15 Things Your Boss Wishes You Knew About Coffee Beans To Buy

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a big fan of whole coffee beans the local independent roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy the beans. If you're unable to find a roaster, search on the internet for companies that can roast and ship your order.

The origin of the coffee beans can have a big impact on the taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 different coffee varieties. The two most commonly used are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries in a year. It is also cheaper to grow than arabica.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a subpar robusta batch can taste like burned rubber, a quality robusta brewed with specialty beans can be able to compete with Arabica in taste. The issue is that there are a few exceptions, but the majority of robusta sold on the market comes from plantations that are concerned about quantity.

The high content of caffeine in the beans makes them resistant to pests and disease. This is the reason they are a popular choice in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. However, while some companies may advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some form of robusta to save money and offer their customers the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher and more bitter than arabica. It also has an nutty, peanut or dark chocolate flavor. These flavors can be unpleasant to some people or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. These berries are pulled from the coffee plant at the time they are ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are roasted and then used to make our most-loved drink.

The most sought-after variety of beans are Arabica and are renowned for their smoky flavor that doesn't have any bitterness. They are also renowned for their richness and can provide a wide range of flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee.

They are more expensive than Robusta as their growth requires more care. They need certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall to create their flavor profile. The best coffee beans in the world come originated from Africa. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated on a small scale.

When buying cafe coffee Beans, it is essential to consider whether the coffee is of single origin or not. "Single Origin" could mean a number of things however it usually means that the coffee originates from a single farm, or region within the country. This is a big part of what makes third wave coffee so amazing - knowing exactly the source of your coffee lets you experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you consume is affected by the method of preparation. You can find the perfect blend of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing techniques.

The grind size has a major impact on the extraction of the soluble coffee solids from the grounds. This impacts the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse, water isn't able to get through the grind to extract the coffee's soluble solids out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in a weak coffee. If the grind isn't fine, the water will pass through the ground much more quickly and experience an over extraction. This can lead to bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground however, it is recommended to purchase the whole bean and grind your own beans as soon as you can prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if were to purchase the pre-ground coffee.

A burr grinder is the most popular tool to create a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs that break the beans to a specific grind consistency by adjusting the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces an easier grind, while the one with a larger gap results in coarser grind.

Storage

Coffee beans degrade in a rapid manner once they are opened, so it's a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly shut and only grind the amount you'll need for the next time you brew. You might also look into purchasing a resealable online coffee beans canister, which will remove air and allow CO2 emissions that occur when the beans are first crushed to be released.

Whole bean coffee can stay at its freshest for up to a month if stored properly. Once ground, your coffee's quality will begin to diminish in just 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind as much as you'll need and then store the rest in a sealed, airtight container.

You can purchase a wide range of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Some even have a single-way valve that will release the gasses released by freshly roasted unroasted coffee beans, which will extend the beans' freshness.

The ideal place to store your unused coffee is in a dark, cool location that has a steady temperature. Avoid keeping your coffee near your oven or stove as the heat can speed up chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight can cause the coffee to absorb and lose flavor.