Are You Getting The Most Of Your High Quality Coffee Beans?

The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee plants. Arabica and Robusta are the two most well-known. The latter is stronger and has more caffeine than the earlier.

The highest quality coffee beans are a bit more expensive, but this should not come as a surprise to anyone as more time and effort is put into these beans. Here are some tips to identify high-quality coffee beans.

Origin

When buying high-quality coffee beans the roasting process is equally crucial. The region where the beans were grown has a direct impact on the flavors, body, acidity and more.

The most well-known and popular type of coffee beans are arabica, which are generally thought to be superior to robusta beans. There are four different types of arabica beans which differ greatly in their growing conditions and taste profiles.

Coffee from Ethiopia like Ethiopia is renowned for its fruity and floral flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are coveted for their vibrant acidity. Another well-known kind of coffee is the geisha, which are small beans that are grown only in a handful of regions and must be hand sorted prior to roasting. These unique beans can have an unnatural tea-like body with a smooth flavor and notes of vanilla or citrus.

When buying coffee, you should also consider whether the beans are organic, fair trade or sustainably procured. Some of these buzzwords might be marketing tricks but some are actually indicators of the quality of the coffee. Single origin coffee refers to all the coffeee Beans coming from the same region. Microlot coffee signifies that the beans were grown at high altitudes and Decaf Beans Coffee with a rich soil.

Variety

There are more than 100 varieties of coffee and varieties, but two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans are considered higher quality and have a smoother flavor. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta.

If you're looking for a complete bean of high quality, look for the seal from a specialty roaster. This seal signifies that the beans were tested for aroma and cup quality, as well as taste. This process ensures that the beans have been roasted to the correct level of darkness and the right consistency.

A quality roaster will also offer a variety different brewing methods. This means you can select the one that's best suited to your taste and brewing method. For example filter coffee works well with a French press while espresso pairs best with drip makers that are automated.

A bag of beans in whole form allows you to test different flavors. The price tag varies however, it's generally worth the extra cost. There are numerous varieties in the same bag. This lets you try several different flavors all at one time. Some brands, like Stumptown blend beans from various regions to create distinct flavors. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, contains beans from a few of the finest regions in the world. It also has a medium body with notes of caramel and fruit jam.

Roast

When roasted, high quality beans will transform from their green state to the rich shades of brown that we associate with coffee. You can even feel the transformation in the taste of the final product.

Pay attention to the degree of roasting. There are many different levels of roast are used for coffee, with darker roasts having more intense, stronger flavor than lighter roasts. You can play around with different roast levels and discover your favorite when you roast your coffee.

It is important to select beans that are uniform in size and color, as this will ensure consistency throughout the roast. It is essential to stir beans during roasting, as this ensures that they cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

The first step is to warm the beans to where they begin to steam. You'll hear a cracking noise as the steam rises. This indicates that your beans have started to roast. It's time to shut off the popper and then spread the beans to cool on the baking tray.

Once they're chilled, place them in a colander made from metal and shake them until they're warm to the touch (this will help to remove any chaff). Let the beans cool down in an airtight container so that they can allow them to release carbon dioxide prior storing.

Storage

The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to store your beans in a proper manner. This ensures that they stay fresh and have the best taste. The beans' biggest enemies are air, moisture and heat. This is why it is essential to store your beans in a container that is airtight. This will stop the beans from absorbing odors from other food items in your pantry, and ensure that they don't lose their fresh-roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool space. It is important to store them in a dark, cool location as light can cause a loss of flavor. It also causes the beans to degrade. Use a container that is transparent for your beans. This could be a glass jar, or a vacuum-packed coffee canister. These containers will keep the beans fresh for a long time.

Keep the beans in storage as soon as you purchase them. However, if you're not able to use them right away, it is best to store them in a freezer. The beans can be frozen to extend their shelf-life but you must defrost them first prior to roasting.

Many people keep their unused beans in attractive jars in order to display them. This can actually harm the beans. It is preferential to have an additional container to store the beans and to keep the beans that aren't used in a suitable location.