Gourmet Coffee Beans; being aware that there are more that six thousand variations of Coffee beans throughout the world helps in understanding just why so many people find gourmet coffee beans selection challenging and confusing. There are at least 25 major types of Gourmet Coffee beans however when viewed from the commercial perspective i.e. what is in demand, there are only 2 really important types of coffee beans to know about, namely the - Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.
Arabica coffee beans can be used in its pure form or used as the base for gourmet coffee blends along with the Robusta coffee bean. Arabica has a delicate flavor and is used to add body to gourmet coffee when used in blends.
Robusta as it's name suggest is a sturdy widely available coffee bean that provides the contrast with it's strong flavoring, adding that bit of pizazz to gourmet coffee. However, this is not meant to imply that the use of Robusta in a gourmet coffee blend is detrimental to its quality.
Gourmet coffee blends are designed to bring out the best in different coffee bean flavors and that is exactly what the Robusta bean does.
We all know that supply and demand drive costs, if availability is increased the cost comes down and in reverse the cost goes up. The Arabica plant, a large bush prone to damage by frost, disease and pests account for sixty percent of the gourmet coffee beans production, being susceptible to damage can severely impact on supply therefore as a result it's beans can be extremely expensive to purchase.
The remaining 40 percent of the gourmet coffee beans production is taken up by Robusta coffee beans. Now Robusta is different from it's cousin Arabica in that it is a easily grown hardy plant that is resistant to the ailments that affect the Arabica plant, making it's survival much stronger hence the price to purchase is comparably less.
One of the qualities of the Robusta coffee bean is that the flavor is much more consistent.
Flavor and Aroma are two very important areas of Gourmet Coffee beans selection. Of the two bean types Arabicas' flavor varies greatly throughout the world regions, something that is extremely noticeable to the experienced coffee connoisseur, who from a simple sip and smell is able to identify the coffee bean types and blends geographically.
So how do you like your coffee? Full or medium bodied, For a rich full bodied cup of gourmet coffee go for the Indonesian beans from the java and Sumatra areas and for medium body and aroma head towards the South America's. The Central and South American beans are widely used in breakfast blends of American gourmet coffees, as are most flavored gourmet coffees.
It is not recommended to purchase gourmet coffee beans in bulk you should only buy enough for your immediate needs as the shelf life is a week in the fridge or upto a month in the freezer. But follow the roasters/suppliers recommendations for a more accurate guide.
Gourmet Coffee Drink Recipes : Cappuccino Recipe
Coffee selections is very much down to personal taste and I would suggest that you acquire a small selection of gourmet coffee beans and conduct your own test in a relaxed and comfortable area. Brew each bean type separately and pour into its own cup, pick each cup up and one by one smell the aroma, then slowly sip and sample the gourmet coffees. Allow them to cool and then repeat because many gourmet coffees tend to change flavor with adjustments in temperature.
By tasting at various stages of cooling you can be more knowledgeable on how the coffee made with your chosen gourmet coffee beans may change in characteristics at different stages of cooling and whether these changes in taste and aroma will affect your enjoyment of the blend.