There are many secrets to an amazing cup of coffee, and the finest connoisseurs know that one such secret is…
- Home
- 5 good Reasons to Switch to Coffee Beans
Guide
5 good Reasons to Switch to Coffee Beans
Written by Jigisha
Reading time 5 minCoffee beans are becoming an increasingly popular choice among coffee lovers, and for good reason. They offer numerous benefits: they are more eco-friendly, economical, and provide a superior coffee experience by retaining maximum freshness and flavour. Unlike pre-ground or instant coffee, whole beans allow you to enjoy the full depth of the coffee’s aroma and taste. Let’s explore why switching to coffee beans could transform things for coffee lovers and enhance your coffee taste.
Coffee consumption in England
Just a few decades ago, it was quite common for people to purchase whole coffee beans and grind them at home, enjoying a fresh cup brewed in Italian coffee makers, or using filters and electric coffee machines. This practice was part of the daily coffee ritual, providing a rich and high quality coffee experience. However, starting in the 1970s, technological advancements led by major industrial players began to bring changes in brewing methods. The market shifted towards more convenient options, such as pre-ground, vacuum-packed coffee, instant coffee, freeze-dried varieties, and portioned formats like capsules and pods.
By 1994, the introduction of the first coffee capsules revolutionized home brewing, making it easier and faster for everyone to enjoy a café-quality espresso at home with minimal effort. As a result, coffee drinkers began to favour these convenient methods, particularly coffee capsules and coffee pods. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable resurgence in the popularity of other brewing methods, especially whole coffee beans, as more people seek to reclaim the rich flavours and authentic experience that only freshly ground coffee can provide.
The big comeback of coffee beans
Indeed, in recent years, driven by a desire to consume better, coffee beans have made a big comeback. Here are the 5 main reasons to switch to coffee beans:
Taste
You might not know this, but coffee aromas are particularly volatile. Coffee is sensitive to air, climatic changes (like humidity), and light.
Thus, freshly ground coffee beans (ground just before making your drink) will release all the subtleties and true aromas of your coffee. Unlike “pre-ground” coffees (vacuum-packed or in capsules), coffee beans will deliver a taste closer to the real flavour of coffee in your cup.
Traceability
Drinking good coffee is great but knowing where it comes from and how it was grown is even better! However, with mass-produced coffees, whether ground or in capsules, it’s sometimes difficult to know where your coffee comes from.
Coffee beans allow for better tracking of their origin and journey. You can even discover different terroirs, producers, and especially small roasters through coffee beans.
Ecology
Coffee beans are significantly more eco-friendly than capsules. Unlike single-use pods, which contribute to plastic and aluminium waste, coffee beans leave behind only natural coffee grounds. These grounds are biodegradable and easy to compost or recycle, rich in nutrients that benefit soil health as a natural fertilizer. Choosing coffee beans helps reduce environmental impact and supports a more sustainable approach to enjoying coffee.
Economy
Coffee beans are, on average, three times cheaper than coffee capsules, making them a more cost-effective choice. The lower price is due to the absence of the extra costs associated with single-use packaging and branding found in capsules. By opting for coffee beans, you not only save money but also enjoy higher quality coffee at a fraction of the cost. This makes beans a smart choice for both your wallet and your daily coffee experience.
Diversity of coffee beans
We mentioned the taste of coffee earlier. Obviously, freshly ground coffee will offer more aromas. But venturing into the world of coffee beans also means discovering a great diversity of flavours.
It’s not widely known, but coffee offers a rich aromatic palette. In fact, this gourmet product is often compared to wine. With wine, it is common to detect aromatic notes of red fruits, flowers, or more woody scents.
The same applies to coffee! Buying whole beans allows you to take things up a notch in terms of aromatic notes, thanks to their freshness.
Everything you need to know about storing and freshness of coffee beans
To best preserve your coffee beans, they need to follow certain storage rules. To maintain all their aromas, it’s better to avoid:
- Light
- Humidity
- High temperatures
- Oxygen
- Severe dryness
And for even better preservation, we recommend placing the beans in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed container as soon as you open your package. This way, your coffee will retain all its original aromas for up to two months.
After two months, the beans will start to lose their aromas. Therefore, choose smaller packages of coffee if you don’t consume a lot of it.
For maximum freshness
The expiration date is often indicated on the package, but the roasting date is rarely mentioned. As a result, it is difficult to know if the coffee is fresh.
Yet, the freshness of your coffee is essential for maximizing its aromatic potential. Coffee is best when consumed shortly after roasting, as this helps preserve its natural flavours and prevents oxidation that can dull its taste. Over time, even the finest coffee will begin to lose its distinct qualities. To truly enjoy the vibrant flavours and aromas, it’s ideal to consume your coffee within 2 weeks to 2 months of roasting.
Switching to coffee beans opens a world of rich flavours and aromas waiting to be discovered with every cup. It’s not just about drinking coffee, it’s about a high quality flavour profile. All this begins with the selection of beans right until the joy of grinding and brewing them fresh. Embrace the journey into a diverse and vibrant world of coffee, where each cup is an opportunity to explore new taste adventures and savour the true essence of this beloved beverage.
Discover our other articles
-
HOW-TO -
Guide The search for the best coffee beans is a daunting task. Between the varieties of coffee, the different origins, the… -
Guide The colour of your roast is essential when it comes to shaping the flavour profile of your brew. Yet, understanding…
