Pretty much all specialty coffee is Arabica. “It generally has more sweetness and acidity, too. “Arabica is harder to grow than Robusta and has lower caffeine,” Ullrich says. What's the difference between them? And which one should you buy? Selina Ullrich, the Director of Coffee at East One Coffee Roasters, explains: You can check the coffee in your cupboard right now and it’s almost guaranteed to be Arabica, Robusta, or a blend of the two. There are more than 100 coffee species in the world, but Arabica and Robusta are by far the two most popular. What's the difference between Arabica and Robusta? Many other countries produce delicious coffee too, most of which are situated in what's known as The Bean Belt-regions near the equator with the best climate and environment for growing coffee beans. The top coffee exporters today are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Coffee drastically grew in popularity in 16th-century Yemen, from where it quickly went on to reach the rest of the world. Coffee cherries are plucked from the plant when ripe, and the beans are then extracted (usually two beans per cherry) before being roasted.Īs far as the history of coffee goes, that can get a little murky because the drink has been around for so long, but it's widely believed that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia more than 1,000 years ago. They grow inside colorful little fruits, each one about the size of a grape, called coffee cherries or coffee berries. You may even be able to find the roaster's shop." - Selina Ullrich FAQs Where do coffee beans come from?Ĭoffee beans are actually the seeds of coffee plants. It could be a sign the coffee is 'fresh' or more recently roasted. "I would look out for coffee that is roasted near where you live. A cup or two a day and you're likely best off with a standard 12-ounce bag. So while those 5-pound bulk bags might be convenient, and even more cost effective, they could lead to bad coffee down the road. To get the most flavor out of your coffee beans, you want to use them before they go stale. Just because a coffee is more expensive doesn't mean it's the best one for your taste buds. See if you have a preference between a $5 bag of beans and a $20 bag. Since the majority of coffee drinkers have a cup (or three) every single day, price is an important consideration. With a dark roast, for instance, you might like one that has notes of chocolate but not notes of smokiness, or vice versa. Keep an eye out for a blend's tasting notes, usually written somewhere on the bag. Identifying the type of roast you like-light, medium, or dark-is a great place to start when trying a new coffee.
What to Look for in Whole Bean Coffee Tasting Notes Espresso drinkers will likely prefer Lavazza's Super Crema, a bold and slightly sweet espresso roast. Kicking Horse scores highly in all areas, making it a must-try on your next trip to the grocery store. In selecting the best whole bean coffee, we considered price, availability, variety, and (most importantly) flavor. Roast: Medium | Size: 2 pounds | Available In: Whole bean, ground, and K-Cup | Origin: Central America and South America "During that process, they spray the coffee when it’s hot with the oils so it locks into the cell structure." How is flavored coffee produced? Selina Ullrich of East One Coffee Roasters told us that flavored coffee is usually made by adding flavor oils to the beans while they are cooling. The Hazelnut Crème is available in ground coffee and K-Cup form, and SF Bay Coffee also makes a number of other flavored varieties should this one spark an interest for more. Overall, however, it is one of the best flavored coffees you can find. First, that the coffee is typically sold in one size (2 pounds) and, second, that it contains some artificial flavoring. There are a couple drawbacks to note though. This roast is labeled as medium-light, so the flavors are subtle yet noticeable in every sip. Just hearing the tasting notes is mouth watering: toasted hazelnut, cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla. Another popular flavored variety is hazelnut, which SF Bay Coffee puts a delicious spin on here with its Hazelnut Crème. There’s the seasonal pumpkin spice craze or the always reliable French vanilla route. All kinds of flavored coffees are available today.