What Makes the Best Coffee Beans in the World So Good?
The best coffee beans in the world are not simply products of meticulous cultivation. The journey of coffee beans from cultivation to consumption is as fascinating as it is intricate. Each stage plays a vital role in preserving the quality and flavour of the beans, ensuring they reach your cup in the best possible condition.
So next time you can pick up a bag of the best coffee beans money can buy, it’s worth sparing a thought for the journey each and every bean has undertaken to make it into your home.
GEOGRAPHIC ORIGINS
The quality of coffee beans is always rooted in the location in which they are grown. Geography, altitude and climate all play a significant role in coffee cultivation. Different regions around the world have unique characteristics that influence the flavour profiles of their coffee beans.
For example, beans grown in high altitudes tend to have a more pronounced acidity, while those grown in lower altitudes may have a smoother taste.
CARING HANDS: THE FINE ART OF COFFEE BEAN HARVESTING AND PROCESSING
Coffee cherries do not all ripen at the same time, so harvesting them is a tricky and labour-intensive process. Only the ripest cherries are picked - this selective harvesting ensures that only the highest quality beans make it to the next stage. The picked cherries are carefully handled at all times, to prevent damage and maintain the quality of the beans.
After harvesting, the coffee cherries undergo processing to remove the outer fruit layers and extract the coffee beans. There are various different methods of processing used by producers, each lending unique characteristics to the beans.
For example, the ‘washed’ method involves removing the pulp and fermenting the beans, resulting in a clean and bright flavour. The ‘natural’ method involves drying the cherries with the whole fruit intact, giving the beans a sweeter and fruitier taste. Then there’s the ‘honey’ method which is a hybrid of the two, where some of the fruit is removed but part of it remains during drying.
ROASTING MASTERY
Roasting is a crucial step in the production of the best coffees in the world, which converts the raw green coffee beans into the familiar brown beans we know. The roasting process involves carefully heating the beans to develop their flavour and aroma, ensuring carefully balanced temperatures are applied for just the right amount of time.
Lighter roasts retain more of the bean's original characteristics, while darker roasts bring out bolder and richer flavours. In addition, the more recently coffee beans were roasted prior to brewing, the more exquisite the aroma and flavour of the resulting cup.
BREWING PERFECTION
Whether you use a French press, pour-over, or espresso machine, brewing techniques are essential in extracting the best flavours from your coffee beans. Paying attention to details such as grind size, water temperature and extraction time can make a significant difference in the final taste.
Experimenting with different methods and finding the one that suits your preferences can enhance your coffee-drinking experience. A great way to find what works for you is to keep a brewing diary, making minor adjustments to your technique each time and noting which deliver the best results.
After which, it’s simply a case of taking your time, sipping slowly and enjoying a true multi-sensory experience. You’ve paid for the best coffee beans money can buy, so you may as well make the experience last as long as possible!
At Hayman Coffee, we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of hand-selected specialty coffee of unbeatable quality. Click here to place your order online and we’ll ship the best coffee in the world direct to your door!
