The Coffee Story
Coffee
The two main types of coffee beans grown for consumption are called Arabica and Robusta. The general differences between the two are taste and conditions under which they grow. Arabica beans are delicate and require cool subtropical climates, they are vulnerable to cold and must be grown at a higher elevation of 600 to 2000 metres. Robusta beans grow from hardier plants that can withstand tougher climate conditions, and are capable of growing well at low altitudes of 200 to 800 metres. The taste of Arabica beans ranges from sweet-soft to sharp-tangy, with a roasted scent of fruity notes and sugary tones. The Robusta taste range is neutral-to-harsh and is often described as tasting grain-like, with a roasted scent similar to that of raw peanuts.
The Different Coffee Bean Roasts
Coffee bean in their raw state (green) are subjected to heat for varying periods of time to achieve types of roasts, this is known as the roasting process. There are many different roasts of beans available on the market but the following guide lists the main catories and their common names:
Dark Roasts (14minutes)
The darkest roasts such as Italian Roast are also known as “Heavy Roast”, Beans are roasted nearly to jet black giving a smoky well roasted taste. This masks the natural flavours of the coffee bean.
Medium Dark Roasts (12 to 13 minutes)
Medium dark roast is when the beans are roasted at a high enough temperature to bring the natural oil of the coffee to the surface.
Some examples are: French Roast-also known as “Dark Roast”. French Roast beans are often used to make espresso.
Continental Roast-slightly lighter than French Roast but with spicy body.
Medium Roasts (9 to 11 minutes)
Medium roasts balance body with flavour. Some examples are: American Roast-not as dark as any of the European roasts but with a good aroma.
City Roast - darker than the standard American Roast.
Lights Roasts (7 minutes)
A Light Roast gives a very subtle light bodied flavour.
Some examples are: Cinnamon Roast-where the surface of the bean is dry with no oils present and flavour is light-bodied, New England Roast and Half City Roast.
Storing Your Coffee
Roasted Beans
Roasted coffee beans gradually deteriorate after they have been roasted and are best used within six months, but they must be properly stored. To prolong their freshness they can be stored in airtight packaging in a freezer for up to 12 months and used in small quantities as and when required. However there is a debate about the effect on the beans of the moisture that occurs as a natural side effect of defrosting, and of course the frozen beans should never be used in a grinder straight from the freezer! The fridge is a better option for storing roasted beans but again they should be stored in an airtight container or in an unopened valve bag, although there is a similar issue with condensation. It is very important to keep the storage containers clean since the oils from the roasted beans will build up and become rancid damaging the flavour of the beans. The best plan is to store your roasted beans in an airtight container in a cool place out of direct sunlight, and to use them as quickly as possible. If you roast your own beans it is recommended that you only roast a weeks worth of coffee beans at a time.
Ground Coffee
Ground coffee deteriorates very quickly. Ideally you should grind the coffee immediately before use if you chose to buy it ready-ground then it is best to buy it in small quantities and use it as quickly as possible. Modern production processes for ground coffee purge the oxygen from the packaging to prolong the shelf life, but once the packaging is opened the coffee will deteriorate quickly. Observe the “best before” date on unopened valve bags or pressurised tins of ground coffee.
