The 10 Scariest Things About Coffee Beans To Buy

Where to Buy Coffee Beans

If you're a lover of whole coffee bean (published on Peatix) beans, your local independent roaster or coffee beans delivery shop is the best place to buy these beans. If you're not lucky enough to live near one, search online for companies that roast and deliver to you.

The origin of your coffee beans will influence the taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are over 100 different coffee species however, the two most commonly used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also cheaper to cultivate than arabica.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a superior blend made with specialty beans can rival Arabica's flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but the majority of robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations who are concerned about quantity.

Robusta plants thrive at lower elevations and their resistance to disease and pests is a result of the high amount of caffeine in the coffeee beans. This is why they are a common option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. Although some companies claim their product to be 100 arabica-based, they often mix it with some sort of robusta in order to save money, but give their customers an inferior cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger bitter, more bitter and a more grainy taste than arabica. It can also have an nutty, peanut or dark chocolate flavor. These flavors can be unpleasant to some people or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside tiny, vibrant fruits called coffee berries. When they reach their peak, the fruits are removed from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our most-loved brew.

Arabica is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are well-known for their smooth, non-bitter taste. These beans are also known for their complexity and are able to provide many different flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for brewing high-quality coffee.

They are more expensive coffee beans than Robusta due to their growth requires more care. They need specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rainfall to develop their flavor profile. In fact, the best coffee beans originate from Africa, where many coffee farms are run by family-owned farms and operated at a micro level.

In addition to the region in which it is grown another crucial aspect to consider when buying coffee is whether or not it's of single origin. "Single Origin" can mean many things however it usually means that the organic coffee beans originates from one particular farm, or region within the country. Third wave coffee is great because you can taste it in the most pure form by knowing where it originated from.

Grind

A high-quality brew starts with great coffee beans, however, the process of grinding, brewing, and serving can affect the final taste of your beverage. You can find the perfect combination of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods.

The size of the grind plays a significant influence on how the soluble coffee particles are extracted from the grounds during the brewing process, and it affects the flavor of your coffee. If the grind is too coarse the water won't be able to penetrate the grounds to get the coffee's soluble solids out. This is known as under extraction, and can cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind isn't fine it will allow the water to pass through the coffee grounds faster and suffer from an over extraction. This can lead to bitterness.

You can buy pre-ground coffee but it is better to buy whole beans and then grind the coffee yourself prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were ground pre-priced.

The burr grinding machine is ideal to ensure a consistent grinding however, you can utilize a food processor, hand-grinders or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders have two cutting discs that can be adjusted to create a specific consistency in the grind. A smaller gap produces more fine grind, while the one with a larger gap results in more coarse grind.

Stores

Coffee beans degrade rapidly after they've been exposed, so it is a good idea to keep the bag tightly shut and grind only the amount you'll need for the next time you brew. You might also consider purchasing a resealable coffee canister, which will eliminate air and allow the CO2 emissions that occur when the beans are first crushed to escape.

Whole bean coffee can stay in its best condition for up to a month if stored properly. Once ground, your coffee beans bulk buy's quality will degrade in just 30 minutes. It is best to use as much coffee as you require, and then store the remainder in a transparent, airtight container.

You can find a vast selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum sealed, which prevents moisture from entering. Some even have a one-way valve that lets out the gases produced by freshly roasted beans, which helps prolong the freshness of beans.

The best place to keep your coffee that is not used is an area that is cool and dark with a constant temperature. Avoid placing it in the cabinet near your oven or stove, since the heat can accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. You should also keep the beans away from direct sunlight as they will absorb sunlight and lose their flavor.