Gourmet Coffee Bean

Welcome to our site. Here you will find information on gourmet coffee beans and accessories.

The Amazing Bean

The technical and original definition of gourmet coffee was whether the bean was considered Arabica or Robusta.  All the beans falling into the Arabica category were considered a “gourmet coffee bean” versus all else that fell into the Robusta category.  Nowadays, however, gourmet coffee bean refers to any bean having undergone a specialized process by which flavors or additions have been roasted into the bean for enhancement.  All the fancy flavored coffees you find such as vanilla, caramel, mocha, or chocolate, are now called “gourmet coffee”.

The true taste of coffee is established prior to the gourmet processing, though.  The plant itself, and the climate from which it originates, not to mention the soil, is what gives the “green” coffee bean its actual flavor.  The roasting process brings out the flavor, and any additions make it a gourmet coffee bean. 

These coffees are available in most grocery stores, usually adjacent to the regular coffees of the world, like Folgers.  Another way of purchasing gourmet coffee is through the roasters’ websites where many will not roast the beans until right before shipping to you directly, ensuring the freshest taste possible.

One of the most highly prized coffees in the world is the renowned gourmet coffee bean called the Kona bean, from Kona, Hawaii. 

These beans are produced in rich volcanic soil and the climate in Hawaii extends much to its flavor.  The coffee is known to be very rich and silky, but never bitter.  It’s considered a full-flavored coffee.  That said, for these beans to be considered truly gourmet, you should read the label carefully.  You can put just 10% Kona beans into a coffee and legally call it “Kona beans” but these beans will not taste much like the true Kona coffee. 

While previously available only to select retailers, gourmet coffee is now available to all, and usually at a relatively affordable price.  In turn, coffee machines have advanced now to support the brewing process of this premium coffee.

A truly gourmet coffee bean deserves the best possible brewing method.  While French pressed coffee is the best, most people will use a regular coffee machine.  When doing so, it is important to use clean, filtered water.  Also, keeping your coffee machine free of build-up is essential to truly bringing out the flavors of your coffee.  At least once a month, mix a solution of half vinegar and half water and fill your coffee machine and brew.  Let it all run out and then repeat the process with water several times until any scent of the vinegar is gone.  This will ensure there is no buildup in the coffee machine and you will notice a distinctly fresher cup of coffee on your next brew.

For daily coffee, many of us will settle for a regular coffee bean.  For special occasions, though, there is nothing more invigorating or tantalizing than being served a cup of coffee brewed from a truly gourmet coffee bean.  Search the internet for coffee roasters and see what’s available.  Purchasing and storing some of these beans for special days can make for a wonderful treat for you and your guests.