The quality of the coffee beans will influence the quality of a delicious cup of coffee. You see, before the roasting and brewing process, green coffee beans are the most crucial ingredient in giving your coffee its flavor and aroma profile!
That said, not all green coffee beans are good. It would be best if you still read this guide on how to choose green coffee beans and the factors that influence them, from their origin to their storage techniques.
Choosing the right coffee beans will result in coffee with the perfect flavor profile, just as coffee lovers like it! But first, let’s get to know what a green coffee bean is.
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What Is Green Coffee Bean?
Green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not been roasted or are still in their raw state. From the outside, these beans appear green or grey-green in color and are quite hard in texture.
Without the roasting process, these beans are rich in chlorogenic acid, giving us many health benefits. Typically, these beans are used for two purposes: as a base for specialty coffee or consumed unroasted for optimal health benefits.
While the flavor is much different from roasted coffee, green coffee beans still have the potential to create a unique and rewarding coffee experience for every connoisseur!
Also read: What Are Green Coffee Beans? Here’s 3 Ways to Consume It!
The Regions of Green Coffee Beans
Several regions are recognized as producing the best coffee globally. Each has its unique characteristics, both in terms of flavor and aroma. You need to know about three areas that produce quality green coffee beans!
1. The Americas
The Americas region, namely Central and South America, is often said to produce the best coffee beans that taste sour, fresh and clean. This is because these beans are grown at a certain altitude.
Here, we have the countries of Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Their coffees have a distinctive flavor profile with hints of chocolate, caramel, or tropical fruits.
2. East Africa and the Middle East
Next up are the regions of East Africa and the Middle East. Both produce more complex coffees, with hints of flowery, fresh berry-like notes, and strong spices.
Coffee-producing countries from here include Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen. Coffee from Ethiopia is commonly referred to as “origin coffee” because it is the birthplace of the coffee plant.
3. Asia
The third is Asian countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. You can get specialty coffees from Indonesia, such as Gayo, Mandheling, and Toraja. All three have rich flavors and low acidity.
These three countries generally produce coffee with an intense and earthy flavor profile with a slight aftertaste of spices. Perfect if you’re looking for a well-balanced coffee!
Also read: Getting to Know Green Coffee Beans by Region Map
Tips on How to Choose Green Coffee Beans
When choosing the right coffee beans, we need to pay attention to several factors. Here is a complete guide on how to choose green coffee beans perfectly!
1. Origin
First of all, we have to pay attention to the origin of the coffee beans. For example, Ethiopian coffee will have fruity and floral nuances.
This differs from Brazilian coffee, which has a more complex flavor plus a slightly sweet chocolate note. Choose beans that provide a flavor and aroma profile that suits your taste.
2. Altitude
Did you know that the altitude at which the coffee beans are grown also affects the quality of the coffee? Generally, coffee beans grown at higher altitudes offer a more complex and slightly more acidic flavor.
3. Processing
Next, pay attention to how the coffee beans are processed: are they washed, natural, or honey-processed? Each of them produces a unique coffee bean character.
For example, the washed method produces coffee that tastes clean. Meanwhile, natural processing gives a more intense fruit flavor.
4. Appearance
Check the physical condition of the coffee beans, such as in size, color, and texture. Make sure the selected coffee beans have a uniform color, are not too dry, and have no holes or stains.
5. Ethical Coffee
The last tip, which is more optional, is to choose coffee beans that are processed using natural and sustainable practices. Aside from supporting local coffee farmers, this will also show your concern for environmental sustainability!
Also read: Sustainable Indonesian Coffee: A Rich Tapestry of Flavor and Responsibility
How to Store Your Green Coffee Beans
Quality coffee beans are only useful if you know how to store them properly. Without the right method, the flavor and aroma of the coffee will quickly deteriorate even before roasting. To avoid this, we recommend taking a look at some steps on how to store green coffee beans correctly:
1. Moisture Levels
Store green coffee beans with a moisture level of 10-12%. Too high a moisture content can lead to mold growth, while low moisture will lose its authentic aroma.
2. Temperature Levels
Store coffee in a cool and temperature-stable storage area. Avoid storing coffee in temperatures that are too hot because it will reduce the quality of your coffee beans.
3. Lights Level
It is best not to store green coffee beans in a place exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can otherwise damage the quality of the coffee beans, too!
4. Pests
Store coffee in an airtight container. To prevent oxidation by air or substance contamination, your green coffee beans will be protected from flea or moth infestation.
5. Time
Although green coffee beans’ shelf life is longer than roasted coffee, it’s best to consume them all within a year of purchase. This will give you the best-tasting and consistent coffee in every brew!
Practical Tips to Keep in Mind to Choose The Good Coffee Beans
Other than applying some of the tips above, including how to choose good coffee beans, you should remember the following practical tips!
- Taste Before You Buy: Some green coffee bean exporters offer small samples that you can try. Therefore, taste before you buy to estimate the flavor and aroma quality before you buy.
- Look for Certification: Coffee beans certified organic or fair trade have shown that they were produced with proper production ethics in mind for the best results.
- Buy from a Trusted Supplier: Finally, buy green coffee beans only from reputable exporters. They will guarantee to provide only fresh and quality coffee beans!
Choose Quality Green Coffee Beans for the Best Results
How to choose green coffee beans? It’s easy; you must consider five factors: origin, altitude, processing method, physical appearance, and the manufacturing process.
Knowing these factors will ensure you get the right quality green coffee beans. Also, understand how to store them properly for consistent brewed coffee flavors!
Want to enjoy quality green coffee beans from Indonesia? FnB Coffee is the best solution! As an exporter of Indonesian coffee beans, we offer a diverse range of varieties worth trying.
From Arabica and Robusta to Specialty coffees, each type boasts unique characteristics. Feel free to explore until you find the perfect coffee drink that suits your taste!
Still, trying to understand which coffee beans suit your taste? Visit our best-seller catalogue or ask our team for more information.
Let’s visit the FnB Coffee website now. Indulge your taste buds with speciality coffee drinks from Indonesia!
