Today, many different brands are presenting coffee beans on the market. The choice is so great that even real professionals can get confused. Therefore, today we will talk about which coffee beans are better or worse and the skill of cup-tester.

Coffee beans - which is better?

Trying to understand this issue, we found in the big city the truly great cup-tester Mikhail, who has been familiar with coffee for many years. Mikhail gladly shared information. We present his interview for you.

Hi, hi. Let's not drag out, tell us who it iscup— tester?

Hey. Well, such a profession has existed for a long time, but the name is modern in English. In fact, what I do is called tasting here. I try coffee and value it. Something like a sommelier.

Which coffee is better?

Coffee has many shades, which, having certain skills, can be separated from each other. Each flavoring thread gives a lot of information about the type of coffee.

Interestingly, how much did you study this difficult matter?

Oh, I have not finished studying. It seems to me that it is in this profession that you can improve your whole life.

I’ve been in this business for about 10 years, but I can’t call myself a professional. It still seems to me that I am a first year student.

Nevertheless, you have more than enough work ...

24 on 7! ( laughs) Indeed, few have found out about this business, the competition is not as high as that of the same sommeliers, but the work to the eyeballs.

Finally, the main thing: tell us which is the best coffee grain on the market?

I do not presume to make any rating for coffee beans and talk about which coffee is better. Our market offers a wide selection of coffee. Each of them is good in its own way. In order to decide which one you like, you need to try all the varieties and mixtures. This, of course, is impossible.

Although, for commercial purposes, manufacturers use only two varieties of coffee: arabica and robusta. There are clean, but there are mixed options. I can tell the taste from Brazil or Venezuela, for example, coffee arrived. Mixed varieties confuse inexperienced people in many ways, but for me it’s easy to recognize, say, in terms of acidity, in what proportions grains are mixed.

As for the taste, which are important for the average consumer, there are some subtleties. I will talk about the main suppliers of coffee beans to our country.

Michael decided to introduce us to different varieties and comment on each of them. The editors were glad, almost swatting, everyone sat down at the table to try coffee beans, the best varieties of which, Mikhail presented to our court.

The best varieties of coffee beans

1. Coffee from sunny Brazil

It's simple, do not want to make a mistake, here is a reliable option. Arabica from Brazil is simple, it has no special subtle flavors. The characteristic taste for this variety is bitter, there are nutty notes in the aroma.

Traditionally, some of the best varieties of grain coffee

1. Venezuelan Joropo

In this country, coffee is already very different. Sourness is present, but very delicate taste. Our editors have identified varieties called Bourbon and Typica. Wow, invigorates so that you want to dance!

1. Guatemalan Indian

The cup exuded a terrific aroma, and the taste resembled something like fruits drenched in dark chocolate and seasoned with spices. This variety is distinguished by many ordinary consumers and experienced cap testers. Yummy!

1. Indian film

Light acidity plus a spicy aftertaste like after cinnamon. It is comparable to the colorful cinema of Hollywood: everything seems to be familiar, but it has its own peculiarity.

1. Indonesian traditions

All present noted the malleability of the contents of the cup. Just real hot chocolate. The taste is awesome: light bitter with a delicate sourness.

1. Kenyan grains

Do you imagine blackcurrant flavored coffee? No? Urgently to the store and try. Editorial opinion: “A special taste worthy of attention”

1. Colombian Mafiosi

Product from Colombia

The taste is also calm and calm. Somewhere inside, there is a slight smack of fruit.

1. Coffee from Costa Rica

Cup-tester notes the high quality of beans and roasts. A taste feature in the presence of a light shade of haze. The very same drink is high density.

1. Ethiopian origins

Towards the end of the buffet, coffee was served with a pronounced taste. Taste with a clear acidity and aftertaste of wild berries. It is said that it was in Ethiopia that coffee was first grown for subsequent consumption as a drink. Many believe that it is he who deserves the title of “the best coffee bean”

On this, the tasting ended, and we continued to bombard Michael with questions.

Tell me, what does it take to become the same cup-tester like you?

In general, the profession involves some severe restrictions. For example, I completely avoid spices, do not smoke. Nothing should interrupt the sense of smell. Well, then only desire and complete dedication to your favorite business.

Let's say that we decided on the grade, are there any other subtleties in the choice?

Yes, of course. It is worth noting that coffee beans come in various types of roasting. The more grains are fried, the less caffeine in them. So, the taste and aroma are less saturated. But here again, everything is individual.

In general, several types of roasting are shared:

• scandinavian;
• vienna
• french
• italian

Types of roasting coffee beans

The first type is great for morning coffee. Lightly roasted coffee beans are light brown in color. A large amount of caffeine will cheer up in the morning. As for the Vienna roast, it is perfect for a coffee break. Light bitter and sensual aroma perfectly stimulates mental activity.

This option is very popular throughout Europe.

The French prefer their type of roasting. Thanks to which the viscosity of the coffee drink is achieved, it well reveals aroma and taste. But in Italy everything is different. Their appearance may seem burnt to someone. Nevertheless, many people prefer just such a bitter taste, with a bright finish.

And finally, summing up, what do you advise the reader?

I want to say that thanks to such a wide variety of coffee in our market, we can experience the culture and characteristics of different countries through the drink. I advise you to try as many varieties of this wonderful drink as possible, and not get hung up on one.

Choosing coffee beans which is better or worse, can not be said unequivocally. For each, the best will be its own variety.

In total, about 500 varieties of coffee are known in the world. All of them are created from two varieties of coffee tree: arabica coffee and robusta. The first is more valuable, aromatic and with a rich taste. Robusta contains a lot of caffeine, and its yield is an order of magnitude higher. Our coffee bean rating is based on the countries producing this wonderful drink.

1 Ethiopia

Some historians claim that it was in this country that coffee was first grown. Maybe that’s why the country is a winner in the rating of coffee beans. The best Sidamo variety from Ethiopia has a pronounced taste, there is a clear sourness, a further berry aftertaste.

2 Kenya

With a deep and dense taste, as well as a slight acidity. Coffee is known for fruit tones, in particular the taste of blackcurrant, there may be a slight wine tint. It is sold only through auctions, so this coffee cannot be cheap. The most famous varieties are Ruiruiru and its variety Kenya AA (grown on the slopes of Kilimanjaro).

3 Costa Rica

Here, at the legislative level, the cultivation and sale of robusta is prohibited, only arabica. All production processes are recognized as environmentally friendly, and grain roasting is carried out individually, under the ordered batch. The drink always comes out very dense. Due to the special roasting of the grains, the taste is obtained with a slight haze. Gourmets know the varieties of La Minita, Britt, Tarraz, and another, Kashi - aromatic and rich.

4 Indonesia

This coffee is viscous, similar in texture to hot chocolate. The taste is also special - a light bitterness with a slight acidity. A lot of varieties with a touch of spices. And the pinnacle of gourmet aspirations is Luwak coffee, with chocolate, vanilla and caramel flavors derived from animal feces.

5 Guatemala

Guatemalan coffee is an incredible aroma with a hint of fruit, dark chocolate and spices. The varieties Koban and Antigua are very soft, they are completely free of bitterness, but the delicate chocolate aroma is far away.

6 indian

This coffee is special - tart and soft, with a slight acidity and a spicy finish. Saeco variety is popular in Russia - with a small bitterness, with pleasant spicy and floral-chocolate tones. The whole world knows Bali Shinzan - with notes of cloves and Jamaican pepper.

7 Colombia

The country is in second place in the world in the production of coffee. A light taste of fruit, a refined taste and a refined aroma - these are the main features of this elite coffee. Varieties Armeni, Maniles, Medellin, Excelso are grown in the mountains, at an altitude of more than one and a half kilometers.

8 Brazil

The country is a major coffee producer worldwide. Experts consider Brazilian Arabica to be quite simple, without any special additives or impurities. The obligatory note is bitterness, sometimes in the aroma you can observe a nutty flavor. The most famous varieties: Bahia, Bourbon and Santos.

9 Venezuela

Although Venezuela is close to Brazil, the taste will vary dramatically. There is sourness in this coffee. It turns out very tender. The varieties Bourbon and Typica are popular. The last variety is low-yielding, and therefore rare and expensive. There is also Caracas - with a strong aroma.

10 Mexico

Another major coffee supplier. For a long time, the country was considered a producer of low-quality beverage, therefore, Mexico ranks last in our ranking of coffee beans. But in recent years, the government has tightened standards for control and selection of goods.

This is lowland arabica growing on volcanic soils. It is volcanic dust that we owe to the memorable taste of Mexican coffee. Connoisseurs note its gentle and slightly islandy taste, bright aroma and pleasant aftertaste.

Popular varieties: Huatusco, Coatenec and Orizabad - for lovers of good arabica with a slight acidity.

An unbeatable drink is prepared at home, offered in restaurants, cafes. There are many ways to prepare, the most popular are brewing in a Turk, a geyser coffee maker using an espresso machine. Today, a large selection of different types of coffee - ground, instant, in beans. A true find for lovers and connoisseurs of a fragrant drink is coffee beans, the rating of which rightfully occupies a leading place. Product quality largely depends on the region of cultivation and the degree of roasting. The assortment of coffee beans is constantly expanding, but preference is given to brands with high-quality, thoroughly roasted and relatively inexpensive product.

Popular Coffee Bean Manufacturers

The most popular manufacturer that meets the main criteria for manufactured products is Jardin. Provided varieties vary in strength and degree of roasting, are able to satisfy any tastes and preferences.

Paulig  - A popular brand in grains. Makes a product from quality Arabica. Much attention is paid to the careful sorting of grains and thorough roasting. The result is an unforgettable taste, rich aroma. The offered varieties are premium brands.

Italian coffee gained well-deserved fame in Russia Kimbo. Its popularity is in a perfect and pure taste, in a pronounced juicy smell. Buyers are also attracted by the quality of the packaging, which allows it to maintain its quality. Many varieties bring joy to their fans.

Grain view Gut!  represents mid-range products. The basis is Arabica and Robusta, which can withstand the quality required for a high level. In the market, this brand shows a wide selection of varieties.

Characterized by pleasant taste sensations and rich signs "Live coffee" combined a whole range of monosorts. This indicates the responsibility of the manufacturer, indicating a specific place where this grain grew. An essential feature of the monosort is its characteristic and recognizable taste, which has its own advantages and, possibly, disadvantages.

Adherents of this brand are big fans to try and evaluate new varieties, to experience new sensations.

You should pay attention to the following monosorts of coffee beans:

• mexican species, replete with a long finish, rich nutty and chocolate notes;
• brazilian Minas from the best varieties of local coffee is rich in a bouquet of taste: density, stability, low acidity;
• coffee from the Andes plantations - a traditional Colombian product, will allow you to enjoy fruit shades;
• salvador, the largest coffee exporter, provides products from 100% Arabica that can inspire even the most indifferent people to this drink;
• the best Caribbean varieties of Cuba attract taste balance, softness, intensity of fragrance, which stand out among other monosorts.

"Live coffee" will pleasantly surprise at an affordable price.

More recently, the Russian coffee market has replenished with another brand of grain coffee - Gaggia. Today it is only a few varieties, but each has its own smell and style, thanks to carefully selected and fried grains. Connoisseurs of a morning cup of a fragrant drink are increasingly paying attention to this brand.

French coffee beans Malongo  - quite an expensive brand. Used in making espresso. Each of its produced varieties is strikingly different from other brands with a combination of strong taste and natural, without any notes, delicate aroma.

Lavazza  - An elite variety of coffee beans from Italy. The manufacturer is widely known in the global coffee industry; in Russia, he has rightfully become a cult brand. This brand presents several monosorts and exclusive blends created according to a special recipe. Masters achieved when mixing a completely new and unique coffee bouquet.

Another Italian brand that deserves attention is Evadia. With its small fame, it occupies a worthy place in the ranking of coffee beans. The creators have achieved this position by high-quality frying of fruits.

Concludes the top ten Italian coffee beans Italcafebelonging to the premium elite segment. It contains the best varieties of Arabica, allowing you to enjoy the velvety taste and elegant aroma. This is a coffee gourmet brand.

How not to make a mistake in choosing coffee beans. An acceptable way would be to contact an experienced consultant and rely on his advice.

How to choose coffee beans?

Feel free to inspect the packaging. First, check for leaks. Secondly, smell it (there is nothing terrible in it): you will immediately or immediately feel a sour or pre-smelling smell. Thirdly, choose transparent packaging (at least such a window on it). In this case, it is possible to view the contents.

Examine the coffee information on the label, where the manufacturer is indicated, possible additives, the degree of roasting, the grade, and the dates.

Do not forget about the price: good products and good prices. One hundred grams of product is not cheap. An alternative may be grain purchased by weight. You will certainly win in price. Require tight packaging.

Price

Elite varieties of coffee beans are very expensive. The price is higher than ground or instant drinks. True gourmets with trepidation approach the choice of a tonic drink. The assortment includes the most famous brands:

• Kopi Luwak;
• Ruiruiru;
• Blu Mountain;
• Old Java;
• Uellow Bourbon;
• Ecuador Vilcabamba;
• Matari;
• Yemen.

Distinctive features of elite coffee are taste stability, persistent smell, limited quantity and high price.

Coffee beans are purchased in green during harvesting on the plantations themselves. On-site calibration and grain processing are performed. Products are exported by dealers guaranteeing the highest quality.

How to make coffee?

The morning of many people begins with an invariable attribute - a cup of freshly brewed coffee. To set a cheerful mood for the whole day will help the proper preparation of the drink.

How to choose a variety, it was said above. Let's talk about the preparation itself.

The fried grains are ground in a coffee grinder. Separately, it must be said about the dishes in which you will brew morning coffee. Narrow Turks are preferable, they better retain aroma and taste. It is better to use copper products with an internal silver coating.

On the reverse side of the bottom, Turks often indicate the number of servings that can be prepared.

How to make coffee in a Turk orientally:

1. The brewed drink is served unbroken, leaving a thickener and foam.
2. Such coffee is prepared in almost ice water.
3. The basic rule is that it is first heated, then coffee is filled up, and seasonings or spices are added if desired.
4. A small nuance - pour boiling water over the cup before pouring coffee, and put the light foam that forms when heated. Mix the rising liquid and pour into prepared cups.

You can use another method:

1. Before starting brewing, lightly warm the Turku, as well as the ground coffee beans, add sugar if desired, mix and fill with cold water.
2. Coffee is only brewed over low heat. Throwing the process by gravity is not worth it, you should carefully monitor the rising liquid. Remove the Turk from the fire at the moment when the foam rises to the very top.
3. You can repeat the procedure twice, and before serving once tap it on the table and pour a teaspoon of ice water. This is done so that the coffee grounds quickly sink to the bottom of the vessel.

Cooking methods

There are many recipes for making coffee. Here are some of them:

1. Amazing coffee with liquor and crushed ice. Freshly brewed strong drink is poured into deep glass glasses, add liquor to taste, pieces of ice are dropped.
2. Interesting is coffee with egg yolks. Hold the yolks with sugar in a water bath for no more than fifteen minutes with brewed coffee, stirring constantly. Pour into glasses and put a little ice cream.
3. Treat household coffee with candy. Whip cream thoroughly with icing sugar. Add ice cream to the glasses, pour chocolate syrup on top and gently pour hot coffee without breaking the layer of ingredients. Garnish with caramel.

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Rarely, coffee gourmets, enjoying the next portion of their favorite drink, think about which province or corner of the globe grains for coffee were delivered to. Meanwhile, only conditions that are ideal for coffee trees — fertile land, a favorable high-mountain climate, lots of sunshine — can ensure impeccable grain quality.

• Bourbon was brought from the island of the same name near Madagascar.
• The famous Blue Mountain - from Jamaica.
• Ambiguous Luwak - from the shores of Indonesia.

Coffee beans can be of different grades and degree of roasting

Species diversity

The genus of coffee includes several dozen plant species. Several types of food are used. But only two of them are being developed on an industrial scale.

Interesting to know!
  About 70% are Arabica coffee varieties, about 30% - Robusta, about 2% - belongs to other types.

Arabica grains are extracted from the fruits of low trees growing in the foothills and mountains. The grain is rather large, oblong, very dense, smooth. The presence of a curved line in the center of the grain is characteristic.

Robusta species is less susceptible to natural conditions and pests. And the yield of the variety is greater, due to the high growth of plants. The tropical regions of Africa and India have an ideal climate for cultivating this species. Rounded grains are smaller than that of arabica. They have a light brown or greenish tint.

To determine which coffee beans are better, you need to focus on taste preferences. Lovers of exquisite aroma and mild taste choose varieties of arabica. And robusta contains twice as much caffeine. Admirers of the fortress choose it. Often varieties are successfully combined in carefully selected mixtures. This union allows you to achieve the best characteristics of the drink.

Three varieties of coffee beans are best known

Ripening coffee beans

Despite the availability of coffee types for cultivation, the process of growing and harvesting fruits is a troublesome business. The fruits are tied for almost a year, then they ripen for 8 months. Moreover, aging often occurs unevenly. To get a delicious grain coffee, you have to use manual labor. Caught immature fruits give an unpleasant aftertaste, bitterness. To preserve the crop, it is necessary to process it directly on the plantation. There are two methods of processing carried out at different times:

• Dry. It is carried out in the dry season. In Brazil, for example, it happens twice a year. In Yemen - one. Ripe fruits after assembly are placed in the sun to dry, periodically mixed. Coffee enzymes bring grains to condition. Coffee is gaining strength and taste. Only after this is the pulp removed from the fruit.
• Wet. You can pick fruit during the rainy season. This is done in India and Colombia. Fully ripe fruits are treated with a strong stream of water, while the flesh is removed. The resulting raw material is poured into special pits, subjected to fermentation. Then washed with water again. Next is the drying process, the final fermentation. This is the main stage on which the strength of coffee depends.

Coffee beans ripen unevenly, so it’s important to choose red berries

What determines the quality of coffee

So, the fruit goes through all stages of growth and processing, giving the producer the final product - grain. Buy grain coffee of good quality will help the grain size. The larger it is, the better the berry was, the tastier the drink can be made from them. Grains are sorted into fractions at the production stage.

The next most important step is roasting. It is important to observe the temperature and frying time. All flavor and aromatic characteristics of the product depend on the roasting stage:

• Cinnamon. Coffee beans have a slightly brownish color. The taste is light, the aroma is slightly spicy and bready.
• American Inherent sourness. The surface of the beans is dry. The color is light brown.
• Full city The color of the beans is brown. The taste is balanced. Oil marks appear on the surface.
• Vienna Bright brown tint. Drops of oil on grains. The taste is strong, deep, with muffled acidity.
• Espresso. The surface of the beans is dark, shiny, with oil droplets. A bittersweet flavor of taste prevails.
• French Almost black color. Strong caramel and bitter taste.
• Italian Coffee has almost no aroma. The burnt taste predominates.

Roasting grains in a special machine

Rating of the best brands

How many people - so many opinions. Everyone prefers a pleasant bitterness, heady aroma, shades of sweet cream and caramel, or a light alcoholic aftertaste. The main thing is that a cup of freshly brewed coffee gives pleasure and invigorates on a sleepy morning.

Given the huge variety of coffee trees, classifying them is quite difficult. Of the entire impressive list for culinary art, only four are of value. The grains of these plants grown in various parts of the globe are used to make coffee drinks.

It should be noted right away that types of coffee and coffee are two different concepts. Types of coffee are plant varieties, and varieties are various cultivars and hybrids obtained as a result of selection with useful or decorative characteristics inherent only to them, for example, Caturra  (kidney mutation Coffea arabica var. burbon), Maragogype  (kidney mutation Coffea arabica var. typica), etc.

At the same time, the concept of “variety” is more capacious and is used to denote the assortment of coffee on the market.

For the preparation of aromatic drinks, grains of several botanical species of trees are used. What types of coffee are.