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How to Choose the Right Type of Coffee

You might think a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee, but the truth is that there are a variety of coffee beans that you can choose from. Think about it, when you go to a restaurant or to your local café, the coffee you get there might taste quite different from the type that you prepare at home. Here’s how to choose the right type of coffee that you can make at home.


A Simple Explanation for Variations in Flavor

What causes the differences in flavor from one cup of joe to the next? Well, it all boils down to the types of coffee beans that are used. The Cup & Bean is a fantastic resource for all things coffee related. There, you can learn more about coffee and how to brew the perfect cup at home. So, if you want to discover a bit about how to choose the right type of coffee, check out this guide to types of coffee beans.


Single Origin vs. Blended Coffee

One way to choose the right coffee beans is by thinking about whether you prefer single origin coffee or blended coffee.

Put simply, single origin coffees are those that come from a particular place. If you prefer a type of coffee that grows in a specific part of the world, you can get that with a single origin package. On the other hand, a blend will be a mix of beans, so you will have a few different beans from multiple parts of the world rather than from a single place.

To see which type you prefer, consider buying a package of single origin coffee and a package of blended coffee. Prepare your coffee as you normally would, adding whatever ingredients you want, such as milk, sugar, cream, whipped cream, etc. You might notice the differences in flavor, and if you do, you can decide which one you prefer.


Check Where the Coffee Beans Were Grown

Coffee beans are grown throughout the world, and when you shop for coffee, you will usually see the country of origin on the label. This can give you an idea of what it will taste like. For example, while coffee grown in Asia might be described as woody, coffee grown in Central America may have a fruity flavor. So, this can be another factor that you use when choosing coffee beans.

Trying out coffees from different parts of the world can give you a better idea of what your flavor preferences are. Some people prefer coffee that is nutty, while others might prefer a sweeter coffee. Just keep in mind that you also need to consider single origin and blends. Do you want single origin coffee from Africa, for instance, or do you want to try a blend that perhaps combines coffee from Central America with coffee from South America?  

Choose Your Preferred Roast

When you’re shopping for coffee, yet another thing you’ll notice is the roast. The label on a bag of coffee will say light, medium, or dark roast. This is a feature you should consider when you’re trying to find the coffee beans that will deliver the flavor you want.

Put simply, when coffee is lightly roasted, it means that the beans were roasted for the shortest amount of time compared to the other two roasts. A good light roast will taste smooth, without any bitterness. On the other hand, to get a medium roast, the beans will be heated for a longer period of time. As you can imagine, the flavor will be stronger. And, finally, to get a dark roast, the beans are roasted for the longest amount of time, and they will appear darker in color as well. In terms of flavor, there might be some bitterness.

If caffeine is a factor in your decision-making process when you are shopping for coffee, keep in mind that a light roast will have the highest amount of caffeine, while a dark roast will have the lowest amount. This might seem illogical at first, but the truth is that if you want a cup of coffee that won’t be too high in caffeine, it’s better to stick with a dark roast rather than a medium or light roast. On the other hand, if you want your cup of coffee to serve as a pick-me-up, going for a light roast would be the way to get that effect.


How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

Finally, consider the amount of money that you’re willing to spend on coffee beans, whether they’re ground or whole. If you’re on a tight budget, this can play a role in limiting your options, as some coffees can be surprisingly pricey. If, however, you don’t care about price and you just want to have the best and tastiest cup of coffee possible, the sky’s the limit.

With a better understanding of some of the characteristics that make various coffees unique, you can shop smarter and select the type of coffee that you’ll always enjoy drinking. 


Photo by cottonbro: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-ceramic-mug-with-coffee-4065907/

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