What Makes One Coffee Bean Taste Better Than Another?

If you’re a coffee lover, you already know that you might not be able to visually tell the difference between two cups of coffee, but that doesn’t mean that all coffee is the same. In fact, even two bags of coffee beans from one grower can wind up tasting wildly different.  

So what exactly is it that affects the taste of coffee beans? It’s a question that’s definitely worth exploring — and one that has multiple valid answers. Grab a few cups of coffee and follow along below!

Bean Type

Coffee beans are grown in two main varieties: arabica beans and robusta beans. These beans originally had a common ancestor, but arabica plants mutated over time into the plant we know today. As a result, the natural flavors of each type of bean are different. Arabica beans contain a greater concentration of acidity and boast a sweeter taste, while robusta beans are often said to make coffee taste bitter or nutty.

Terroir

If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “terroir,” they were likely referring to wine. But this borrowed French word isn’t actually specific to alcoholic beverages. Rather, it’s a word that conceptualizes the growing conditions of food (or drink) that lead to its unique taste. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, soil quality, time of the year, and altitude are all environmental factors contributing to the terroir of coffee beans. Some other factors that might make a difference are pesticide use, organic growing practices, and batch size. There are lots of moving parts to consider, and all of them can make a big difference when you’re looking for that perfectly balanced cup of coffee!

Roasting Process

The roasting process that coffee beans go through is different throughout the world, but as a general rule, if you roast coffee beans for a short time, you’ll get a light roast. If you roast them for longer, you’ll end up with a dark roast. Light roasts have more acidic flavors, while dark roasts may contain notes of chocolate (due to bean sugar caramelization). Some specialty coffee makers also add ingredients during the roasting process that change the flavor of the finished product.

Grind Size

Whether you prefer freshly ground beans or you buy pre-ground coffee, ground size is another factor to consider. The more finely ground your coffee beans are, the more quickly the brewing process proceeds. This is because smaller particles have a larger surface area compared to coarsely ground beans.

Brewing Process

Once your coffee beans are ground up and ready to use for your morning cup of joe, you still have a chance to alter the flavor of the final product during the brewing process!

There are two main brewing methods: drip brewing and immersion brewing. During drip brewing, water is poured over ground coffee beans. Since this method involves less direct contact with water, many people report that it produces a less strong product but brings out more subtle undertones in the beverage’s flavor.

During immersion brewing, the coffee beans are submerged completely in water throughout the process, which extracts more flavor in a shorter amount of time. Using a French press is an example of immersion brewing. Compared with drip coffee, immersion brewed coffee has a darker, fuller, and more bitter flavor and color.

Everyone has their preferences regarding brewing methods and brew time, but coffee experts generally agree that you should avoid excessive under or over-brewing. This is because over or under-brewing your grounds can lead to coffee that tastes bitter, watery, or sour.

Try a New Brew Today!

Find the brew you’re looking for at The Old Dutch Cupboard! Stop in today and pick up one of our coffee offerings. If coffee isn’t for you, don’t worry. We also sell a variety of both uncommon and common cheeses, several types of milk, and many specialty soda drinks you’ll love. We hope to see you soon!