As a former worker at the iconic Boat Basin Cafe Downtown New York, I’ve been lucky enough to gain a unique perspective on everything from grinding just the right blend of coffee beans to preparing the best-grilled foods. Despite the café’s unfortunate closing, my passion for how we grow, prepare, and consume our food has never waned.
Today, I want to take you with me on a journey to explore a hot debate in the food world – the real difference between organic and non-organic foods, specifically focusing on our beloved coffee and BBQ grills.
Key Takeaways
Details
Understanding Organic and Non-Organic
Organic produce is cultivated without synthetic chemicals, GMOs, or substances harmful to the environment, whereas non-organic farming may involve these. “Organic” label carries strict regulations unlike “natural” or “local”.
Price of Organic Foods
Organic products tend to be more expensive due to stricter and more careful farming practices, preventive health care for animals, and balanced diets that avoid synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, or hormones.
Nutrition: Organic vs. Non-Organic
For coffee beans, there’s no significant difference in nutrition whether they’re organically or conventionally grown. In contrast, organically grown grill goods may have slightly higher nutrient concentrations.
Safety and Health Implications
Non-organic food may carry potential health risks from pesticide residues and antibiotic exposure. Coffee beans, especially, are one of the most intensively sprayed crops when grown conventionally.
Making the Choice: Recommendations
The choice between organic and non-organic often comes down to personal preferences such as taste, budget, and long-term health considerations. Especially consistent coffee drinkers and grilling enthusiasts might consider going organic.
Having been part of countless debates regarding organic food benefits and engaged in dialogue on the impact of non-organic farming, I think it’s critical we discuss what it really means when we label food as organic or non-organic, especially when it concerns two staples close to our hearts: coffee and BBQ. And yes, it goes beyond just the cost of organic vs conventional choices.
farmer
The Basics: Understanding Organic and Non-Organic
Aspect
Organic👨🏻🌾
Non-Organic🍅
Definition
Produced without synthetic chemicals, GMOs, or substances that can harm the environment.
Farming can involve methods that may contribute to environmental degradation and potentially harm our health.
Certification Process
Must meet strict regulations set by agriculture departments worldwide. Contributes to the price difference.
No strict regulations similar to organic certification.
Labeling
“Organic” label carries weight and is regulated.
Labels such as “natural” or “local” don’t carry the same weight as “organic”. Consumers may be misled by these.
Environmental Impact
Environmentally friendly as it avoids harmful chemicals and practices.
Can contribute to environmental degradation due to the use of synthetic chemicals and harmful farming practices.
Health Implications
Generally considered healthier due to the absence of harmful chemicals.
May have potential health implications due to the presence of synthetic chemicals and GMOs.
Price
Typically more expensive due to the rigorous certification process and sustainable farming practices.
Generally cheaper due to the absence of strict regulations and potentially harmful farming practices.
When we talk about coffee and grill ingredients (especially meats and veggies) being organic, we are essentially saying that they’ve been produced without synthetic chemicals, GMOs, or substances that can harm the environment. On the contrary, non-organic farming can involve methods that may contribute to environmental degradation and can perhaps take a toll on our health too.
A key point to consider here is the organic certification process. To call a product “organic”, it has to meet strict regulations set by agriculture departments worldwide. This is no easy task and contributes significantly to the price difference we see between organic and non-organic options in our grocery stores.
It’s also important to understand that labels such as “natural” or “local” don’t carry the same weight as an “organic” label – a common myth I’ve seen many consumers fall for. Establishing an understanding of these definitions helps us differentiate between genuine and falsely labeled organic products.
💰Price Point: Why Organic Often Costs More
Organic Eggs
“Is organic produce worth the extra cost?” This is a question I get asked most often. If we take coffee beans as an instance, organic beans require more careful cultivation practices as farmers have to refrain from using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Any threat to the crop, thus, poses a greater financial risk to the farmer, all of which contributes to the steeper price tag we see.
Similarly, for organic meats, the cost of organic vs conventional choices rises because organic meat sources cannot be given growth hormones or antibiotics. This means organic farmers have to invest more in preventive health care and balanced diet-fed animals, thus naturally leading to higher costs.
What’s also worth mentioning here is the non-organic farming impact on our environment. Conventional farming practices often involve synthetic fertilizers which can degrade soil health, have long-term negative environmental implications, and consequently, influence our own health.
Nutritional Standoff: Organic vs. Non-Organic Coffee and Grilled Goods
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a significant difference between organic and normal when it comes to nutrition— at least in the context of coffee beans. Research shows that it’s the roast, grind, and brewing methods that primarily dictate a coffee’s nutritional profile, rather than how the beans were grown.
☕️Coffee:
There is not a major nutritional difference observed between organic and non-organic coffee.
Factors like the roasting process, grinding, and brewing methods are more central to a coffee’s nutritional profile.
❤️🔥Grilled Goods:
Organic grilled goods may have a slightly higher nutrient concentration compared with non-organic ones.
Critics suggest that these nutritional differences are not large enough to influence overall health.
Supporters, however, argue minor differences can accumulate over time, contributing to significant health impacts.
However, the story takes a slight turn with grilled goods. When considering the nutritional content of organic vs non-organic meats and vegetables, studies have found a slightly higher concentration of some nutrients in organically grown foods. Critics argue that these differences aren’t large enough to significantly impact your health, but proponents point to the snowball effect — even slight differences can add up over time and have meaningful impacts on overall wellness.
Safety and Health Implications
BELLA Healthy Food Steamer
One of the major health risks of non-organic foods, especially grilled ones, is linked to the use of pesticides in their cultivation. Heating such foods may release certain chemicals, which can, over time, have detrimental effects on our health. Non-organic grilled meats also carry the label of being exposed to antibiotics and growth hormones, which have their own set of health concerns.
For coffee lovers, a lesser-known fact is that coffee beans are one of the most intensively sprayed crops when grown conventionally. While a thorough washing process eliminates most pesticide residues, a minuscule amount might persist. As a frequent coffee drinker, it’s worth pondering the cumulative effect of these residues.
Making the Choice: Recommendations for Coffee and BBQ Lovers
The choice between organic and non-organic isn’t always black and white. It often boils down to personal priorities like taste preferences, budget constraints, and long-term health considerations. To simplify, here are some general recommendations based on my personal experiences and research:
Coffee Beans: If you are a regular coffee drinker, or someone who likes to experiment, choosing organic is worth considering. The difference in taste isn’t revolutionary, but some coffee enthusiasts (myself included) swear by the smooth and robust flavor of organic coffee.
Grilled Meats and Veggies: When it comes to grilling, I would strongly suggest going organic for meats, especially red meats. For vegetables, if financially feasible, lean towards organic for those you consume with skin such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
Organic vs Non-organic Oranges: Lastly, in the case of oranges, or any fruits/vegetables with a thick, peelable skin, you can generally go with non-organic as the thick skin provides a natural barrier against many pesticides.
In any case, finding ways of sourcing affordable organic options can be a game-changer. Local farmers’ markets, for example, often offer better deals on organic options than larger retail stores.
As a coffee and BBQ enthusiast, understanding the organic versus non-organic debate has allowed me to make more informed choices and even altered the taste of my beloved brew and grills. Remember, no matter what package or label a food item comes with, being knowledgeable about what goes inside your body should be of paramount importance.
The aroma and taste of coffee can lift up anybody’s mood. And if it’s lightly-roasted freshly-ground beans, there is nothing comparable to it.
We all go for easy options like store-bought grounded coffee that taste bland and dull. It’s not that we don’t want to do it at home, the process seems a bit too much to do! Or so we think.
In reality, grinding your own coffee is super easy and much more affordable. You don’t even need a fancy coffee grinder to do that.
In this article, we will explore all the ways there are to grind coffee beans easily at home. We have gathered the easiest methods to answer how to grind coffee beans very efficiently.
The History and Science of Coffee Grinding
Coffee grinding began in Ethiopia in the 15th century. As coffee consumption became widespread, a more effective method was needed to smash coffee beans.
First came the 17th-century coffee grinder. Two crank-operated stones smashed the coffee beans. The metal-roller roller grinder enhanced it.
Steam-powered grinders revolutionised coffee in the 19th century. This mass-produced ground coffee, making it more accessible.
Blade, burr, and electric coffee grinders are available nowadays. Burr grinders smash the beans between abrasive surfaces, whereas blade grinders cut them. The most common grinders are electric.
Coffee grinding science concerns particle size and coffee extraction. Water extracts coffee taste and fragrance faster depending on grind size. Finer grinds extract quicker, whereas coarser grinds extract slower. Choosing the correct grind size for different brewing procedures is crucial.
Overall, coffee grinding has evolved. Technology and knowledge have improved coffee bean grinding. Understanding the coffee grinding process will improve your morning cup, whether you’re a coffee expert or not.
Types of Coffee Grinders
Coffee grinders have been around since the Greeks ruled the world. Not just the Greeks, almost every ancient civilization had some sort of grinders to make a fine powder out of dry herbs and spices. Those versions were manual and took a lot of time and muscle power to use.
Nowadays, we have many different options both manual and electrical. In terms of popularity, there are three main types of coffee grinders:
Blade Grinder:
Blade grinders are the most common and inexpensive type of coffee grinders. They use a blade piece to basically chop the beans into smaller pieces.
When you press the button, the blade starts to rotate at a very fast speed which causes the beans to rotate as well. This motion causes chopping the beans into smaller and smaller pieces.
You can control the grind size by monitoring the amount of time you grind it for. If you want coarse pieces, grind it for 10-15 seconds. For finer pieces, you will need to spend 40-50 seconds. It can be tricky to understand when to stop but after a few tries, you will get the gist of it.
Burr Grinder:
Burr Grinder
Burr grinders are made using two abrasive surfaces that revolve in a circular motion. The coffee beans fall in between them and get crushed into fine, uniform sizes. Those two abrasive circles are called burr, hence the name.
This is one of the oldest methods of grinding coffee. Even though so many different types of grinders have been invented in the last decade, coffee lovers tend to always favor burr grinders over anything else.
This is because of how uniformed the grounds look when you use them. There are no chunky coffee pieces in the middle of a fine powder. Each time it comes out perfect. Needless to say, it’s our favorite type of coffee grinder as well.
Manual Grinder:
Manual Grinder
Most burr grinders are electrically powered which makes them super easy to use. But there are still some manual options available.
Manual grinders are great as you can carry them anywhere with you. So if you plan to travel a lot or go camping, you can take your manual grinder. It requires no power or fuel which is economical and environmentally friendly.
They also look vintage and stylish. Old-fashioned things have a certain charm that makes anything feel very luxurious and elegant. Manual grinders look very attractive compared to our modern electrical options.
The Different Brewing Methods
To achieve the best results, different brewing methods necessitate different grind sizes, and a grind size that is too fine or too coarse can affect the taste and quality of the coffee.
Understanding the various brewing methods and how to select the appropriate grind size can assist you in making the perfect cup of coffee.
Brewing Method
Grind Size
Coffee Taste and Quality
Drip Coffee
Medium to fine grind
Well-balanced, smooth, flavorful
French Press
Coarse grind
Full-bodied, rich flavor
Pour-Over
Medium grind
Clean, crisp
Espresso
Very fine grind
Strong, bold
Coffee Beans Grinder Machine: How to Use
We have gathered all the different ways there are to grind your coffee beans using many different instruments. You will also find how to grind coffee beans without a grinder.
Vitamix is one of the most reliable and well-known blenders/grinders. Due to its high-efficiency, it has become a household name for many.
They claim that your Vitamix can blend everything. But can it grind coffee grinds though?
We tried and discovered it is really good for grinding coffee beans! Of course, it’s not going to perform like a proper coffee grinder!
The ground coffee from a Vitamix is not as precise or consistent. So you can get a mixture of smooth and coarse ground beans. However, for an easy, quick option, it’s comparable to basic, low-end coffee grinders on the market.
Here is how to grind coffee beans in a Vitamix:
Use the dry blade container to get better results. Start by measuring out 2 cups of roasted coffee beans.
Check the user manual to find out the best settings for grinding. Set the left switch to “variable” and turn the dial to number 3. This setting varies depending on which model of Vitamix you have.
Add the beans to the container and close the lid.
Turn on the machine and let it grind for 15 seconds. This is enough for any standard drip coffee. The longer you do it, the finer the grind will be. Finer grind is ideal for Turkish style coffee or espresso.
Grind for 5 seconds and take a break. Shake the container if necessary. This helps to create a more uniform blend.
Nutribullet Coffee Grinder:
Nutribullet Coffee Grinder
Nutribullet is known for its versatile functionality and convenient design. You can use it for a wide variety of items including coffee beans.
This is probably the easiest way to grind your coffee beans. Here’s how to grind coffee beans in a Nutribullet coffee grinder:
Always check the manual as the first step. If there are any instructions, follow that.
Use the flat blade for coffee beans. Fill up the container with as many beans as you need. We would recommend keeping a little bit of space inside.
Start the blender and let it grind for 10 seconds without interruptions.
Shake the container and grind again for 5 minutes. Keep doing this until you’re satisfied with the blend.
Shaking it helps to help the large particles go down toward the blade.
Unplug your Nutribullet and put the ground beans into an airtight container. This is perfect for easy morning coffee. And it takes less than a minute to do so!
Grinding Coffee Beans in a Blender:
Grinding Coffee Beans in a Blender
If you have no kitchen appliances, chances are you have a basic blender and a microwave. We all do. That’s why it makes sense to use one for coffee beans.
But the process is not as simple as just tossing them inside and pressing a button. Here’s how to grind coffee beans with a blender:
Check if your blender has a “grinder” setting. If it has one, select it. If not, look for the “medium-high” setting.
Pour around ½ cup of beans into the blender and close the lid firmly.
Use the pulse setting to grind your beans. Grind them for 5 seconds and then take 3 seconds to break. Then grind again for 5 seconds.
Repeat this at least 7-8 times. You should grind for a total of 30 seconds. To make sure it’s grinding consistently, tilt the blender sideways in the middle of grinding.
Pour it all into an airtight container to store it for longer.
Ninja Blender Coffee Grinder:
Ninja Blender Coffee Grinder
Ninja Blender is a very known kitchen appliance used by millions of people. They have a wide range of models. For this particular task, having a single-serve cup is the most preferable.
So here’s how to grind coffee beans with a Ninja blender:
It’s important to clean up your ninja blender very well. If you previously used it for spices or garlic, then it would have a strong scent that can ruin the smell of the coffee.
Put a cup of coffee beans on your Ninja Blender or until there is 3 inches empty space left on the container.
Plugin your blender and pulse up to 8-10 times depending on the texture you want. If you want it coarse, pulse less. For finer ground, you can pulse up to 12 times.
And that’s about it. Your coffee is ready to brew!
How to Grind Coffee Beans without a Grinder/Blender
If you don’t have a grinder or a blender, there are still ways to grind your coffee beans to desired consistency. We will tell you how to grind coffee beans for espresso without any electronic kitchen gadgets.
These steps might need some elbow grease and patience to follow as some of them are not as simple as pressing a button!
Rolling Pin:
Rolling Pin
You might not think about it, but a rolling pin is a very easy way to make coarse grind without any machine. All you need is a ziploc bag and of course, a rolling pin, and you are set for grinding your own coffee.
Even though it’s pretty self-explanatory, here’s how you can grind your coffee beans using a rolling pin:
Put your desired amount of roasted coffee beans in a ziploc bag. It is ideal to not overfill the bag. Less is more for this process.
Grab your rolling pin and gently press all over the bag. This will lightly crush the beans. Sue your rolling pin like a hammer for this step.
Now start to drive the rolling pin front and back applying light pressure. Keep doing it until all the beans are evenly crushed.
Move around the larger pieces to the middle and repeat the process. This can take a bit of time but be patient with it.
Mortar and Pestle:
Mortar and Pestle
We don’t recommend using this method for larger batches as mortar and pestle is quite labor-intensive. But if you are trying to grind coffee for only 1-2 cups, this is very useful.
For finer ground, mortar and pestle is ideal. You can also control how coarse or how fine you want your beans to grind.
Here’s how to use mortar and pestle for coffee beans:
Use around ¼ cup of coffee beans to fill up your mortar. This obviously depends on how big the mortar is. Ideally, you should always have enough space left to move the pestle around.
Hold the pestle with your dominating hand and put the other one on the pestle to make sure it doesn’t move. For a stone pestle, you might not need to do that as they are quite heavy.
Force the pestle down and use it as a hammer to break the beans into tiny pieces.
When all the beans are crushes, move the pestle in a circular motion so the beans start to grind into a finer consistency. Keep doing it until you reach your desired level.
Use a spoon to move around the beans so no part of it can escape the grinding motion of the pestle.
When you are done, remove the grounds and repeat from step 1 for more coffee.
Troubleshooting Tips
Grinder Not Grinding Beans
If you find that your coffee grinder is not grinding beans, it could be due to several reasons. The first thing you should check is the power source. Make sure the grinder is plugged in and the power source is working. If the grinder is working but not grinding beans, check the blades. They may be dull or broken and need replacement. Another cause could be an accumulation of coffee oils and residue that clogs the grinder. Cleaning the grinder with a brush or a dry towel can help remove this buildup.
Uneven Grinding
Uneven grinding can occur if the grinder blades are dull or unevenly worn. It could also be a result of too many or too few beans in the grinder. If you are experiencing uneven grinding, check the blades and ensure they are sharp and evenly spaced. Also, make sure that you are using the correct amount of coffee beans for the desired consistency. Overloading or underloading the grinder can lead to uneven grinding.
Grinder Jamming
Grinder jamming is a common problem that can occur when beans get stuck in the grinder. If you are experiencing jamming, try cleaning the grinder and blades thoroughly to remove any blockages. If this does not solve the problem, check for any damaged or bent parts that may need replacement.
Coffee Grounds Clumping Together
Coffee grounds clumping together can be a result of static electricity. To reduce static, try using a different container or cup to catch the coffee grounds. You can also try adding a small amount of salt to the coffee beans before grinding. Another solution is to use a grinder with an antistatic coating.
Inconsistent Grind Size
Inconsistent grind size can be caused by various factors, including dull or unevenly spaced blades, too many or too few beans in the grinder, or an incorrect grind setting. If you are experiencing inconsistent grind size, try adjusting the blades, using the correct amount of beans, or changing the grind setting.
FAQs
01. Is Grinding Coffee Beans Worth It?
If you are a passionate coffee drinker, you have to grind your own coffee beans. Not only does it taste hundreds of times better than pre-ground coffee, but it also has a better aroma. There is nothing nicer than the smell of freshly-ground coffee beans.
Pre-ground coffee beans lose a lot of natural oil and moisture in the process. This results in a dull, bland brew that does not feel very strong. With your own ground coffee, you won’t need as much to get the same kick. It’s very economical as well!
02. Does a Finer Grind Make Stronger Coffee?
The size of your grinding does not dictate how strong or weak your coffee will taste. The ground size matters in terms of brewing time.
If your coffee ground is coarse, it would take longer to brew in comparison to if it were fine powder. But finer grind does help to bring out the aroma and natural oil from within. This makes your coffee taste better and balanced.
However, if you overdo it, your coffee will taste very bitter and unpleasant.
03. How Many Coffee Beans Should I Grind?
This totally depends on how much coffee you want to make. You can batch grind a lot of them to store ro you can just grind every day to get the freshest brew possible.
Passionate coffee enthusiasts will tell you to grind coffee beans every day. And why not? You will only have to use 2 tablespoons of coffee beans to make 2 cups.
It’s so little that it takes literally seconds to do! But the result is a refreshingly strong coffee each time.
As it was freshly grounded, all the flavors stay inside it rather than evaporating in the air. So the aroma is stronger and smoother than store-bought ones.
You can also take a cup of beans to grind them for batch storing. A cup of coffee beans will make around 10 oz of ground coffee.
Inference
We tried to add a wide range of ways to grind your coffee beans at home. Hopefully one of them suited your needs and preferences. Now you know exactly how to grind coffee beans at home both with or without a grinder!
Which one are you going to try? Let us know in the comments down below!
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How to Grind Coffee Beans With or Without a Grinder
When you’re in the market for good coffee, you may have noticed that some coffee beans are more “oily” than others.
But what is the real reason behind the oiliness of some coffee beans? Does it change the taste of your coffee?
In this article, we’ll break down why is your coffee beans oily, as well as the impact that oiliness has on the flavor of your coffee.
From the effects of the coffee roasting process to the type of coffee bean used, we’ll examine the various factors that contribute to the oily sheen of coffee beans.
Some Common Reasons Behind the Oiliness of Coffee Beans
Oily Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit, and like other fruits, their appearance can vary from one variety to another.
Whether the coffee beans are oily or not is determined by their variety, their growing conditions, and the roasting process.
Naturally Oily Coffee Bean
Different varieties of coffee beans have different levels of oiliness. For example, Arabica beans are more oily than Robusta beans.
This is because Arabica beans are grown in higher altitudes, where the air is cooler and drier. This environment results in less oil production in the beans.
As the green oily coffee beans are roasted, the oil is cooked off, leaving the bean dry and crunchy (initially).
However, coffee beans contain oils inside them where all the flavors, amino acids, antioxidants, and caffeine contents reside. This coffee oil starts coming out as it is roasted from the endosperm to the surface of the coffee bean.
Dark roast beans tend to be more oily than light or medium roast beans, as the higher temperatures and long roasting times cause more oil to be released from the beans.
Dark Roast vs Dark Beans
When it comes to dark beans, the oils are not released during the roasting process, but rather during the brewing process.
The oils in dark coffee beans are released when the beans are ground and exposed to hot water, which causes them to “bloom” and release their oils.
The oils in dark beans are what give them their deep, rich flavor.
Processing Techniques
How the coffee roasters process beans can also affect the level of oiliness in coffee beans.
Wet-processed coffee beans, for example, tend to be oilier beans than dry-processed beans, as the wet-processing method leaves more of the oils intact.
Also, the oils in your coffee bean will begin to leak if they have been stored on a shelf at the store for a long period. This is why we suggest buying recently roasted coffee.
The Chemistry Behind Oily Coffee Beans
Oily coffee beans are the result of the coffee roasting process, and the chemistry behind it is fascinating.
When coffee beans are roasted, the bean’s outer layers undergo a chemical reaction called Maillard Reactions.
This reaction occurs when the heat from the roaster causes the proteins and sugars present in the bean to break down, forming new compounds and producing the characteristic aroma and flavor of the coffee roasts.
During the roasting process, oils are released from dark roast coffee beans, which is what gives coffee beans their trademark oily texture.
The oils released during the roasting process also contribute to the unique flavor of the coffee. The oils contain compounds called esters which provide coffee with its characteristic flavor.
It is important to note that the oils released during roasting can be harmful if they are not handled properly. They need to be stored in an airtight container and kept away from heat and light, as these will cause the oils to break down.
If the beans are not stored or handled properly, they can contain rancid oil, leading to off-flavors and a less-than-ideal cup of coffee.
Are Oily Coffee Beans Good or Bad?
coffee beans
Now that we understand the underlying reasons behind shiny coffee beans, the question comes “is this a good thing or bad?”
Oily coffee beans have been a subject of debate among coffee aficionados for some time now.
On one hand, some believe that the residual oil on the beans helps to improve the flavor and texture of the final cup. On the other hand, some say that oil can ruin the flavor and make the coffee taste unpleasant.
The truth is that ideal coffee depends on how you prefer it.
Many people find that the added coffee oil on the over-roasted beans can give a more intense flavor to the final cup of coffee, making it more robust and full-bodied. This is especially true for dark-roasted coffee beans and espresso blends.
Some people don’t like the oily texture of roasted coffee beans and may find that it detracts from the flavor of the coffee.
Another factor to consider is the freshness of the beans. If the beans are fresh, the oil on them will help to lock in the flavor, ensuring that the coffee tastes better for longer.
However, if the beans are old and the oil has had time to oxidize, the flavor of the coffee will be affected.
Oily coffee beans can sometimes cause weird problems:
Bitter Taste
The first issue with oily coffee beans is that they can produce a bitter taste. This is because the oils can interact with the acids in the beans, creating a bitter flavor.
While some people may prefer the taste of a bitter cup of coffee, it isn’t for everyone.
Also, the bitter taste can be intensified if the beans are over-extracted. Therefore, it’s important to use the right burr grinders and water temperature when brewing coffee.
Clog Filters
Another problem with oily beans is that they can clog filters.
This can be a particular issue with metal filters, as the oils can get stuck in the small holes and block the flow of water. This can result in a weak, watery cup of coffee.
If you’re using a paper filter, the oils may not block the flow of water, but they can still affect the taste of the finished product.
Damaged Equipment
Oily beans can put extra strain on your grinder or espresso machine.
This is because the oils can collect in the brewing chamber and other parts of the espresso machine, making it difficult for the water to pass through.
If this happens, the automatic coffee machines may need to be taken apart and cleaned. This can be a time-consuming process and can also lead to expensive repairs.
When Should You Pay More Attention to Oily Beans?
If you have a fully automated expresso maker!
The machine grinders inside the espresso machine might be fussier. Oily bean tends to adhere to the walls of the grinder which will gradually impair the performance of your machine.
Continued usage of oily beans may result in exorbitant maintenance costs (regular cleaning) and equipment downtime. It may also alter the flavor of your espresso and result in an unpleasant aftertaste.
That’s why we don’t recommend using very dark roasts (more oily) for espresso machines. You can instead use a French press with medium-dark roasts.
How Can I Prevent Oily Coffee Beans Problems?
Here are some tips on how to prevent oily coffee beans:
Choose the light to medium roast coffee – The darker the roast, the more surface oil will be released. Choose a light-roasted coffee or medium-roasted coffee for the best flavor and the least amount of oil.
Buy fresh coffee grounds – Older coffee beans start to lose their flavor and oils as soon as they are roasted. Buy freshly roasted beans or coffee grounds from a reputable source.
Use pre-ground dark roast – Pre-ground dark roast coffee beans can be used as an alternative to freshly roasted coffee beans. Grinding your beans just before brewing will help to keep the oils locked in the beans and not released during the brewing methods.
Clean your coffee maker – Oils can build up in your coffee maker over time. Regularly cleaning your coffee machine with vinegar or a special cleaner will help to remove any built-up oils. Or you can instead use a manual burr grinder.
Store properly – It’s important to store your beans in a cool, dry place to keep the oils from going rancid or becoming low-quality coffee beans. An airtight container is best. You can read this article on storing coffee beans for more advice on this.
Don’t use flavored coffee beans – Flavored coffee beans tend to have added oils and other ingredients that can increase the risk of oily beans. If you want a flavored coffee, it’s best to purchase unflavored beans and add the flavor yourself.
Use the appropriate amount of coffee-Using too much coffee will result in more oils being extracted, so measure out the appropriate amount of coffee for your brew.
Experiment with different brewing methods– Some brewing methods, like as French press, extract more oils than others, so experiment with different methods to determine which produce less oily coffee.
Experiment with different coffee blends- Some coffee blends are inherently less oily than others, so experiment with different blends to find one that suits your taste and is less oily.
You may limit your consumption of oily coffee beans and enjoy a less greasy, more flavorful cup of coffee by following these steps.
FAQs
Are Starbucks Beans Too Oily?
Starbucks coffees tend to be more on the oily side. This is because the roasting process used to create Starbucks coffee beans is “dark roasting,” which leaves an oily residue, but has a stronger, more intense flavor. However, Starbucks also offers light roast and medium roast coffee beans.
How to Dry Oily Coffee Beans?
To dry oily coffee beans, you can either spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at a low temperature (200 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) for 15-20 minutes, or you can use a food dehydrator set to the same temperature. Make sure to stir the beans occasionally to ensure even drying.
Learn how long to store coffee beans and whether they are raw or roasted and the type of storage to ensure they retain maximum freshness and shelf life.
How Long To Store Coffee Beans Everything You Need To Know min
Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. The USA tops the list as the country that drinks the most coffee in the world.
Did you know that coffee beans are the main ingredient in coffee? They are the seeds or berries that are used to make coffee.
Coffee lovers prefer to grind coffee beans to make their coffee freshly. But coffee beans are expensive and difficult to store. They may lose their flavor and aroma if not kept properly after a few days.
In this article, we will provide you with an introduction to how long coffee beans last.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Coffee Beans
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Coffee Beans
You’ve spent a good amount of money on buying the best coffee beans.
But if you are not careful about how you store them, you’ll be disappointed with the results.
So, let’s run through the factors that affect the shelf life of coffee beans.
According to the National Coffee Association, the main factors that affect the quality and taste of coffee beans are:
Heat
Coffee beans are best stored at room temperature or even in a cooler place like in a kitchen cabinet.
Put them too close to the stove or oven, the heat will affect the beans and cause them to lose their flavor and aroma.
Air
When air seeps through the packaging, oxidation occurs where oxygen reacts with the coffee beans and makes them lose their fresh aroma and taste.
That’s why invest in airtight packaging like opaque containers or resealable bags with air valves.
These bags help keep oxygen from entering and reacting with the coffee beans while making a vent for the carbon dioxide to escape from the beans.
Moisture
Water content from the air or humidity can cause coffee beans to become stale and moldy.
Once moisture comes in contact with coffee beans, the flavor will lose its original intensity.
You should not only use airtight containers to store coffee beans but also keep the container in a dry place, away from any source of moisture.
When light contacts the coffee beans, the oxidation process takes place faster and disintegrates the aroma oils from the coffee beans, resulting in a loss of flavor.
What’s The Shelf Life Of Whole Roasted Coffee Beans?
Shelf Life of Roasted Coffee Beans min
Roasted coffee beans last a long time. Because the whole roasted coffee beans are dry, there is very little chance of mold growth, unless you keep the beans in a moist place.
Freshly roasted coffee beans remain fresh for two to three weeks.
If you store them in an airtight, opaque container with a one-way valve, you can extend their freshness window to one month.
That said, roasted coffee beans won’t last forever even if you store them in airtight canisters and keep them in a dark and dry space. Beyond a specific time, they will lose their flavor and aroma.
Light vs Dark Roasted Coffee Beans
The freshest state of whole roasted coffee beans varies from bean to bean. Compared to light-roasted coffee beans, dark-roasted coffee beans stale faster.
That’s because dark roasted beans have been roasted for a longer time, cracking them open, making them more porous, and releasing more oils to the surface that react with the oxygen in the air faster. This makes them lose their fresh aroma and taste sooner.
Lightly roasted coffee beans last up to six weeks after the roasting date. Due to a shorter roasting time, lightly roasted coffee beans have a longer shelf life since the coffee pods are not cracked and can seal in all the aroma and flavor.
Different Coffee Storage Methods (Impact on Coffee Flavor)
Storage Method
Impact on Coffee Flavor
Room Temperature
Poor flavor preservation, coffee can become stale and develop off-flavors
Refrigeration
Can extend the shelf life of coffee, but can also lead to moisture buildup and loss of flavor
Freezing
Coffee can last for several months, but the quality will deteriorate due to freezer burn and loss of aroma
Vacuum Sealing
Effective at preserving flavor, as it removes air and prevents moisture from entering the bag
Airtight Container
Good for short-term storage, but can lead to buildup of moisture and gases that can alter the taste of the coffee
✍️ Note: It’s best to store coffee in a cool, dark place and to consume it within 2-3 weeks of roasting for the best flavor.
The storage method has a lot to do with retaining the freshness of roasted whole coffee beans.
Within 12 months after the roast date, whole coffee beans will still be fresh if stored in a one-way valve nitrogen-flushed bag or a simple pouch with a valve.
Nitrogen flushing is a process by which oxygen is replaced by nitrogen from food product packaging. Since nitrogen doesn’t react with food or change its texture, flavor, or taste, they stay fresher for a longer period.
Moreover, nitrogen is a denser gas than oxygen and surrounds the food products and protects them in transit or on the shelf.
On the other hand, vacuum sealing simply removes the air from the packaging before it’s sealed. Nitrogen or any other gas is absent from such sealing.
The shelf life of roasted whole beans can be extended to three to five months when they are vacuum-sealed. You can do this at home with the help of a vacuum sealer.
If properly frozen, roasted coffee can have up to three years of shelf life.
However, these should be used within a week after taking them out of the freezer.
How Long To Store Green Coffee Beans?
Green Coffee Beans
Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans that come in hessian sacks to the coffee roasters.
These unroasted coffee beans stay fresher for a longer time than roasted or ground coffee. This is why many prefer to buy green coffee beans and roast them at home.
These raw coffee beans can last for up to a few years if stored inside a vacuum-sealed bag and at room temperature.
Always store coffee in an airtight, opaque container in a place away from heat, light, air, and moisture, preferably in a kitchen cabinet.
When green coffee beans are exposed to the elements, they lose their flavor.
Stored properly, green coffee beans last up to two years after being opened and stored in a cotton/burlap bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing the beans in direct sunlight.
If green coffee beans are frozen in vacuum-sealed bags, they will last for eternity. That’s because the beans are protected from oxidation or exposure to light or other odors – the ideal condition to keep your raw coffee beans fresh for years.
But it’s difficult to keep your freezer space occupied for so long.
Moreover, if you keep all the green coffee beans in the same bag in the freezer, thawing them and then refreezing them will take a toll on the aroma and taste.
Instead, divide smaller portions of the coffee per week and put them away in small freezer bags. This way, you will use them up at the right them without having to worry about the freshness of the beans.
24 hours before you roast the raw coffee beans, take out one bag from the freezer and roast them for the whole week.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to buy green coffee beans for home, don’t buy more than a year’s worth of them to retain maximum freshness.
How To Keep Ground Coffee Fresh
How To Keep Ground Coffee Fresh
There are many people like me who don’t have a coffee burr at home and prefer to buy fresh ground coffee.
Ground roasted coffee lasts approximately 2 to 4 months if stored in an unopened bag.
It can lose its flavor within 15 minutes when exposed to air as ground coffee has a larger surface area through which it loses its oils and aroma.
If maintained in its original packaging after opening, ground coffee should ideally be consumed within a week.
By keeping ground coffee in an airtight container, you may extend its freshness.
Did you know that during and right after the process of roasting coffee beans a chemical reaction takes place that releases carbon dioxide from the freshly roasted beans?
Degassing is the process where all the carbon dioxide from the roasted beans is released over a period of time.
This not only has an impact on the taste of the brew but also on the shelf life of the coffee beans.
Coffee beans emit gases more quickly in the early days after roasting.
The newly roasted grounds release CO2 gas throughout the brewing process, creating bubbles.
These bubbles may interfere with the water’s ability to contact the ground beans, which could result in uneven extraction.
That’s why it’s advised to wait for a few days for the coffee to degas after roasting before you proceed to grinding it and making a cup of coffee.
This time frame could range from one to five days, depending on the brewing method.
For instance, if you use a French press to brew your coffee, your coffee beans are ready for use one to two days after roasting.
Wait for five to seven days following the roasting date before using the beans for espresso.
And if you are into pour-over coffee, bubbles from the freshly roasted coffee are a sign of freshness and should be appreciated.
😀 Fun Fact: Coffee beans tend to lose their flavor slower after roasting and during degassing.
So, if you want to know if the pack of roasted coffee beans you just got is fresh enough, simply put them in a plastic Ziploc bag and press out as much air as possible.
Seal the bag and leave it overnight.
If you find out in the morning that the plastic bag has filled out with air, that means the coffee beans are freshly roasted and still degassing.
If you want to find out how long to keep coffee beans after opening, follow the tips below.
Buy fresh coffee beans from a nearby roaster that roasts in small batches.
Buy roasted whole coffee beans instead of ground coffee.
Grind coffee beans at home using a coffee grinder. This way, the coffee beans stay fresh for longer.
Grind coffee only when you need them as storing ground coffee will cause it to go stale.
The simplest solution is just to keep them in there if your coffee is packaged in an opaque resealable bag. Otherwise, use an opaque, airtight container to store the coffee beans to prevent exposure to light.
Avoid bulk buying coffee beans as the quality decreases over time.
Avoid refrigerating coffee beans as this will affect their smell and taste.
Put coffee beans in double bags and store them in the freezer if you’re not going to use them anytime soon. This will prevent moisture from coming in contact with the coffee beans.
How To Detect Stale Coffee Beans
Stale Coffee Beans
These are the top telltale signs that your coffee beans have gone stale.
Residue
Take some coffee beans in your hands. If you see residue on your hands, that’s a sure sign they have become stale.
Smell
If the coffee beans don’t give off their usual aroma, they are not fresh anymore.
Taste
A cup of coffee that leaves a bitter aftertaste and smells nothing of the caramel, toffee, or nutty flavors that you were expecting is most likely stale.
Looks
By just looking at the coffee beans, you can tell if they’re fresh or not.
Fresh coffee beans release oil that gives them a sheen.
If the sheen is missing, the coffee beans are not fresh anymore.
Moreover, if you notice mold on coffee beans, you need to throw them out.
Packaging
Coffee beans need to release gas after they have been roasted. So, look for air valves or holes in the packaging.
If there are none, the coffee beans inside have indeed gone stale.
The Bottom Line
The key to keeping coffee beans fresh is to store them well.
Even beyond the expiration date on the bag, you can safely use coffee beans if you have stored them in an airtight container.
Remember that any contact with light, air, heat, and moisture will cause coffee beans to lose their fresh taste and even become moldy.
Or, if you bought coffee beans in bulk, freeze them in freezer bags and they’ll be fine.
FAQs
How Do You Store Whole Coffee Beans Long Term?
You can either use a vacuum-sealed bag or store whole coffee beans long term in an airtight and opaque container. Vacuum-packed roasted whole coffee beans will last for three to five months. Roasted coffee beans, if frozen properly in vacuum-sealed bags, will last for at least two to three years.
How Long Do Raw Coffee Beans Last?
Raw coffee beans in a vacuum-sealed bag will last for a few years. They last for up to two years after opening and storing in a burlap or cotton bag in a dry, cool place. Frozen raw coffee beans in vacuum-sealed bags will last forever.
Do Coffee Whole Beans Go Bad?
No, coffee whole beans do not go bad like for example, fruit or other foods that contain moisture and will get moldy. Coffee beans are dry and although they might lose their sheen, aroma, and taste due to oxidation, they don’t go bad.
Why Do Coffee Beans Last Longer Than Ground Coffee?
Coffee beans release oil and aroma when they are roasted. When coffee beans are ground, the surface area expands, releasing more flavors and aroma. Because these come more in contact with the air in ground coffee, it lasts for up to a few weeks or a month. On the other hand, the oils and aroma are trapped inside freshly roasted coffee beans, making these last longer – up to 3 months.
Can I Freeze Fresh Coffee?
It is not advisable to freeze coffee since it may occasionally result in a flat profile and may lessen the intensity of the fragrance, oils, and flavor. Choose a small batch roaster that freshly hand roasts coffee daily so that your cup of coffee has the freshest taste and fragrance possible. Store fresh coffee in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Learn the best Kona coffee brands available and how to distinguish between pure and blended Kona coffee so that you are sure to invest in the right brand.
Best Kona Coffee
The US does not pop into our minds when we think of coffee.
Coffee plantation is mainly associated with Brazil, Columbia, Ethiopia, and other parts of the world.
But did you know that exclusive and expensive coffee beans are grown here in the United States?
That’s right!
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the best coffee beans in the world.
In particular, the Kona region of Hawaii is favorable for growing Kona coffee.
In this post, we will look at the best Kona coffee brands and find out how to distinguish between pure and blended beans.
What Is Kona Coffee?
Kona Coffee
Kona coffee is premium quality 100% Arabica coffee that is cultivated, collected, and processed in the Kona region that’s on the west side of the big island of Hawaii, namely in the Hills of Mauna Loa and Hualalai.
The Kona District is just 30 miles long and 2 to 3 miles wide.
When you see coffee bags with a 100% percent label Kona, that means it is hand-selected from the Kona coffee belt – the region in Hawaii where this specialty coffee is grown.
Typica is the most common variety of Kona coffee.
Arabica coffee is usually grown at an altitude of 6,000 feet.
But you’d be surprised to know that Kona coffee plantations are at an elevation of between 500 and 2,500 feet.
What Makes Kona Coffee Special?
What Makes Kona Coffee Special
A few factors make Kona coffee special – the conditions in which they are grown, the taste, its own grading system, and the way they are processed.
Kona coffee beans are rare and that makes them unique.
For all coffee plants to grow into the healthiest plants and yield healthy fruit and seeds, they require specific weather conditions, elevation, rainfall, and soil quality.
A region of Hawaii known as the “coffee belt from Kona” is where you will find all these conditions fulfilled, thanks to the nutrient and mineralrich volcanic soil, the right balance of sunlight and shade, and the right amount of rainfall.
These qualities make Kona coffee one of the most prized in the world.
Moreover, the best Kona coffee plantations are not typical commercial ones.
You will find only about 600 farms that grow coffee in the Kona district.
Each farm is about five to seven acres, and most are run by families.
As a result, the care given to the process of growing and harvesting the best Kona coffee is unparalleled.
The coffee fruit undergoes quality control procedures before being harvested.
Fruit that is either too ripe or not ripe enough is rejected.
They are next prepared to extract the seeds, and once more, any seeds with flaws are eliminated.
This guarantees that you only receive the best Kona coffee beans.
The majority of beans are washed and sun-dried.
To get the beans to the green bean stage, the farmers’ machine hulls them.
Hawaiian coffee is graded differently.
The agriculture department of the state of Hawaii produced stringent regulations and created specific categories of coffee to differentiate between grades.
Extra Fancy, Fancy, Number 1, Select, and Prime are the top five categories based on the size and the number of faults.
How Does Kona Coffee Taste?
A sweet aroma will greet you when you sip your cup of the best Kona coffee.
Depending on the farm it originated from, the coffee can have notes of berry or vanilla or citrus.
The mouthfeel is one that’s velvety smooth.
With a low acid level, Kona coffee is a great choice for those who don’t like their coffee strong but want a well-balanced taste.
You won’t have any of a bitter aftertaste and that’s what makes this coffee so unique.
The medium-body coffee tastes light, clean, and well-balanced.
In terms of aroma, you will get a rich one and it can vary from spicy and buttery to floral and fruity.
You will get undertones of caramel, chocolate, or nutty flavors depending on the roast.
Best Kona Coffee Brands
Have we got you interested enough in Kona coffee?
Let’s look at the best Kona coffee brands you can buy online to start your journey to discovering exquisite coffee.
01 kona peaberry: Medium Roast
This is available in both medium and dark roasts and if you’re looking for a premium Kona coffee brand of the best quality, this is it.
Lovingly called “the Champagne of Kona coffees”, peaberry is not easily available.
Two coffee beans are typically nestled face-to-face inside coffee cherries.
Coffee beans are flat on one side because of this.
But when only one tiny oval-shaped bean rather than two flat-sided beans are present in coffee cherries, these are called peaberry beans.
Simply because of the way nature crafts peaberry Kona coffee, it is rare.
Only 3 to 5 bags of Kona coffee will be Peaberry for every 100 bags – a bare 3-5%.
Koa Coffee was founded in 1997 as a family business.
The hand-picked Koa Kona coffee has garnered numerous awards over the years, including the prestigious Gevalia Cupping Competition, PCCA Coffee of the Year, Forbes “Top 10 Coffees of the World,” and “Best Coffee in America” in Forbes’ “50 of America’s Best.”
Due to high demand, you won’t get Koa Coffee Peaberry variants easily and if you want to have it regularly, it’s better to opt for a subscription.
Features:
Smoother feel with a lighter, fruitier, and sweeter taste than other Kona coffees
Rich and full-bodied for the best experience
Low acidity
Handpicked instead of mechanical harvesting that might mix unripe cherries with the red ripe ones
Undoubtedly, one of the highest-grade and most expensive Kona coffee brands, it is a luxurious and medium roast coffee.
Its full-bodied and rich taste complements the floral and fruity tones of jasmine, cherries, citrus, and caramel, providing you with an unforgettable sweet experience with a dash of tartness.
This low-acid coffee with a pH balance of 5.2 ensures there is no bitter aftertaste.
Shade-grown on the rich volcanic soil at high altitudes of Aloha Farms, Volcanica Hawaiian is both Kosher and the State of Hawaii certified.
Only after you place your order will the beans be roasted so that you get the best aroma of the freshest beans in a premium blue velvet bag.
The Volcanica Kona Peaberry coffee is for those who prefer a stronger cup of coffee.
Coming from the same company as the Volcanica Hawaiian, this variant consists of peaberries and is naturally more flavorful and rich.
Cultivated in microclimates and volcanic soil, these Kona coffee beans are known for having a distinct taste.
The peaberries are washed, sun-dried, and processed to give you the best-flavored cup of coffee with a smooth mouthfeel and a deep, luxurious, and nutty flavor.
These best Kona coffee beans are roasted right before it’s shipped to you to preserve their wonderful aroma and taste.
In 2006, the Food and Wine magazine listed Volcanica Peaberry Coffee among the Top 10 Coffees.
This is another low-acid coffee with a pH value of 5.2 so that there is no bitter aftertaste to spoil your experience.
To enhance the whole experience, the company ships this coffee in a blue velvet bag.
Features:
Peaberry coffee beans for a rich taste
Concentrated flavor
Orange blossoms and cherries aroma with undertones of chocolate and roasted almonds for warm, fruity, and nutty vibes
With a long and rich history of growing coffee tracing back to 1969, the Hawaii Coffee Company is one of the best Kona coffee brands in the industry and is the parent company for many Hawaiian coffee and tea brands.
The company’s founders promised to purchase all of the coffee crops from the Hawaiian growers.
The green cherries on the plant are always left to fully mature before being plucked by hand.
The company is supposed to be the largest roaster of Kona coffees and they have their own coffee mill at Captain Cook.
Sourcing Kona beans from their own farms, the company ensures you get the best light roast Kona coffee.
Therefore, Royal Kona coffee is for those coffee drinkers who like their coffee mellow and sweet.
Even their medium roasts are lighter than other medium roast brands.
The fruity, clean, and bright flavors make this a darling among many coffee connoisseurs.
You can best enjoy this light coffee using the pour-over method of brewing.
The company can ship either whole beans or ground coffee as per your request.
They will roast the coffee beans once your order has been placed.
Features:
Light roast
Mellow and fruity flavor
Clear taste
Extra Fancy grade
Single-origin, authentic Kona coffee cultivated at high altitudes
Two times winner of the Gevalia Kona Cupping Classic Competition, Kona Kulana Coffee is a well-balanced coffee that is low in acid.
Hailing from a single-estate farm, this Kona Kulana dark roast coffee is consistent in its flavor, taste, and texture, giving you a cup of smooth coffee full of the natural aroma of Kona beans.
A subtle suggestion of cinnamon, brown sugar, and lavender combine to create an exquisite taste.
Grown at 2,300 feet in the Kona district, Kona Kulana coffee is carefully hand-picked and roasted at the right temperature to ensure your cup of coffee is fresh and rich.
Features:
Grown at a high altitude of 2,300 feet for better flavor
With certification from the State of Hawaii, you are sure to get 100% authentic Kona coffee beans from this brand.
It’s a single-origin medium-roast Kona coffee that gives you dark and deep flavors each time you brew a cup.
Organically grown, these coffee beans are carefully selected manually and naturally dried in the sun before getting roasted.
You get a medium to dark roast that’s a bit oily and hence, more flavor on the surface of the beans.
For the perfect gourmet coffee experience, you can indulge in Blue Horse Kona coffee which offers a rich and luscious aroma paired with tones of chocolate, caramel, and spices.
Features:
State-certified for authenticity
Dark and rich profile
Single-estate for consistency
Organically grown, handpicked, and washed with rainwater for the best flavor profile
Dark roast for bolder flavors of spices, chocolate, and caramel
Although Keala’s Hawaiian Coffee is cultivated in Honolulu that’s part of the Big Island, a Seattle-based roaster – Bean Box – takes the roasting responsibility.
Roasted in small batches to ensure the highest quality and freshness, Keala Kona Coffee has the Extra Fancy grading, signaling its premium standards.
This medium roast coffee gives a cup of fruity and vibrant aromas redolent of passion fruit and toasted coconut.
Due to their scarcity and high production costs, Kona coffee beans have an astronomical price tag.
It has to be grown in a particular region in order to be referred to be 100% Kona.
Price increases when supply is insufficient to meet demand.
The cost of production is another reason why Kona coffee is so expensive.
The majority of coffee is farmed in underdeveloped nations where labor is inexpensive.
But in the US, the labor costs are significantly higher than they are in other coffee-producing regions since Kona beans are farmed in the United States.
Kona Coffee Buying Guide
You should consider a few factors before ordering Kona coffee online so that you won’t be short-changed and left underwhelmed about one of the best coffees in the world.
There are a lot of scammers out there that sell low-quality coffee in the guise of “Hawaiian coffee” or use low-quality beans to mix with only the minimum percentage of Kona beans to claim the coffee is from the island.
The Blend
Don’t fall for Kona blends that do not specify the percentage of Kona beans in the blend.
The law in Hawaii sets a maximum limit of 10% Kona coffee in blends.
So, that’s a really low percentage and the rest of the coffee could be made up with other low-quality coffee beans, giving you the worst taste of Kona coffee.
If you’re not buying from the US, it’s likely that you’ll end up investing in a coffee that is not Kona at all, or if there’s a trace of it, it could be 10% or less.
“Taste of Hawaii” and “Kona-style beans” are traps that will take you down the wrong path.
Check the label and make sure the coffee you want to buy comes from Hawaii and contains 100% Kona coffee beans.
Kona Vs Hawaiian Coffee
Kona coffee is from Hawaii but all Hawaiian coffees are not from the Kona region.
The Kona district is the only region in Hawaii that’s ideal for growing top-notch coffee.
In other parts of Hawaii like the islands of Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu, there are coffee farms.
But the coffee from these plantations cannot be compared to the original Kona coffee beans because the growing conditions are not the same.
Each of these areas has a distinctive logo that identifies the region where the coffee was grown.
A more general umbrella 100% Hawaiian Coffee trademark logo is also used.
When you want to buy Kona coffee, look for these symbols.
If you see them, then these are not 100% Kona coffee brands.
Coffee Grading
Another factor to consider before buying Kona coffee is the grading of the coffee as defined by the state of Hawaii.
There are two types or categories of coffee from Hawaii – Type I and Type II.
These are based on the moisture content, size, shape, rarity, and defects in the beans.
The size of the beans is of particular importance as this affects the flavor development and also acts as an indicator to roasters to get even roasting of the whole batch.
The bean size also impacts the grind which has a direct impact on the over or under-extraction of the coffee, which ultimately affects the coffee strength.
Type I coffee beans are normal coffee beans.
Type II is not normal coffee beans but peaberry beans which are a natural mutation in the coffee tree that results in each pod having a single bean inside, not two like in the normal coffee pods.
These peaberry beans pack more punch in each bean and are more flavorful than their normal cousin, making them more coveted and driving up their price.
Both types are categorized as Extra Fancy, Fancy, Number 1, Select, Prime, Number 3, Natural Prime, and Mixed Natural Prime.
The top grade of Kona coffee falls in the first three categories.
Extra Fancy is the best quality Kona coffee bean with the following features:
Uniform color
No defects
Premium roast quality
8 defects per 300 grams
Type I is a size 19 and Type II is a size 13
Fancy is the next grade with the below attributes.
Uniform color
Good roasting quality
12 defects per 300 grams
Type I is a size 18 and Type II is a size 12
Number 1 grade has the following traits:
Uniform color
Above-average roasting quality
18 defects per 300 grams
Type I is a size 16 and Type II is a size 10
Now starts the lesser categories.
Select has the following features:
Good flavor and aroma
5% defects of the total weight allowed
Prime has the following features:
Good flavor and aroma
20% defects allowed
Number 3 has more defects than Prime but the same clean aroma and flavor are mandatory.
Natural Prime allows up to 20% defects and there are no rules in place as to the color uniformity or roasting quality or size.
Mixed Natural Prime is almost the same as Natural Prime and is considered to be Kona coffee of the lowest quality and is used in blends.
In terms of moisture content, 9–12% moisture from Extra Fancy to Hawaii No.3 is allowed.
A greater range – from 8-13% – for Hawaii Natural Prime and Hawaii Mixed Natural Prime is permitted.
As you can probably tell, a higher moisture content connotes coffee beans of lower quality.
KCC Seal Of Approval
The Kona Coffee Council (KCC) was founded by a group of Hawaiian coffee farmers in the Kona area.
The organization was founded in 1985 to defend and advance the 100% Kona label.
The Council certifies both green coffee and roasters.
Therefore, look for the KCC seal of approval on the packaging before you decide to buy.
FAQs
Why Is Kona Coffee So Special?
The conditions in which Kona coffee is cultivated, the rarity of the beans, the aromatic and sweet taste, and the grading system that is only used in Hawaii make Kona coffee special.
What Is The Most Popular Coffee In Hawaii?
Kona is the most popular coffee in Hawaii.
Where Is The Best Kona Coffee Grown?
The best Kona coffee is grown on the hills of Mauna Loa and Hualalai.
Light roast coffee beans are roasted for a shorter amount of time than dark roast beans. This results in a coffee with a lighter body and bright acidity. While dark roasts are often described as having a “burnt” flavor, lightly roasted coffee is more delicate and nuanced.
7 Best Light Roast Coffees An Unbiased Review Buying Guide
There are many different types of light coffee roasts, from the bright and fruity Ethiopian Yirgacheffe to the floral and nutty Kenyan AA. And within each type of light roast, there are even more flavor profiles to explore.
So, if you’re looking for a coffee with more complex flavors, light roasts are a great place to start. To help you find the best light roast coffee for your taste, we’ve put together a list of our favorites.
What is light roast coffee?
Light roast coffee is roasted less than medium or dark roasts. This produces a brighter tint and a less bitter, more acidic taste. Light roast coffee provides more caffeine than darker roasts because the roasting process breaks down caffeine less. The lighter roast brings out the coffee’s origin taste, making it ideal for speciality and single-origin coffees. Light roast coffee tastes bright, crisp, and delicious.
The study by Michael Greger M.D.FACLM mentioned dark roast coffee is more effective than light roast coffee in reducing body weight.
What are the Health Benefits of Light Roast Coffee?
Light roast coffee’s flavour and health advantages are attracting coffee aficionados. Lighter roasts have more acidity and less bitterness than darker roasts. This coffee is also healthier than other caffeinated drinks.
There is a study that suggests that light roasts offer more health benefits than other types of coffee.
Antioxidants make light roast coffee healthy. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which damage cells and cause chronic illnesses. Light roast coffee contains polyphenols, antioxidants that lower inflammation and cancer risk.
Light roast coffee boosts attention and alertness. Light roast coffee has less caffeine than darker roasts but still boosts mood and cognition. It boosts energy and reduces weariness, making it a good morning or afternoon drink.
Light roast coffee improves physical and mental wellbeing. For weight loss or maintenance, it boosts metabolism and burns fat. Light roast coffee contains vitamins B, E, magnesium, and potassium.
Finally, light roast coffee reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver damage. Light roast coffee’s polyphenols and antioxidants defend against certain illnesses and boost health.
This breakfast blend coffee is a fantastic representation of the light and delicate characteristics found in this roast level, and it is rich with nutty flavor notes, balanced sweetness, and a silky mouthfeel.
This is the perfectly balanced American-style coffee that has just enough to wake you up; not weak, not strong, just right!
And it is also an agent of worldly good! These professional roasters are committed to sourcing only sustainably raised coffee and using recyclable packaging.
What Makes a Light Roast Coffee… Light?
First of all, coffee beans are not at all like the beans you picture when you think of coffee beans before they are roasted. They are green in color, instead of the delicious chocolate color you expect.
In this raw stage of the coffee, they don’t smell like coffee at all in fact; rather, they smell more like grass or dirt, which is not at all appetizing.
So, green coffee beans need to go through a roasting process. The question is: what temperature beans are roasted at and for how long? This is what differentiates between different roast levels.
As you keep roasting green beans, they absorb more heat and turn from light to medium, and darker roasts. There are a few things that contribute to making lightly roasted coffee:
The beans are roasted for a shorter period (taken off the fire as soon as they begin to crack) than dark roast beans. This means that they retain more of their original flavor and have a more delicate flavor profile.
Light roasts are typically brewed at a lower temperature (380-400 degrees Fahrenheit). This allows for more of the coffee’s delicate flavors to be extracted.
Light roasts generally have a higher acidity. This makes them more bright and more vibrant in flavor.
That’s why your coffee will have less body but much stronger tastes that come from the original beans. This is fantastic for unique coffee beans because when they are lightly roasted, you can truly taste what makes them exceptional.
How does light roast coffee compare to other types of coffee?
Light vs. Medium vs. Dark Roast Coffee
When it comes to coffee, there are three different types of roasts: light, medium, and dark. Each type of roast has its unique flavor notes that can range from sweet and fruity to rich and smoky:
Coffee Roast
Description
Flavor Notes
Light Roast
Lighter in color and has a more delicate flavor. Roasted for a shorter period, preserving natural bright acidity.
Fruity or floral notes.
Medium Roast
A happy medium body between light and dark. Roasted for a longer period than light roasts, but not as long as dark roasts.
Chocolate or nutty notes.
Dark Roast
The darkest and most intense type of coffee. Roasted for a longer period, bringing out natural sugars and oils.
Smoky or even burnt notes.
1. Light Roast Coffee
Light roast coffee is typically lighter in color and has a more delicate flavor. The beans are roasted for a shorter period, which preserves their natural bright acidity.
Lighter roast coffee taste is often described as having fruity or floral notes.
2. Medium Roast Coffee
Medium roast coffee is a happy medium body between light and dark. The beans are roasted for a longer period than light roasts, but not as long as dark roasts.
This results in a coffee that has more body and flavor than lighter roasts but is not as intense as darker roasts. Medium roasts are often described as having chocolate or nutty notes.
3. Dark Roast Coffee
Dark-roasted coffee is the darkest and most intense type of coffee. The beans are roasted for a longer period, which brings out their natural sugars and oils.
This results in a coffee that is full-bodied and has a deep, rich flavor. Dark roast coffee is often described as having smoky or even burnt notes.
Why Do People Drink Light Roast Coffee?
drinking coffee 1
Many people prefer lighter roast coffees because it has a more delicate flavor than their dark counterpart. Light roasts are also less likely to cause heartburn and other digestive problems because it’s less acidic.
Here are some common reasons people are choosing light coffee roasts:
It’s Healthier – Some health experts claim light roast coffee is healthier than dark roast. They point to studies showing that they have more antioxidants than dark roasts. Antioxidants are believed to protect the body against cell damage and diseases.
It Tastes Cleaner – Lightly roasted coffee has a brighter, cleaner flavor that is less intense than dark roast coffees. Also, it’s typically less bitter than dark beans. This is because the coffee beans are roasted for a shorter period, which prevents them from picking up the smoky, charred flavors that can make dark beans taste bitter.
It’s More Caffeinated – Contrary to popular belief, light roast beans generally higher in caffeine than dark. This is because the roasting process breaks down some of the coffee beans’ caffeine content, so dark roast has less caffeine per cup than light roast coffee. So, lightly roasted coffee beans are the way to go, if you’re looking for a coffee that will give you a little extra boost.
It’s More Eco-Friendly – The blonde roast coffee beans use less water and energy to produce, making them better for the environment.
It’s More Affordable – Lightly roasted coffee is typically more affordable than dark roast coffees because they don’t require as much time or resources to roast. This makes them a great option for those on a budget.
Potential Drawbacks or Negative Aspects of Light Roast Coffee
Light roast coffee does not have as much caffeine as dark roast coffee. Caffeine is burned off during the roasting process, and lighter roasts simply spend less time in the roaster. So, if you’re hoping for a caffeine rush, light roast coffee might not be the way to go.
Another issue to consider with light roast coffee is acidity. It is more acidic than darker roasts, which can cause stomach discomfort or even heartburn for certain people.
Light roast coffee may be weak in body or mouthfeel when compared to deeper roasts. The roasting procedure eliminates some of the natural oils from the beans, which add to the body of the coffee.
How We Picked the Light Roast Coffee Beans to Review: A Buying Guide
We here at the Boat Basin Café blog are passionate about specialty coffee. So passionate, in fact, that we decided to dedicate our time and energy to reviewing as many different kinds of the coffee bean as possible.
But with so many light roast coffee brands on the market, how did we decide which ones to review?
Here are the factors we considered when choosing the light roast coffee beans to review and you should also consider while buying:
1. The Origin
The origin of the coffee bean is the single most important thing to consider when buying light roast coffee. Because the core idea of drinking from light roast is to taste the original flavors.
That’s why single-origin coffee is the best when you want to try light roast. You’ll experience the whole, unadulterated flavor of that particular coffee bean, which may have some pretty intriguing tastes.
Every coffee-growing region has distinctive traits of its own. Central and South American beans are often well-balanced, vibrant, and sweet. More earthy, fragrant, and delicious beans are grown in Africa. Additionally, Indonesian beans are a bit wilder, spicier, and more intense.
You may choose single-origin coffee beans if you know a little bit about their history.
We wanted to make sure we were reviewing light roasts coffees from coffee-growing regions all over the world, so we made sure to include a variety of coffee beans in our selection.
2. Freshness
The date of the roasting should also be considered. Older beans might gradually lose some of their taste, especially when roasted lightly.
You should purchase freshly roasted coffee and consume it within a week or two after the roasting date. A good general rule of thumb is to avoid buying beans if the bag doesn’t indicate the date of roasting.
3. Ground vs. Whole Beans
Most coffee lovers will tell you that they prefer whole-bean coffee over ground coffee any day.
If you have the luxury, you should ground lightly roasted beans with a coffee grinder just before brewing which often results in better-flavored coffee.
However, being able to bypass that additional step in the morning will help you get more time in your necessary REM sleep period and save you the startling sound of entire beans being ground in a coffee grinder.
And, properly maintained ground coffee may also result in excellent brews. So ultimately, it’s your choice.
4. The Price
There are high-quality coffees available at reasonable prices. You often pay extra for a bag of beans just because of the name on it.
For instance, Starbucks, which is perhaps the most well-known coffee business ever, can get away with charging more for beans.
However, you may take advantage of the chance to buy light roast coffee at a reduced price if you’re willing to purchase from a brand you’ve never heard of.
We wanted to make sure we were reviewing light roasts of all different price points, so we made sure to include both expensive and budget-friendly coffees in our selection.
5. Ethics
The art of producing coffee beans doesn’t always go well with the term ‘ethics’. Many light roast coffee brands give poor salaries to workers or severely damage the environment to manufacture large quantities of coffee at low cost.
However, the good news is that bridging the gap is possible. Paying fair salaries and having as little of an impact on the environment as is humanly possible are two priorities for many businesses.
And you should only buy from those businesses having a “fair trade” badge on their packaging.
Just keep in mind that ethically produced coffee often costs more to manufacture and, therefore, costs more to buy.
Introducing the Best Light Roast Coffees in the Market – A Detailed Review
After considering all the above factors, we started by narrowing down our list to the coffees that we thought were the lightest in color. From there, we cupped each coffee and took detailed notes on each one.
We looked for coffees that had a bright, clean flavor and a light body. We also made sure to include a variety of coffees from different roasters, so that our readers would have a good selection to choose from.
In the end, we picked the coffees that we thought were the best of the bunch in their category. We hope you enjoy reading our light roast coffee reviews!
Origin – Hawaii, Guatemala, Peru, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Indonesia
Certification – Kosher (Orthodox Union)
Tasting Notes – Floral and citrus fruit
Brewing Method – Use in k-cup system brewers
No, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend is probably not the most luxurious option out there, but it’s the most balanced option in the specialty coffee market in terms of taste, packaging, sustainability, and price, which will appeal to a wide demographic of coffee aficionados.
The rich and lightly toasted nuts flavor of the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend will satiate your palate and help you start your day off fast. It has a smooth texture, yet a rich coffee taste filled with sweetness.
It comes with recyclable pod-style packaging and any coffee machine that is K-cup compatible will accept the pods. These pods are quite simple to use and don’t blow up as often as many of the less expensive generic pods in this kind of setup.
Besides quality, the roasters pay attention to sourcing all the coffees ethically, but at affordable pricing.
What You Should Know
Though it’s meant to be your first sip of the morning, most people who consume this morning blend reported that they also drink it in the evening and multiple times throughout the day; and it’s still great to pick them up.
One problem we found is that, although the coffee has a wonderful flavor, the brewed cups sometimes lack some strength. We also observed that after you drink coffee, there is a harsh aftertaste left behind on the taste buds.
Brewing Method – Pour over / Drip machine / Cold Brew
The highest standards of quality and ethics are upheld in this certified organic and fair-trade coffee. Kicking Horse Coffee is still going strong after 25 years of its founding because of the quality of its beans.
Their light roast variant is roasted in the Canadian Rocky Mountains following agricultural practices that don’t sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. It’s fair trade and organic, so you can drink without worrying about the world’s economic or environmental fate.
Kicking Horse Coffee also nailed it when it comes to scent and flavor. They have a distinct flavor and scent of brown sugar, creamy nougat, and cocoa powder, all of which are reminders of the beans’ origins in Central and South America.
The initial taste of this coffee reveals a harmonious interplay between the acidity of red fruits and the sweetness of honey. This bean works well in a broad number of brewing techniques, including the French press, drip machine, pour-over, espresso machine, and cold brew.
What You Should Know
In our opinion, Kicking Horse Coffee did great with its minimalistic packaging and the name “Hola” which is lively. However, the flavor is outstanding, and the taste will be appealing to a lot of people, especially those who like their coffee without milk chocolate or creamer.
One criticism about Kicking Horse is that it seems close to the medium body or light-medium roast rather than super light. Also, it’s a little bit pricier than the other light variants in the market. However, it’s worth every penny if you like the fruity and creamy taste it provides.
Origin – Ethiopia, Kona, Sumatra, Jamaica, and Central & South America
Certification – N/A
Taste Note – Nutty and sweet
Brewing Method – Cold coffee maker / French press / Mason jar
If you like to drink your coffee cold with milk/cream, you’re going to love Cameron’s cold brew light roast coffee blend. It’s a relatively new product in the cold brew community.
However, if you’ve previously enjoyed Illy, Lavazza, Door County, or Caribou coffees, you should definitely try this one. It’ll instantly become your favorite. It is a rich and flavorful coffee that is perfect for cold brewing.
The beans are coarse ground and ready to brew, and the mix of vanilla and hazelnut flavors makes this coffee unique, delicious, and anything but plain.
Cameron’s Coffee is also committed to sustainability, sourcing only the top 10% of beans in the world and roasting in small batches to reduce water consumption. If you’re looking for a delicious and sustainable cold brew coffee, Cameron’s is a great option.
What You Should Know
What we liked about these lightly roasted coffee brew blends is the amazing robust flavor it provides. It’s not super acidic or bitter. The mixture had a vibrant tone and didn’t have any lingering strong flavors that made us lose focus on our meal.
The only thing about these light coffee beans we didn’t like was how costly they were. You will also need more grounds than the roaster suggests on the packaging; otherwise, it becomes a bit watery. However, this is the cost involved in trying quality light coffee beans for cold brew.
If you’re looking for a delicious light roast coffee that is also decaf, look no further than The Organic Coffee Gorilla Decaf! This coffee has a full-City roasted taste that is strong yet mellow, and it is 100% naturally processed and shade-grown.
The Natural Water Process is used to decaffeinate this coffee, so you can be sure that the flavor is not compromised. It is also eco-friendly and sustainably farmed.
The Rogers Family Company is a family-owned, American-made company with a rich tradition, and they are committed to making the world a better place one cup of coffee at a time. So, you can feel good about indulging in a cup (or two!) of this delicious coffee.
What You Should Know
If you like strong, rich, and flavorful blonde coffee throughout the day but are sensitive to caffeine, this coffee won’t disappoint. For anyone switching to decaf, this one is a no-brainer. It’ll almost taste like your regular coffee. The price is also reasonable.
However, we’ve noticed that the coffee leaves a load of lingering aftertaste (kind of like lab chemicals!). Also, many people don’t simply like the “hazelnut” flavoring; so definitely it’s not for everyone.
Intelligentsia has been producing coffee since 1995. The company slogan “the never-ending hunt for the most outstanding coffee in the world” is bound to touch a specialty coffee lover’s heart.
There is very few instant coffee mix for light roasts in the market, and it’s one of the best you’ll find out there. It’s one of the best combinations of beans from Rwanda, Burundi, and Columbia. They roast them all separately before combining them all together.
You’ll know of its origin by the delicious aroma of a hot cup of delicious coffee in the morning. Just stir and drink as simple as it is.
What You Should Know
This is a coffee for the devoted coffee drinker, who doesn’t have the time to spend half an hour in the morning making a simple cup of coffee. While you don’t get the same experience of brewing with ground/whole beans, you’ll surely love the sweet, milky, and fruity taste.
The problem with Intelligentsia Light Roast Instant Coffee is that the good things about it will disappear after a week or so. After the newness of freshly roasted coffee is gone, it’ll taste very mild and bland. Also, it’s more acidic than some of the other light roasts in this price range.
Caribou Light Roast Ground Coffee is the cheapest in this list of the best light roast coffee. However, the cheaper price doesn’t contribute to the sacrifice of taste by any means. In fact, we wanted to rank this one as our overall best but later found it suitable for the best value-for-money coffee category.
This mild body roast from the Americas and East Africa is vibrant and acidic. It has fruity and flowery undertones as well as caramel flavors and a nutty aftertaste. Like many light roasts, it tastes terrific when served hot but also performs well as a cold brew.
In addition, Caribou Coffee’s reasonably priced lightly roasted coffee beans don’t compromise morals or taste. They are grown sustainably and responsibly since they have Rainforest Alliance certification.
They only use the highest-quality beans when sourcing them, and they roast them on cutting-edge equipment. These Minneapolis-roasted beans are a fantastic, cost-effective alternative. They are hand-packed in small quantities.
What You Should Know
This coffee is everything you could ask for in a lighter roast. You can taste the cherry and floral overtones, and the finish is nutty and sweet. It’s perfect for a morning cup of coffee, or to enjoy any time of day. Also, we love knowing that we’re drinking a socially responsible product that is also helping to preserve our planet.
We didn’t find much to complain about this one, considering its price range. The only problem we found was that it doesn’t go well with French press; it becomes overpowering and doesn’t go well with breakfast.
Brewing Method – Coffee brewer / Coffee Press / Pour over / Moka pot
Well, it was bound to happen! We wouldn’t be able to finish a list of coffee without trying one of the biggest of the big coffee companies – Starbucks.
To be honest with you, I’m not a huge fan of Starbucks; like most specialty coffee lovers. Most of the time, it tastes extremely harsh to me and I don’t get to taste all the coffee. Their blonde coffee beans are burned to a crisp to achieve the same “Starbucks” taste.
However, this Veranda Blend is quite unique, and I now see why many light roast drinkers love this one from Starbucks. The beans aren’t over-roasted, and you can taste the drink’s true tastes as you’d anticipate from a light.
Overall, this is a fine cup of coffee from a well-known roaster. It’s quite simple to drink and a fantastic bargain (as long as you can preserve it correctly after opening it).
What You Should Know
Starbucks Veranda Blend has a mild body and delicate flavor. The flavor has hardly any acidity. However, you do get many hits from the delicious tastes within. When your taste senses are still waking up in the morning, this coffee is great!
The fact that they offer it in such enormous amounts is my only complaint. Though you wind up with a considerably better value this way, however, freshness is a crucial component of a wonderful cup of coffee.
It might be challenging to store a bag this size in a technique that properly preserves the coffee’s flavor. Something to think about if you were considering buying.
Summary
If you haven’t tried light roast coffees before, you should probably give one of these brands a go. To be quite honest, it was hard for me to decide which option was best, as this roundup has some fierce competition.
Finally, I chose Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend as the most overall balanced option in this top list. It gives you the perfect start to your morning with the American-style taste and at affordable pricing.
However, if I had the luxury to splurge, I would always drink Kicking Horse Coffee. It’ll simply give you the best-tasting experience, in my opinion. And, you’ll always love the Caribou Light Roast Ground Coffee if you’re on a budget!
Otherwise, any coffee on this list is a good choice. For the time being, you must make up your decision and try one of these gorgeous things. Enjoy!
FAQs
Now that we discussed everything you need to know to buy the best light roast coffee in the market, it’s time to answer some of the light roast coffee questions occurring in your mind.
We’ve compiled a list of common queries from Google and Bing to help you choose and make the best cup of coffee from light roast beans ever.
1. What Beans Are Best for Light Roast?
The best beans for a light roast are typically Arabica beans. They have a high moisture content and low oil content. The high moisture content helps to prevent the beans from burning during the roasting process, while the low oil content helps to keep the beans from becoming too dark or bitter.
2. Is Light Roast Coffee Less Bitter?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Light coffee roast is less physically dense, so it has less contact with the roast material and can theoretically be less bitter. However, light roast beans are more fragile and can be more easily over-extracted, leading to a more bitter cup. But in general, it is probably fair to say that light-roasted coffee is less bitter than dark.
3. What Brewing Method Is Best for Light Roast?
The best brewing method for a light roast brew is the pour-over method. This method involves slowly pouring hot water over the coffee grounds, allowing the water to extract the flavors from the coffee. This results in a light and delicate cup of coffee.
4. What Temperature Should You Brew Light Roast Coffee?
Typical light roast coffee should be brewed at a temperature between 195- and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range extracts the delicate flavors of whole-bean coffee without over-extracting them and making the coffee taste bitter.
5. Is Light Roast Coffee Better Hot or Cold?
Some people prefer light roast coffee hot because they find it to be more aromatic and flavorful, while others prefer it iced because they find it to be more refreshing. It really depends on what you are looking for in a coffee and what flavors you prefer.
People around the world drink around two billion cups of coffee every day, making it the 3rd most popular beverage on earth, after water and tea! We love coffee, not just for the rich, delicious taste but also for that stimulating kick of caffeine.
Chocolate is debatably the world’s most popular sweet item. People who enjoy eating chocolate are not limited to children. This sinfully delicious sweet treat is loved by people of all ages and ethnicity. Unsurprisingly, chocolate is also rich in the highly sought-after stimulant, caffeine.
People love to pair chocolate with coffee. Be it a steaming cup of mocha or chocolate coffee cake, it is undeniably a mouthwatering combo. But, is the combination an overload of caffeine?
Chocolate and Espresso Beans
Chocolate and Espresso Beans
Chocolate and espresso beans are a great pair. That is why café mocha ranks quite high on the list of the more popular coffee drinks. The café mocha is a chocolatey concoction with a hint of coffee and this is made by using shots of espresso, with hot milk adding chocolate syrup or powder to flavor.
Other than café mocha, chocolate and espresso beans can be combined in the following ways.
Chocolate Flavor Infused Espresso Beans
Chocolate Flavor Infused Espresso Beans
As far as espresso beans go, if you check out this list of favorites, you will find that some popular espresso beans are infused with flavors. One of the popular hints of flavors infused in coffee other than vanilla is chocolate since it pairs so well with coffee.
Chocolate-infused espresso beans often have only a hint of cocoa which does not overpower the strong coffee flavor. These coffee beans are used like regular espresso beans, grounded, and used to make brewed coffee.
The only caffeine you will find in these beans comes from the coffee beans. The chocolate flavoring is artificial and does not have any caffeine. The flavor is often light and doesn’t overpower the coffee.
Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Did you know that some people eat coffee beans directly? The bean is not a seed, rather, it is the dried version of the coffee fruit or cherry. Chewing roasted coffee beans can be bitter, but you get your caffeine fix for a lot fewer calories.
If you want to munch on coffee beans, but do not want the bitter test, try eating chocolate-covered coffee instead. People who love the choco-coffee combo, love this confectionary. The espresso coffee beans are covered in either dark, milk, or white chocolate.
These decadent chocolate treats are not just delicious but also provide a punch of caffeine. However, They are also decked with calories. You may be tempted to eat too many of them, but don’t.
Nutritional Information of Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Nutrient
Amount per 1 oz (28 g) serving
Calories
140-150
Fat
9-10 g
Saturated Fat
6-7 g
Trans Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
5-10 mg
Sodium
0 mg
Carbohydrates
15-17 g
Fiber
1-2 g
Sugar
12-13 g
Protein
2-3 g
Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the brand and type of chocolate covered espresso beans.
Why shouldn’t You Overeat Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans?
Just with any sweet treat, it’s healthier to eat chocolate-covered espresso beans in moderation. Taking too much sugar causes three common health problems: Type-2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Taking a large amount of sugar causes insulin intolerance, which leads to diabetes.
When you consume glucose more than you burn, the body turns the sugar into fat and stores it in your body. This can cause multiple cardio-vascular problems, like artery blockage that can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Extra fat can lead to obesity. Let’s not forget that they make your teeth rot. However, when enjoyed in moderation they boost your health and make you live longer! But, too much caffeine intake can also cause health problems.
So, How Much Caffeine Do Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans Have?
There is a claim that consuming coffee beans gives you a more concentrated dose of caffeine, as it doesn’t go through the brewing process and no residue is thrown away.
One unroasted arabica bean coffee has about 1.9 mg of caffeine, while robusta has around 2.9 mg caffeine.
Chocolate has a lot less caffeine with dark chocolate around 80 mg of caffeine per 100gms and milk chocolate, 20 mg per 100gms. White chocolate has no caffeine.
So, depending on the thickness of the coating, one dark chocolate-covered espresso bean has anywhere from 6mgs to 13mgs of caffeine. Milk chocolate varieties have 5-10 milligrams of caffeine. This isn’t much, unless you eat 100gms of chocolate-covered espresso beans, at one time!
Can You Replace Your Daily Cup Of Coffee For Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans?
People can swap coffee for chocolate-covered coffee beans if they love chocolate. However, eating too much sweetened-chocolate can give you health problems. But, eating an unsweetened one will be bitter and reduces its yummy test.
Plus the caffeine content means you have to take them in moderation. An average cup of Joe contains 85-200 mg of caffeine, depending on the type of bean and the coffee-making process, a shot of espresso has around 65 mg of caffeine.
To match that kind of caffeine level, you need to eat from 7 to 33 dark chocolate-covered beans for every cup, and more for milk chocolate! For each shot of espresso, you will have to eat 5 to 11 pieces.
Making Your Own Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans At Home
Anyone who loves eating chocolate-covered espresso beans knows how expensive they are. Save yourself the expense and try making it at home. The best part about this is you can control the sweetness and increase or decrease it according to your taste.
You will need few ingredients; mainly good quality coffee beans of your choice. For every 1.5 oz, you will need 3.5 oz or 100gms of solid chocolate. You can choose any type of chocolate, depending on what kind you want to make.
Bring some water to boil in a saucepan, then lower the heat. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan and melt your chocolate. Coat your beans and put them in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate-covered espresso beans are a delight. You can easily replace your regular cups of coffee with these beans. However, you will have to eat quite a few.
The content of caffeine in each chocolate-coated bean is not that high, but since they are delicious, people can easily overeat. So, be careful not to eat too much, as it can become a health hazard.
Try making these delicious treats at home and enjoy a fun dose of caffeine with every mouthwatering bite. The dosage of caffeine is more concentrated so try not to eat them at night, unless you want to stay awake!
Although I am a passionate tea person, you bring a jar of chocolate covered coffee beans and I will lose my mind. They are so flavorful and delicious that it’s hard to stop eating them. How to make chocolate covered coffee beans at home?
I once made the mistake of having too many of them around 9 pm at night. You can guess what it did to my non-coffee-drinking body. I was awake till 5 am and wondered why I can’t fall asleep!
These beans are like small capsules of energy that you can carry around as your mid-day snack.
There are so many different brands that make various versions of these chocolate-espresso beans. Even starbucks has some! But guess what, they are pretty pricey to buy. And it’s so easy to make that I see no point of not doing it by myself.
As a serial procrastinator, everything in life seems like too much work. So when I say, this recipe is easy, trust me. It only takes 10 minutes to make homemade chocolate covered coffee beans!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans at Home : Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Recipe
Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
As a serial procrastinator, everything in life seems like too much work. So when I say, this recipe is easy, trust me. It only takes 10 minutes to make homemade chocolate covered coffee beans!
Measuring cup
Fork
100 grams chocolate bar (or 1 bag of chocolate chips)
⅓ cup coffee beans
Cocoa powder (optional)
Coconut flakes (optional)
Icing sugar (optional)
Melted white chocolate
Parchment paper
Put a saucepan on the burner and boil some water. Then reduce the heat to simmer.
Break your chocolate bar into small pieces and add it into a heat-proof bowl. You can also use chocolate chips to make the melting process faster.
Put the bowl on the saucepan so the heat starts to melt the chocolates. Stir it continuously to have a smooth, buttery consistency.
When all the chocolate melts properly, remove it from the what and set aside.
Bring out your cocoa beans and add them into the melted chocolates. Mix them thoroughly so each bean gets a generous coating of rich, creamy chocolate.
Lay down some parchment paper on a baking tray. Then use a fork to carefully take out each one of the evans.
Put the beans on the parchment paper. Do not put them too close to each other. Otherwise they will all stick together.
Transfer the trey immediately to your freezer and allow them to completely cool down and set. This might take 1 hour to 3 depending on the climate you live in. for colder climates, it might only take half an hour,
When you bring them out of the freezer, apply a light coating of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. You can add whatever coating you want to this. So go creative!
And there you go! Your DIY chocolate covered cocoa beans are ready for consumption!
You can use a microwave to melt your chocolate. But for that, bring out the pot after every 30 seconds and give a stirr. Then put it back in the microwave. Continue this until everything is properly melted.
Do a double dipping to get a thicker layer of chocolate. For that, freeze for 20 minutes then dip the beans into the chocolate again.
Add crushed coconut flakes on top of the beans before putting them in the freezer. This will add a tropical flavor to the recipe.
You can use different types of nuts following the same process to have a jar full of delicious chocolate treats!
Put them in a glass jar and tie a ribbon around it. And now you have the perfect gift to give to your loved ones!
On the other hand, the sweetness and creaminess of milk chocolate is a great companion for bitter coffee beans. These two together create a balanced favour in your mouth. So at the end of the day, it’s a preference thing.
Finding The Right Espresso Beans
You might think all coffee beans should work for this but no! The market is saturated with low-quality beans that taste horrible. You need to look for ‘dark roasted beans’ instead of “espresso beans”.
This is the part where spending some extra bucks is more than necessary. Chocolate coated coffee beans are not a regular food item, they are a luxury and a delicacy. So if you plan to make them at home, you have to choose the best ingredients available.
Dark roasted beans have a great crunch to them. They are also much easier to chew. So your jaw won’t get tired after eating a few of them. You can basically binge-eat a whole jar in one setting.
Now let’s talk about the type of coffee beans available. Some of the most popular types are: Arabica, Robusta, ibera and Excelsa. The one we would be discussing today are the first two.
Arabica beans are the most common types to find around the world. If you go to any local coffee shop and order a coffee, chances are they will prove you an espresso made with arabica beans.
They are very rich in quality and taste delicious. The bitterness is not too intense making them perfect for chocolate-covered snaking.
Robusta beans are 40% of the world’s whole coffee consumption. They are mostly found in instant coffee, espresso and filler in grounded coffee blends. Their other name is coffea canephora.
They taste much bitter and earthy compared to Arabica beans. This is due to their high caffeine level. So might not be the best choice for making chocolate-covered coffee beans snack.
Liberica beans are mostly found in Liberica hence the name. They are quite large compared to average coffee beans. This can be a downside if you are looking for smaller bite size options.
Liberica beans are also quite rare to find in local markets. But if you can get a hold of them, surely try as they have a very rich flavor profile.
Excelsa beans are a fairly new option as they were only discovered a century ago. They are unfortunately not that common either. However, they have a similar taste to Arabica beans.
Are Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Caffeinated?
They are individual pieces of coffee beans, of course they have caffeine in them. Whether that number is significant or not is a whole other story.
If you are planning to eat this snack as an alternative to regular coffee, you won’t get the same amount of caffeine in your system unless you consume a considerable amount, of course. Now the next question you might have is, how much caffeine is in chocolate covered coffee beans?
An average chocolate covered coffee bean has around 3mg of caffeine in it. So for 20 pieces, you only consume 60-70mg of caffeine.
Compare this to a cup of coffee. A standard cup of coffee contains around 200mg of caffeine! The difference needs no explanation.
So if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake, there probably isn’t a better way than this.
Are Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Bad for Health?
Quite the opposite actually. Chocolate covered coffee beans are one of the healthiest chocolate-based snacks as it contains little to no sugar. Apart from this, there are other health benefits as well:
Antioxidants:
These small bite size snacks are jammed with antioxidants. Both coffee and dark chocolate contain a type of antioxidant called flavanols. This antioxidant is known for its ability to fortify the cells and fidgeting vascular diseases.
So if you are a heart patient or have type 2 Diabetes, this is a very healthy, nutritious thing for you to try. Some studies believe that dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure level.
If you suffer from heavy menstrual cramps every month, this snack can really help to decrease the lower body pain.
65% dark chocolate is known for their ability to reduce the risk of high cholesterol. So whoever says chocolate makes you fat, knows nothing. Chocolate does not increase your weight, sugar does.
Energy Boosters:
As we have mentioned these chocolate coated coffee beans contain little doses of caffeine, they are going to boost your energy level. Maybe not as much as a cup of coffee, but good enough to keep you energized throughout the day.
Munching on coffee beans is much healthier than drinking cups after cups of coffee all day. Plus your breath doesn’t stink of old coffee anymore! Win-win for me!
Healthy Midday Snack:
If you’re anything like me, you need something to chew or bite right after having a big lunch. I don’t know what it is, but I immediately crave something around 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
That time is not practical enough for a high-calorie snack. So having something like this in a jar right at the desk is super convenient.
If you’re on a diet and trying to limit your calorie intake, trying this snack is a great way to keep your mouth busy while not consuming too much. And of course, it does not feel like a diet at all as these beans are rich and delicious. Starbucks chocolate covered espresso beans is an easy option if you don’t want to make it at home.
What Happens If You Eat Too Many Chocolate-Covered Coffee Beans?
Although dark chocolate coffee beans have a very small amount of caffeine in them, binge eating an entire bag of them will add up. Eating coffee beans has a faster effect on our blood caffeine level than drinking them. Studies show that you will feel the effect of caffeine faster if you consume them through chewing.
Now that this is clear, let’s talk about what would happen if you eat too much chocolate-covered espresso beans. Firstly, you will get a spike of caffeine in your bloodstream which can result in restlessness, dehydration, sleep deprivation and headache.
For pregnant women, they can experience high anxiety and nausea. Although none of these symptoms are long lasting, they surely do not feel good. The caffeine will go out of your system within 8 hours but during that time, you might feel bloated, heartburn and even diarrhea.
So consume edible coffee beans in moderation and treat this snack as the delicacy that it is!
Verdict
There you have it. The internet is filled with many different recipes and they can feel too confusing.
We tried to provide you the easiest way to make this delicious treat. We just love the idea of consuming coffee and chocolate in a healthy, tasty manner.
So what are you waiting for? Go and make some right now. They only take 5 minutes of preparation anyway!
Happy Caffeinating!
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How to Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans at Home
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