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When it comes to coffee, there are many things to consider. You have to think about the roast, the grind, and even the water temperature. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what beans to buy.
There are a lot of mistakes people make when buying coffee beans, so here are nine tips to help you avoid them:
1. Don’t buy pre-ground coffee beans.
Pre-ground coffee beans lose their flavor quickly, so they’re not as fresh as whole beans. If you don’t have a grinder at home, you can always take your beans to a local coffee shop and ask them to grind them for you. You can also consider buying a manual grinder, which will give you more control over the grind size.
2. Don’t buy cheap coffee beans.
Just because a coffee is cheap doesn’t mean it will taste good. Most of the time, cheap coffee is made with lower-quality beans. So, you’ll end up with a cup of coffee that tastes bad and has a lot of bitterness. That doesn’t mean expensive coffee is always better, but it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on quality beans.
Make sure you know the difference between single origin or blended beans. Single-origin beans are from one country or region, while blended beans are a mix of beans from different countries or regions.
3. Don’t buy beans that are too dark.
Dark roast coffee beans are typically more bitter than lighter roasts. If you’re looking for a smoother cup of coffee, stick to light or medium roasts. It will also depend on the type of coffee you like. For cold brews, you might want to try a dark roast.
4. Don’t buy beans that are too light.
Light roast coffee beans have more acidity than dark roast beans. If you’re sensitive to acidic coffee, you might want to avoid light roasts.
5. Don’t buy flavored coffee beans.
Flavored coffee beans are often made with lower-quality beans and have artificial flavors. If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, stick to unflavored beans. Remember that coffee can taste very different based on its origin. If you want to try a different flavor, go for coffee beans from a different source.
6. Don’t buy decaf coffee beans.
Decaf coffee beans go through a chemical decaffeination process that can leave them with a bitter taste. If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, stick to regular beans. Caffeine is not necessarily bad for you, and it can have some benefits. The idea is to drink coffee in moderation, so you can enjoy its flavor and benefits without feeling jittery.
7. Don’t buy pre-packaged coffee beans.
Pre-packaged coffee beans might be more convenient, but they’re not always fresh. Buy your whole beans from a local roaster or specialty shop where you know they’ll be fresh. Make sure you have read the roast date because coffee beans continue to degas after roasting. The fresher, the better.
8. Don’t buy cheap coffee machines.
Like with coffee beans, you get what you pay for when it comes to coffee machines. If you want a good cup of coffee, invest in a quality machine. Even the best quality beans will not taste good if brewed in a bad machine. Whereas a quality cold brew or pour-over maker can make a cup of coffee that’s just as good as anything you’ll get from a cafe. Talking of the machine, make sure you consider the right grind size in mind that works with your device.
9. Don’t ignore the water temperature.
The water temperature is important when brewing a cup of coffee. If the water is too hot, it can extract too much bitterness from the beans. If the water is too cold, it won’t remove enough flavor from the beans. So, find a happy medium and experiment until you find the best temperature for your taste buds.
10. Don’t store your coffee beans in the freezer.
Storing your coffee beans in the freezer might seem like an excellent way to keep them fresh, but it dries them out. The best way to store your coffee beans is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
11. Don’t wait too long to grind your coffee beans.
If you wait too long to grind your coffee beans, they’ll start to lose their flavor. The best way to grind your coffee beans is to use a burr grinder. This will help you get a more consistent grind size.
Conclusion:
There are many things to consider when buying coffee beans, but following these nine tips will help you make better decisions and end up with a cup of coffee that you’ll love.