When you think of your daily coffee fix, do you imagine the aroma wafting through the air, the rich warm flavours coating your taste buds? If you’re like us, you are certainly guilty of wistful coffee daydreaming!
Choosing the right coffee beans is an essential, and fun, part of that experience. But how do you make the right choice from the vast variety available? Whether you’re a café owner or a home enthusiast, understanding the beans you choose can make all the difference in that lifesaving cup. Yes, we are being dramatic but this IS a coffee discussion after all.
Our Bravo Repair Centre coffee machine specialists believe that perfect coffee starts with the right beans and the right machine.
The Foundation of Great Coffee
When selecting coffee beans, the first step is understanding the roast type. The roast plays a crucial role in the flavour profile, determining whether your coffee will have bright, acidic notes or deep, chocolatey undertones.
- Light Roast: Light roasts are typically roasted at temperatures between 180°C to 205°C (356°F to 401°F). The beans are roasted for a shorter time, usually until the first crack is heard. This process allows the beans to retain their natural, more acidic flavours and fruity or floral notes.
- Medium Roast: Medium roasts are roasted at slightly higher temperatures, usually 210°C to 220°C (410°F to 428°F), and are typically roasted just past the first crack. This creates a more balanced flavour. The beans’ natural flavours are still present, but the roasting process introduces deeper caramelised flavours, delivering body and sweetness.
- Dark Roast: Dark roasts are roasted at 230°C to 240°C (446°F to 464°F) or higher. These beans are roasted longer and further, usually beyond the second crack, which results in a bold, smoky flavour with reduced acidity. The longer roasting time breaks down the beans’ natural flavours, resulting in more roasted, chocolatey or bitter notes.
So, while the time and temperature are related, each roast is designed to emphasise or mute certain characteristics of the coffee bean, resulting in distinct flavours, acidity and body.
Arabica vs. Robusta
Once you’ve settled on your roast, the next step is selecting between Arabica and Robusta beans.
- Arabica beans are known for their smoother taste and more complex flavour profile, with notes ranging from floral to fruity.
- Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter and contain higher caffeine levels, making them popular in espresso blends for a robust (of course) cup of coffee.
If you want a coffee with sweetness and nuanced flavours, Arabica is the way to go. However, if you prefer a strong, intense cup with a punch of caffeine, Robusta might be your ideal choice.
Freshness Matters
Freshness is the key to unlocking the best flavours from your coffee. Buying freshly roasted beans that have not been sitting on the shelf for months will give you a more aromatic, flavourful cup.
The best practice is to buy beans in small quantities and store them in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. An airtight container is key to keeping them fresh. If you buy in bulk, freezing them in small portions can be a good option, but it’s best to avoid frequently freezing and thawing them, as this could cause deterioration. Do not store them in the fridge.
Grinding Your Beans
The grind of your beans is as important as the type of beans you choose. The grind size should match your brewing method. For example, espresso requires a fine grind, while French press coffee demands a coarser grind.
Using the right grind ensures that the flavours are extracted correctly and that your machine functions optimally. Too fine a grind can clog the machine, while too coarse a grind will result in under-extracted, weak coffee. Learn more about grind sizes here.
Grind the beans on an as-needed basis to further extend the flavour lifespan.
The Coffee Machine Specialist Notes
Choosing the right coffee beans is a fun journey choosing between light, medium or dark roast, Arabica or Robusta, fresh beans or a perfect grind. Enjoy the adventure!
Last but not least, don’t forget to service your machine regularly to ensure that your daily brew gurgles and froths to perfection every time!
Need help in your pursuit of your perfect cuppa? Book a service with our coffee machine specialists and lay the foundation for a superb brew!
