There is nothing like a good cup of coffee to warm your soul and start your day with an energy boost.
However, if you really wish to sip and enjoy the best cup of coffee possible, then you need to know more about your beans. Knowing how to choose a coffee is crucial, however, it is just as important to know the red flags to watch out for.
If any of the below issues come up, then it is best to look for another!
- Ground Coffee
Looking at ground coffee? Forget it!
If you are buying from a roaster and they’re only selling pre-ground beans, then we suggest that you leave.
Ground coffees are not as flavorful as the whole coffee beans. Once the hard outer shell of the bean is cracked, oxidation takes place, continuously decreasing the aroma and flavor of the coffee.
If you do not have anything to grind your coffee at home, then we suggest that you get a coffee grinder right now.
- Self-Serve or Scoop Coffee Beans
If the roaster cares about the freshness of the beans, they will properly store it in one-way valve bags or airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
So, when you stumble on a coffee store with walls lines with clear plastic beans displaying coffee beans of different varieties, then need to turn around and leave.
- 100% Pure Coffee
A bag of coffee specifying 100% pure coffee.
Does it make sense?
If it is a trustworthy source, the 100% pure coffee label will not be needed. Why would a roaster feel the need to call it out?
- Use-By Date
In general, coffees in grocery stores will have a use-by date instead of the roast date. Now, if you are looking for fresh, flavorful coffee, the use-by date is practically useless.
This use-by date is usually a year beyond the roast date. The most it can tell you don’t buy the coffee.
- Large Quantities
For those who want to save money, buying bulk coffees can be a great strategy. However, don’t hope for the best tasting and flavorful coffee.
If the roaster only sells large quantities, don’t even consider it.
Think about purchasing coffee like purchasing a fresh loaf of bread. You need to get it once a week or every other week as needed.
Buying too much at one time just to save money, you risk having a stale coffee. Worse, wasting good coffee altogether.