So, I hear you want to buy some coffee beans? You might wonder whether you should look for the the best whole bean coffee or ground coffee beans.
Well, I can tell you that it's not the minefield you might think! Here, I break down the pros and cons of both types of coffee beans so you can find the best tasting coffee for you.
Quick Navigation
Best Ground Coffee
The Pros of Ground Coffee
If convenience and low-price are what you're after, ground coffee is the way to go! It's readily available in most stores and only requires the addition of hot water. Maybe some milk and sugar, if that's how you take it. One survey found that Americans drink most of their coffee at home. If they want a quick cup in the morning, they probably choose their coffee pre-ground.
You don't need any expensive equipment, or even much skill, to make a cup of coffee from ground coffee beans. Even the most amateur barista can handle the process!
The Cons of Ground Coffee
The problem is, the cheaper option can mean you have to compromise on quality. Once ground, coffee goes stale very quickly and this affects the flavor and the scent. This is down to the oil in the bean that begins to disappear once the beans are ground.
Let me explain the basic chemistry at play here. When we grind coffee, we create smaller particles and this increases the surface area. Carbon dioxide gas is liberated and there is a larger absorption area for hot water to act upon. Once the surface area is increased, coffee can rapidly go stale.
Best Whole Bean Coffee
The Pros of Whole Bean Coffee
When you buy whole roasted coffee beans, you are paying for quality. The bean has a protective case that holds in the coffee oils, locking in the flavor and the nutrients. Airborne contaminants can affect the flavor and healthiness of the coffee beans, so it's best to keep these away.
Whole bean coffee tends to come from better crops. When packaging whole bean coffee, you can't hide impurities or negative qualities. For this reason, you can be confident that the whole beans you purchase will be fresh, aromatic and full of flavor.
When grinding your own beans, you can adjust the grind to fit your perfect brewing method and type of coffee. You'll be able to monitor the grind size you produce and the coffee you grind is much fresher.
The Cons of Whole Bean Coffee
You have to grind the coffee beans regularly to ensure it does remain as fresh as can be. This can be a little time-consuming.
Not only are the whole beans more expensive to purchase, but you might also need to buy some equipment to grind the beans.
Your Coffee Grinding Guide
Here, I've put together a quick "cheat sheet" so you can see how to grind coffee beans.
Cheat sheet |
|---|
Grind to your heart's content! Whether you prefer a coarse grind, a medium grind or a super fine grind, choose what makes your perfect cup. |
Ground the beans just before brewing. To keep the freshness and those flavorful compounds, don't leave ground coffee lying around for too long. |
Keep your coffee grinder clean. Minimize impurities that can make their way into your coffee. You don't want old, stale coffee in your fresh brew. |
How to Grind Coffee Beans (Without a grinder!)
Grinding your own coffee doesn't have to break the bank, and you can do it right from your own kitchen. Cheap methods include placing your coffee beans in a sealable bag. Then you can either roll them with a pin or bash them with a hammer!
An even better method I suggest is to use a mortar and pestle. As you grind those beans, you'll get to really enjoy the aromas that are released.
What is the Proper Storage for Ground or Whole Bean Coffee?
I recommend that you always store your coffee in an airtight container. This locks in the aroma and flavor and keeps it safe from bacteria.
Keep your ground coffee dry! Since ground coffee beans are broken up, they lose their protective case. When coffee becomes damp, it can grow a dangerous mold which can damage your liver.
To be safe, always keep your coffee in a dark, dry and cool area in a secure but re-sealable package.
Why Ground Coffee is Cheaper than Whole Bean Coffee
To put it simply, ground coffee is cheaper because it offers an inferior flavor. You pay for quality, and the best whole bean coffee around comes from better crops and is roasted more recently. This makes it fresher and more aromatic.
Most of the coffee's flavors and scents are released during grounding. When we ground coffee at home, we get to experience and appreciate this process.
Not only that, but did you know that coffee only remains fresh for 2-3 weeks after roasting? Whole bean coffee gets shipped much quicker, so the consumer gets to enjoy it before quality is diminished.
The Bottom Line
Americans drink around 400 million cups of coffee per day! This makes the US the leading consumer of coffee in the world. So, which is the best type of bean?
Well, good things take time! Try buying whole coffee beans and grinding them up yourself. The process may take longer, but all you coffee connoisseurs out there will agree; nothing beats a great cup of coffee.
