What coffee beans should a novice buy?

What kind of coffee beans should a beginner buy?

Coffee is a popular drink among the general public, and choosing the right coffee beans is particularly important for beginners. There are a variety of coffee beans available on the market, but for novices, how to choose coffee beans that suit their taste and needs may be a bit confusing. This article will give some suggestions from several aspects to help novices choose the coffee beans that suit them.

1. Origin

The first thing to consider is the origin of the coffee beans. Different regions produce coffees with unique flavors and characteristics. For example, Colombia produces many high-quality Arabica beans with a soft taste, high acidity and nutty aroma; Brazil is known for its rich, sweet and chocolatey flavor; Ethiopia produces many coffee beans with rich floral aromas, high acidity and a refreshing and pleasant taste.

For beginners, you can choose some coffee beans with well-known origins and a more balanced taste, such as Colombia, Brazil or Guatemala. Coffee beans from these origins usually have better quality and taste, which is suitable for beginners to try.

2. Roasting degree

In addition to the origin, the degree of roasting is also one of the factors to consider when choosing coffee beans. Different roasting degrees will bring different flavors and tastes to coffee.

Light Roast: Light roasted coffee beans are lighter in color, have high acidity and retain their original flavor. This roasting level is suitable for people who like a refreshing taste and bright and distinct flavor.

Medium Roast: Medium roasting makes the surface of the coffee beans turn brown and can show more nutty aroma and sweetness when drinking. This type is suitable for most people and is the standard level used by many commercial brands.

Dark Roast: Dark roasted coffee beans are darker in color and usually have a roasted or burnt flavor. This type is suitable for people who like a strong taste and bitterness.

For beginners, it is recommended to choose coffee beans with a medium roasting degree. This way, while retaining a certain original flavor, you can also experience some nutty aroma and sweetness.

3. Coffee bean quality

In addition to the origin and roasting degree, the quality of the coffee beans themselves is also very important. Good coffee beans usually have the following characteristics:

Freshness: Choose coffee beans that are fresh, well-stored, and have no signs of spoilage (such as mold).

Packaging: High-quality coffee is usually packaged in packaging materials that are moisture-proof, airtight, and light-proof.

Traceability: Some excellent brands will provide information about the origin, growing environment and picking time, which are one of the factors to consider when purchasing.

If you are unsure about the quality of your coffee beans, choose a more reputable brand or seek advice from a professional.

4. Coffee Bean Type

There are different types of coffee beans to consider when shopping for coffee beans. Here are some common types of coffee beans:

Arabica: Arabica is one of the most common and popular coffee varieties. It is typically high in acidity, mild in flavor, and has floral, nutty, or chocolatey notes.

Robusta: Robusta is easier to grow than Arabica and contains more caffeine. It is generally full-bodied, bitter, and less floral.

Special processing: Some special processing processes will give coffee a unique flavor, such as decaffeination, cold brew, etc. These processing methods can provide newcomers with different flavor options from traditional ones.

For beginners, it is recommended to choose Arabica beans. Because of its soft taste and easy to get started, it is suitable for beginners to slowly taste and experience the flavor of coffee.

5. Coffee bean grinding

The last factor to consider is the grind of the coffee beans. Different brewing methods require different coarse and fine coffee powder.

Coarse grind: suitable for long-steeping methods such as French press and cold brew.

Medium grind: suitable for more common brewing methods such as drip brewing and hand brewing.

Fine grind: suitable for espresso machines or other fast extraction methods.

For beginners, it is recommended to choose a medium grind. This will give you more flexibility when trying different brewing methods and give you more control over the coffee's infusion time and taste.

Summarize

Choosing the right coffee beans is very important for beginners. By considering the origin, roasting degree, quality, type, and the processing and grinding of the beans, beginners can choose coffee beans that suit their taste and needs. I hope the suggestions in this article can help beginners who are looking for coffee beans that are suitable for them.