How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans for You

One of the only things that gets me excited about returning home from a European holiday is drinking coffee. I just can’t get a cup on the continent that matches what I make at home. Over a decade ago I became serious about my coffee making and feel strongly that making it from fresh coffee beans is no doubt the best way to go.

Luckily, coffee is more than just an energy boost and has been linked to certain health benefits such as lowered risk of type 2 diabetes and liver cancer. With so many different types and blends out there, it can be tricky to know where to start. Have you ever felt a bit lost when choosing Fresh coffee beans for your machine? Whether you’re a long-time coffee drinker or have recently discovered its awesome powers, perhaps you’re looking for a tip or two on how to choose the right coffee beans?

Robusta or Arabica?

Arabica coffee beans are usually known for having a delicious and smooth taste that is also slightly acidic. Robusta is known for having a more bitter and strong taste so could be a great go-to for those who like their coffee strong. Robusta is generally grown in places like Indonesia or Africa. While Arabica is grown in Latin America as well as Africa and is generally more expensive. Arabica is considered higher quality, yet each type will vary according to the growth and blend. It’s also worth noting that Robusta has much more caffeine in it than Arabica. Actually, this can be twice as much.

How much caffeine?

The caffeine level that you like in your coffee will all depend on personal preferences. Some of us prefer the top caffeine fix that we can find while others don’t like feeling all that energy. If you’re like me and sensitive to caffeine, the top level can make you a bit jittery. When you are checking out the roasting of your coffee beans, remember that the lighter beans will contain more caffeine in them than the darker ones. Always check the labels and the roast information to find out about the caffeine in a certain blend.

Light, medium or dark?

A light roasted coffee bean generally has mellow tones with a crisp acidity. The idea is that the original flavours of the bean are more preserved with a lighter roast. Medium roast coffee is well rounded with a medium level of acidity to it; you can find slightly more caramel tones with a slightly longer roast. Dark roast coffees have a lower acidity with darker, bolder flavours. The best thing to do is to give each one a try as you’ll likely know right away which style you prefer. Each can be very different.

Storing Your Coffee

Once you’ve bought some great coffee beans, you’ll want to store them properly to retain the flavour. It’s vital to keep your beans away from too much light, heat and air. It is best to store the beans in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep your coffee away from the oven and sources of direct sunlight. Sometimes the packaging that coffee is sold in is not so great to store the beans for a long time. Check the label and get yourself in some special storage options, if possible.

Becoming a coffee expert is much about trial and error. The more different blends you try the more you’ll get to know the tones and flavours. From Italian blend to signature or even a decaf option; there’s plenty out there to suit every palate. Now all you need is a delicious traditional English breakfast to go with those coffees!