Almost everybody is a fan of coffee, and millions of people around the world start their day with a hot cup of java. Whether you like a strong, hot, black coffee to get you going in the morning or like to enjoy iced coffee drinks and frappes later in the day, more and more people are getting into making their own coffee at home. With coffee machines becoming more affordable than ever and lots of coffee-making tips and tutorials online for you to follow, if you want to start making your own coffee at home you will want to have a good stock of quality coffee to use. For most people, purchasing coffee online is the option that makes sense. But before you make your first purchase, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Basic Coffee Bean Varieties
Coffee beans are generally classified based on their location or region. There are two main varieties of coffee beans – Arabica and Robusta, along with specialty bean brands like Kopi Luwak Direct, which are coffee beans that have been digested by the civet cat. Arabica beans are generally considered to be a higher quality option and have a fuller flavor, while Robusta beans are more bitter, and tend to be cheaper. You can also get both types of beans blended together. Do some research into each bean and consider the type of coffee that you already enjoy drinking to help you decide which type of beans you want.
Taste and Aroma Characteristics
The bean region, processing type, roast, and more factors will have an impact on the aroma and taste of your coffee. When you check out coffee bean descriptions, you will probably notice that you will usually get information on the aroma, body, flavor and acidity levels. You may want to look up a type of coffee that you already enjoy from your local coffee shop, for example, and compare different coffees to this to get a better idea of which beans might be ideal for you. Spend time trying out different types of coffee, to get a better idea of your favorites. Many online coffee bean suppliers offer samples that you can order to try before you decide whether or not you want to go ahead and order a full bag.
Find a Reputable Supplier
Once you have a better idea of the type of coffee you are looking for, choose a company to purchase your beans from. Buying online is typically the quickest and least expensive way to buy coffee beans; however, just like anything, not every seller is reputable. Spend some time researching the brand to find out more about them, their ethics, how the coffee is sourced, and how it is roasted to help you determine if it is the right option for you. Ideally, you should choose a supplier that cares about coffee farmers and works directly with farmers to improve conditions for workers while paying a fair price for the beans. While this will usually cost you more than going for the cheaper beans, you know that your money is going towards something worthwhile.
Getting Your Equipment
Finally, bear in mind that no matter how great the quality of the beans you choose is, you can still ruin the taste with incorrect grinding or brewing. Before you invest in equipment, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for coffee preparation, and pick quality equipment, such as a burr grinder, that will help to enhance the taste of your final cup.
With more and more people turning to brewing their own coffee at home, there are now lots of options for buying coffee beans online. Keep these tips in mind to get the best coffee for you.
