Coffee is a caffeinated drink that is the start to many people’s day. It contains high levels of antioxidants and give most a much-needed boost throughout the day. Even though it’s a drink that’s consumed widely over the globe and in great volumes, not many know exactly what the difference is between a mediocre cup and a high-quality cup.
Coffee-holics will know that beans bought online is much different to those you can find in a store. Once you’ve tasted freshly made coffee from a real artisan, you’ll never want to drink mass produced products ever again. When you do make the transition from shopping at the grocery store to shopping online, you have to consider a few important factors.
QUALITY
There are loads of coffee options to choose from. Not only can you choose the flavor and roast style, but you can also choose the origin of the bean itself. Suppliers who create a high-quality product will typically use a much more complex roasting process before packing and selling.
Quality brews are usually made from excellent quality beans, which means a bit of a price increase – definitely worth it. Beans are stored in dry and well-maintained areas to ensure the beans hold their flavor and quality.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to invest in a well-known brand. Rather shop around for artisans who have a passion for getting the best out of the bean itself, using special and unique processes.
Quality roasts typically don’t have a burnt quality or taste to it. The best processes extract the general and natural characteristics from a coffee bean.
Click here for tips on differentiating between a good and bad quality roasted coffee.
CAFFEINE CONTENT
The caffeine levels within a cup of brew is what causes its bitter taste. Online suppliers will have information at hand that provides the amount of caffeine within the beans. As a general rule beans with a light-roast have a higher caffeine content than its dark-roast counterparts.
TYPE OF COFFEE BEAN
There are 3 main categories of beans; Robusta, Arabica, and Liberica. There are sub-categories to these three, but generally these are the three main types.
Robusta – Has a tremendously strong taste and has the highest content of caffeine amongst the three.
Arabica – A smooth coffee been that provides a delicious and aromatic taste. It has a low caffeine content but is the most popular type as 80% of the world uses them in their blends.
Liberica – Also known as Liberian coffee is derived from the Rubiaceae flower plant native to Africa. It’s a low yield category compared to Robusta and Arabica.
Depending on how the beans are harvested and processed, the flavor will be affected.
Some suppliers also provide the option of purchasing unroasted and naturally raw beans. The product will stay fresher for longer, and you will have the opportunity to try out your own roasting techniques at home.
ORIGIN
Artisans pride themselves in sourcing the strongest aromatic beans from all over the world. Check with the online shop where their beans come from and decide whether it’s something you’d like to try out.
Some of the most popular countries that grow high-quality organic coffee beans are:
- Costa Rica
- Ethiopia
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- Peru
- Brazil
- Jamaica
- The Arabian Peninsula
Some countries provide classic tastes, while others provide more well-rounded and strong tastes. The origin of the bean also has an effect on the size, shape, and color of the bean itself.
The taste profile should most-definitely be described on the label. When you are buying online, you won’t have the benefit of tasting the product. Artisans go the extra length to provide a special taste profile description to give you an idea of what the cup of brew will taste like.
ADDED EXTRAS
Coffee makers that are worth your while will add a variety of different services to their repertoire. From choosing the specific grind and intensity to providing speciality coffee subscription to their clients. When you look for a special online shop, you should check whether they have any customizable extras as a service.
Artisans are typically people who like to experiment with different kind of flavors. Coffee beans are infused with delicious flavors and tastes that might include: French vanilla, Caramel, Pumpkin Spice, Hazelnut, Mocha, Kenya AA plus etc. You might come across artisans who create their own unique flavors that you might want to try out.
Finding a quality artisan, will give you customizable options where you can choose the grind type and intensity of the brew. Purchasing a product that is specifically created for your taste buds is a great benefit that artisans provide.
Be adventurous when it comes to your coffee choices. Find an intensity and flavor that you truly like and delph deep into the world of the coffee bean with us.