Where to Buy Coffee Beans

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

Geography plays an important influence on what coffee tastes like therefore, pay attention to the origins of the beans you're purchasing.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are over 100 different coffee species, but the two most frequently used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant against drought, pests, and diseases. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also less expensive than arabica to grow.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a poor quality batch of robusta might taste like burned rubber, a high-quality blend made from special beans can rival Arabica in taste. The problem is that, with a few exceptions the majority of the robusta available on the market comes from plantations that care only about the quantity.

The high content of caffeine in beans makes them immune to diseases and pests. This is the reason they are a favorite selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. But, even though some companies may advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta to cut costs and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta has a more harsh bitter, sour and more grainy taste than arabica. It may also have the peanut, nutty or Organic Vegan Dark Chocolate Bars: Ombar 72% chocolate taste. These flavors may be unpleasant to some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which develop inside of small vibrant fruits, referred to as coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant when they are ripe and separated 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 and are renowned for their smooth flavor that doesn't have any bitterness. These beans are also renowned for their richness and are able to provide many different flavors. The main regions that grow these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for producing high quality coffee are perfect.

They are more expensive than Robusta as their growth requires more care. They need specific temperatures and sufficient rain to build their flavor profile. The finest coffee beans in the world are from Africa. Many of the farms are owned by families and run on a smaller scale.

Aside from the region that is growing, another important factor to take into account when buying coffee is whether or not it's a single origin. "Single origin" can mean a number of things, but typically it means that the coffee comes from one farm, a crop or region within a particular country. Third wave coffee is excellent because you get to experience it in its purest form, knowing exactly where it originated from.

Grind

The quality of the coffee you drink will be affected by the way it is prepared. Making a variety of grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to find the best blend of beans that is a perfect match for your taste.

The grind size has a major impact on the extraction of coffee solids soluble 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 to extract the solids in the coffee that are soluble. This is referred to as under extraction, and can lead to weak coffee. If the grind is too fine, water flows through the grounds too quickly and experiences an over extraction, resulting in bitterness.

You can buy pre-ground coffee but it is recommended to buy whole beans and grind them yourself immediately before brewing. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were pre-ground.

The burr grinding machine is ideal to create a consistent grinding however, you can also make use of a food processor hand grinder or mortar and pestle. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs which cut the beans into a specific grind consistency by adjusting the distance between burrs. A smaller gap produces the finest grinding, while a bigger one produces a coarser grinding.

Storage

It is recommended to keep your coffee bag tightly sealed and only grind the amount you'll need for the next coffee. You might want to invest in a resealable canister that will eliminate the air and allow CO2 to escape once the beans are crushed.

If stored properly Whole bean coffee can last for up to one month. But once it's ground the quality of your coffee will deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. This is why it's recommended to only grind the amount you require and then store the remainder of your beans in an airtight, clear container.

You can buy a wide assortment of attractive, simple-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from getting in. Some even have a one-way valve that lets out the gasses produced by freshly roasted beans, which can prolong the beans' freshness.

The best place to keep your Coffee Beans Bulk that is not used is a dark, cool area with constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee beans near me near the oven or stove since the heat can speed up chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. Keep the beans out of direct sunlight can cause them to absorb the coffee and lose its flavor.