Coffee is just like wine. No two beans will give you the same taste, and even the way you prepare them will affect their flavour. Understandably, if you’re new to the world of coffee, buying coffee beans in NZ can be a little daunting. So, where do you start?
Factors to consider before you buy coffee beans NZ
- Variety
There are four main types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. The last two are quite hard to come by, so it’s best to focus on getting to know the most popular varieties, Arabica and Robusta.
Over 60% of the world’s coffee is composed of Arabica beans. This is because their plants are very easy to café for, growing in high-altitude areas with steady rainfall and lots of shade. Arabica beans are characterised by a smooth flavour and lack of bitterness.
Robusta is primarily grown in Africa and Indonesia, generally less expensive than Arabica coffee. This variety is slightly more bitter than Arabica and has a stronger smell.
- Caffeine content
Did you know that a coffee bean’s roast profile can affect how much caffeine it contains? If you want less caffeine in your coffee, you should go for dark roasted beans. Conversely, consider medium or lightly roasted beans for a stronger caffeinated hit.
- Roast date
Although more and more home brewers are starting to roast their own beans at home, this process can be time-consuming. Even the slightest error while roasting can make your coffee taste strange.
So to save time and avoid costly mistakes, consider purchasing your coffee from an experienced roaster. But before you buy coffee beans in NZ, make sure to check their roast date. For example, if you want your coffee ready to drink by the time it arrives at your doorstep, go for beans that have been roasted for at least seven to 14 days.
Any earlier than seven days and your coffee beans are too fresh, still undergoing the process of degassing. Meanwhile, the coffee might already be stale if the roast date exceeds 14 days.
Finally, consider the source of your coffee beans. It’s best to purchase them from a reputable roaster with experience in preparing different types of coffee in NZ, from dark roasted whole beans to espresso grind varieties.
About The Author:
Epic coffee is a coffee brand bringing the best adventure-proof on-the-go coffee option that tastes just as good as a visit to the local roasters. Our Mission is to bring like-minded adventurers together for epic journeys fuelled by top-notch coffee. All while supporting the things we care about and restoring nature.
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