Coffee is more than just a drink. It is a ritual, a pleasure, and for many even a lifestyle. If you are looking for high-quality coffee beans, Kaldi is the place to be. In this article, we share valuable insights on what to look for when buying coffee beans, whether you are shopping at the supermarket or visiting a specialty store such as Kaldi.
Freshness is essential
At Kaldi, we have a deep understanding of the role that freshness plays. It is an essential factor that directly influences the taste and aroma of your coffee. Therefore, when buying coffee beans, always check the packaging date. Fresh coffee beans, packaged shortly after roasting, offer the best taste experience. They retain their original flavour profile, making every cup of coffee a real treat. The source of your coffee beans can make the difference between an ordinary and an exceptional cup of coffee. Supermarkets, although convenient, sometimes have older stocks. This can compromise the freshness of the beans. Supermarkets often have hundreds of branches that all need to be stocked. As a result, the coffee beans are often mass-produced and can sit on the shelves for months. When you buy these coffee beans, you are actually buying stock that has lost its freshness!
In contrast to this are specialty shops such as Kaldi. We are committed to supplying top-quality coffee beans that are fresher. By keeping smaller quantities and replenishing them, we guarantee freshness. True coffee bean lovers are therefore more likely to choose to buy from a specialty shop.
Types of coffee
Many different types of coffee beans exist within the Arabica and Robusta families. Each has its own unique flavour, aroma, and character. These characteristics are due to the location where the coffee grows. Climate and region cause significant differences in flavour and aroma.
Our collection includes various bean varieties, ranging from mild and subtle to rich and intense. When buying coffee beans, consider which flavour profile appeals to you most. Do you like fruity and floral notes? Then Ethiopian coffee beans might be right for you. Prefer a stronger flavour with hints of nuts? Then try coffee beans from South America!
How you drink your coffee is also an important factor in determining which coffee beans suit you best. 100% Arabica blends are ideal for lungo and espresso. A blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans is better suited to cappuccinos, for example.
The adventure of exploring different bean varieties is an exciting journey for every coffee lover. With a wide range of products, we encourage you to taste and expand your taste horizons. The perfect cup of coffee is a personal discovery. We are happy to help you find the most delicious coffee.
Not sure which beans are right for you? Our Kaldi baristas are ready to help you discover your ideal coffee profile. So don't hesitate to ask for advice and drop by your nearest Kald!
Roasting of the coffee
The roasting of coffee beans is a crucial factor and influences the taste and aroma. Lightly roasted beans retain much of their original flavor nuances and offer a lively, refined taste experience. These beans are often the favorite of lovers of fruity and floral notes. On the other hand, dark-roasted beans offer a deeper, richer flavour. Notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts emerge through longer roasting. However, dark beans can often be slightly more bitter.
The choice between light, medium, or dark roast beans depends entirely on your personal flavour preferences. So ask yourself: What flavours do I want to taste? We encourage you to taste and try different roast levels. That way, you can discover which one you like best.
Certification labels for coffee
There are also quality labels for coffee. These labels provide valuable information about the origin and production methods of the coffee beans. They serve as proof of how sustainability and quality are promoted.
One of the most recognized certifications for coffee beans is the "Rainforest Alliance" certification. This certification symbolizes not only high-quality coffee, but also a commitment to sustainability and responsible farming practices.
Kaldi proudly displays the Rainforest Alliance certification mark on its products. This certification mark guarantees that the coffee has been grown with attention to environmental protection, workers' rights, and the social and economic sustainability of farming communities. It not only supports the biodiversity of rainforests, but also ensures that coffee farmers receive fair prices for their products.
In addition to the Rainforest Alliance certification, there are other important certifications such as Fair Trade and UTZ Certified (now part of Rainforest Alliance), which emphasize different aspects of sustainability and quality.
It is very important to pay attention to these labels when buying coffee beans, because they provide insight into the efforts of coffee producers to supply ethical, environmentally friendly, and high-quality coffee. By choosing coffee beans with these labels, you are contributing to a better world and can enjoy your cup of coffee with peace of mind, knowing that it has been produced with care for people and the environment.
Origin and region
When buying coffee beans, the origin and region of the beans is an important factor. The origin influences the taste and character of your coffee. From the country, the region, and even the specific farm where it was grown.
Coffee is grown in various countries around the world, from the hills of Ethiopia to the mountains of Colombia. Each region of origin produces its own flavor profile. Soil conditions, altitude, climatic conditions, and cultivation methods vary greatly from region to region. Beans from Ethiopia have bright and floral flavours, while beans from Brazil can have a rich, nutty aftertaste.
Understanding the origin and region of coffee beans allows you to consciously choose flavour profiles that suit your personal preferences. In addition, exploring coffee from different origins can be an exciting journey to discover the diverse world of flavours.
When buying coffee beans, it is important to pay attention to where the beans come from. This opens the door to a richer and more satisfying coffee experience that will delight your taste buds.
Storage and packaging
When buying coffee beans, paying attention to the packaging is extremely important. The way coffee beans are packaged and stored has a direct impact on their freshness and flavor retention. It is crucial to choose coffee beans that are packaged in airtight packaging. This ensures that the beans are protected from exposure to air, which can affect their freshness through oxidation.
An important feature of good packaging for coffee beans is the presence of a valve. This valve prevents air from reaching the beans, but allows accumulated CO2 to escape! You will also find this valve on Kaldi bags, and the packaging offers protection against the elements.
However, preserving freshness does not stop with the packaging. After purchase, it is essential to store your coffee beans correctly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container. Make sure the beans are protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors, which can affect their flavours. In this article, you will find an overview of useful tips that are important for keeping your coffee beans fresh. This way, you are always guaranteed the most delicious cups of coffee.
Grinding coffee
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to taste, but also when it comes to brewing methods. Whether you prefer pre-ground coffee that fits in a filter machine, or fresh coffee beans that fit in an espresso machine.
Buying pre-ground coffee at the supermarket is always an option, of course, but here too you need to consider the freshness of the coffee you are buying. How long has it been on the shelf and what exactly has been ground? And is it the right grind for the machine or brewing method you want to use?
For those who prefer freshly ground coffee, we recommend investing in a high-quality coffee grinder. A good coffee grinder gives you control over the size of the grind, allowing you to achieve the perfect consistency for your desired brewing method. You can play around with the grind to explore different flavour profiles and refine your experience.
Don't have a coffee grinder? At specialty coffee shops, including Kaldi, you have the option to have coffee beans ground for the brewing method you like to use. This ensures the right grind size and the best freshness.
Oily coffee beans
You come home and open the bag of coffee beans you just bought. To your surprise, the coffee beans are shiny and feel greasy. Is there something wrong with the coffee beans? Are they still good for making coffee?
Unfortunately, greasy coffee beans are generally not a good sign. This means that the coffee beans have been roasted for too long. The long roasting process releases more oils and fats that rise to the surface. These fats affect the flavours and aroma of coffee beans, which in many cases can result in an unpleasant taste.
The release of fats can also occur if coffee is left for too long after roasting. This is why coffee beans in the supermarket (often) have a higher fat content. These beans are often no longer fresh and have been sitting on the shelves for a long time, losing their freshness.
How can you recognize fatty coffee beans? The release of oils gives the coffee beans a noticeable sheen. When you touch them and then rub your fingers together, you will also feel the oil and fat.
However, it is important to note that fats and oils are natural substances that are released during the growth of coffee beans. They are not harmful to your health, and some will always be released during the roasting process. In very specific cases, fats and oils can even enrich certain blends.
But as with many things in life, too much of anything is never good. The same goes for large amounts of fat and oil in coffee beans. The less fatty the coffee beans are, the better the coffee will be for you.
Buy from reliable brands
Specialized coffee shops and respected brands are often the best choice. These are the professionals who have in-depth knowledge of coffee and can often tell you everything about specific coffees. At Kaldi stores, our baristas are also ready to help you choose the best coffee for you.
What's more, respected brands are often transparent about their origins, roasting process, and controls, so you can shop with confidence. By buying from these reliable sources, you can enjoy a consistently high level of quality and flavours in your daily cup of coffee.
Taste and experiment
Discovering your ideal cup of coffee is an exciting and personal journey. It is important to remember that coffee offers a wide range of flavours, and the definition of ‘perfect’ varies from person to person. Experiment with different roast levels to determine which best suits your flavour, whether it's light, medium, or dark.
Don't hesitate to experiment with grind settings, water temperature, and brewing techniques to take your coffee to the next level. It is this willingness to try and explore that will ultimately lead you to find your ideal cup of coffee, tailored to your unique flavour and preferences.
Conclusion
At Kaldi, we strive to provide coffee lovers with the highest quality coffee beans. When buying coffee beans, it is essential to pay attention to freshness, bean type, roast level, origin, storage, and packaging, as well as grinding options. Whether you shop at the supermarket or a specialty store, making the right choices will contribute to the perfect cup of coffee. Discover our extensive range and indulge your senses in the world of Kaldi. Buying coffee has never been so satisfying.
By following these tips when buying coffee beans, you can create the perfect coffee experience and fully enjoy the delicious aromas and flavours that the world of coffee has to offer. At Kaldi, we are always here to guide you in making the right choice and to provide you with the best coffee beans on the market.