cattlejewel23

Where to Buy Coffee Beans If you're in love with whole beans, the best place to buy them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you're unable to live close to one, look for online companies that roast and deliver to order. Geography plays an important influence on what coffee tastes like So, be sure to consider the source of the beans you purchase. Arabica vs. Robusta There are more than 100 coffee varieties, but the two most frequently used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is better able to withstand drought, pests and diseases. It can be planted at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also cheaper to grow than arabica. Robusta is responsible for 40 percent of all coffees produced around the world. While highest rated coffee beans that an inferior batch of robusta can taste like burnt rubber, a high-quality brew made with special beans can rival Arabica in flavor. The problem is that, with only a few exceptions the majority of robusta on the market is from plantations that only care about quantity. Robusta plants thrive in lower altitudes, and their resistance to disease and pests is because of the high caffeine content in the beans. This is why they are a favorite option in traditional diner coffees and instant coffees. But, even though some companies might advertise their product as 100 arabica-based, they usually mix it with some type of robusta to save money and give their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta coffee can be harsher and more bitter than arabica. It also has the flavor of peanuts or nutty. Some people find these flavors unpleasant, or even overwhelming. Origin Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside small, vibrant fruit called coffee berries. When ripe, these berries are removed from the coffee plant and divided into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to make our favorite coffee brew. Arabica is the most sought-after variety of bean in the world. They are famous for their soft, non-bitter flavor. They're also regarded for their richness and capacity to offer a variety 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 generally a higher price tag than Robusta, due to the fact that they require more attention for growth. In order for the flavor profile to develop, they require certain temperatures and sufficient rainfall. In reality, the top coffee beans come from Africa which is where the majority of coffee farms are owned by family-owned farms and operated at a micro level. When buying coffee, it's important to determine if the coffee is of single origin or not. “Single origin” can refer to a variety of things, but most commonly it means that the coffee comes from a single farm, crop or region within a single country. This is a significant aspect of what makes third wave coffee so appealing knowing exactly the source of your coffee allows you to experience it in its purest form. Grind The quality of the coffee you drink can be affected by way it is prepared. You can discover the perfect combination of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods. The grind size is a significant factor in the extraction of the soluble coffee solids from the grounds. This impacts the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse it is unable to get through the grind to extract the coffee's soluble solids out. This is known as under extraction and may cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is fine the water will flow through the coffee grounds faster and will experience an over extraction. This will result in bitterness. You can purchase coffee that has been ground however, it is recommended to purchase the whole bean and grind your own beans as soon as you can prior to making. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and will also last longer than if you were to buy the pre-ground variety. A burr grinder is a preferred tool to create a consistent grind, but you can also use a hand-grinder or a food processor as well as a mortar and pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs which can be adjusted to produce the perfect grind consistency. A smaller gap creates more fine grind, while the larger gap produces a coarser grind. Stores Coffee beans can degrade at a rapid rate after they've been opened, so it's best to keep the bean bag tightly closed and only grind the amount you'll need for your next brew. You might also look into purchasing a resealable coffee container, which will block out air and allow CO2 emissions that occur when the beans are first crushed to escape. If stored properly Whole bean coffee can be kept fresh for as long as one month. Once the coffee is ground, its 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 an airtight, opaque container. You can pick from a wide selection of attractive and simple-to-use containers to store coffee. Some are vacuum-sealed to keep moisture from entering. Some have a one way valve that lets out the gases produced by freshly roasted beans, which helps prolong the freshness of beans. The best place to store your coffee that you don't use is in a dark, cool area with constant temperature. Avoid placing your coffee near the stove or the oven as the heat can accelerate chemical reactions that degrade the coffee. Be sure to keep the beans out of direct sunlight can cause the beans to absorb the caffeine and lose flavor.