The Importance of Buying
High Quality Coffee BeansThere are over 100 coffee plant species, but the two most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is stronger and has more caffeine than the former.
The finest coffee beans are more expensive, but it should not come as a surprise to anyone because more time and effort is put into them. Here are some helpful tips for identifying high quality coffee beans.
Origin
When buying high
quality coffee beans, the origin is as important as the roasting process. The region in which the beans were grown can influence the taste acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known, popular kind of coffee beans are arabica, which are typically thought to be superior to robusta beans. However, there are four different kinds of arabica beans which differ drastically in their climatic conditions and the taste characteristics.
Coffee from Ethiopia for instance, is famous for its floral and fruity tastes, while coffees made in Panama are coveted for their bright acidity. Another well-known variety is geisha, which are small beans that are produced in a handful of areas and have to be sorted by hand before roasting. Geisha beans are distinct and can have a tea-like body and sweet flavors, such as vanilla or citrus notes.
When buying coffee, you should also think about whether the beans you purchase are organic, fair trade or sustainably produced. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing techniques, while others really reflect the quality of the coffee. For example single origin refers the fact that all beans in a coffee originate from the same area, and when the coffee is microlot, this means that the beans were cultivated at high altitudes and in nutrients soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 species of coffee, however only two varieties dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans are considered 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 high quality look for the seal of a specialty roaster. This means that the beans have been scrutinized and examined for flavor, cup quality, and aroma. This process makes sure that the beans are roasted consistently and to the correct level of darkness.
A good roaster will offer a variety of brewing methods. You can then pick the one that is most suitable to your taste. For example filter
coffee beans bulk will work well with the french press, whereas espresso is best paired with an automatic drip machine.
The purchase of a bag of beans is an excellent way to play with various flavors. The cost can vary but it's usually worth the extra cost. There are a number of blends in the same bag, letting you taste a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown combine beans from several regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, is made up of beans from a few of the most renowned regions of the world. It also features a medium body and notes of caramel and fruit jam.
Roast
The color of the coffee beans will change from green to rich shades of brown we associate with top-quality
decaf beans coffee. You can even feel the transformation in the taste of the final product.
Be aware of the level of roasting. There are many different levels of roasting coffee. Darker roasts are known to have a stronger and more intense flavor. You can experiment with various roast levels until you find your favorite when you roast your coffee.
It is important to select beans that are uniformly sized and colored, since this will ensure consistency in the roast. It is important to stir the beans during roasting, as this ensures that they cook evenly and prevents 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 have begun to roast. Now you can turn off the popper, and then spread the beans to cool on baking sheets.
When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander made from metal. Shake them repeatedly until they feel warm (this will eliminate any chaff). Let the beans cool in an airtight container, allowing them to release carbon dioxide prior placing them in storage.
Stores
When it comes time to make gourmet coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This ensures they stay fresh and have the best taste. Moisture, air and heat are beans' main enemies. This is the reason it is vital to store beans in a container that is airtight. This will stop them from absorbing odors from other food products in your pantry and it will also stop them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool place. It is crucial to store them in a dark, cool area as light can affect their taste. Additionally, the heat will cause them to diminish. Make sure you use a container that is opaque for your beans. This can be a glass canister, or a vacuum-packed coffee container. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a longer period of time.
It is recommended to keep the beans in storage as soon as you buy them. However, if you are not able to use them right away then it is recommended to freeze them. The beans that are frozen will prolong their shelf-life, but it is important to thaw them prior to roasting.
Many people store their unused beans in attractive jars to display them. However, this could cause damage to the beans. It is recommended to store the beans in an additional container and store them in a safe location.