Where to Buy Coffee Beans

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

The origin of your coffee beans will have a significant impact on the taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee varieties, but the two most commonly used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to diseases, drought and pests. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper than arabica for cultivation.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch might taste like burned rubber, a premium coffee made from specialty beans can compete with Arabica's taste. The problem is there are some exceptions, however, the majority of the robusta available on the market comes only from plantations who are focused on quantity.

Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes, and their resistance to disease and pests is the result of the high caffeine content in the beans. This is why they are a common selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. While some companies claim their coffee as being 100 arabica, they often mix it with some kind of robusta to save money, and offer their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta is known to have a stronger bitter, sour and more grainy taste than arabica. It can also have an nutty or peanut taste. These flavors may be unpleasant for some or too strong for others.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in small, bright fruits called coffee berries. When they are mature, the berries are removed from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are roasted and then used to create our favorite beverage.

Arabica is the most sought-after variety of beans in the world. They are famous for their soft, non-bitter flavor. These beans are also known for their richness and are able to provide a wide range of flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee.

They are more expensive than Robusta due to their growth requires more care. For the flavor profile of these decaf beans coffee to develop, they require specific temperatures and adequate rainfall. In reality, the top coffee Bean beans come from Africa, where many coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms and operated at a micro level.

In addition to the region in which it is grown Another important aspect to take into consideration when purchasing coffee is whether or not it's of single origin. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things, but it most commonly means that the coffee comes from a single farm, or region within the same country. This is a large element of what makes third wave coffee so wonderful - knowing exactly where your coffee originated lets you enjoy it in its most pure form.

Grind

A great-quality brew begins with great coffee beans, however the process of grinding, brewing and serving can affect the final taste of your beverage. Making a variety of grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to discover the best blend of beans that is a perfect match for your taste.

The size of the grind plays a major influence on the way that the soluble coffee solids are extracted from the ground during brewing, and this impacts the flavor of your cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine it is unable to penetrate the ground to pull those soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction, and can result in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine it will allow the water to pass through the grounds much faster and suffer from an over extraction. This can result in bitterness.

You can purchase coffee that has been ground but it is best to purchase whole beans and then grind them yourself prior to brewing. This will keep your beans fresher and longer than if they were ground pre-priced.

The burr grinder is preferred to create a consistent grinding however, you can also utilize a food processor, hand grinder or mortar-and-pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs which cut the beans to a specific grind consistency by adjusting the distance between burrs. A smaller gap creates more fine grind, while a larger one produces more coarse grind.

Storage

Coffee beans degrade at a rapid rate after they've been exposed, so it's a good idea to keep the bean to cup coffee beans bag tightly shut and grind only as much as you need for the next time you brew. You might also consider purchasing a resealable coffee container, which will block out air and allow the CO2 gasses that are released when the beans are first crushed to escape.

If properly stored Whole bean coffee can remain fresh for up to one month. Once ground, your coffee's quality will decrease in only 30 minutes. This is the reason it's important to only grind the amount you'll need, and then keep the remaining beans in a sealed, airtight container.

You can buy a wide range of attractive, easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some of them are even vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from getting in. Some even have a one-way valve that lets out the gases created by freshly roasted beans, which prolongs the freshness of beans.

The best place to store your empty coffee is in a cool, dark space that is at a constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee near the oven or stove as the heat can accelerate chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. It is also recommended to keep the beans out of direct sunlight since they will absorb the light and diminish their flavor.

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