coffee and lose its flavor.