Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a fan of whole beans the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you're unable to be near one, try searching online for companies that roast and ship to order.

The origin of your coffee beans will influence the flavor.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are over 100 different coffee varieties however, the two most frequently utilized are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper than arabica to cultivate.

Robusta is responsible for 40 percent of all coffees produced in the world. Although a poor-quality batch may taste like burnt rubber, a high-quality coffee brewed with specialty beans could match the taste of Arabica. The problem is, with few exceptions, the majority of the robusta available on the market comes only from plantations that are only focused on quantity.

Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes, and their resistance to diseases and pests is because of the high caffeine content in the beans. This is what makes Robustas a favorite option for traditional diner coffee and instant costa coffee beans. Although some companies claim their product as being 100 percent arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta to save money, and provide their customers with a lower quality cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be more harsh, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It may also have an nutty, peanut or dark chocolate taste. These flavors can be unpleasant for some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. These berries are removed from the coffee plant at the time they are ripe and then split into two beans. The beans are then roasted and used to create our beloved drink.

The world's most popular variety of beans is arabica coffee beans and are renowned for their smoky flavor that isn't bitter. These beans are also known for their richness and can provide an array of flavors. The main growing regions for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for making high-quality coffee are perfect.

These beans typically have a higher price tag than Robusta because they require more care to ensure their growth. They need specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rain to build their flavor profile. The top coffee beans in the world are made from Africa. A lot of farms are run by family members and operate on a small scale.

In addition to the region in which it is grown another crucial aspect to consider when buying coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. "Single origin" can mean a number of things, but generally it means that the coffee comes from a specific farm, crop or region within one country. Third wave coffee is so excellent because you get to experience it in its most pure form knowing where it came from.

Grind

A great-quality brew begins with the best coffee beans, however, the process of grinding, brewing and serving will affect the final flavor of your coffee. Experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods will allow you to find the perfect blend of coffee that suits your individual taste.

The grind size has a significant impact on the extraction of the soluble coffee solids from the grounds. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine and water is unable to penetrate the ground beans coffee and extract coffee solids that are soluble. This is known as under extraction, and can lead to a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water is able to pass through the ground too quickly, and it experiences an over extraction that results in bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is best to buy whole beans and grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if you were to purchase the pre-ground variety.

The burr grinder is preferred for creating a consistent grinding however, you can also use a food processor, hand grinder, or mortar-and-pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs, which break the beans into a specific grind consistency by adjusting the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces a finer grinding, while a bigger one produces a coarser grinding.

Storage

Coffee beans can degrade at an astonishing rate once they are opened, so it is a good idea to keep the bag tightly sealed and grind only as much as you need for the next time you brew. You may also want to think about purchasing a resealable canister that will shut out air and allow the CO2 off-gassing that happens when the beans are first crushed to be released.

If properly stored When stored properly, whole bean coffee will keep fresh for buy coffee beans up to one month. Once ground, your coffee's quality will degrade in just 30 minutes. It is best to use the amount of coffee you'll need, and keep the rest in an opaque, airtight container.

You can pick from a variety of attractive and easy-to-use containers to store coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from entering. Some even have a one-way valve that releases the gases that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which helps prolong the beans' freshness.

The best storage space for your unopened coffee is in a dark, cool location that has a steady temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your stove or the oven as the heat can speed up chemical reactions that can degrade the green coffee beans. You should also keep the beans out of direct sunlight since they will absorb sunlight and lose their flavor.