Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're in love with whole beans, the best place to buy them is at your local coffee independent or roaster. If you're unable to be near one, search online for companies who roast and then ship to customers who order.

The origin of the coffee beans can affect the flavor.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee species, but the two most frequently used 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 every year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica.

Robusta accounts for 40 percent of all coffee that is produced in the world. While it's true that an inferior batch of robusta might taste like burnt rubber, a quality robusta brewed with specific beans can easily compete with Arabica in flavor. The issue is that there are some exceptions, however, the majority of robusta sold on the market comes from plantations who are concerned about quantity.

Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes and their resistance to disease and pests is a result of the high amount of caffeine in the beans. This is the reason they are the most popular option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Although some companies claim their coffee as being 100% arabica, they will often mix it with some kind of robusta to save money, and provide their customers with a subpar cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger bitter, sour and more grainy taste than arabica. It can also have the flavor of peanuts or nutty. These flavors can be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside tiny, vibrant fruits called coffee berries. These berries are removed from the coffee plant when ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to create our beloved brew.

The most sought-after variety of beans is Arabica They are well-known for their smooth flavor that isn't bitter. These beans are also regarded for their richness and capacity to offer a variety of flavors. They are typically 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 because their growth requires more attention. They need specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rainfall to create their flavor profile. The top coffee beans in the world come made from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a small scale.

Aside from the growing region another crucial aspect to take into account when buying coffee is whether or not it's single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things, but it most commonly means that the coffee originates from a single farm, crop, or region in the country. This is an important part of what makes third wave coffee so appealing knowing where your coffee originated lets you experience it in its most pure form.

Grind

A high-quality cup starts with the finest coffee beans, Coffeee.uk however, the process of grinding, brewing and serving can alter the flavor of your cup. Try different grind sizes and brewing techniques will allow you to find the perfect blend of coffee that fits your personal taste.

The size of the grind is a significant factor in the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the ground. This impacts the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse it is difficult for water to penetrate the grounds and extract the soluble coffee solids. This is known as under extraction and could result in weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water flows through the grounds too quickly, and it experiences an over extraction, which results in bitterness.

You can purchase pre-ground coffee but it's recommended to buy whole bean and grind your own beans directly before making. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were pre-ground.

A burr grinder is the best tool to create an even grind, but you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor www.coffeee.uk as well as a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs which can be adjusted to produce a specific consistency in the grind. A smaller gap creates the finest grind, whereas a larger one produces an even coarser grind.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your bean bag tightly sealed and only grind what you'll require for the next coffee. You may also want to look into purchasing a resealable coffee canister, which will remove air and allow CO2 off-gassing that occurs when the beans are first ground to escape.

When stored properly When stored properly, whole bean coffee will keep fresh for up to one month. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will decrease in only 30 minutes. It is recommended to only use the amount of coffee you require, and then store the remainder in an opaque, airtight container.

There is a huge variety of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some even have a single valve that releases the gasses produced by freshly roasted beans, which prolongs the beans' freshness.

The best storage space for your unopened coffee is in a dark, cool area with a stable temperature. Do not store it in the cabinet next to your oven or stove, since the heat can accelerate the chemical reactions that degrade coffee. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight can cause them to absorb the coffee and lose its flavor.