Whether it be french press, pour-over, or drip, the ways to craft your cup of coffee are endless. You can refine your brewing methods in a multitude of ways, but at the end of the day, the real flavor of your coffee stems from the quality of beans you use.
Staring at the wall of coffee options in the grocery store can be daunting. It’s a world of information and choices to sort through, and there is not always someone there to help. Instead of depriving yourself of genuinely delicious coffee, we’ve created this guide to help you and provide you with key factors to consider when choosing which coffee to buy.
Know Your Preference
There are two categories of coffee beans on the market today, Arabica and Robusta. Since the tastes are much different, knowing which one you prefer will go a long way in helping you pick.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans account for about 60% of the world’s coffee bean production, and they typically grow in high-altitude areas. Because of the bean’s high acidity levels, you’re going to get a sweeter and more delicate taste. Daily coffee drinkers prefer this easy-to-drink brew, and it’s most of what you’ll find in your local coffee shop.
Arabica beans’ quality diminishes when served cold or with creamer. Note that it’s best to enjoy this coffee hot, perhaps brewed with a french press or the pour-over method.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans grow in low-altitude areas and are quite bitter in taste. Next to Arabica, they come second in the world’s most-produced coffee. These beans have double the amount of caffeine as Arabica beans do, making them stronger, darker, and more intense on your palate.
Healthy Robusta beans seldom lose flavor or richness, so it is the perfect coffee to mix with creamer and sugar or make cold brew.
Choose a Coffee Roast
The authentic flavor of a coffee bean stems from its roast. Contrary to popular belief, lighter roasted beans contain higher levels of caffeine than dark roast beans. Light roast beans spend less time in the heat, which means more caffeine is preserved throughout the bean.
Here, we will provide you with a look at the different kinds of roasts and their meaning.
Light
Light roast coffee beans are exposed to the least amounts of heat, making the finished color of the bean light brown. Coffee beans pop around 400ºF, known as ‘first crack,’ and then again at 450ºF, known as ‘second crack.’ Light roast beans are removed from the heat shortly after the first crack.
The finished flavor is smooth, sweet, and hardly bitter. A light roast also delivers high acidity, which in terms of coffee, does not equal sourness. Acidity in coffee simply refers to the bright and vibrant quality. These beans have the highest amount of caffeine.
Medium
Medium roast coffee beans are removed from the heat right before the second crack. The brown color and the oily surface of the bean mean a rounded flavor profile. With a more toasty flavor and less acidity, medium roast beans are more balanced and show off the coffee’s natural essence.
Since roasting at this level brings hints of a deep caramel flavor, medium roasts are perfect for making espresso.
Dark
Dark roast coffee beans are heated well past the second crack. The high-temperatures extract many natural oils and flavors, leaving the finished product a dark, shiny bean. Dark roast beans are the most bitter, with the least amount of caffeine.
These beans are heavy-bodied and have dark chocolatey and nutty notes.
Always Check the Roast Date
It’s imperative to check the labels and look for a roast date on your coffee bag. This date will tell you how many days it has been since the beans were roasted. Since freshness is critical, buy as fresh as possible and use it all no later than three weeks after the printed roast date.
Be wary of any coffee that doesn’t have a roast date. If that information isn’t shared upfront, it’s most likely on purpose. It’s best to choose coffee with a clearly printed roast date.
Conclusion
Take a glance at this guide next time you go searching for the best coffee beans. When faced with a broad range of options, stay open-minded and knowledgeable of roasts. Trying something new may open your eyes to a new world of flavors and brews you never thought possible.
Subscribe to receive your coffee every 2 weeks and experience the joy of getting more while spending less. It's a win-win for your wallet and your satisfaction. And there is more:
Gift It or Share the Joy: Have a friend or family member who loves coffee? Share the joy! You can surprise a loved one with a thoughtful gift or simply spread happiness.
1 bag of whole coffee beans (12 oz) which makes ~32 cups.
Try Something New: Explore new flavors or variations you haven't tried before. It's the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and discover something exciting.
Busy Life? If you have a busy schedule, this offer is a lifesaver. It means fewer trips to the store and more time for what matters most to you.
Quality You Can Trust: Rest assured that each item you purchase is of the same high quality you expect from us. We maintain our commitment to excellence, even when you're getting one for free
Single Origin Excellence: Our coffees are carefully cultivated and harvested exclusively from unique regions.
Sustainably Sourced: Our coffee beans are sourced from farms that prioritize sustainable farming practices and fair wages for local farmers.
Versatile Brewing: These beans are perfect for various brewing methods, including drip, espresso, French press, and more, allowing you to craft your ideal coffee experience.
Free Shipping: Take advantage of our free shipping on orders above $50