How To Pick The Right Coffee Beans: A Comprehensive Guide

Everyone has a distinct preference when it comes to coffee. With countless options available, how to pick the right coffee beans? is a question serious coffee drinkers should ask themselves. Here at the Bristol Coffee Company, we understand the importance of choosing the right coffee beans, so we have crafted this guide.

In this blog, we will explore the two main types of coffee beans—Arabica and Robusta—and discuss the factors you need to consider to select the right beans for your distinct taste. Read on to learn about people's common mistakes when buying coffee beans.

Understanding Coffee Varieties

Arabica Coffee:

 Arabica coffee beans are known for their smooth, complex flavours and aromatic qualities. The higher altitudes in which they are grown provide their distinct taste. Here are the key characteristics of Arabica coffee:

Flavour Profile:

Arabica beans are known for their sweeter and softer taste, which comes with hints of fruit and sugar and usually has higher acidity. This variety is often described as having a wine-like flavour.

Caffeine Content:

These beans have a lower caffeine content (around 1.2% to 1.5%), offering a milder flavour.

Growing Conditions: 

Arabica plants thrive in cooler climates at higher elevations (600-2000 metres). They are also susceptible to pests and diseases, making them more challenging to grow.

Market Share:

Arabica is the most popular coffee variety, accounting for about 60-70% of global coffee production.

Our Monthly Coffee Tasting Session is Here!

Robusta Coffee

Robusta coffee beans, on the other hand, are known for their bold and robust flavours. They are often used in espresso blends because they create a thick crema. Key characteristics include:

Flavour Profile: 

Robusta beans have a more pungent, more bitter taste, often described as earthy or nutty. They are slightly astringent.

Caffeine Content:  

Robusta beans contain higher caffeine levels ( 2.2% to 2.7%) than the Arabica variety, making them resilient to pests and responsible for their bitter taste.

Growing Conditions: 

Robusta plants are hardier and can grow at lower altitudes (200-800 metres). They are less sensitive to pests and environmental conditions, making them easy to cultivate.

Market Share:

Robusta accounts for 30-40% of global coffee production and is primarily used in instant coffee and espresso blends.

Now that you know about the two kinds of coffee beans available, the next step in how to pick the right coffee beans involves understanding the key factors you should consider for scoring good quality coffee beans in the UK, which we will discuss in the next section.

Factors To Consider When Picking High-Quality Coffee Beans

1. Origin And Terroir

The area of origin significantly influences the flavour of coffee beans. Central and South America, Africa, and Asia are some regions famous for producing coffee beans with a distinct taste and aroma.

2. Processing Method

Raw coffee beans are not ideal for brewing. To give them their distinct taste, coffee beans are processed using a variety of methods, some of which are listed below:

●  Wet Processing:

This method removes the coffee cherry's outer fruit before fermentation. Wet processing gives the bean a cleaner and more vibrant flavour.

●  Dry Processing:

Here, the beans are dried inside the cherry. Dry processing induces fruity flavours and a heavier body.

●  Honey Processing

It is a hybrid processing method in which the beans retain some of the fruit mucilage during drying. Coffee beans that undergo honey processing have a more complex flavour profile and sweetness.

Each processing method affects the final taste. High-quality beans come from producers who carefully choose a processing technique that highlights the best attributes of the beans.

3. Roast Level

After processing, green coffee beans are roasted into the aromatic, flavourful beans we recognise. The roast level can range from light to dark - each offering distinct flavour profiles:

●   Light Roasts:

A light roast preserves the bean's original flavours and highlights any fruity and floral notes that may be present.

●   Medium Roasts:

Medium-roasted coffee beans provide the best balance between acidity and body. They are famous for their well-rounded flavour.

●   Dark Roasts: 

Dark roasting brings out caramelised, chocolatey notes, but it can sometimes overshadow the bean's inherent qualities.

Choose between - light, medium and dark - whichever compliments your taste preference.

4. Physical Attributes Of High-Quality Coffee Beans

When examining coffee beans, pay attention to their physical characteristics to choose the best quality:

●  Uniformity:

High-quality beans are consistent in size and shape, ensuring they are roasted evenly and, thus, have a balanced flavour.

●  Colour:

Good-quality beans should have a medium to dark brown hue. Overly pale beans may be under-roasted, while excessively dark beans may be over-roasted.

●  Surface Texture:

Freshly roasted beans may have a slight oily sheen due to the presence of natural oils. However, overly oily beans can suggest over-roasting, while dehydrated beans could be stale.

5. Freshness

Freshness is a critical factor to consider when picking high-quality coffee beans. Beans are best consumed within 2-4 weeks of roasting. So look for a "roasted on" date on the packaging to ensure you purchase fresh beans. Freshly roasted beans contain more volatile compounds, contributing to richer flavours and aromas.

6. Taste Profile

The following three factors determine the taste profile of coffee beans:

●  Acidity:

Acidity indicates the brightness and liveliness of the coffee. High-quality coffee beans have the perfect acidity, which enhances their natural flavour rather than detracting from it.

●  Body:

The body describes the weight and thickness of the coffee on the palate. High-quality beans can range from light and delicate to full and robust.

●  Flavour:

A good cup of coffee will have a complex flavour profile, but no single characteristic should overpower the others. Good-quality beans come in various flavours, including fruity, nutty, and chocolaty.

How To Pick The Right Coffee Beans For Yourself?

Once you have considered the above factor and are satisfied with the quality of the coffee beans, next come your personal preferences:

1. Your Taste Preferences

When it comes to how to pick the right coffee beans, your taste preference should be a priority. If you prefer a smooth, sweet cup of coffee, Arabica may be your best bet. If you enjoy a strong and bold flavour, go for Robusta.

2. Understand Brewing Compatibility

Different brewing methods can affect how coffee tastes. Lighter roasts, often made from Arabica beans, may require specific brewing techniques to extract their flavours. If you have a particular brewing method in mind (e.g., espresso, pour-over), ensure that the coffee beans you choose suit that method.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Coffee Beans

When it comes to coffee beans, those who do not dare to ask the question, “how to pick the right coffee beans?” As a result, they often make the following mistakes:

1. Ignoring Origin And Varietal

Many people do not consider the bean's origin and varietal when buying, which can result in missing out on unique flavours.

2. Neglecting Roast Date

People often neglect to check the roast date before buying their coffee beans, which results in stale coffee. Freshness is the key to flavour.

3. Assuming All Coffee Tastes The Same

Many believe that all coffee tastes similar. They overlook their diverse flavours, which vary in origin, processing method, and roast.

4. Prioritising "Gourmet" Over Quality

People generally go for " Gourmet" labels when buying coffee. Stay away from these labels; instead, focus on coffee with traceable quality.

5. Choosing The Wrong Roast For Brewing Method

Selecting an unsuitable roast for your brewing method can lead to an unbalanced cup. Talk to your provider to find the best roast for your brewing method.

Avoid these common mistakes when selecting high-quality coffee beans that suit your taste and brewing preferences.

Conclusion

If you have been curious about how to pick the right coffee beans, following this guide will help you in your venture. Consider your taste preferences and go-to brewing technique to choose the correct option.

Choose Bristol Coffee Company For The Right Coffee Beans

Here at the Bristol Coffee Company, we have a wide range of coffee beans available, sourced from the regions of Western Colombia, Ethiopia, South America, Congo and India.

Whether you like medium roast or dark roast, we have it all. We can also help you pick the right coffee beans that suit your distinct taste. Browse through our curated selection of coffee beans to find your perfect match.