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Where to Buy Coffee Beans If you're a fan of whole beans the best place to buy them is at your local coffee shop or roaster. If you don't live near the roaster, you can search online for companies that will roast and deliver your order. Geography plays a significant factor in the taste of coffee like, so pay attention to the origin of the beans you're purchasing. Arabica vs. Robusta There are more than 100 different coffee varieties. The two most common are Coffea arabica (Robusta) and Coffea Canephora. Robusta is more resistant to drought, diseases and pests. It can be grown at lower altitudes and produces more coffee cherries every year. It is also less expensive than arabica to grow. Robusta is responsible for 40% of all coffee produced around the world. While it's true that a subpar batch of robusta can taste like burnt rubber, a high-quality brew made with specific beans can easily surpass Arabica in flavor. The problem is there are a few exceptions, but most robusta that is sold on the market comes only from plantations that are only focused on quantity. The high level of caffeine in the beans makes them impervious to pests and disease. This is why they are a common selection in traditional diner drinks and instant coffees. However, although some companies may advertise their product as 100% arabica, they often mix it with some type of robusta to save money and provide their customers with the least desirable cup of coffee. Robusta may have a harsher, bitter and more grainy taste than arabica. It also has a nutty or peanut flavor. Some people find these flavors unpleasant or too strong. Origin Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside of small vibrant fruits, referred to as coffee berries. The berries are removed from the coffee plant when they are ripe and then separated into two beans. The beans are then roasted before being used to make our beloved brew. The most well-known variety of beans is Arabica and are known for their smoky flavor that doesn't taste bitter. coffeee beans are also known for their complexity and ability to provide a variety flavors. They are typically grown in Africa, Central America, and South America where the conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee. They are more expensive than Robusta as their growth requires more attention. They require specific temperatures and enough rainfall to create their flavor profile. The finest coffee beans in the world come originate from Africa. A lot of farms are owned by families and run on a small scale. Aside from the region that is growing an additional factor to take into account when buying coffee is whether or if it's of a single origin. “Single origin” can refer to a variety of things, but most commonly it means that the coffee comes from a specific farm, crop or region within one country. This is an important component of what makes the third wave coffee so wonderful – knowing exactly where your coffee came from lets you experience it in its purest form. Grind The quality of the coffee you drink will be affected by the method of preparation. You can discover the perfect blend of coffee by experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods. The size of the grind is a significant factor in the extraction of soluble coffee particles from the grounds. This impacts the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too coarse it will be difficult for water to penetrate into the ground and extract solids in the coffee that are soluble. This is known as under extraction and can cause a weak cup of coffee. If the grind is too fine, water goes through the coffee too quickly and experiences an over extraction that results in bitterness. You can purchase pre-ground coffee, but it's best to purchase a whole bean and grind your own beans right away prior to making. This will keep your beans fresher for longer than if they were ground pre-priced. The burr grinding machine is ideal to create a consistent grinding however, you can also make use of a food processor, hand-grinders or a mortar-and-pestle. Burr grinders feature two cutting discs, which break beans into a particular grind consistency by changing the distance between the burrs. A smaller gap results in more fine grinding, whereas the larger gap results in more coarse grinding. Storage It is recommended to keep your coffee bag tightly sealed and only grind as much as you will need for the next brew. You may also think about purchasing a resealable canister, which will eliminate air and allow the CO2 off-gassing that happens when the beans are first crushed to be released. Whole bean coffee can stay at its peak freshness for up to a month if kept in a proper storage. But once it's ground, the quality of your coffee can begin to decline in less than 30 minutes. This is why it's best to only grind the amount you'll need, and then keep the rest in an airtight, opaque container. You can choose from a variety of attractive and practical containers to store coffee. Some are vacuum sealed to stop moisture from entering. Some have a one way valve that releases the gasses that are produced by freshly-roasted beans, which can prolong the freshness of beans. The best place to keep your coffee that you don't use is in an area that is cool and dark with a constant temperature. Avoid storing it in the cabinet next to your oven or stove, since it can be heated and accelerate the chemical reactions that destroy coffee. It is also important to keep the beans out of direct sunlight as they absorb sunlight and diminish their flavor.