The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants The two that dominate the industry are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is stronger and has more caffeine than the earlier.
The most premium coffee beans might be a bit more expensive but that shouldn't shock anyone since they are produced with greater care and consideration. Here are some suggestions for identifying high quality coffee beans.
Origin
When you purchase high-quality coffee beans roasting the process is just as crucial. The area where the beans were cultivated directly affects their flavors, body, acidity and more.
The most popular and well-known type of coffee beans is arabica beans, which are generally considered higher quality than robusta beans. There are four varieties of arabica beans that differ drastically in their climatic conditions and the taste characteristics.
For instance coffee from Ethiopia is known for its fruit and floral notes and coffee from Panama is renowned for its vibrant acidity. Geisha is yet another popular variety. These small beans are produced only in certain areas and must be manually sorted before roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a a natural tea-like body as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of vanilla or citrus.
Other considerations to take into account when purchasing coffee include whether the beans are single origin microlot, fair trade organic, sustainably sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords may be just marketing tactics, but others are true indicators of the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all beans from the same region. Microlot coffee refers to the beans were cultivated in high altitudes, with soil that is rich.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee, but only two types dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans have a smoother taste and are believed to be more premium. They have less bitterness and caffeine than robusta.
If barista coffee beans looking for a whole bean that is of the highest quality Look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This seal signifies that the beans have been inspected for aroma and cup quality as well as taste. This ensures that beans have been roasted to the correct level of darkness and the right consistency.
A good roaster will also offer a variety brew methods. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and brewing technique. For example, filter coffee pairs well with a French press, while espresso pairs best with an automatic drip maker.
Purchasing a bag of whole beans is an excellent way to experiment with different flavors. The cost can vary however the additional cost is usually worth it. You can also find many blends in one bag, which will let you taste a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, like Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create distinctive tastes. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, contains beans from some of the world's finest regions. It has a medium-bodied taste with notes of jam and caramel.
Roast
When they are roasted, top quality beans will change from a green state to the rich brown hues that we are familiar with when we think of coffee. You can witness and taste the transition in the taste of the final product.
Be aware of the level of roasting. There are a variety of levels of roasting coffee. Darker roasts have an intense and stronger flavor. When you roast your own coffee, you are able to alter the level of roast and experiment to discover your preferred.
It is essential to choose beans that are uniformly colored and sized, as this will help ensure consistency in the roast. It's important to agitate beans throughout roasting, as this will help them cook evenly and keeps them from burning.
The first step is to warm the beans to that they begin to steam. As the steam rises you'll hear a cracking sound and know that your beans are now beginning to roast. Then, turn off the popper and spread the beans to cool on baking sheets.
When you're ready to cool them, put them in a colander made of metal. Shake them repeatedly until they feel warm (this will remove any chaff). Then let them cool in an airtight container, giving them time to off-gas carbon dioxide prior to storage.
Stores
When it comes to premium coffee, the most important step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and have excellent flavor. Air, moisture and heat are beans' main enemies. Therefore, it is essential to store your dried beans in a sealed container. This will stop the beans from absorbing odors from other foods in your pantry, and will also prevent them from losing the fresh roast flavor. Beans should be kept in a dark, cool space. This is crucial because light can ruin their flavor. In addition the heat can cause them to decrease in quality. Use a container that is transparent for your beans. This can be a glass canister, or a coffee canister vacuum-packed. These containers will keep your beans fresh for years.
You should try to keep the beans in storage as soon as you buy them. If you can't utilize them immediately it is best to freeze them. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, however it is crucial to defrost them prior to roasting.
Many people store their unopened beans in attractive jars to display them. This can be harmful to the beans. It is better to have a separate container for storage and to store the beans that aren't used in a suitable location.