Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a fan of whole beans, the best place to purchase them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you're not close to the roaster, you can search online for companies that roast and then ship your order.

Geography plays a major role in what coffee tastes like and so be aware of the country of origin of the beans you're purchasing.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee varieties. The two most popular are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, disease and pests. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper than arabica to cultivate.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of world's coffee production. While it's true that a subpar batch of robusta can taste like burned rubber, a premium brew made with specialty beans can actually surpass Arabica in taste. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most of the robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations who are focused on quantity.

The high content of caffeine in beans makes them immune to diseases and pests. This is why they are a common choice for traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Even though some companies advertise their product as 100 arabica-based, they often mix it with some sort of robusta in order to save money, but provide their customers with a lower quality cup of coffee. Robusta coffee may be more bitter, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It also has the flavor of peanut or nutty. These flavors can be unpleasant to some or too strong.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside small, colorful fruit called coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant once they have reached ripeness and then divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being then used to make our favorite brew.

Arabica is the most sought-after variety of bean in the world. They are renowned for their smooth, non-bitter taste. These beans are also regarded for their richness and capacity to provide a variety of flavors. The main regions that grow these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for the production of high-quality coffee are optimal.

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. The best coffee beans in the entire world are originate from Africa. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated on a smaller scale.

When purchasing coffee, it's important to determine if the coffee is single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things but generally means that the coffee comes from one farm, a or region within the country. This is a significant element of what makes third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly where your coffee came from lets you enjoy it in its purest form.

Grind

A high-quality brew starts with the finest coffee beans, but the process of grinding, brewing and serving can alter the taste of your drink. You can find the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brewing techniques.

The grind size is a significant factor in the extraction of soluble coffee particles from the grounds. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine the water won't be able to penetrate the grounds to get the coffee solids that are soluble out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in weak coffee. If the grind isn't fine it will allow the water to pass through the coffee grounds faster and result in an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.

It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee beans uk however, it is recommended to purchase a whole bean and grind your own beans directly before brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will last longer than if were to buy the pre-ground Coffee beans sale.

A burr grinder is the preferred tool for creating an even grind, however you can also use a hand grinder, a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders come with two cutting discs that cut the beans to a specific grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces the finest grind, whereas the one with a larger gap results in coarser grind.

Storage

Coffee beans can degrade at a rapid rate after they've been opened, so it's best to keep the bag tightly shut and only grind the amount you'll need to make the next brew. You might want to invest in an open-top canister that is resealable to eliminate the air and allow CO2 to escape when the beans are crushed.

When stored properly Whole bean coffee can keep fresh for up to one month. Once ground the quality of your coffee could begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. That is why it's best to only grind as much as you need and then store the rest in a sealed, airtight container.

You can buy a wide range of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from getting inside. Others have a one-way valve that will release the gases produced by freshly roasted coffee which will extend the freshness of the beans.

The best place to store your coffee that you don't use is in a dark, cool area with an even temperature. Avoid keeping your coffee near your stove or the oven as the heat can speed up chemical reactions that destroy the coffee. It is also recommended to keep the beans out of direct sunlight, since they will absorb the light and reduce their flavor.