Every coffee drinker has experienced the taste of a great coffee. But what that coffee looks like is subjective. Some prefer the full bodied, bold taste of a dark roast. Others seek a blend that’s almost tea-like with a fruity or floral undertone. Regardless of your taste preferences, the quality of the coffee lies in the coffee bean.
But is there really a difference between cheap and premium coffee beans?
In short, yes there is a difference. Here’s everything you need to know.
Harvesting
The origin and quality of the coffee beans has a significant impact on whether the roast will be classed as cheap or premium. The highest rated coffee beans will be grown on specific farms in specific regions, where factors like the altitude, climate and soil conditions are optimal. They’re produced in small batches and often hand-harvested to preserve quality and freshness.
The beans are graded and sorted to ensure that each batch is a similar size. This will ensure an even roast and therefore an even flavour. And it’s this level of care and attention to detail that leads to a higher price tag.
Processing
When it comes to processing premium coffee beans, the level of care continues. Beans are roasted in smaller batches with key details such as the timing and temperature meticulously controlled. This helps to preserve the flavour and ensures that the coffee stays within its peak window when it reaches its destination.
Cheap coffee beans on the other hand, are roasted in bulk. This large-scale processing gives little opportunity to precisely set time or temperature controls, and achieves consistent yet basic flavours.
Storage
With premium coffee beans, the batches are smaller and therefore storage conditions can be optimised. They leave processing sooner and will make their way to their customers without spending large amounts of time in storage. Cheaper, mass processed beans do not enjoy the same luxury, often sitting on supermarket shelves for weeks and weeks.
They can sit in warehouses or storage centres waiting to be dispatched for weeks or even months at a time. And when they arrive at their destination, they may continue to sit on a shelf for a period of time before being purchased. This means that cheap coffee beans are often past their peak window at the time of consumption, leading to a reduction in quality.
Consumption
When it comes to brewing premium coffee beans, the quality continues. For most people, it’s cheap coffee beans that are brewed at home, which, by nature, creates inconsistency in dose, brew time and water temperature. Premium coffee beans are more commonly found in cafes where skilled baristas use specialised techniques to optimise the grind, the dose, the brew time and more. They ensure that the beans achieve their full potential which is why there is a noticeable difference in taste.
Is Premium Coffee Worth the Investment?
There is no single answer as to whether premium coffee is worth the investment. For regular consumption, cheap coffee is enough. But for an elevated experience and enhanced flavour, a coffee brewed with premium beans is a worthwhile treat. You’ll enjoy the natural flavours of the bean that has been carefully harvested, processed, stored and brewed to optimise taste, making your coffee more than a boost in caffeine.
Achieve Cafe Quality Coffee With Inglewood Coffee Roasters
Premium coffee beans don’t have to come with a premium price tag. Enjoy quality coffee at prices you’ll love by shopping at Inglewood Coffee Roasters. No matter whether you prefer a dark roast, light roast or both, we have you covered.