Best Ground Coffee- 2023
So Many Options- So Little Patience
You wake up in the morning, dodge any potential obstacles or confusions, and care about one and only one thing- COFFEE! If you are like me, getting your morning set right is very crucial to getting the day accomplished. Those sacred early morning hours belong to you and only you!
However, making sure that you have not only a good routine, but a great coffee in the morning, mid day, or afternoon – is extremely important. Many of us are set on our specific brands, textures, and darkness levels.
To the most of us a very hard-core coffee connoisseurs out there, the best coffee can be based off of how it is roasted in where it is sourced.
What Is The Roasting Process?
Coffee beans are roasted to bring out their flavors and aromas. Roasting coffee is a complex process that involves several stages, each with its own set of chemical and physical changes. Here’s a general overview of how coffee is roasted:
Selection of Green Coffee Beans:
- The process begins with the selection of high-quality green coffee beans. These beans are typically sourced from coffee-growing regions around the world and come in various varieties and grades.
Preheating:
- The green coffee beans are loaded into a roasting machine, which is usually a large drum that rotates. The machine is preheated to the desired temperature, typically ranging from 350°F to 450°F (175°C to 232°C), depending on the roast profile.
Drying Phase:
- During the drying phase, the green coffee beans are slowly heated. Moisture inside the beans starts to evaporate, causing them to change color from green to yellow. This phase usually lasts for a few minutes.
First Crack:
- As the beans continue to heat, they go through a crucial stage called the “first crack.” During this phase, the beans expand and crack audibly, similar to popcorn. This is when the sugars in the beans start caramelizing, and the coffee begins to take on its characteristic aroma and flavor. Roasters may choose to stop the roast at this point for a lighter roast.
- As the beans continue to heat, they go through a crucial stage called the “first crack.” During this phase, the beans expand and crack audibly, similar to popcorn. This is when the sugars in the beans start caramelizing, and the coffee begins to take on its characteristic aroma and flavor. Roasters may choose to stop the roast at this point for a lighter roast.
Development Phase:
- After the first crack, the roast enters the development phase. The temperature is carefully controlled to allow the beans to develop their desired flavor profile. The longer the beans are roasted from this point, the darker and oilier they become.
Second Crack (Optional):
- Some roasts, particularly darker roasts like French or Italian roasts, may go through a second crack. This is when the beans crack again, and the oils inside the beans are released more fully. Beans roasted to this point will have a very dark, almost shiny appearance.
Cooling:
- Once the beans reach the desired roast level, they are rapidly cooled to stop the roasting process and lock in the flavors. This is typically done by passing them through a stream of cool air or using a cooling tray.
Resting:
- After roasting, coffee beans are often allowed to rest for a period of time, typically 12 to 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to mature and stabilize.
Grinding and Brewing:
- Finally, the roasted coffee beans are ground to the desired consistency and brewed to make coffee.
It’s important to note that the roast level significantly impacts the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Lighter roasts tend to have more delicate and acidic flavors, while darker roasts are characterized by richer, bolder, and often more bitter flavors. The choice of roast level is a matter of personal preference and depends on the desired flavor profile. Roasters carefully monitor the temperature, time, and other variables throughout the roasting process to achieve the desired roast level and flavor characteristics.
So who makes the best ground coffee?
With all the several brands out there it is very hard to determine what is the best of the best of the best. Many companies offer several types from pods, two full beans, two presses, two full brewed cold concoctions.
I have tried several brands out there, and would highly recommend not only is the coffee good – but who do they support, and what is their public relations.
Personally, I prefer Black Rifle Coffee Company – why? Because they support veterans, they have phenomenal coffee with multiple variations, awesome roasting techniques, cool merch, and just a great company all around! Check them out- Black Rifle Coffee Company
