The Coffee Bean

24 Nov The Coffee Bean

As an avid coffee fan, you would be amazed at how many types of coffee beans are available out there. The first thing I am looking for is a great cup of coffee, and this love for the perfect pot of coffee has led to my ‘Writer’s Choice’ coffee creation. It is where people can get an in-depth review of the coffee beans offered, including how they were grown, how the blend was created, and how strong it is. All of these elements make up what makes a great coffee, and for enthusiasts, it is another way to find the perfect coffee to order in the future.

Having a great cup of coffee is like playing some music that you really enjoy. There are certain things that I have to have just right and that includes my coffee. Since coffee beans are grown all over the world, there are so many flavors to be enjoyed from Central America to Australia and everywhere in between.

Types and Varieties of Coffee Beans

Coffee beans come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, and colors depending on where they were grown as well as the conditions. I’ve found that experimenting with a wide assortment of beans has led me to the perfect bean to fit my palate. Most varieties fall between Arabica or Robusta blends.

Coffee Roasts

Coffee beans must be roasted before brewing, with dry heat used for an even heating. Some roasts vary from a light brown to an almost black look, with the roasting time-varying to affect aroma, flavor, and the color of the final brew.

Roasts: Light, Medium, Dark

Light roasts involve the more delicate flavors and are usually more acidic. The beans will appear dry to ensure the original flavor shines through. American, Cinnamon, Half-City, and New England are examples of light roasts.

Medium roasts are full of flavor and have a chocolate brown appearance with a dry surface, and less acidity. The balance between flavor and acidity yields a sweeter, toastier flavor, making it the most popular type used in the commercial market. Breakfast, Full City, and Regular are examples of a medium roast.

Dark-roasted coffees are darker with an oily appearance and slight sheen, with the sugars caramelized and oil rising to the bean’s surface. The flavor tends to be smoky, often times spicy, and strong, with a low acidity for a bitter taste. Viennese, French, Italian, and Espresso are examples of dark-roasted coffees.

Types of Blends

What I really love about coffee beans are the amazing blends you can find that increase the possibilities in the flavors you can experience. I know several roasting enthusiasts that have managed to craft their own specific blends by taking two or more. These customized blends are unique, blended to their tastes, and often offer a distinct flavor that is not possible with just one roast. One of my favorite hobbies is shopping for exotic coffee beans that I can later mix with flavors that I have loved for years.