Each of us approaches coffee differently. Some people make coffee only on weekends and holidays, some people can’t wake up without coffee and start every morning with a cup of aromatic drink, while for others, coffee is a way of life and they don’t part with a glass of coffee all day long. But everyone is asking one question: how to choose good coffee in a store? I would like to point out right away that there is no clear answer. The same type of coffee can evoke completely different feelings in two people: from delight to complete rejection. Each person has their own taste preferences, habits and sensitivities. For some, it is important that the coffee is first and foremost strong, for others it is light and with notes of honey, while others prefer a soft, balanced and creamy taste. There can be a huge variety of requests, but, fortunately, there are so many varieties of coffee and different blends that you can choose “his” coffee for everyone. So, when choosing a mixture, every nuance matters: the type of coffee and its origin, the composition of the mixture, the degree of roasting, freshness. Knowing these features will help you better navigate the huge variety of blends in the future and find the coffee that’s right for you.
We will not understand the features of each type of coffee. There are a huge number of them and for the average consumer this information is not particularly important. Firstly, because you will need to seriously delve into this topic, read and remember the characteristics of each type of coffee, taste it, compare it with others... But this is not what we want. It is important for us to come to the store and quickly choose the right coffee. Secondly, we will talk about coffee in packs and, basically, manufacturers use mixtures of 2, 3 or 10 different types of coffee to get a certain taste of coffee and they do not indicate the name of the varieties used. You will ask why? More on this later. So we will look at the most obvious and simple details.
Benefits of bean coffee
It's no secret that grain coffee is the best option for true connoisseurs of the drink. Firstly, the grains retain maximum aroma and taste and reveal them only after grinding and cooking. That is, every cup of coffee will invariably delight you with its rich aroma and taste subtleties.
Also, if you take unroasted beans, you can roast them to the desired state in order to fully enjoy the flavor palette of the drink.
Experts also say that coffee beans better retain beneficial microelements and substances. And in principle, bean coffee can be stored longer than ground coffee, especially if the manufacturer did not save on packaging and made it from foil materials (preferably in several layers).
Related material: How to properly roast green coffee at home
Types and characteristics of coffee beans
There are two main types of grains:
- robusta;
- Arabica
Arabica is most often sold in grain form. It has a pleasant acidity that lingers in the aftertaste. Arabica also has a rich taste and aroma.
Robusta, in turn, contains a higher amount of caffeine, which will help you perk up in the morning. It has a bitter, tart taste.
You can also find blends where a little robusta is added to Arabica to combine the taste characteristics of both. In addition, it is precisely these blends that make coffee with foam better. Although special production technologies make it possible to achieve good foam from pure Arabica beans.
Roasting degrees
Roasting is a process during which the fruits of the coffee tree acquire the familiar taste and chocolate shades. It may come as a surprise to some, but ripe beans have a light green color, and only high-quality roasting allows you to obtain aromatic coffee with a pleasant taste.
There are 3 degrees of roasting of beans, everything is simple here: light, medium and dark (depending on the color they acquire during the cooking process).
Let's look at their main differences.
Light roast
Taste : Sour
Smell : Rich
Features: contains the most caffeine, retains notes of taste and aroma characteristic of the growing region, dry beans
It is purchased at a heating temperature of 180 to 205 °C; at high temperatures, coffee beans begin to enlarge and crack (therefore, this type of roasting is also called “to the first crack”, from the English “crack” - crack).
Medium roast
Taste : Bittersweet, with slight sourness
Smell : Rich, smoky
Features : grains are dry, caramel flavor appears
It is cooked at a temperature of 210-230°C, between the first and second crack, and acquires a bitter taste. Light and medium roast beans are most often used during tastings, because... Only under such cooking conditions is the authentic aroma and taste preserved.
Dark roast
Taste : Sweet, bitter
Smell : Coffee, with burnt notes
Features : oils begin to appear on the surface, easiest to digest by the stomach, caramel-chocolate flavor
Frying temperature is 240-250°C, obtained after the second crack. Dark roast varieties are most often used in making espresso. However, not all varieties can withstand such temperatures without turning into ordinary coal to taste.
The choice of roast level depends on personal preference and may vary. Some, for example, drink light roast coffee in the morning (the most invigorating), and in the evening enjoy dark, freshly roasted coffee. It should also be taken into account that grains from different cultivation regions have different shades and taste properties. You may have to try more than one variety before you find the perfect one.
How to choose coffee beans for a coffee maker
First, you need to decide on the type of coffee. It is equally important to understand what degree of roasting of beans is right for you. There are three types in total: light, medium, dark. The darker the product, the stronger the bitterness and astringency will be felt and the less sourness will be felt.
It is also important to pay attention to how the coffee machine “behaves” during the process of grinding and preparing the drink.
If it makes strange loud sounds: crackling, knocking, etc., then it is better to replace the beans. Most likely, the raw material contains too many hard beans that the coffee maker mechanism cannot handle fully. In order for the device to serve you longer and not break down ahead of schedule, you should try other grains.
Remember that the instructions for each coffee machine indicate which raw materials are preferable to use. Don't neglect this information!
But to help with your choice, we have compiled a list of the best varieties for your coffee machine.
Related material: How to make coffee with foam
Julius Meinl President
This variety is dominated by Arabica (about 90%). The grains themselves are medium-roasted, light brown in appearance, clean, and there are no unnecessary impurities or husks among them.
Their taste is bright, rich, tart, endowed with notes of chocolate; there is no sourness in the drink. The aroma is rich and bright.
Not suitable for those who like “softer” coffee, although if consumed with milk, cream, sugar, etc., it will be just right.
Illy
This is a pure, 100% dark roast Arabica. A drink made from these beans is suitable for lovers of “classic” coffee. No aftertaste of caramel, chocolate, sourness, etc. Exceptionally tart and bitter coffee taste, very little foam.
Paulig Arabica
This is also pure Arabica without Robusta. The grains are without any impurities or husks, almost the same size. Medium degree of roasting (3), that is, ideal for everyday use.
The taste and aroma of the drink is rich, slightly creamy. It's definitely invigorating and has a slightly bitter-sour flair.
Egoiste Noir
The grains are the same size, all intact, without chips or anything else. Medium roast, brown color. The aroma of the resulting drink is tart and rich. The taste is not too catchy, but soft and pleasant. Despite the fact that it contains only Arabica coffee, it produces a high foam.
Lavazza Crema e Aroma
The beans are medium roasted and have a pleasant chocolate color. Arabica and Robusta are mixed 4 to 1 respectively. The smell of the beans (not to mention the finished product) is captivating: a persistent, rich coffee aroma.
The taste is deep and tart; when milk or cream is added, delicate caramel notes appear. After cooking, you get a good, dense foam.
Decaf coffee – does it make sense?
This product is chosen by those for whom caffeine is contraindicated for some reason. For example, pregnant women or people with heart disease. During the production of such a product, the beans are washed with a special solution, removing up to 97% of caffeine from them. Then fried and crushed.
The taste and aroma become soft and less pronounced, the finished drink does not have an invigorating effect. However, there are still benefits from it. Some polyphenols and antioxidants are retained even after the decaffeination process. When choosing decaffeinated coffee, it is better to choose the whole bean option.
How to choose Turkish coffee beans
Coffee beans retain their aroma and taste better. They fully open only after grinding before direct cooking in the Turk. Therefore, many coffee lovers prefer the grain version of the raw material for cezve. Read below to find out which brand is best!
Madeo Vietnam Dalat
The drink made from this raw material has deep and multifaceted flavors. It tastes of dark chocolate, a little pepper and a light note of fresh bread. Experienced lovers of the coffee drink say that it perfectly harmonizes flavors, aroma and consistency.
Paulig Arabica Dark
These are dark roasted beans with a bright, characteristic coffee aroma. 100% Arabica. Chocolate notes in the taste are mixed with fruity ones. However, the coffee is quite strong due to the dark roasting. A slight sourness is felt.
Kimbo Aroma Gold Arabica
This coffee contains 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. A medium degree of roasting was selected, which gives the optimal balance of sourness and bitterness in taste. You can also feel pleasant and delicate shades of caramel and chocolate. The beans, like coffee, have a rich, thick aroma.
Jardin Guatemala Cloud Forest
These grains are also medium-roasted, which also gives a harmonious combination of sour and bitter. In addition, the drink made from such raw materials has a blackcurrant flavor.
This coffee is not too strong and has a mild taste without excessive bitterness. It is very fragrant.
Lavazza Qualita Oro
It is 100% Arabica with a perfect medium roast. The taste of this coffee immediately combines honey, floral and fruity flavors, which then remain in the mouth for a long time as an aftertaste. All these shades are discernible in the aroma. The grains have a harmonious balance of bitterness and sourness.
Compound
Monosort - coffee beans of one plant variety, grown and harvested in the same area at the same time. Single varieties do not contain additives, such as spices. This preserves the natural taste and aroma of coffee. Single-origin coffee often has vibrant and multifaceted properties.
Drinks without the addition of milk are prepared from single-origin varieties (Americano, espresso-lungo, espresso, ristretto).
Blend (blend) is a mixture of coffee beans of different varieties. Blends are characterized by a rich taste and rich aroma. But a blend makes it possible to disguise a low-quality coffee by mixing it with a good one. In addition, many coffee lovers believe that different types of coffee interrupt each other in a blend, which does not allow them to enjoy the pure taste and aroma of each variety.
Blends are used to prepare drinks with milk, such as lattes or cappuccinos.
How to choose the most delicious coffee beans in the store
When choosing, it is important to pay attention to several details:
- Roasting degree. As mentioned earlier, it is worth considering how roasted the grains are. If you want a relatively mild taste and a hint of sourness, then you should choose light. If you prefer bitter coffee with a deep and thick taste, then you should give preference to dark roast. But for everyone, the golden mean is suitable - medium roasting. Also pay attention to the uniformity of roasting: all grains should be the same color. If they differ significantly, this will certainly affect the taste.
- Variety Baristas consider Arabica to be the ideal variety. But you can also choose mixtures of Arabica and Robusta, for example, in a ratio of 80% to 20% or 70% to 30% .
- Condition of the grains. Please note that they must be the same color. This indicates that all the grains are roasted evenly. Also take a closer look to see if there are any excess husks or other debris. Little things like this can ruin the whole taste. Also look at the integrity of the product: there should be no chips or cracks.
- Smell. The grains should have a rich aroma. If it is weak or not felt at all, then the storage conditions were probably violated or the raw materials have been lying on the shelf for a long time.
- Package. If the beans are sealed, then look at the packaging of the beans and what is written on it. Read more about packaging in the next paragraph.
How to choose coffee beans by packaging
First, pay attention to the production date and shelf life of the coffee. It would seem an obvious point, but very often it is forgotten. Also look at the country of origin of the coffee product. The best producers are considered to be Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, as well as other countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America. You can also choose coffee produced in Italy, France, etc.
To learn about the taste of coffee, look at the degree of roasting and the ratio of varieties. The degree of roasting can be indicated either by a number or by name. Most often, 1 corresponds to a light roast, 2.3 to a medium roast, and above that, a dark roast. The ratio of varieties (i.e. Arabica and Robusta) is indicated as a percentage. You can find 100% Arabica, or blends with a predominance of Arabica ( 70-80% ). If you choose a blend, the taste and aroma of the coffee will be more bitter and stronger.
Another important aspect is the packaging itself. It can be vacuum: grains are best stored in this way because they do not receive access to oxygen. Packages may also be available with or without a closure. It is logical that a clasp is more convenient, because it allows you to seal the package hermetically so that the product can be stored longer.
Please also note that inside the package there should be a layer of foil or similar metal so that the coffee does not lose its properties and aroma.
Packaging of grains
When you come to the store, having the knowledge of how to choose good coffee beans, you can safely begin to search for a suitable option. The range of goods in supermarkets is quite impressive. What should you pay attention to when making your choice? Of course, on the packaging. It is this that is very important for maintaining the quality of the product.
Currently, there are several packaging options on the coffee market. One of them is paper bags. They are used to pack beans purchased in coffee shops or coffee shops. Purchasing goods in such places is an excellent option, but you should not take more than 200 grams, since grains are stored in such packaging for no more than two weeks. This means it’s always better to take a portion of fresh ones.
The most affordable coffee beans
You can often see impressive prices for coffee on the shelves of specialized stores. Indeed, there are quite expensive varieties that not everyone can afford. What to do if your budget is limited, but you want delicious bean coffee? Don’t worry or despair – there are many budget options that will delight your taste buds and won’t put a dent in your wallet.
Dallmayr Crema d'Oro
Medium roast Arabica beans. Roasting is uniform; The grains are also mostly unbroken, approximately the same size. The taste maintains a balance of bitterness and sourness, resulting in a rather invigorating and strong drink with a delicate foam on top.
Suitable for preparation in any way: in a Turk and in a coffee machine.
Average cost: 500-600 rubles per 500 gram package.
Carraro
This is an Italian manufacturer that uses its own unique and secret technology for roasting beans. They also actively experiment and create mixtures of different types of Arabica, so among their line of products you can find coffee to suit your taste.
They also offer caffeine-free products.
Average cost: from 300 rubles per package.
Lavazza
Arabica beans are again medium roast. This coffee has amazing taste properties: floral and honey notes are intertwined with the taste of tart and rich coffee. This is also felt in the aroma. In addition, the quality of the product is time-tested. This Italian company has been on the market for a long time.
Average cost: 300 rubles per package of 250 grams.
Pauling Classic
Good, but inexpensive coffee, and 100% Arabica. The degree of roasting is average, but despite this the strength of the drink is good. It has a deep and rich flavor profile with nutty notes.
These beans are ideal for coffee machines because they are easy to grind and do not damage the mechanisms.
Average cost: 200-250 rubles per package of 250 grams.
Jardin Crema
This is one of the leaders in sales in Russia. It contains Arabica beans that are medium roasted and slightly brown in color. This gives a pleasant taste with slight sourness and a complete absence of bitterness. The taste characteristics also include a creamy tint. When cooked, a creamy, delicious foam is formed.
The uniqueness of this type is that the packaging contains nitrogen, which helps preserve the aroma of coffee beans for a long time.
Average cost: 600-700 rubles per package of 1000 grams (1 kg).
Elite varieties
Elite coffee varieties have a rich and vibrant bouquet (a combination of tastes, aromas and aftertastes). Unique mono varieties of Arabica are used as raw materials. Such products are expensive.
The most common elite coffee varieties:
- Maragodzhip – characterized by bitterness, wine notes and floral and fruity tones in the bouquet;
- Jamaica Blue Mountain – distinguished by a harmonious combination of bitterness, sourness and sweetness, a rich floral-fruity aroma with hints of wine;
- Kopi Luwak – has a slight bitterness, notes of chocolate and caramel are felt in the bouquet;
- Yemen Mocha - characterized by a rich taste with light wine sourness and chocolate tones, as well as a bright aroma;
- Galapagos - characterized by a balance of bitterness and sourness, while the aroma contains honey tones, notes of spices and tropical fruits.
Reviews from people
Marina, 35 years old:
I've been buying only bean coffee for 5-6 years now. This is very convenient because its aroma lasts much longer than ground. And the taste, in my opinion, is much richer. And with a coffee machine it’s doubly convenient: you throw the beans into it and after 20 minutes you get a wonderful cup of coffee.
Konstantin, 27 years old:
I once tried a friend’s coffee made from beans. And now I can’t tear myself away from him. I specially bought myself a coffee grinder and a Turkish coffee pot and every morning I treat myself to unforgettable coffee, so rich and tart.
Olga, 44 years old:
My husband gave me a coffee machine for my birthday. I tried special capsules for her and ground coffee. But still, the most delicious bean coffee for me is. It tastes so good. And what an aroma when coffee is brewing!
Which bean coffee to choose for daily consumption
Experts recommend taking medium-roasted pure Arabica coffee beans. The Arabica variety is considered the highest quality. But you can also take a blend with Robusta in the following proportions: 80% Arabica, 20% Robusta. Then you will get a nice foam on top of the coffee.
Medium roasting will give taste harmony between sourness and bitterness. In addition, it contains the optimal amount of caffeine. That is, it will not have too much of an impact on your heart rate and blood pressure, but will still help you cheer up. You should not drink coffee made from dark roasted beans every day, because it has a significant effect on the body and can have harmful consequences.
Varieties and varieties of coffee
Only 3 types of coffee are grown throughout the world: Arabica, Robusta and Liberica . They are sold both in pure form and in mixtures.
- 70% of the world's coffee is Arabica. She more tender, delicate in taste and has a soft aftertaste of nuts and chocolate. On the shelves you can find several varieties of the drink: Typica, Bourbon, Maragodage, Mocha and Abyssinica. Arabica varieties are the most expensive.
- Robusta is stronger , bitter, has an earthy flavor and contains 3 times more caffeine than Arabica. As a rule, it is not sold in its pure form, but is added to coffee mixtures for density and strength. Varieties of the drink are Congensis, Quidu, Conillon du Brasil.
- Liberica is the least quality and is not particularly popular.
The coffee variety determines the region where the beans are harvested and roasted. The same Arabica grown on high mountain plantations and in the tropical forests of Colombia are two completely different products in taste. Each variety is unique and indicates the country of origin. More on this later.
