Gourmet Specialty Coffee ... Choosing The Best

Gourmet specialty coffee has become a very popular item in today's market, as more and more people are starting to appreciate the taste of these sophisticated coffee beans.

We stop at our local coffee shops often just to enjoy that great taste. What makes the flavor so different in the coffee shops? It's the beans!

The Coffee Beans

Gourmet specialty beans have a very natural and distinct flavor, which is mostly due to the special soil they are grown in, along with the attention given to them during the growing process. The distinct flavor is obtained through special microclimates, which gives coffee a more balanced and richer flavor.

There are three types of coffee beans. The richest in flavor are the Arabica. So always check to make sure you're getting Arabica versus Robusta beans.

Most specialty stores sell only Arabica coffee beans, and you can also buy them online from Green Mountain Coffee which is a very reputable company and offers good prices. You will find some places that will mix in Robusta beans, so always check to make sure you're getting what you're paying for.

How To Buy Gourmet Coffee Beans

You should always purchase gourmet coffee beans whole because the flavor comes from the bean's oils. Gourmet coffee beans actually begin to lose some flavor as soon as they are taken out of the roaster because the essential oils start to break down right away.

Whole coffee beans that are packaged in air tight containers maintain their flavor the best. If you can, buy from local shops that roast their own beans to take advantage of being able to buy gourmet specialty coffee at its peak.

Strengths of Coffee

One of the most misunderstood notions of buying any type of coffee is deciding whether to purchase strong or mild flavors. You can actually make any flavor of coffee strong or mild, depending on how much ground coffee you use in relationship to the amount of water.

Aim for only about a fourth of a cup at first, especially for first timers trying gourmet coffee. It can then be increased based on personal preference.

As you try different types of beans you will find some beans have a more robust taste. You'll also find that the type of grind you use, whether it be coarse or fine, will alter the taste of the coffee.

Grinding Coffee Beans Plays a Major Role in Gourmet Specialty Coffee

The final step in enjoying gourmet specialty coffee is grinding the beans and brewing them in the best coffee maker. Once you grind the beans they oxidize and start to lose flavor also which is why you should only grind what you will be using immediately.

Choosing the Coffee Maker

Brewing your coffee in the best coffee maker is also important. Although everyone has their own preference of coffee makers, a French press makes an awesome cup!

Gourmet specialty coffee can be very enjoyable, as long as it is purchased and brewed correctly. It is a hot item all over the world, and various flavors and brews can be found in many different countries. Its amazingly rich and distinct flavor is loved by many, which makes the entire growing and brewing process well worth it.

Today, more people are enjoying the great taste of gourmet decaf coffee. Some people drink decaf to avoid all the caffeine, while other people drink the gourmet specialty coffee simply because it is delicious. So if you prefer decaf... you'll find it's delicious to!

Specialty Gourmet Coffee

I've been around a lot of years (No I'm not telling my age ;) and have sampled and used some wonderful gourmet specialty coffees. I'll be listing some of my favorites here.

• Blue Mountain Jamaican Coffee
• Brazilian Coffee
• Colombian Coffee
• Cuban Coffee
• Ethiopia Coffee
• Guatemalan Coffee
• Kenya Coffee
• Kona Coffee
• Sumatra Coffee