If you love coffee, then you’re probably drinking coffee every day, and it’s likely that you’ve had to make the choice between more than one type of coffee bean. So how do you know which one to buy? After all, there are so many kinds of beans out there—Arabica, Robusta, etc.—all from different parts of the world and with their own unique flavors! Well, here’s the lowdown on coffee beans so that you can choose what’s best for your tastes.
Single Origin
If you’re worried about things like pesticides, genetic modification and whether or not your coffee is shade grown, then single origin might be for you. Since it comes from a single place and a single crop of beans (though, sometimes more than one) you can be sure that it has never been exposed to such contamination in its growth cycle. Most of these coffees also come with specific tasting notes that are much more identifiable than other roasts; i.e., wine tasting notes (honeyed, fruity/berry-like etc.).
Blends
Single-origin coffee beans are grown only in a single location, while coffee blends combine beans from multiple locations. This means that coffee blends generally have a more consistent flavor than single-origin beans. And while blends tend to be a bit more expensive, they’re also a great way to try new flavors without shelling out money for a full bag of coffee. Since many of these companies offer subscription services, you can experiment with several different types of coffees every month and always have something new to drink. If you want to try several varieties before committing to one company, sign up for each company’s coffee of the month club—and enjoy fresh-roasted goodness delivered straight to your door. If you want to get these coffee click read the guide on Best coffee beans for superautomatic espresso
Decaf
Caffeine can make your heart race and blood pressure spike, which is especially dangerous if you’re drinking it on an empty stomach. If you’re looking to lose weight, avoid caffeinated coffee unless you plan to drink a ton of water with it—and maybe even avoid it altogether. In fact, one study found that drinking a cup of decaf was enough to slow digestion by 13%. Plus, many brands add sugar or milk to their decaf brews. These additions are often hidden in fine print at the bottom of cans and bottles. If you do buy a can of regular (or full-strength) coffee, don’t let it linger in your kitchen for more than 20 minutes (due to its caffeine content). Instead, keep it in an airtight container like a mason jar in your pantry so you won’t be tempted by constant sips throughout day. And don’t forget about teas!
Flavored
Whether you’re a cappuccino person or a dark roast fan, one of your favorite things about coffee is how versatile it is. Unlike other beverages, you can buy just about any kind of coffee and still be sure that it will taste good, if only because you know that there are people out there who actually drink it. (We mean no disrespect.) Flavored coffees take your options even further by letting you pick what type of flavor to go with your beloved caffeinated beverage. But with so many options available, it can be hard to choose which flavors are worth trying and which aren’t worth their price tags.
