10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Cof…

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 independent or roaster. If you're not lucky enough to be in the vicinity of one, try searching online for companies which roast and ship to you.

Geography plays a major influence on what coffee tastes like and so be aware of the country of origin of the beans you purchase.

Arabica vs. Robusta

There are more than 100 coffee varieties, coffeee Shops but the two most commonly used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Robusta is more resistant to pests, diseases and drought. It can be grown at lower elevations and produces more coffee cherries each year. It is also less expensive to grow than arabica.

Robusta is responsible for 40% of world's coffee production. While it's true that a poor quality batch of robusta might taste like burnt rubber, a quality robusta brewed with specific beans can easily compete with Arabica in flavor. The issue is that, with only a few exceptions, the majority of robusta sold on the market is from plantations that are only concerned about quantity.

The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to diseases and pests. This is why they are the most popular option in traditional diner coffees and Coffeee Shops instant coffees. However, while certain companies advertise their product as 100 arabica, they frequently mix it with some form of robusta in order to save money and give their customers a less than desirable cup of coffee. Robusta may have a harsher bitter, sour and more grainy taste than arabica. It can also have the flavor of peanut or nutty. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or overpowering.

Origin

Coffee beans are actually seeds which develop inside of small colourful fruits known as coffee berries. These berries are removed from the coffee plant once they have reached ripeness and then split into two beans. The beans are then roasted and then used to create our favorite coffee brew.

Arabica is the most popular bean variety in the world. They are well-known for their smooth, non-bitter taste. These beans are also known for their complexity and offer an array of flavors. The primary regions of cultivation for these beans are Africa, Central America and South America, where the conditions for producing high quality coffee are perfect.

These beans are more expensive than Robusta because their growth requires more care. To allow the flavor profile to develop, they need specific temperatures and adequate rainfall. The top coffee beans in the world come made from Africa. A lot of farms are family-owned and operated on a small scale.

When buying coffee, it is essential to determine if the coffee is single origin or not. "Single Origin" can mean a variety of things, but it most commonly refers to the fact that the coffee comes from only one farm, or region within a particular country. This is a significant component of what makes the third wave coffee so great - knowing exactly where your coffee came from lets you enjoy it in its purest form.

Grind

A good-quality brew begins with the best coffee beans, however the process of grinding, brewing and serving can alter the flavor of your cup. The process of experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods will allow you to find the most optimal blend of coffee that is a perfect match for your taste.

The grind size has a significant impact on the extraction of soluble coffee solids from the ground. This impacts the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse, water isn't able to get through the grind to extract those soluble coffee solids out. This is known as under extraction and can lead to a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, water is able to pass through the ground too quickly and suffers an over extraction that results in bitterness.

It is possible to purchase pre-ground coffee however, it is recommended to purchase whole beans and grind your own beans immediately prior to brewing. This will ensure that your beans are fresh and also last longer than if you were to buy the pre-ground coffee.

The burr grinding machine is ideal to ensure a consistent grinding however, you can make use of a food processor hand-grinders or a mortar-and-pestle. Burr grinders are equipped with two cutting discs which cut the beans into a specific grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in more fine grind, while an increased gap creates a coarser grind.

Stores

It is best to keep your coffee bag tightly closed and only grind what you'll need for the next brew. You might also think about purchasing a resealable canister that will shut out air and allow the CO2 off-gassing that happens when the beans are first crushed to escape.

Whole bean coffee can remain in its best condition for up to a month when stored in a safe manner. Once your coffee is ground, its quality will degrade in just 30 minutes. This is why it's recommended to only grind the amount you'll need and then store the remainder of your beans in an airtight, opaque container.

There is a huge selection of attractive and easy-to-use coffee storage containers. Some are vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside. Some even have a single-way valve that releases gasses that are produced by freshly roasted coffee, which will prolong the freshness of the beans.

The best place to store the coffee you haven't used is in a dark, cool place with the same temperature. Avoid placing your coffee shops near the stove or oven since the heat can accelerate chemical reactions that weaken the coffee. Keep the beans away from direct sunlight can cause the coffee to absorb and lose its flavor.