How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans

Deciding which coffee beans are best for you can feel challenging for many people, but it doesn't have to be. There are many different variations of coffee beans, so it can be challenging to choose the right one. The best way to choose the right bean for you is to experiment with different types until you find the one you like the best.

There is nothing like waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee, and honestly, in times such as these, it's a great way to save money. However, many coffee lovers struggle to perfect the flavor of coffee that they receive from their favorite local coffee shop.

Factors such as the type of coffee machine, time allotted for brewing, types of coffee beans, and the quality of the grinds are crucial for our favorite cup of jo. Still, the foundation must be built on how the coffee bean is roasted.

In this guide, I'll go over the varieties of available beans, the various roasts, and how freshness affects the flavor of the coffee.

Best coffee beans – Arabica or Robusta

Although there are thousands of species of coffee available, beans are divided into two main categories: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the total coffee beans produced worldwide. The beans are grown at a higher altitude and have a slightly acidic and smooth taste. Coffee grown at higher altitudes develop a rich and fuller flavor than coffee grown closer to sea level.

Conversely, Robusta is bitter and less acidic because they are grown at relatively low altitudes. Altitude seems to have a significant impact on the taste of coffee. It is also believed that Robusta beans have more caffeine.

There is no right or wrong regarding Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference.

Roasting Preference

If you are reading this guide to find the answer to your question "How to choose the best coffee beans," you must also consider how the coffee is roasted.

At Come Awake Coffee Co., we roast our coffee beans to order. This ensures our customers receive the freshest coffee flavor. Each roast presents its flavor profile, whether light, medium, or dark.

Let's look and see which roast is best for you.

Light

Roasting coffee beans is a complex process that involves many steps.

There are a few reasons why coffee beans are light. One reason could be that the coffee beans are a more golden variety. Another reason could be that the coffee beans were roasted for a shorter period, resulting in a lighter roast.

Light roast coffee beans have a chocolaty, spicy floral note with a touch of caramel. The light beans will give you more caffeine than darker roasted varieties and are perfect for those who like their drinks on the sweet side!

The coffee roasters roast these coffee beans between 380 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The popping sound of beans is called the "first crack." After the first crack, the roasters remove the coffee beans from the heat source.

Medium

Many factors can affect the roast level of coffee beans, including the type of bean, the origin of the bean, and the roasting method used. Generally, medium-roast coffee beans are less acidic and have a more balanced flavor than lighter-roasted beans.

The coffee roaster will remove the coffee beans just before the "second crack." The second crack happens when the temperature reaches between 435 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The beans should be a medium brown color when the roasting is completed.

Dark

Dark roasted beans tend to lose their acidity and have a bitter taste. As coffee roasts longer, it loses its original flavor and exhibits a hint of roasted flavor.

The roasters heat the beans till the second crack to get the dark roasted beans. This draws out most of the oils and gives them a bright, shiny, and chocolaty texture with the least amount of caffeine.

Dark-roasted coffee beans are best for those who prefer a roasted taste over a regional profile. The more robust flavor is due to the sugar in coffee beans being caramelized while roasting.

Origin

Single-origin

Single-origin coffee is coffee grown in a particular region. It has not been blended with coffee from the other areas.

Due to specific climate conditions, micro conditions, and the farm, single-origin coffee has a unique flavor profile. Suppose you are a black coffee drinker and prefer a consistent taste. In that case, single-origin coffee beans will tantalize your taste buds.

Blended

Blended coffee is coffee beans that combine two or more coffee beans to create a unique flavor profile. The roasters blend several single-origin coffee beans to create a complex sensory experience. Its savory, blended notes still strike a chord with many coffee drinkers. 

At supermarkets, you will find that most coffee beans are a high-quality blend, as they have a longer shelf life, and it is easier for them to maintain the flavor throughout the year; single-origin coffee has a shorter supply and a more varied supply.

Grinding:

Grinding coffee beans is a critical part of making high-quality coffee at home. Always grind coffee beans just before preparing your cup of coffee. Roasted coffee can stay fresh for a few weeks, but when ground, the coffee only remains fresh for less than 5 minutes.

There are several ways to grind coffee beans. There are blade grinders, burr grinders, and manual grinders. Still, it's safe to say that most people utilize a burr-style grinder due to its ability to grind consistently. The coffee from the store will never provide the same intricate and delicate flavor of freshly ground coffee just before brewing. So whatever you choose, if you want the best-tasting cup of coffee, it's best to grind your coffee.

Coffee Freshness 

Buying directly from a roaster is the only way to ensure you have fresh coffee beans. This is why Come Awake Coffee Co. works with quality roasters to guarantee our customers receive the best coffee products.

Roasting Date:

When buying coffee beans from a roaster, always ask for the roasting date so you can get an idea of how many days have passed since it has been roasted. Buy freshly roasted coffee beans to get the freshness from the bean to the cup. 

Storage:

When storing the roasted coffee beans, please keep them in air-tight containers or bags where no air can enter. The oxygen in the air can badly affect the coffee's aroma and taste.

Temperature:

Temperature is also a factor when it comes to the freshness of the coffee. Store the coffee at room temperature, as the higher temperatures can affect the coffee taste profile.

Perfect ratio of coffee and water:

There is no secret formula when brewing your own coffee. It is best to experiment with various measurements to guarantee your perfect brew. However, if you would like a place to start, consider a 17:1 ratio. Add 17 grams of ground coffee to one cup of water when preparing a cup of coffee, and you really can't go wrong. It's fair to say that most baristas use this same technique in preparing the cup of coffee you can't live without. 

Which coffee beans are right for me?

The answer to this question is to keep experimenting. Keep trying the various roasts (light, medium, and dark), and grind your coffee at home. Eventually, you will create your personal masterpiece. Enjoy your brew!