Little Details Elevate Your Experience With Whole-Bean Colombian Coffee
Whole bean, Colombian coffee can be some of the best coffee around. Colombian coffee, in general, is known for its nuanced and balanced flavor. Buying it in a whole-bean version allows you to enjoy it at its freshest. However, your level of enjoyment of whole bean Colombian coffee depends, in part, on how you handle the details. Here are a few little details that will help elevate your whole experience with whole bean Colombian coffee.
Use a burr grinder.
The type of grinder you use will make a difference in how you experience your whole bean Colombian coffee. Ideally, you want a burr grinder rather than a blade grinder. Burr grinders result in a more even grind, which will help you get more flavor out of your coffee beans. Blade grinders, while cheaper, are known for grinding your coffee unevenly. This can result in a less-balanced brew, and it also makes it more likely that you'll get some coffee grounds in your coffee. Spend a few dollars more on a burr grinder—it's worth it.
Keep your coffee beans sealed.
Whole bean coffee does stay fresh a lot longer than pre-ground coffee. However, you still need to store your beans properly to keep them fresh. A glass jar is the easiest option, and it's also an inexpensive option. You can also find metal coffee storage containers with clamp-down lids. If you have kids and are worried about someone breaking a glass jar, these are a good choice. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep your coffee beans in a sealed, airtight container of some sort.
Don't overheat your water.
There's a common misconception that you need to make coffee with boiling water. But using boiling water will cause some of the lighter, more aromatic flavors in your Colombian coffee to dissipate. So, it's far better to use water that's just a little cooler. Bring it to a boil, let it cool for two or three minutes, and then make your coffee. You'll notice that the flavor of your Colombian coffee becomes brighter and more balanced.
Buying good quality, whole bean, Colombian coffee is the first step towards enjoying delicious coffee at home. However, once you have those beans in hand, you still need to treat them properly in order to get the best flavor out of them. Follow the little tips above, pay attention to detail, and you'll soon be sipping the good stuff.