5 Things to Know When Buying Coffee Beans: How to Choose the Right Ones and What to Look For
Coffee beans are something every coffee lover needs to buy and store carefully. Choosing and storing them properly is important, so today we’re sharing some useful tips on how to pick coffee beans and store them the right way, so you can enjoy the beans you choose. Let’s get started.
How to Choose Coffee Beans You’ll Love: Simple Tips to Get Started
If you’re a coffee enthusiast or already know a thing or two about coffee, choosing fresh coffee beans is especially important. The right beans can make your coffee taste better and improve its quality. Here are 3 things to know about choosing fresh coffee beans, plus how to store them:
1. The basic rules for choosing fresh coffee beans
Most people buy coffee at the supermarket, but if you want high-quality fresh coffee, it’s best to buy from a coffee shop. You’re more likely to find quality beans there, and you can sample them and ask the staff questions, too. Here are some golden rules for buying fresh coffee:
- Choose coffee with a clearly marked roast date on the bag.
- Try to buy coffee roasted no more than 2 weeks ago.
- Buy enough coffee to last 2-3 weeks.
- Buy whole beans and grind them at home.
2 . Brand
Many people tend to stick with their favorite coffee brands. This helps you find beans with a flavor you enjoy and makes it easy to brew a cup at home. Choosing a familiar brand can also help you get the flavor you’re looking for.
3 . Price
Along with brand, price is another factor many people consider when buying coffee. The price of coffee beans depends in part on their grade, so you’ll find that different brands offer different quantities and prices, from hundreds to thousands of baht.
4 . Roast level
You can check the packaging to see how the coffee has been roasted and choose a level that suits your taste. Light-roasted coffee has a delicate flavor with a hint of acidity. Medium-roasted coffee is well-rounded and pleasantly rich without being too bitter. Dark-roasted coffee is for those who enjoy a bold, more bitter flavor.
5. Check the expiration date before buying
Coffee packaging usually shows a best-before date (BBD). To check freshness, you can also smell the coffee through the valve on the back of the bag. Fresh coffee beans will smell fragrant. If the aroma has faded or disappeared, the beans may have deteriorated and could be nearing their expiration date.
Also consider the mouthfeel, whether it’s smooth and light or full-bodied, as well as the coffee’s balance. A well-balanced coffee has flavors that are easy to appreciate and work well together. Aroma also contributes to the coffee’s distinctive flavor and reflects the quality of the beans.
How to Store Coffee at Home
- Store it in an airtight container to keep air from reaching the coffee beans.
- Keep it in a dark place, away from light. Sunlight can quickly reduce coffee quality. If you use a clear plastic container, place it inside an opaque box to protect it from light.
- Store it in a dry place away from moisture. If you want to keep coffee for a long time, storing it in the freezer can help slow its aging. Most importantly, keep the coffee in airtight packaging.
So, whenever you buy coffee beans, remember these 3 key rules to make sure you get fresh, high-quality beans. They’ll be ideal for grinding and brewing a distinctive, aromatic cup just the way you like it. And with proper storage, your beans will retain their aroma and flavor for longer.
