Best Coffee Beans are smooth and balanced. Blends tend to be smoother than singles as the characteristics of multiple origins balance each other out.
The top-rated whole-bean coffee is Panama Geisha, which tends to have the highest scores from coffee reviewers. Ethiopian Harrar is a close second.
Arabica beans are considered the highest quality of coffee and makeup around 60% of all global production. These beans grow at higher altitudes and in cooler climates, which makes them more expensive to produce. However, they are also known for their smooth taste and low acidity. These traits are what makes them so popular with coffee connoisseurs.
The beans are found inside berries that grow on this shrub-like plant. They are harvested when they are fully ripe and have a deep-red/dark-purple colour, and there are usually 2 beans in each berry. The berries are then removed along with their “parchment coat” and “silver skin”.
This variety of bean is often blended with Robusta beans to create the most popular coffees that are sold in stores. For example, a full-washed arabica from Kenya may be mixed with a washed robust to create a balanced, lightly-roasted morning blend.
Regardless of the type of blend, it’s important to know that the taste of coffee is largely dependent on its growing conditions. The beans will only develop their full flavour when grown in the right climate and soil conditions, which is why so many brands source their beans from various regions.
In addition to a pleasant flavour, arabica beans are said to have health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body against certain diseases and illnesses. Research has also shown that arabica beans can help to reduce stress levels and improve focus by triggering the release of feel-good brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin.
The best arabica coffees are those that have been fairly traded and are free from pesticides. One of our favourites is Jamaican Blue Mountain, which has a light body and buttery mouthfeel with a sweetness that means you don’t need any sugar or cream. Another great choice is Jember, which is a strain of arabica that’s widely cultivated in Indonesia. It has a rich, creamy-smooth flavour with notes of brown sugar and caramel.
Robusta
When it comes to coffee, there is a prevalent idea that Arabica beans are the high-end, artisanal stuff, while Robusta (Coffea canephora) is cheap and low quality. But lately, Robusta has been gaining more recognition, especially in countries such as Vietnam, Uganda, and Brazil. This resurgence can be attributed to its richer flavor, higher caffeine content, and resistance to diseases that can devastate Arabica crops.
The reason why Robusta is less expensive to grow than Arabica is that the plant is much hardier and more resilient, requiring fewer pesticides for growth. It also grows well at lower altitudes and in warmer climates. It can be found as a bush or tree and takes about 11 months to reach maturity. Its name derives from the fact that it is more robust than Arabica and thrives where other plants do not.
This resilience is a huge benefit for producers and consumers alike. It allows farmers to harvest their crop without the need for a lot of chemicals, and it helps protect the environment. Additionally, it is easier to cultivate Robusta at a large scale than Arabica because it is able to withstand droughts and harsh weather conditions.
In addition, Robusta is a natural insect repellent. The caffeine in the beans acts as a stimulant for humans but is toxic to insects. It is also a powerful antioxidant and contains chlorogenic acid, which has been linked to weight loss and reduced inflammation.
If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, there are many small business brands that specialize in Robusta. These companies typically source their beans locally, ensuring fresh and high-quality products. They also provide product certifications that vouch for their quality, such as organic or fair trade labeling. You can find them online, in local listings, or through word of mouth recommendations. In addition, many of these small businesses also work with local roasters to ensure that their product is produced sustainably. This is a great way to support your local community and help make the world a better place.
Origin
If you’re a coffee fanatic, chances are you’ve heard about origin and single-origin beans. They’re considered the best-quality beans because they are grown on a single farm and can be traced back to their source. However, they can also be more expensive than blends. This is because each batch of single-origin beans is unique and limited to only one harvest. But the taste of a good cup of coffee is worth it.
The best quality coffee is generally grown at high altitudes and in rich soil. The climate and soil give these beans a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate in a blender.
Another type of premium coffee is AA, which is grown at an elevation of more than 2,000 feet. It is a light to medium-bodied coffee with floral and fruity flavors.
A common misconception about coffee is that it has to be bitter to be delicious, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The secret to a good cup of coffee is knowing how to grind the beans properly and to roast them at just the right temperature. This allows the natural flavor of the beans to shine through without any bitterness or acidity.
It’s important to remember that coffee beans are at their peak flavor within 3 weeks of roasting, so make sure you enjoy your coffee before it starts losing its taste. Buying a bag of freshly roasted single-origin beans can be more cost-effective than purchasing a large amount of old, stale blends.
Roasting
The process of roasting transforms raw coffee beans into a drink that is widely enjoyed by billions of people worldwide. The beans are spongy and lack aroma in their raw form, but when they are roasted, the oils and flavours of the beans are released. To make the perfect cup of coffee, the beans must be roasted at just the right temperature and for just the right amount of time. It takes years of training and practice to become an expert roaster, who is able to read the beans as they roast, making split-second decisions that can make or break a batch.
While the exact flavor profiles of the best coffee beans vary by region, there are some brands that consistently deliver a high-quality cup. These include single-origin coffees, which feature a unique profile that reflects the growing area and its natural flavors. Many of these coffees are roasted to a light roast, which allows the natural flavors of the beans to stand out.
Aside from the type of roast, it’s important to consider the ground size when buying coffee. For example, some brewing methods require coarse grinds, while others need finer ones for optimal extraction rates. Some brands also offer pre-ground options that can be used in a French press or pour-over.
Another factor to consider when choosing a coffee is whether or not it’s fair trade. A fair-trade label ensures that the money you spend on the product goes to the farmers who grew the beans. It also helps ensure that the farmers are paid a reasonable price for their beans. This helps them make a living wage and invest in their communities. In addition, it helps reduce the negative effects of climate change on coffee production.
