Ever told someone, “Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee!” but still felt grumpy after drinking it? Maybe it didn't taste good or didn't give you the energy you wanted.
Coffee is more than just a drink, it's a big part of life. It's a good way to start your day or hang out with friends.
It gives you energy and can even make you feel better when you're in a bad mood. That's why drinking good coffee and knowing where to get good coffee beans is important.
With this guide, let's learn how to pick the best coffee beans for you.
In this article we'll cover:
- The Cost of Good Coffee
- Flavour Palettes- What is your preferred taste?
- Roast Level
- Caffeine Level
- Organic or Non Organic?
- Country of Origin
- Blend or Single Origin Coffee?
- Where Should I Buy Coffee
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Ask Questions
The Cost of Good Coffee
So, How Do You Choose Good Coffee Beans? Let's talk about price first. Which is cheaper: whole beans or ground coffee? To decide, think about what's more important to you: getting good taste and value, or having something quick and in bigger amounts.
Not all coffee is the same! Price can tell you a lot about quality. You can find cheap versions of everything, but they might not be good.
Usually, whole beans are fresher and come from better crops than ground coffee. But remember, there's cheap coffee in both whole bean and ground forms. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it tastes good!
Flavour Palettes- What is your preferred taste?
Coffee is the most popular drink in the world. Lots of people drink it every day. This is good news for you because there are so many different kinds of coffee beans. If you haven't found your favorite yet, don't worry! There's a perfect coffee out there for you.
Four main coffee bean types:
- Arabica: This one is very common. It tastes bold and has a powerful aroma.
- Robusta: This bean has more caffeine than Arabica. It tastes strong but feels smooth.
- Liberica: This bean is rare. It has a weird shape and smells like a mix of smoke, flowers, and fruit.
- Excelsa: It's like Liberica but tastes different. It's not as strong and has a sweet, fruity flavor.
Roast Level
Some folks say coffee tastes fruity, strong, or smooth. Others see it as a powerful energy booster. There are lots of choices: different beans, prices, flavors, and roasts.
There are three main roast types for coffee beans: dark, medium, and light. They're all pretty different.
Dark Roast Coffee
Dark roast coffee is intense, with a strong and punchy flavor. The darker the beans, the less caffeine they have. They're usually dark brown, almost black, and oily. Good dark roast beans are rich and robust, but some roasters rush the process, resulting in burnt beans and low-quality coffee.
Despite its bad reputation, dark roast is popular in many places and makes a bitter, full-bodied espresso. If you like strong, bitter coffee, dark roast is for you.
Medium Roast Coffee
Coffee comes in many flavors and strengths. Medium roast is the most popular type, suitable for various coffee styles. It has a balanced flavor, less acidity than light roast, and a hint of sweetness like caramel or honey. Medium roast is loved by both experts and beginners for its versatility.
Be careful with cheap options, as they may mix different roast levels and lower quality beans.
Light Roast Coffee
Light roast coffee beans are ideal for making black coffee with various brewing methods except espresso. They maintain the original flavors of the coffee plant, resulting in a natural, floral, sometimes fruity, and acidic taste.
While the crisp acidity can be refreshing, the lack of bitterness may not suit everyone's taste. Light roast beans are best used for brewing methods like filtered coffee and slow drip to extract their flavors effectively.
Caffeine Level
If you want a coffee that's super strong and high in caffeine, avoid dark roasts. They have the least caffeine of the three roast levels. Light roasts have the most caffeine, and medium roasts fall in between.
Organic or Non Organic?
Organic means that a product is grown without using harmful chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers. This is great for your health! Organic coffee is grown naturally, with care for the soil and environment.
Look for certified organic farms when buying organic coffee beans to make sure you're getting the real deal.
Country of Origin
Apart from choosing your favorite type of coffee bean and roast level, it's also important to know which country makes the coffee flavor you like best. Each country has unique flavors.
Here's a quick guide:
South America:
- Brazil: Sweet and gentle.
- Mexico: Acidic but gentle.
- Colombia: Very fragrant with medium acidity.
- Costa Rica: Sweet, fruity, gentle, and full-bodied.
Africa:
- Tanzania: Intense, fragrant, and high acidity.
- Ethiopia: Intense and acidic, with floral and fruity hints like jasmine and citrus.
- Kenya: Fruity and full-bodied with medium acidity.
Asia:
- Java: Bitter.
- Sulawesi: Intense and acidic.
Blend or Single Origin Coffee?
What's a blend? It's coffee made from beans from different parts of the world. When done right, it combines the best flavors from these places. Most coffee you buy in stores is blended. These blends can be from the same country, different farms, or even different parts of one farm.
The fancier the blend, the more complex and tasty it is. But whether you like blends or single origin coffee is up to you and what you like.
People who like their coffee with milk usually prefer blends. These blends are made to go well with milk. If you like single origin coffee but also like milk, look for coffee beans labeled “good for milk.” Otherwise, you might end up with coffee that doesn't taste good with milk. If you drink your coffee black, single origin might be better for you.
Where Should I Buy Coffee?
Now that you know the basics, where can you get coffee?
Grocery Store: Your local grocery store is the easiest option. They have lots of coffee to choose from, it's not too expensive, and they might even have some fancy coffee. But watch out – you won't know how fresh the coffee is because there might not be a date on the bag.
Coffee Shops: Your favorite coffee shop is another good choice. You can try the coffee there and then buy a bag of the beans. Ask the barista for advice. The coffee is fresh but not too fresh, so you can drink it right away.
Roaster: You can also buy directly from the people who roast the coffee. This helps small businesses, and you get the freshest coffee possible, usually just a few days after it's roasted. There are lots of options, which can be overwhelming but also exciting!
It takes some planning, and if you're making espresso, you might need to let the coffee rest a bit before using it. But if you drink coffee regularly, this can be a great option.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Everything you need to know about buying the perfect coffee, all in one spot. You must be excited about your perfect cup of coffee by now! Don't wait, check out our selection now. Buying coffee has never been easier.
Frequently Ask Questions
What are the advantages of buying directly from a coffee roaster?
Purchasing from a coffee roaster supports small businesses and ensures the freshest possible coffee, usually delivered within a few days of roasting. Additionally, roasters often offer a diverse range of options, though the variety may be overwhelming for some.
How can I enhance my coffee-drinking experience while traveling?
Purchase coffee from local coffee shops or roasters to experience unique flavors from different regions. Bringing home a bag of coffee serves as a memorable keepsake and extends the enjoyment of your trip.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when buying coffee?
Avoid purchasing coffee beans in bulk quantities if you're unsure of their freshness, as they may degrade over time. Additionally, be wary of overly cheap coffee, as it may indicate lower quality or stale beans.
What are some alternative methods for purchasing specialty coffee beans?
Consider subscribing to a coffee delivery service, which offers curated selections of specialty beans delivered directly to your door on a regular basis. This allows you to explore new flavors and roasters without leaving home.
How can I store coffee beans to maintain freshness?
Store coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from heat, moisture, and light. Avoid storing beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as fluctuations in temperature can degrade their quality.
