Standing in front of a supermarket shelf filled with countless bags of coffee beans can be both exciting and overwhelming.
With so many options available, how do you choose the perfect coffee beans for your taste?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to look for when selecting coffee beans, ensuring you pick the best option to suit your taste and brewing preferences.
Consider your taste preferences
The first step in choosing the right coffee beans is understanding your own taste preferences.
Are you a fan of bright, fruity flavours or do you prefer a rich, chocolatey taste?
Here are some common flavour profiles and the origin of coffee beans that typically match them:
- Fruity and Floral: Ethiopian or Kenyan coffee beans are known for their vibrant, fruity, and floral notes.
- Nutty and Chocolatey: Brazilian or Colombian beans often have rich, nutty, and chocolatey flavours.
- Earthy and Spicy: Beans from Sumatra or India can offer deep, earthy, and spicy notes.
- Acid and fruity: Beans from Costa Rica often has a bright acidity and fruity notes.
Understanding your preferred flavour profile will help narrow down your options on the shelf.
Roast Profile
The roast level of coffee beans significantly affects their flavour. Here are the main roast levels and what you can expect from each:
- Light Roast: Preserves the original flavours of the bean, resulting in a bright, acidic taste. Commonly found in specialty coffee shops and favoured by those who enjoy complex, delicate flavours.
- Medium Roast: Balances the origin flavours and the roast, offering a fuller body and balanced acidity. This roast level is versatile and suits a wide range of brewing methods.
- Dark Roast: Dominated by the roast flavours, producing a bold, smoky taste with less acidity. Ideal for those who prefer strong, robust coffee.
Choosing the right roast level depends on your taste preferences and the brewing method you plan to use.
Check the coffee grade for quality
Various countries and organizations have established systems to grade coffee beans. These systems help standardize quality and ensure consumers receive consistent products. In Ireland, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grading system is commonly used to evaluate coffee quality.
The SCA grading system is one of the most widely recognized standards in the coffee industry. It categorizes coffee beans based on several factors, including defects, flavour, and aroma. Here's how the SCA grading system works:
1. Specialty grade (Score: 80-100)Specialty grade coffee beans are the highest quality. They must have no primary defects and no more than five secondary defects per 300 grams. These beans score 80 or above on the SCA's 100-point scale, indicating exceptional flavour, aroma, and balance.
2. Premium grade (Score: 70-79)Premium grade beans are of high quality but may have up to eight secondary defects per 300 grams. They score between 70 and 79 points on the SCA scale. While not as exceptional as specialty grade, premium beans still offer excellent flavour and aroma.
3. Exchange grade (Score: 60-69)Exchange grade beans are of standard quality and may have up to 12 secondary defects per 300 grams. They score between 60 and 69 points on the SCA scale. These beans are often used in commercial coffee blends and offer a consistent, albeit less complex, flavour.
4. Standard grade (Score: 50-59)Standard grade beans are lower quality and can have up to 20 secondary defects per 300 grams. They score between 50 and 59 points on the SCA scale. These beans are typically used in bulk coffee products and may have a less refined flavour.
5. Off-grade (Score: Below 50)Off-grade beans are the lowest quality and have more than 20 secondary defects per 300 grams. They score below 50 points on the SCA scale and are usually not suitable for high-quality coffee products.
Consider your brewing method
Different brewing methods can highlight various aspects of coffee beans. For example, specialty grade beans are perfect for pour-over and AeroPress, which emphasize their unique flavours. On the other hand, premium grade beans work well in espresso machines, offering a balanced and consistent shot.
Check the Roast Date
Freshness is crucial when it comes to coffee. Look for the roast date on the packaging, not the expiration date. The fresher the coffee, the better the flavour.
Ideally, you should choose beans that were roasted within the past two to three weeks. Coffee beans start to lose their flavour and aroma shortly after roasting, so the closer you are to the roast date, the better your coffee will taste.
Experiment and Explore
Don't be afraid to try different beans and brands. Exploring various origins, roast levels, and brewing methods can help you discover new flavours and enhance your coffee experience.
Keep notes on the beans you like and dislike, and use this information to make more informed choices in the future.
Enjoy exploring the diverse world of coffee and happy brewing!
