Blog entry by Cecil Fairbank
Where to Buy Coffee Beans
If you're a lover of whole coffee beans Your local roaster or coffee shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not lucky enough to live close to one, search online for companies which roast and ship to order.
The origin of your coffee beans will have a big impact on the taste.
Arabica vs. Robusta
There are more than 100 coffee varieties however, the two most frequently utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries in a year. It is also less expensive than arabica to grow.
Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch may taste like burnt rubber, a premium coffee brewed with specialty beans could surpass the flavor of Arabica. The problem is that, with a few exceptions, the majority of robusta available on the market is sourced from plantations who only care about the quantity.
Robusta plants thrive at lower altitudes and their resistance to disease and pests is a result of the high amount types of coffee beans caffeine in the beans. This is the reason they are a favorite choice 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 give their customers an unsatisfactory cup of coffee. Robusta coffee is typically more harsh and more bitter than arabica. It can also have an nutty or peanut taste. These flavors can be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.
Origin
Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in small, bright fruits called coffee berries. When they are mature, the berries are taken from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are roasted, and then used to create our favorite brew.
The most well-known variety of beans are Arabica and are renowned for their smooth flavor that doesn't taste bitter. They're also renowned for their complexity and can provide a wide range of flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee.
They are generally more expensive prices than Robusta due to the fact that they require more attention to ensure their growth. In order for the flavor profile to develop, they need specific temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The top coffee beans in the world are originate from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale.
When purchasing coffee, it is important to determine if the unroasted coffee beans is of single origin or not. "Single origin" can refer to a variety of things, but generally it means that the coffee is sourced from a specific farm, crop or region within a particular country. Third wave coffee is so good coffee beans (just click the next webpage) because you can experience it in the most pure form by knowing where it originated from.
Grind
A high-quality cup starts with great coffee beans, but the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can alter the flavor of your coffee. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing techniques will allow you to find the best blend of coffee that fits your personal taste.
The size of the grind has a significant impact on the extraction of coffee solids soluble from the ground. This impacts the flavor of the coffee beans unroasted. If the grind is too fine, water cannot penetrate the ground and extract coffee solids that are soluble. This is known as under extraction, and can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine the water will move through the ground much more quickly and result in an over extraction. This can cause bitterness.
You can buy pre-ground coffee but it is best to buy whole beans and then grind the coffee yourself prior to brewing. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were pre-ground.
A burr grinder is the preferred tool to create an even grind, but 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 create a particular grind consistency. A smaller gap will result in more fine grind, while a larger one produces more coarse grind.
Storage
Coffee beans deteriorate rapidly after they are opened, so it's a good idea to keep the bean bag tightly shut and grind only as much as you need to make the next brew. You may want to buy a resealable canister that will remove the air and allow CO2 to escape after the beans are crushed.
Whole bean coffee can remain at its freshest for up to a month if stored properly. But once it's ground the quality of your bulk coffee beans will deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. That is why it's best to only grind as much as you require and then store the remainder of your beans in an airtight, clear container.
There is a huge range of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some even have a single valve that releases the gasses created by freshly roasted beans, which extends the beans' freshness.
The ideal place to store your unused coffee is in a cool, dark space that is at a constant temperature. Avoid storing it in a cabinet by the oven or stove, since the heat can speed up the chemical reactions that degrade gourmet coffee beans. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight will cause the beans to absorb the caffeine and lose flavor.