The legendary origin of coffee beans

The history of coffee beans can be traced back to Ethiopia in the 9th century AD, when local shepherds found that their flocks became unusually active after eating the berries of the coffee tree. This discovery attracted the attention of monks, who began to use these berries to make beverages that increased their energy and alertness. This early application of coffee gradually spread to the Arabian Peninsula.

In the 15th century, coffee was introduced to the Arab world, especially in Yemen, where it became an important daily drink. Over time, coffee cultivation and consumption spread throughout the Islamic world and eventually spread to Europe through trade routes. In the 17th century, coffee houses opened in cities such as London and Paris, becoming centers for socializing and exchange of ideas.

The global popularity of coffee has gone through a long and complex process. From its initial discovery to its widespread use today, it has not only changed people's eating habits, but has also become a part of global culture. Today, the cultivation and consumption of coffee beans has spread all over the world and has become an indispensable part of modern life.

A wide selection of coffee beans

There are two main types of coffee beans, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their rich flavor and acidity, often with fruity, floral or chocolatey notes. They are mainly grown at high altitudes, where climatic conditions are crucial to the formation of their flavor. Coffee from this type of bean is usually delicate and suitable for drinkers who like complex flavors.

In contrast, Robusta beans have a stronger bitter taste and higher caffeine content. It grows at low altitudes and has a strong adaptability to the environment. Robusta beans are often used in espresso or instant coffee because of its strong flavor and long-lasting crema (coffee foam), which is particularly suitable for making espresso.

Although Arabica and Robusta beans each have their own characteristics, they are often blended to achieve the best flavor balance. The diversity of coffee is not only reflected in the beans themselves, but also in the different roasting and grinding methods, which makes each cup of coffee unique.

The Art of Roasting Coffee Beans

Roasting coffee beans is an important process that transforms green beans into the dark, aromatic beans we are familiar with. The first step of roasting is to heat the green beans to about 200°C, during which the beans undergo a series of chemical reactions, including evaporation of water and caramelization of sugars. This process not only changes the color of the beans, but also significantly affects their flavor and aroma.

The degree of roasting is usually divided into light, medium and deep, and each degree has different effects on the flavor. Lightly roasted beans retain more of the original flavor, often with fruity and sour flavors, which are very suitable for drinkers who like a fresh taste. Medium roasted beans show a balanced flavor, with both sweetness and a certain degree of sourness, and are the most commonly chosen type by most people.

Deep roasted beans become very dark in color, with a distinct bitter taste and a strong caramel aroma. Such beans are usually suitable for making espresso or other strong-tasting coffee drinks. Each roasting degree can bring out different characteristics of coffee beans to meet the needs of different taste preferences.

Key points for selecting high-quality coffee beans

When choosing high-quality coffee beans, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the appearance of the beans. High-quality coffee beans should be uniformly full, without obvious cracks or blemishes. The color of the beans should be a uniform dark brown or dark color, without any green or light spots, which may indicate that the beans are not mature enough or have been handled improperly.

Smell is also an important criterion for evaluating the quality of coffee beans. Fresh coffee beans will emit a rich aroma, while old beans may smell bland or have an off-flavor. You can gently squeeze the beans before buying and feel the aroma they release, which can help judge the freshness and flavor of the beans.

Finally, it is also worth paying attention to the origin of the coffee beans.

The best way to store coffee beans

In order to keep the coffee beans fresh and flavorful, the correct storage method is essential. First of all, you should choose a well-sealed container to store the coffee beans. The best choice is to use an opaque jar or bag, which can effectively prevent the influence of light and air on the beans. Glass jars or plastic jars are common choices, but you need to make sure the container has a tight lid to reduce the entry of air.

The environment in which the coffee beans are stored is also very important. The ideal storage environment is a cool, dry, and constant temperature place. Avoid exposing the coffee beans to direct sunlight or high humidity, as these factors may cause the beans to deteriorate or lose their flavor. Storing coffee beans in a kitchen cupboard or pantry is a more appropriate choice.

In addition, to maintain the best flavor of coffee beans, long-term storage should be avoided as much as possible. It is best to choose the right amount of coffee beans when purchasing to ensure that they are consumed within a short period of time. For long-term storage, you can consider packaging the coffee beans into small portions and placing them in the freezer. Each time you take it out, you only need to take out the required amount to avoid repeated thawing, thereby maintaining the freshness of the beans.