Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant's fruit used to produce coffee.

The fruit of the coffee is composed of two elliptical seeds. The flat interface where they join together is called a flat bean; those consisting of a single round seed are known as round beans, with no difference in taste.

The earliest Arabs consumed coffee by chewing whole coffee beans to extract their juice. Later, they mixed ground coffee beans with animal fat as a source of energy for long journeys. Around 1,000 AD, people began boiling green coffee beans in water to create aromatic beverages. By the 14th century, Arabs were roasting, grinding, and consuming large quantities of coffee.

The coffee commonly consumed daily is made using various brewing utensils with coffee beans, appropriately roasted. A standard cup of coffee should not taste bitter; a skilled barista meticulously follows each step, resulting in coffee presented to customers with varying degrees of sweetness, acidity, richness, or cleanliness in flavor.

So how do you choose coffee beans?

The main two types are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans typically have a richer taste and complex flavor, while Robusta beans are stronger and more bitter. Therefore, you can choose the type of coffee beans that suits your taste preferences.

2. Consider the origin

The origin of coffee beans also affects their flavor.

Beans from different regions have unique flavor characteristics. For example, coffee beans from Kenya typically have bright acidity and fruity flavors, while those from Colombia usually have a soft texture and balanced acidity. You can choose coffee beans from different origins according to your preferred flavor characteristics.

3. Pay attention to the degree of roasting

In general, lightly roasted coffee beans have more pronounced acidity and fruity flavors, while dark roasted beans are richer and more bitter. Therefore, you can choose the appropriate degree of roasting according to your taste preferences.

4. Check the appearance of the beans

When selecting coffee beans, you can also judge their quality by observing their appearance. High-quality coffee beans typically have a smooth appearance, uniform color, and no obvious defects or impurities.

5. Smell the aroma

Another way to select coffee beans is by smelling their aroma. High-quality coffee beans usually have a strong and long-lasting aroma, which is fresh and inviting.

6. Try buying in small batches

If you're not sure whether a particular type of coffee beans suits your taste, you can try buying small batches of beans for experimentation. This reduces the risk and allows you to better understand your taste preferences.

In summary, choosing coffee beans involves multiple factors, but the most important is your personal taste and preferences.