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. Robusta has higher levels of caffeine and a stronger taste than the earlier. The most premium coffee beans might be a bit more expensive however, that shouldn't frighten anyone since they are produced with greater care and consideration. Here are some guidelines to help you determine high-quality coffee beans. Origin When purchasing high-quality coffee beans, the source is just as important as the roasting process. The location in which the beans are grown directly affects their flavors acidity, body, and much more. The most popular and well-known type of coffee beans are arabica, which are typically considered to be higher quality than robusta beans. There are four kinds of arabica beans, each one with a distinct taste and growing conditions. Coffee from Ethiopia is a good example. It is well-known for its floral and fruity flavors, whereas coffees from Panama are coveted for their bright acidity. Another well-known type of coffee is geisha. These are small beans that are produced in a handful of regions and have to be sorted by hand before roasting. These beans are unique, and they can have a natural tea-like bodies that is mellow and has notes of citrus or vanilla. Other considerations to take into account when buying coffee is whether the beans are of single origin, microlot, fair trade organic, sustainably-sourced or sustainable. Some of these buzzwords are just marketing tactics, but some really indicate the quality of the coffee. For instance the term "single origin" refers to the fact that all the beans in a coffee come from the same region. Likewise, if the coffee is microlot, it indicates that the beans were grown at high altitudes in nutrient rich soil. Variety There are more than 100 different coffee varieties however, only two dominate the market: arabica & robusta. Arabica beans have a more smooth flavor and are thought to be more premium. They also have lower levels of caffeine and less bitterness than robusta. If you are looking for an authentic whole bean, look for the seal of a specialist roaster. This means that the beans have been checked and tested for taste quality, cup quality, and aroma. This ensures that beans have been cooked to the right level of darkness and at the proper consistency. A quality roaster should also offer different brew methods. This means you can select the one that's best suited to your preferences and brewing technique. For instance filter coffee works well with a French press while espresso is best paired with drip makers that are automated. A bag of whole beans is an excellent way to experiment with various flavors. The price varies however, it's generally worth the extra cost. You can find many flavors in the same bag. This allows you to taste a variety of different flavors at one time. Some brands, such as Stumptown, combine beans from various regions to create unique flavors. Holler Mountain blend includes beans from the world's top regions. It also features a medium body and notes of caramel and fruit jam. Roast The color of coffee beans will change from green to deep brown hues we associate with top-quality beans. You can taste and feel the transformation in the final product. Be aware of the level of roasting. There are many different levels of roast are available for coffee with darker roasts having a stronger, more intense flavor than lighter ones. You can experiment with different roast levels and find your personal preference when roasting your coffee. It is essential to select beans that are uniformly colored and sized to ensure that the roast remains consistent. It is also essential to stir the beans during the roasting process that helps cook them evenly and avoids burning. The first step is to heat the beans until they start to steam. As the steam rises you'll hear a crackling sound and know that your beans are starting to roast. Then, turn off the popper and spread out the beans to cool on the baking tray. When they're ready chilled, place them in a colander made from metal and shake them back and forth until they are warm to the touch (this will help remove any chaff). After that, allow the beans to cool in an airtight container, so that they can get rid of carbon dioxide before storage. Storage When it comes down to gourmet coffee, the most crucial step is to store your beans in a proper manner. This ensures that they remain fresh and provide the best flavor. The beans' greatest enemies are moisture, air and heat. This is the reason it is vital to store beans in an airtight container. This will keep them from inhaling odors that are present in other foods in your pantry, and will ensure that they don't lose their fresh roasted flavor. The beans should be kept in a dark, cool place. This is because light could destroy their flavor. Also, heat can cause them to lose their flavor. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans is recommended to use an opaque container for your beans such as a glass container or a coffee canister vacuum. These containers will keep your beans fresh for a long period of time. You should try to keep the beans in storage as soon as you buy them. If you are unable to immediately use them, it's best to freeze them. The beans can be frozen to prolong their shelf life however, you must allow them to thaw them first before roasting. Some people store their unused beans in attractive jars to display them. However, this can affect the quality of the beans. It is recommended to have a separate container for storage and to keep the beans that aren't used in a suitable location.