The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants The two most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is more robust and has more caffeine than the former.
The finest coffee beans might be a bit more expensive however, that shouldn’t frighten anyone because they are made with more care and attention. Here are some guidelines for identifying high quality coffee beans.
Origin
When purchasing high-quality coffee beans the roasting process is equally important. The region where the beans were cultivated may influence their flavor notes, acidity, body and more.
The most popular and well-known kind of coffee beans are arabica, and are generally thought to be superior to robusta beans. However, there are four different kinds of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and taste profiles.
Coffee from Ethiopia is a good example. It is known for its floral and fruity flavor, while coffees from Panama are coveted for their vibrant acidity. Geisha is another famous variety. These small beans are only produced in certain regions and need to be sorted manually prior to roasting. These beans are unique and can have natural tea-like bodies as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of vanilla or citrus.
When buying Bulk coffee beans, take into consideration whether the coffee bean shop beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably source. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing strategies, while others really indicate the quality of the coffee. For example the term “single origin” refers to the fact that all beans in a particular coffee come from the same region, and if the coffee is microlot, it indicates that the beans were grown at high altitudes in nutrient soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 species of coffee, however only two types dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans have a more smooth taste and are believed to be more premium. They also have a lower caffeine content and less bitterness than robusta.
If you are looking for a high-quality whole bean you should look for the seal of a specialty roaster. The seal signifies that the beans were inspected for aroma and cup quality, as well as taste. This ensures that the beans have been cooked to the right level of darkness and the right consistency.
A good roaster should provide a variety of brewing methods. This allows you to select the one that’s best suited to your preferences and the brewing method. For instance the filter coffee is a good match for french presses, while espresso is best when paired with an automatic drip machine.
A bag of whole beans lets you to experiment with different flavors. The cost can vary, but the extra cost is usually worth it. There are numerous flavors in the same bag. This allows you to taste a variety of different flavors at one time. Some brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to create unique flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, contains beans from some of the most exquisite regions in the world. It also has a medium body, with notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
When they are roasted, top quality beans will change from their green state into the inviting rich brown hues that we consider coffee bean shop. You can smell and see the transformation in the final product.
Pay attention to the degree of roasting. Several different levels of roast are used for coffee, with darker roasts having greater, more intense flavor than lighter ones. You can experiment with various roast levels to find your preferred roast when you roast your coffee.
It is crucial to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized as this will help ensure uniformity in the roast. It is also essential to stir the beans during roasting, which helps them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans to a point that they begin to steam. As the steam rises you’ll hear a cracking sound and know that the beans are beginning to roast. At this point, you’ll be able to switch off the popper and place beans on a baking sheet to cool.
Once they’re cool, put them in a metal colander and shake them until they’re warm to the touch (this will help get rid of any chaff). Then let them cool in an airtight container giving them time to release carbon dioxide before storage.
Stores
The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans properly. This will ensure that your beans will remain fresh and retain their a great flavor. Heat, humidity and air are beans’ main enemies. This is why it is crucial to keep your beans in an airtight container. This will stop the beans from absorbing the smells from other food products in your pantry. It will also prevent them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool location. This is crucial because light could destroy their flavor. Heat will also cause the beans to degrade. It is best to choose an opaque container for your beans such as a glass container or a coffee canister vacuum. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a number of years.
You should try to store the beans when you purchase them. However, if not able to utilize them immediately it is recommended to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf life however, you must first thaw them first before roasting.
Some people put their unopened beans in attractive jars to display them. However, this could harm the quality of the beans. It is best to use a separate container for storage and to secretly keep the beans that aren’t used in a suitable location.