15 Reasons Not To Overlook High Quality Coffee Beans
The Importance of Buying High Quality Coffee Beans There are more than 100 species of coffee plants. Arabica and Robusta are the two most well-known. The latter has more caffeine and a more bitter taste than the earlier. The highest quality coffee beans are more expensive, but this should not come as a shock to anyone, since a lot of time and effort goes into these beans. Here are some guidelines to help you find high-quality coffee beans. Origin When purchasing premium coffee beans, the origin is just as important as the roasting process. The location where the beans were cultivated has an impact directly on their flavor notes, body, acidity and more. The most well-known and popular type of coffee bean is called arabica. They are generally regarded as having higher quality than robusta. There are four kinds of arabica coffee beans each with a distinct flavor and growing conditions. For example coffee from Ethiopia is renowned for its fruity and floral flavors, while coffee from Panama is prized for its vibrant acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are tiny beans that are only produced in a few areas and have to be sorted by hand prior to roasting. These unique beans can have natural tea-like bodies that is mellow and has notes of citrus or vanilla. Other aspects to consider when buying coffee is whether the beans are single origin microlot, fair trade, single origin organic, sustainably-sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords might be merely marketing techniques but some are actually indicators of the quality of coffee. For example the term “single origin” refers to the fact that all the beans in a cup come from the same region, and when the coffee is microlot, it indicates that the beans were cultivated at high altitudes in nutrient rich soil. Variety There are more than 100 kinds of coffee, however two types dominate the market: robusta and arabica. Arabica beans have a more smooth taste and are believed to be superior quality. They also contain a lower amount of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta. If you're looking for a high-quality whole bean you should look for the seal of a specialized roaster. This means that the beans have been inspected and tested for taste as well as cup quality and aroma. This process ensures that the beans have been roasted to the correct level of darkness and at the right consistency. A good roaster must also offer a variety of brewing techniques. Then, you can choose the one that is most suitable to your taste. For instance filter coffee works well with a french press, while espresso is best when paired with an automatic drip machine. A bag of beans in whole form allows you to test different flavors. The cost varies however, it's generally worth the extra cost. There are numerous varieties in the same bag. This lets you explore a variety of flavors at once. Certain brands, such as Stumptown combine beans from different regions to create distinctive tastes. Their Holler Mountain blend, for instance, contains beans from a variety of the most exquisite regions in the world. It's medium-bodied with notes of jam and caramel. Roast When they are roasted, the best beans transform from their green color to the rich brown hues that we associate with coffee. You can see and even taste the transition in the taste of the finished product. Pay attention to the level of roasting. Different levels of roast are available for coffee with darker roasts having greater, more intense flavor than lighter ones. When you roast your own coffee, it is possible to adjust the roasting temperature and experiment to find your favorite. It is important to select beans that are uniform in size and color to ensure consistency throughout the roast. It's also crucial to stir the beans during roasting, which helps them cook evenly and avoids burning. The first step is heating the beans until they begin to steam. As the steam rises you'll hear a cracking sound and realize that your beans are beginning to roast. At this point, you'll be able to shut off the popper and place the beans on baking sheets to cool. Once high quality coffee beans , put them in a colander made from metal and shake them around until they are warm to the touch (this will help to remove any chaff). Allow the beans to cool in an airtight container, allowing them to release carbon dioxide prior storage. Stores The most important thing you can do when it comes gourmet coffee is to properly store your beans. This will ensure that the beans are fresh and have excellent flavor. The beans' greatest enemies are moisture, air and heat. It is therefore essential to store your dried beans in an airtight container. This will stop the beans from absorbing the smells from other food items in your pantry. It will also stop them from losing their fresh roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool area. This is important because the light could destroy their flavor. In addition, the heat will cause them to reduce their quality. Make sure to use a container which is transparent for your beans. This could be a glass jar, or a coffee canister that is vacuum packed. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a long period of time. It is recommended to preserve the beans the moment you purchase them. If you don't want to utilize them immediately, it's best to freeze them. Freezing the beans will extend their shelf life, but it is important to thaw them prior to roasting. Some people put their unopened beans in attractive jars so that they can display them. However, this can actually cause damage to the beans. It is recommended to have a separate container for storage and to store the beans that are not used in a secure location.