So , You've Bought High Quality Coffee Beans ... Now What?
The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants, however Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a harsher taste than the earlier.
The top coffee beans are more expensive, but this should not come as a shock to anyone as more time and effort is put into these beans. Here are some helpful tips to help you determine high-quality coffee beans.
Origin
When you purchase high-quality coffee beans the roasting process is equally crucial. The specific region in which the beans were cultivated may influence the flavors acidity, body, and more.
The most well-known, popular type of coffee beans are arabica beans, which are generally considered higher quality than robusta beans. There are four types of arabica coffee beans each with its own distinct taste and growing conditions.
For example, coffee from Ethiopia is renowned for its fruity and floral flavors and coffee from Panama is prized for its vibrant acidity. Another well-known kind of coffee is the geisha, which are small beans that are grown only in a select few regions and require hand sorting before roasting. These unique beans can have a natural tea-like body as well as a mellow flavor, and hints of citrus or vanilla.
Other things to consider when purchasing coffee include whether the beans are of single origin, microlot, fair trade, sustainably sourced or organic. Some of these buzzwords are simply marketing tactics, but some are actually a sign of the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee is all beans from the same region. Microlot coffee indicates that the beans were grown in high altitudes with rich soil.
Variety
There are more than 100 varieties of coffee but only two dominate the market: arabica and robusta. Arabica beans are regarded as higher quality and have a smoother flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.
If you're in search of a high-quality whole bean be sure to look for the seal of a specialist roaster. This means that the beans have been scrutinized and examined for taste, cup quality, and aroma. This ensures that the beans are cooked consistently and to the correct level of dark.
A good quality roaster will also provide a variety of ways to brew. You can then choose the one that best suits your preferences. For example, a filter coffee will work well with the french press, whereas espresso is best paired with an automatic drip machine.
A bag of whole beans allows you to experiment with different flavors. The cost of beans can be varied however the additional cost is generally worth it. You can find many flavors in the same bag. This lets you test a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from different regions to make unique tastes. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from some the world's best regions. It also features a medium body and notes of caramel and jams of fruit.
Roast
The color of coffee beans will change from green to rich brown shades that we associate with top-quality beans. You can smell and see the transformation in the final product.
It is also important to pay attention to the roast level. There are coffee beans london of levels of roasting for coffee. Darker roasts are known to have a stronger and more intense flavor. When you roast your own coffee, you have the ability to adjust the roasting temperature and test to find your favorite.
It is essential to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized as this will help ensure uniformity in the roast. It is crucial to stir beans during roasting as this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from burning.
The first step is to heat the beans to a level that they begin to steam. There will be a crackling sound as the steam increases. This means that your beans have begun to roast. Now you can turn off the popper, and spread out the beans to cool on the baking tray.
When you're ready to cool them down, place them in a colander that is made of metal. Shake them back and fourth until they feel warm (this will get rid of any chaff). Let the beans cool down in an airtight container to allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storing.
Stores
When it comes down to gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is storing your beans in a proper manner. This ensures that they remain fresh and have the best flavor. The elements of heat, moisture, and air are the beans' greatest enemies. This is why it is crucial to keep beans in an airtight container. This will prevent them from absorbing odors from other food items in your pantry and it will also stop them from losing their fresh, roasted taste. The beans should be stored in a dark, cool place. It is essential to store them in a dark, cool location because light could alter their taste. Additionally the heat can cause them to diminish. It is best to use an opaque container for your beans such as a glass container or a vacuum coffee container. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long period of time.
It is recommended to keep the beans in storage the moment you purchase them. However, if you are not able to utilize them immediately, it is best to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life, but you must thaw them first prior to roasting.
Many people keep their unused beans in attractive jars in order to showcase them. This could end up harming the beans. It is best to store the beans in a separate container and store them in a safe place.