Guide To Select Quality Beans
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your coffee palate, understanding how to choose quality beans is key to brewing the perfect cup. Let's dive into the essentials: discovering your taste preferences, exploring different coffee varieties, and deciding whether to grind your own beans or go for pre-ground options.
Understanding Your Coffee Taste Preferences
Explore your coffee flavour profile
First things first, let's talk about taste. Coffee isn't just a drink—it's an experience! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to coffee flavours. Some like it bold and strong, while others prefer a smoother, more mellow taste. Here are a few things to consider to help you discover your coffee taste:
Flavor Profiles: Coffee beans can have a range of flavors from fruity and floral to chocolatey and nutty. Think about what flavours you enjoy in other foods or drinks. Are you drawn to citrusy notes or prefer a rich, chocolatey taste?
Roast Level: The roast level of coffee beans affects their flavour. Lighter roasts tend to have more pronounced acidity and fruity notes, while darker roasts are richer and often have chocolatey or smoky undertones. Experiment with different roast levels to see which one suits your palate best.
Origin: Coffee beans from different regions have distinct flavour profiles. For example, beans from Ethiopia might have floral and fruity flavours, while beans from Brazil are known for their nutty and chocolatey notes. Explore beans from various origins to find your favourites.
Testing Out Different Coffee that Suits Your Taste
Now that you have an idea of your taste preferences, it's time to start tasting different coffees! Here's how you can explore and discover new flavours:
Local Coffee Shops: Visit local coffee shops or cafes that roast their own beans like Kokako and recently Churbae. They often offer tasting flights or small batches of different coffees. Don't hesitate to ask the baristas for recommendations based on your flavour preferences.
Coffee Subscriptions: Consider signing up for a coffee subscription service that delivers freshly roasted beans to your doorstep. There are plenty of offers in New Zealand such as On the Grind which partners with multiple local roasters. Many subscriptions allow you to specify your flavour preferences, and they often source beans from ethical and sustainable farms.
Coffee Tastings: Attend coffee tastings or cupping sessions if you have the opportunity. This is a great way to learn more about coffee flavours and refine your palate.
Online Reviews: Read reviews and recommendations from coffee enthusiasts online. Websites and forums often have valuable insights into different coffee brands and varieties.
Coffee tasting at cupping sessions.
Remember, tasting coffee is a journey of exploration and discovery. Take notes on what you like and don't like about each coffee to guide your future choices.
Grinding Your Own Coffee or Choosing Pre-Ground Coffee
Now, let's talk about how you want your coffee beans prepared:
Grinding Your Own Beans: Grinding your own coffee beans just before brewing ensures maximum freshness and flavour. You can adjust the grind size based on your brewing method (e.g., coarse for French press, medium for drip coffee, fine for espresso). Invest in a quality burr grinder for the best results.
Choosing Pre-Ground Coffee: Pre-ground coffee is convenient and works well if you don't have a grinder or prefer not to grind your own beans. Look for reputable brands that offer freshly ground coffee and check the roast date to ensure freshness. Vietnamese coffee, known for its bold and robust flavour, is often available in both whole-bean and pre-ground options.
Do you prefer grinding your own coffee beans?
Or you like pre-ground coffee?
Key factors to selecting top-notch coffee beans:
1. The coffee size, shape, colour and texture
Size: Look for beans that are uniform in size. Larger beans often produce higher-quality brews than the smaller ones.
Shape: Ideally, beans should be plump and evenly shaped, without cracks or broken pieces. If the beans are consistent in shape and size, it indicates careful cultivation and processing.
Colour: A well-roasted bean would have a medium to dark brown shade, however, the ideal colour can vary based on the coffee type. For example, Arabica beans are typically darker and smoother, whereas Robusta beans are lighter and more irregular. Depending on your preference for roast level, you might want to avoid pale or extremely dark beans.
Surface texture: Inspect the surface of the beans. They should feel smooth and not rough or uneven. Quality beans have a certain sheen to them, indicating freshness. Excessively oily beans or dry beans could mean over or under-roasted.
2. Origin
The origin of coffee beans significantly influences their flavour profile. Regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Kenya are renowned for producing distinct flavours. Research the origin to understand the flavour notes associated with beans from that region.
3. Roasting Date
Always check the roasting date. Freshness is crucial for coffee beans. Aim to purchase beans that have been roasted recently (within a few weeks). This ensures that the beans retain their optimal flavour and aroma.
4. Aroma
Give the beans a good sniff. High-quality beans will have a strong, pleasant aroma that hints at their flavour profile. You might detect notes of chocolate, fruit, nuts, or spices depending on the beans’ origin and roasting method.
5. Taste Profile
Ultimately, taste is the most critical factor. Brew a small sample of the coffee and taste it. Note the acidity, body, sweetness, and overall balance of flavours. Quality beans will offer a complex and enjoyable taste experience, whether you prefer a bright and fruity Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or a rich and chocolatey Colombian Supremo.
Recommended Vietnamese Coffee and Ethically Sourced Brands
If you're interested in trying Vietnamese coffee or supporting brands that prioritize ethical sourcing practices, here are a few recommendations:
Trung Nguyen Coffee: Trung Nguyen is a well-known Vietnamese coffee brand famous for its traditional Vietnamese coffee blends, including their popular "Creative" and "Legendee" varieties.
Lamant Coffee: Lamant Coffee is another Vietnamese brand that offers high-quality coffee beans with a focus on sustainability and fair trade practices.
May Coffee Crew: A Kiwi-Vietnamese family-owned brand that promotes Vietnamese Robusta beans with 100% pure coffee beans roasted in NZ, ethically sourced Vietnamese farm-to-cup trade.
Ethically Sourced Brands: Look for coffee brands that are certified Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or USDA Organic. These certifications ensure that the coffee beans are grown and harvested under ethical and environmentally friendly conditions. New Zealand brands: Hummingbird, Havana Coffee Works, JEDs, Kokako, Robert Harris,…
By choosing quality coffee beans and exploring different flavors and brewing methods, you'll discover the joy of brewing your own perfect cup of coffee at home. Whether you prefer a smooth pour-over or a strong espresso shot, remember to enjoy the process and savour every sip. Happy brewing, coffee enthusiasts!
Journey to find your quality coffee beans
