A Rewind: How People Talked About Coffee Beans To Buy 20 Years Ago

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a big fan of whole beans the best place to buy them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search online for companies that roast and then ship your order.

Geography plays a significant factor in the taste of coffee like and so be aware of the source of the beans you're purchasing.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are over 100 different coffee species however, the two most commonly utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to diseases, drought and pests. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also less expensive than arabica in terms of cultivation.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. While it's true that an inferior batch of robusta may taste like burnt rubber, a high-quality coffee made with specific beans can easily compete with Arabica in taste. The issue is that, with few exceptions, most of the robusta sold on the market comes from plantations who are concerned about quantity.

Robusta plants thrive at lower elevations and their resistance to disease and pests is a result of the high amount of caffeine in the beans. It's this fact that makes them a popular choice for traditional diner coffee and instant coffee. However, although some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some type of robusta in order to save money and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee is typically more harsh and more bitter than arabica. It also has an nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. These flavors may be unpleasant for some or too strong.

Coffeee  are actually seeds that develop inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the berries are taken from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are roasted and then used to create our favorite beverage.

The world's most popular variety of beans is Arabica, and they're known for their smooth flavor that isn't bitter. They're also regarded as being complex and able to provide a variety flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of top-quality coffee.

They are more expensive than Robusta, because their growth requires more attention. To allow the flavor profile to develop, they require certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall. In fact, the finest coffee beans come from Africa which is where the majority of coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms, and operate at a micro level.

In addition to the region in which it is grown an additional factor to take into account when buying coffee is whether or not it's single origin. "Single Origin" could mean a number of things however it usually means that the coffee comes from a single farm, or region within a particular country. Third wave coffee is excellent because you get to experience it in its most pure form by knowing where it originated from.

Grind

A high-quality brew starts with excellent coffee beans however the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can affect the final taste of your drink. You can find the perfect blend of coffee by playing around with different grind sizes and brew methods.

Grind size plays a big factor in how the soluble coffee components are extracted from the grounds during brewing, and this impacts the taste of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won't be able to penetrate the ground to pull the coffee's soluble solids out. This is known as under extraction and can result in a weak cup of 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, but it's best to purchase a whole bean and grind your own beans immediately before making. 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 a preferred tool for creating a consistent grind. However, you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs that cut the beans into a specific grind consistency by adjusting the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in more fine grinding, whereas a bigger one produces the coarser grinding.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your bean bag tightly shut and only grind as much as you'll require for the next brew. You may also want to think about purchasing a resealable canister that will shut out air and allow CO2 off-gassing that occurs when the beans are first crushed to escape.

When stored properly If stored properly, whole bean coffee can be kept fresh for as long as one month. Once ground the quality of your coffee will deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. It is recommended to only use the amount of coffee you need, and then store the remainder in an opaque airtight container.

There is a huge range of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside. Some have a one-way valve that lets out the gasses released by freshly roasted coffee which will extend the freshness of the beans.

The best place to keep your unused coffee is a dark, cool area with an even temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet near your stove or oven, as it can be heated and accelerate the chemical reactions that degrade coffee. It is also important to keep the beans out of direct sunlight, as they absorb sunlight and reduce their flavor.