Where to Buy Coffee Beans If you're a big fan of whole beans the best place to buy them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search online for companies that will roast and deliver your order. Geography plays an important influence on what coffee tastes like So, be sure to consider the origins of the beans you purchase. Arabica vs. Robusta There are more than 100 coffee species however, the two most frequently used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries per year. It is also less expensive than arabica to cultivate. Robusta is responsible for 40% of the world's coffee production. Although a poor-quality batch may taste like burnt rubber, a top-quality brew using specialty beans can rival Arabica's flavor. The problem is with a few exceptions the majority of robusta sold on the market comes only from plantations that are focused on quantity. The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is the reason they are a popular selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. However, while some companies may advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta in order to save money and offer their customers the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher, more bitter and grainier than arabica. It also has the peanut, nutty or dark chocolate flavor. These flavors can be unpleasant for some or too strong for others. Origin Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside of small vibrant fruits, referred to as coffee berries. When ripe, these fruit are removed from the coffee plant and separated into two beans. The beans are roasted, and then used to make our most-loved coffee brew. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans is the most sought-after bean variety in the world. They are known for their soft, non-bitter flavor. They're also regarded as being complex and able to provide a variety flavors. They are mostly grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for the production of high-quality coffee. These beans tend to have more expensive prices than Robusta due to the fact that they require more attention to ensure their growth. They need specific temperatures and a sufficient amount of rainfall to establish their flavor profile. In fact, the best beans in the world come from Africa and the continent of Africa, where many coffee farms are run by family-owned farms that operate at a micro level. When buying coffee, it's important to consider whether the coffee is of single origin or not. "Single origin" could mean a range of things, but generally it means that the coffee comes from a specific farm, crop or region within one country. This is a large element of what makes third wave coffee so wonderful knowing exactly the source of your coffee allows you to enjoy it in its purest form. Grind The quality of the coffee you consume can be affected by the way it is prepared. You can discover the perfect mix of coffee by testing with different grind sizes and brew techniques. The size of the grind has a major impact on the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the ground. This affects the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine it will be difficult for water to penetrate into the grounds and extract the solids of the coffee that are soluble. This is called under extraction and can lead to weak coffee. If the grind isn't fine it will allow the water to pass through the grounds more quickly and suffer from an over extraction. This can cause bitterness. It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee but it's recommended to purchase whole beans and grind your own beans immediately before brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and last longer than if you were to purchase the pre-ground coffee. A burr grinder is the preferred tool for creating a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand grinder or a food processor, or a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs which cut the beans to a specific grind consistency by altering the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap produces more fine grind, while an increased gap creates more coarse grind. Stores Coffee beans degrade at an astonishing rate once they've been opened, so it's best to keep the bag tightly closed and grind only as much as you need to make the next brew. You might also look into purchasing a resealable coffee canister, which will remove air and allow the CO2 emissions that occur when the beans are first ground to escape. Whole bean coffee can remain at its freshest state for up to a month if stored correctly. However, once the coffee is ground, the quality of your coffee could deteriorate in as little as 30 minutes. That is why it's best to only grind the amount you'll need and then store the remainder of your beans in an airtight, clear container. You can find a vast assortment of attractive, simple-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed, which stops moisture from entering. Some come with a one-way valve that releases the gases created by freshly roasted beans, which can prolong the freshness of beans. The best place to keep your coffee that you don't use is in a dark, cool area with constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee in close proximity to your oven or stove since the heat can speed up chemical reactions that destroy the coffee. Be sure to keep the beans out of direct sunlight will cause the coffee to absorb and lose its flavor.