Coffee Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans

How To Store Ground Coffee? 12 Tips for Coffee ...
To store ground coffee at home properly, keep it in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry, and dark cabinet away from sunlight and heat sources. The key to storing ground coffee for freshness, according to the National Coffee Association, is to limit air, moisture, heat, and light exposure. The NCA recommends using an opaque, airtight container at room...
How To Store Ground Coffee? 12 Tips for Coffee ...
To store ground coffee at home properly, keep it in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry, and dark cabinet away from sunlight and heat sources. The key to storing ground coffee for freshness, according to the National Coffee Association, is to limit air, moisture, heat, and light exposure. The NCA recommends using an opaque, airtight container at room...

How Long Does Ground Coffee Last? Shelf Life an...
Unopened ground coffee stays fresh for 3 to 5 months past its roast date if kept cool and dry. After opening, it stays fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, with the best flavor in the first week. Ground coffee's short shelf life leads to stale flavor and reduced quality. To expire means the coffee goes stale, not unsafe—unless contaminated. The...
How Long Does Ground Coffee Last? Shelf Life an...
Unopened ground coffee stays fresh for 3 to 5 months past its roast date if kept cool and dry. After opening, it stays fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, with the best flavor in the first week. Ground coffee's short shelf life leads to stale flavor and reduced quality. To expire means the coffee goes stale, not unsafe—unless contaminated. The...

Instant Coffee vs. Ground Coffee: Differences, ...
Instant coffee and ground coffee both originate from roasted coffee beans but differ significantly in preparation, flavor, and brewing method. Instant coffee is pre-brewed and dehydrated into granules that dissolve quickly in hot water. Ground coffee is made from freshly roasted beans that are manually ground and brewed. It delivers a fuller, richer taste when prepared with equipment like a...
Instant Coffee vs. Ground Coffee: Differences, ...
Instant coffee and ground coffee both originate from roasted coffee beans but differ significantly in preparation, flavor, and brewing method. Instant coffee is pre-brewed and dehydrated into granules that dissolve quickly in hot water. Ground coffee is made from freshly roasted beans that are manually ground and brewed. It delivers a fuller, richer taste when prepared with equipment like a...

Best Coffee To Drink Black: Brands, Benefits, a...
The best coffee to drink black, including long black or Americano, is made from single-origin specialty coffee beans grown at high altitudes in regions like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, or Colombia. According to Agnieszka Rojewska, the 2018 World Barista Champion, high altitudes allow coffee plants to mature slowly, developing more complex flavor profiles and luxurious tastes. For the best experience, choose...
Best Coffee To Drink Black: Brands, Benefits, a...
The best coffee to drink black, including long black or Americano, is made from single-origin specialty coffee beans grown at high altitudes in regions like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, or Colombia. According to Agnieszka Rojewska, the 2018 World Barista Champion, high altitudes allow coffee plants to mature slowly, developing more complex flavor profiles and luxurious tastes. For the best experience, choose...

Best Flavored Coffee: Beans, Flavors, and Healt...
The best flavored coffee is the one that uses natural flavors, premium Arabica beans, and balanced taste to highlight the coffee’s origin. It uses fresh beans, optimal roast levels, suitable grind sizes, and high-quality ingredients for excellent aroma and flavor. Some of the best flavored coffee brands vary in price, availability, format, and packaging sizes, so compare shipping fees, sourcing...
Best Flavored Coffee: Beans, Flavors, and Healt...
The best flavored coffee is the one that uses natural flavors, premium Arabica beans, and balanced taste to highlight the coffee’s origin. It uses fresh beans, optimal roast levels, suitable grind sizes, and high-quality ingredients for excellent aroma and flavor. Some of the best flavored coffee brands vary in price, availability, format, and packaging sizes, so compare shipping fees, sourcing...

Best Colombian Coffee: Top 9 Brands
The best Colombian coffee brand balances freshness, high-quality beans, and fair pricing. However, no single Colombian brand fits every preference, brewing style, drink type, health goal, or budget because Colombian coffees differ by region, roast level, flavor notes, bean variety, and format. Key factors in choosing the best Colombian coffee include when the beans were roasted, where the coffee was...
Best Colombian Coffee: Top 9 Brands
The best Colombian coffee brand balances freshness, high-quality beans, and fair pricing. However, no single Colombian brand fits every preference, brewing style, drink type, health goal, or budget because Colombian coffees differ by region, roast level, flavor notes, bean variety, and format. Key factors in choosing the best Colombian coffee include when the beans were roasted, where the coffee was...

Decaf Espresso: Definition, Caffeine, and Brewi...
Decaf espresso is a coffee drink made from decaffeinated beans, a decaf version of espresso. "Decaf" means the coffee contains decaffeinated beans, not zero caffeine. Decaf espresso contains less caffeine than regular espresso. A 1-ounce (30 ml) decaf shot has 3-15 mg of caffeine, while regular espresso has 63 mg. Decaf espresso tastes milder and sometimes nuttier than regular espresso....
Decaf Espresso: Definition, Caffeine, and Brewi...
Decaf espresso is a coffee drink made from decaffeinated beans, a decaf version of espresso. "Decaf" means the coffee contains decaffeinated beans, not zero caffeine. Decaf espresso contains less caffeine than regular espresso. A 1-ounce (30 ml) decaf shot has 3-15 mg of caffeine, while regular espresso has 63 mg. Decaf espresso tastes milder and sometimes nuttier than regular espresso....

Best Half Caff Coffee: Beans, Flavors, and Bene...
The best half caff coffee beans are made from 100% Arabica, roasted fresh in small batches, and decaffeinated using chemical-free methods like Swiss Water Process. To find the best half caff coffee beans, choose brands that roast to order, offer USDA organic certification, maintain transparent sourcing, and have high ratings, wide availability, and affordable pricing. Half-caffeine coffee tastes like regular...
Best Half Caff Coffee: Beans, Flavors, and Bene...
The best half caff coffee beans are made from 100% Arabica, roasted fresh in small batches, and decaffeinated using chemical-free methods like Swiss Water Process. To find the best half caff coffee beans, choose brands that roast to order, offer USDA organic certification, maintain transparent sourcing, and have high ratings, wide availability, and affordable pricing. Half-caffeine coffee tastes like regular...

What is Espresso Blend Coffee?
Espresso blend coffee is a combination of coffee beans selected and roasted specifically for brewing espresso. Espresso coffee blends often balance acidity, body, and sweetness to produce a concentrated, rich flavor with a thick crema. The term "espresso blend" refers to a marketing label that defines flavor profile, roast level, and brewing method, not origin or brand. Some espresso blends...
What is Espresso Blend Coffee?
Espresso blend coffee is a combination of coffee beans selected and roasted specifically for brewing espresso. Espresso coffee blends often balance acidity, body, and sweetness to produce a concentrated, rich flavor with a thick crema. The term "espresso blend" refers to a marketing label that defines flavor profile, roast level, and brewing method, not origin or brand. Some espresso blends...

What is Heirloom Coffee?
Heirloom coffee from Ethiopia refers to its native, often unclassified and diverse coffee varieties. This broad term covers an estimated 6,000 to 15,000 unique varieties. "Heirloom coffee" refers to non-hybrid, wild, indigenous, or genetically undefined coffee. Some grow wild in Ethiopian forests, while others are cultivated traditionally. Heirloom coffee is classified into JARC varieties (like 74110, 74112, and 7440) and...
What is Heirloom Coffee?
Heirloom coffee from Ethiopia refers to its native, often unclassified and diverse coffee varieties. This broad term covers an estimated 6,000 to 15,000 unique varieties. "Heirloom coffee" refers to non-hybrid, wild, indigenous, or genetically undefined coffee. Some grow wild in Ethiopian forests, while others are cultivated traditionally. Heirloom coffee is classified into JARC varieties (like 74110, 74112, and 7440) and...

30 Coffee Varieties, Varietals, Cultivars and H...
Coffee varieties are subspecies and genetic variations within coffee plants, resulting from natural mutations or breeding. Breeding aims to develop plants with traits like disease resistance, higher yield potential, or unique flavor profiles. The main varieties of Arabica coffee including Typica, Bourbon, Geisha, Caturra, SL28, and Ethiopian Heirloom. The main varieties of Robusta coffee are Nganda, Kouilou, Erecta, and BP...
30 Coffee Varieties, Varietals, Cultivars and H...
Coffee varieties are subspecies and genetic variations within coffee plants, resulting from natural mutations or breeding. Breeding aims to develop plants with traits like disease resistance, higher yield potential, or unique flavor profiles. The main varieties of Arabica coffee including Typica, Bourbon, Geisha, Caturra, SL28, and Ethiopian Heirloom. The main varieties of Robusta coffee are Nganda, Kouilou, Erecta, and BP...

Catuai Coffee Beans: Red and Yellow Varietals
Catuai is a hybrid coffee varietal developed in Brazil in 1949 by crossing Mundo Novo and Caturra. Its botanical name is Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí. Catuai coffee beans are small, round, and greenish-blue, growing inside red or yellow cherries. Catuai coffee has several varietals, including Red, Yellow, IAC SH3, and 99. This coffee has a balanced, sweet and acidic...
Catuai Coffee Beans: Red and Yellow Varietals
Catuai is a hybrid coffee varietal developed in Brazil in 1949 by crossing Mundo Novo and Caturra. Its botanical name is Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí. Catuai coffee beans are small, round, and greenish-blue, growing inside red or yellow cherries. Catuai coffee has several varietals, including Red, Yellow, IAC SH3, and 99. This coffee has a balanced, sweet and acidic...

Caturra Coffee Beans: Taste and Varietals
Caturra coffee, a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, is a primary cultivar for breeding new varieties. The name "Caturra" comes from the Guarani word for "small," referring to the plant's dwarfism. Caturra coffee beans are seeds from the Coffea arabica var. Caturra plant. They have a balanced, sweet, and citrusy flavor with medium acidity. Caturra coffee has four varieties:...
Caturra Coffee Beans: Taste and Varietals
Caturra coffee, a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, is a primary cultivar for breeding new varieties. The name "Caturra" comes from the Guarani word for "small," referring to the plant's dwarfism. Caturra coffee beans are seeds from the Coffea arabica var. Caturra plant. They have a balanced, sweet, and citrusy flavor with medium acidity. Caturra coffee has four varieties:...

Bourbon Coffee Beans: Red, Yellow, Pink, and Or...
Bourbon coffee is a primary Coffea arabica cultivar that is genetically and culturally significant in coffee production. Bourbon coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea arabica var. Bourbon plant and are found inside small cherries that ripen to red, yellow, or pink. Bourbon coffee varieties—including Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, Bourbon Pointu, and Bourbon Sidra—differ in...
Bourbon Coffee Beans: Red, Yellow, Pink, and Or...
Bourbon coffee is a primary Coffea arabica cultivar that is genetically and culturally significant in coffee production. Bourbon coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea arabica var. Bourbon plant and are found inside small cherries that ripen to red, yellow, or pink. Bourbon coffee varieties—including Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, Bourbon Pointu, and Bourbon Sidra—differ in...

Espresso vs Coffee: What's the Difference?
Espresso and coffee are both caffeinated beverages, but they differ. Espresso is a concentrated 1-ounce Italian drink made with an espresso machine from finely-ground coffee beans. In the U.S., 'coffee' typically refers to an 8-ounce cup of filter coffee brewed via auto-drip, pour-over, or French press methods. A 1-ounce espresso shot has about 64 mg of caffeine, compared to approximately...
Espresso vs Coffee: What's the Difference?
Espresso and coffee are both caffeinated beverages, but they differ. Espresso is a concentrated 1-ounce Italian drink made with an espresso machine from finely-ground coffee beans. In the U.S., 'coffee' typically refers to an 8-ounce cup of filter coffee brewed via auto-drip, pour-over, or French press methods. A 1-ounce espresso shot has about 64 mg of caffeine, compared to approximately...

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?
Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same. Cold brew is steeped in room temperature water for 12-24 hours. Iced coffee is hot-brewed and then poured over ice. Cold brew coffee has 185 to 205 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, significantly more than iced coffee. Apart from caffeine, cold brew and iced coffee differ in brewing process, time,...
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?
Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same. Cold brew is steeped in room temperature water for 12-24 hours. Iced coffee is hot-brewed and then poured over ice. Cold brew coffee has 185 to 205 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, significantly more than iced coffee. Apart from caffeine, cold brew and iced coffee differ in brewing process, time,...

Geisha Coffee: Origin, Price, and Buying Guide
Geisha coffee is a popular, expensive Coffea arabica variety with long, slender beans. Geisha coffee's unique flavor, careful production, limited growth, and high demand make it special. Geisha coffee prices vary by origin, quality, and processing. Green Geisha beans from Colombia, Guatemala, or Costa Rica cost $25–50 per pound, but top microlots exceed $1,000. This coffee has a complex, exquisite...
Geisha Coffee: Origin, Price, and Buying Guide
Geisha coffee is a popular, expensive Coffea arabica variety with long, slender beans. Geisha coffee's unique flavor, careful production, limited growth, and high demand make it special. Geisha coffee prices vary by origin, quality, and processing. Green Geisha beans from Colombia, Guatemala, or Costa Rica cost $25–50 per pound, but top microlots exceed $1,000. This coffee has a complex, exquisite...

What is Monkey Coffee?
Monkey coffee is a rare, expensive coffee made from beans chewed and spat out by monkeys. This type of coffee is mainly produced in India and Taiwan. Wild monkeys naturally create "monkey poop coffee" by eating the outer layer of coffee cherries and discarding the beans. This process ferments the beans, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee. Monkey coffee...
What is Monkey Coffee?
Monkey coffee is a rare, expensive coffee made from beans chewed and spat out by monkeys. This type of coffee is mainly produced in India and Taiwan. Wild monkeys naturally create "monkey poop coffee" by eating the outer layer of coffee cherries and discarding the beans. This process ferments the beans, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee. Monkey coffee...

Kopi Luwak Coffee: Production, Taste, and Price
Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is an expensive coffee made from beans that civets eat and excrete. Civets are small, cat-like animals. Most Kopi Luwak production involves keeping civets in cruel cages, which is unethical animal abuse. PETA reports that up to 80% of Kopi Luwak labeled "wild-sourced" is actually from caged civets. Food scientist Massimo Marcone explains that the...
Kopi Luwak Coffee: Production, Taste, and Price
Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is an expensive coffee made from beans that civets eat and excrete. Civets are small, cat-like animals. Most Kopi Luwak production involves keeping civets in cruel cages, which is unethical animal abuse. PETA reports that up to 80% of Kopi Luwak labeled "wild-sourced" is actually from caged civets. Food scientist Massimo Marcone explains that the...

Top 10 Most Expensive Coffee in the World
Most expensive coffee are coffee varieties that has very high prices due to rarity, special production, or exclusivity. Some of the world's most expensive coffee comes from animals, such as Indonesian Kopi Luwak and Thai Black Ivory Coffee. Others, like Geisha coffee from estates such as Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama or Finca El Injerto in Guatemala, are costly due...
Top 10 Most Expensive Coffee in the World
Most expensive coffee are coffee varieties that has very high prices due to rarity, special production, or exclusivity. Some of the world's most expensive coffee comes from animals, such as Indonesian Kopi Luwak and Thai Black Ivory Coffee. Others, like Geisha coffee from estates such as Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama or Finca El Injerto in Guatemala, are costly due...