Premium Coffee Beans
Coffee has been in the human diet for a very long time. It is considered by some to be one of the most precious gifts that nature bestowed upon mankind. Its cultivation, preparation and method of intake may vary in different parts of the world, but the love for coffee is one great theme that many people all over the world can relate to. That makes coffee the world’s favorite drink.
It All Starts with Coffee Beans
premium coffee beans?
The Specialty Coffee Association of America grades coffee beans on a scale of 1 to 5. Only grade 1 beans are considered as specialty beans. The definition goes on to says, “no primary defects, 0-3 full defects, sorted with a maximum of 5% above and 5% below specified screen size or range of screen size, and exhibiting a distinct attribute in one or more of the following areas: taste, acidity, body, or aroma. Also must be free of cup faults and taints. Zero quakers allowed. Moisture content between 9-13%.”
After roasting the beans some use a scale of 1 to 28 grades, again grade 1 is the best. On this scale the specialty or premium coffee beans are in the top 5. Coffee zealots who go out and enjoy a good cup of coffee in their favorite coffee shops are likely consuming grade 5, still specialty, but not the highest level of premium coffee bean. Yet, this is still considerably higher than the coffee that is usually served in a local restaurant, where you might get a grade 15 to 20 coffee. Coffee companies that focus on grade 1 for their coffee beans are rare and are given a 5-star rating.
Super Premium Coffee Beans
Grade 1 coffee beans are known as super-premium, which implies that these beans are the best. To assure excellence, coffee companies that work with grade 1 coffee beans ensure the application of quality control measures in planning, harvesting, and preparing their ingredients. These coffee beans undergo the most scrupulous inspection at every point in the process up through, and including, the point at which they are sold.
For example, an early test to differentiate the quality of the coffee beans is to put the freshly harvested coffee cherries in water. Those that float are poor quality. They are disregarded as defective and insufficient. Those that sink have passed a test and may be high quality. These beans will be put through additional testing, eventually hand-inspection to assure the best are obtained for roasting.
Preserving and Packaging for Premium Coffee Beans
If you plan to purchase premium grade 1 coffee beans, you should ensure that you apply the best methods of preserving it. No point in buying the best only to let it age poorly. After roasting your premium coffee beans will attain the peak of perfection about 3 to 5 days later. Going from roasting, immediately to the grinder is too soon. Wait a few days.
Assuming you buy the coffee beans at a shop or have them shipped to you , the quality of packaging is a factor that you should take note of. A foil type package with zip lock can provide you with a longer life of fresh roasted coffee beans. It’s important to limit exposure to the air. With this type of wrapping you can keep your beans fresh for several weeks. But, now this important, never place your premium coffee beans inside a refrigerator or freezer. The cold will just ruin them. Coffee beans are at its best when exposed in room temperature or warm air.
Remember, coffee beans are at the heart of great tasting coffee. The secret of having the paramount taste of your coffee greatly depends upon the quality of the coffee beans. For the best and most consistent coffee drinking experience, get premium coffee beans.