Introduction
Buying great coffee beans is the first step to enjoying freshly brewed coffee in the morning. And this is what most coffee lovers crave. The smell of freshly brewed coffee starts imaginary tasting and eventual enjoyment of your favourite cup of coffee.
But if you’re new to the world of coffee, ‘buying great coffee” might feel a little intimidating because what is great coffee?
Is it a light roast? Single-origin? Arabica or Robusta? Who else gets mixed up about coffee like wine? Sometimes me, but fear not, fellow caffeine lovers! This guide will help you understand it all and guide you in buying great coffee like a pro.
What Does “Great Coffee” Even Mean?
Let’s clear something up real quick: great coffee is subjective. It’s not about what others think tastes good but what you enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey notes or light and fruity flavours, the key is finding a coffee that gives your taste buds something to lick about.
Essentially, great coffee is what you say it is, great coffee beans though are an actual must and below you will learn how to source your coffee beans
6 Steps To Buying Great Coffee Beans
Step 1: Know Your Roast Preferences
When buying great coffee, the roast level is one of the first things to consider. It’s like choosing the “doneness” of a steak but for coffee beans:
Light Roast: Bright, acidic, and often with fruity or floral flavours. Great for those who like a lighter, more vibrant cup.
Medium Roast: A balanced profile that combines flavour complexity with smoothness. A crowd-pleaser for sure!
Dark Roast: Bold, rich, and sometimes smoky. Perfect for those who love a robust, no-nonsense coffee.
Pro tip: If you’re new to coffee, start with a medium roast. It’s a safe middle ground that allows you to explore flavours without overwhelm.
See other ways to recognize good coffee beans
Step 2: Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground
When buying great coffee, always choose whole-bean coffee if you can. Why? Coffee loses its freshness much faster once it’s ground. Grinding your beans at home ensures maximum flavour and aroma. All you need is a good burr grinder to get started—and no, a blender isn’t a good substitute.
If convenience is important to you, pre-ground coffee can work too. Just keep it fresh at all times.
Step 3: Pay Attention to Origin
Coffee beans come from all over the world, and where they’re grown has a massive impact on the flavour. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Ethiopia: Bright, fruity, and floral. Often associated with light roasts.
Colombia: Balanced with hints of caramel, nuts, and chocolate.
Brazil: Full-bodied with a nutty, chocolaty profile.
Indonesia: Earthy, spicy, and bold.
Exploring origins is part of the fun when buying great coffee. It’s like taking a flavour-filled journey across the globe from the comfort of your kitchen.
Step 4: Match Your Coffee to Your Brew Method
Your brewing method plays a huge role in how your coffee tastes. A French press, for example, extracts more oils and creates a fuller-bodied cup, while a pour-over brings out delicate, nuanced flavours.
When buying great coffee, consider the grind size that matches your brew method:
Espresso Machines: Fine grind
Pour-Over/Drip Coffee Makers: Medium grind
French Press: Coarse grind
Matching your beans and grind size to your preferred brewing method can make a huge difference.
Step 5: Freshness Matters
A golden rule to buying great coffee is freshness. Look for beans with a roast date rather than an expiration date. Freshly roasted coffee (used within 2-3 weeks of roasting) delivers the best flavour. If your coffee comes in a bag with a one-way valve, even better—it helps keep the beans fresh while releasing gases from the roasting process.
Step 6: Experiment and Have Fun!
Coffee is meant to be enjoyed, not overcomplicated so enjoy your cup of joe. Don’t be afraid to try new origins, roasts, or brewing techniques. That Zuma Coffee beans you’ve been eyeing? Go for it! You might find a new favourite.
Conclusion
Buying great coffee doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find what works for you and enjoy the journey of discovery. Start with fresh, high-quality beans, play with origins and roast levels, and match your coffee to your brewing style.
Enjoy conquering the coffee aisle like a seasoned home barista. Your mornings (and taste buds) will thank you!
Until next time,
Happy Brewing
