Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you're a big fan of whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search on the internet for companies that can roast and ship your order.
The origin of your coffee beans will have a big impact on the flavor.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 distinct coffee species. Two of the most well-known are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive than arabica for cultivation.
Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. While a low-quality batch can taste like burned rubber, a high-quality coffee made from specialty beans can surpass the flavor of Arabica. The problem is that, with only a few exceptions the majority of robusta available on the market comes from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.
The high amount of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is why they are Robustas a popular choice for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. Even though some companies advertise their product as being 100 percent arabica, they often mix it with a kind of robusta to save money, but provide their customers with a subpar cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger bitter, more bitter and a more grainy taste than arabica. It also has a nutty or peanut flavor. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or too strong.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside tiny, vibrant fruits called coffee berries. These berries are removed from the coffee plant when ripe and then divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our most-loved beverage.
Arabica is the most adored variety of beans in the world. They are well-known for their soft, non-bitter flavor. They are also renowned for their complexity and are able to provide many different flavors. These beans are primarily grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee.
These beans usually have an expense that is higher than Robusta because they require more attention for growth. They need specific temperatures and enough rainfall to establish their flavor profile. In fact, the best coffee beans around originate from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms that operate on a micro scale.
Aside from the growing region, another important factor to take into consideration when purchasing coffee is whether or if it's of a single origin. "Single origin" could mean a range of things, but most often it means that the coffee is sourced from a specific farm, crop or region within a single country. Third wave coffee is so excellent because you get to experience it in the most pure form by knowing where it came from.
Grind
A good-quality brew begins with excellent coffee beans however the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can affect the final taste of your drink. Experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods will help you find the most optimal blend of coffee that suits your individual taste.
The size of the grind plays an important impact on how the soluble coffee components are extracted from the ground during the brewing process, and it affects the taste of your coffee. If the grind is too coarse it is unable 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 fine, the water will pass through the grounds much faster and result in an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.
It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee however, it is recommended to buy whole bean and grind your own beans as soon as you can prior to brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if you were to purchase the pre-ground variety.
A burr grinder is the preferred tool to create an even grind, but you can also use a hand-grinder as well as a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs that cut the beans into a certain grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap will result in the finest grind, whereas the one with a larger gap results in an even coarser grind.
Storage
It is recommended to keep your bag tightly shut and only grind the amount you'll need for your next coffee. You may want to purchase a resealable canister that will eliminate the air and allow CO2 to escape after the beans are crushed.
If stored properly, whole bean coffee can keep fresh for up to one month. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will diminish in less than 30 minutes. bulk buy coffee beans is best to only drink the amount of coffee you require, and then store the rest in an opaque, airtight container.
You can buy a wide selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some even have a single valve that lets out the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which prolongs the freshness of beans.
The best place to keep the coffee you haven't used is in a cool, dark area with constant temperature. Avoid placing it in the cabinet by the stove or oven, as the heat can accelerate the chemical reactions that degrade coffee. You should also keep the beans out of direct sunlight, as they will absorb it and lose their flavor.