Expert Advice: How to Pick a Coffee at Home

Which is better: buy Italian coffee beans or Brazilian, Arabica or Robusta? You have probably asked yourself this question more than once.

What to look for when choosing a coffee bean

The country of growth is not as important as the manipulation of the crop after harvest. The most important thing is to choose quality grain.

If the packaging is transparent, check for defects: the color should be uniform, the grains should be whole and even.

Arabica has a more balanced, less bitter flavor than Robusta. The packaging indicates information about the processing methods, the degree of roasting, notes in the taste of coffee after brewing.

The degree of roasting depends on the brewing method: the longer the coffee is brewed, the lighter the bean should be. For example, a medium degree is suitable for a coffee machine, and light for a Turk.

Another important factor for coffee quality is freshness. At least a week must pass from the date of roasting. If the storage

conditions are observed, the product is good for at least 6 months.

Berry processing

There are several types of processing:

• Dry (natural). The berries are dried unpeeled for 2-4 weeks. The pulp gives sweetness to the grain, so the coffee comes out sweeter.
• Washed. Coffee beans are separated from the pulp and gluten, washed. Coffee from them has a pleasant acidity and a bright, rich taste.
• Honey. The berries are cleaned of pulp, but not washed, but sent for drying. The pulp becomes viscous and similar in texture to honey. Hence the name of the method. This coffee has a pronounced sweetness and mild acidity.

This stage directly affects the taste properties of the future drink.

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• 23 May 2023

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