Your Ultimate Coffee Guide

Date Posted:19 May 2018 

Here's your ultimate coffee guide. 

4 Main Types of Coffee Beans

Did you know that there are actually four main types of coffee? You might be familiar with Arabica and Robusta beans but there are two others that played a huge part in coffee history.

Arabica (Coffea arabica)

You have probably heard about Arabica as it is widely used all over the world. According to Illy, “There are several species of Coffea, the finest quality being Arabica, which today represents 59% of the world’s coffee production. Arabica originated in the highlands of Ethiopia.”

Robusta (Coffea canephora)

“It has a stronger and harsher taste when roasted, often described as burnt wood, grain-like and bitter. It is more disease and pest-resistant, due partly to its higher caffeine content and it typically produces a larger crop than Arabica”, as described by Barking Dog Roasters.

Liberica (Coffea liberica)

There are many great things to say about Liberica beans and lenscoffee couldn’t have said it better, “a unique and irreplaceable part of our worldwide coffee heritage, Liberica is an entirely separate species of coffee, with a very distinctive taste profile. Its almond-shaped beans have an exceptional aroma, almost floral and fruity, while its flavor is full and slightly smoky. This is a highly polarizing coffee.”

Excelsa (Coffea excelsa)

According to Atlas Coffee Club,  “Excelsa grows mostly in Southeast Asia and accounts for a mere 7% of the world’s coffee circulation. It is largely used in blends in order to give the coffee an extra boost of flavor and complexity, better affecting the middle and back palate. Excelsa is said to possess a tart and fruity body- which are flavors reminiscent of a light roast- that also somehow has dark roasty notes. This mystery lures coffee drinkers from around the world to try and seek out the varietal.” If you’re a coffee enthusiast, it’s a must to try this!

How to Store your Coffee

“Good coffee storage leads to good coffee quality.” - Unknown

How you store your coffee can greatly affect its quality. When you place it inside the fridge, it will absorb the aromas of the other food stored there. To get the best cup of coffee, take a look at the roast date and follow the good rule of thumb, that is to buy coffee beans that you’ll consume within a week. Then store it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

One of our favourite coffee storage is from Friis. We believe that full flavour starts with fresh coffee. The Friis Coffee Vault - Coffee Savor blocks out light and air to seal in flavour. The Friis Freshness Valve vents away continuous CO2 gases that are a result of the roasting process. Stored in a cool, dry place, your coffee stays rich and full of flavor. Simply put, the Friis Coffee Vault - Coffee Savor keeps your coffee fresh longer.

FRIIS COFFEE VAULT STORAGE CANISTER AVAILABLE IN BLACK

The Friis Coffee Vault - Coffee Savor model features a stainless steel base with an all black BPA-free polymer lid. It holds up to 600 grams of coffee. Also included is a measuring spoon, one year supply of Friis freshness valves, getting started instructions and the Art of Flavor booklet. Comes in silver or red too!

Brewing Equipment & Accessories

AEROBIE AEROPRESS COFFEE MAKER SYSTEM IN A BOX WITH TOTE BAG

Coffee brewed in an AeroPress is rich but smooth for good technical reasons. The first and most important reason is brewing speed. Coffee yields its rich flavors quickly. From when you add hot water to when you are ready to drink, the AeroPress takes about 30 seconds, just like a fine espresso machine.

 
The Moka Induction 6 cup retains the classic design elements of the original Moka Express, including its familiar and distinctive octagonal design, with an elegant blend of high quality and functional materials. The top is crafted from aluminium to preserve the delicious coffee aroma, while the boiler and funnel are made from durable steel and the handle and knob are coated with soft-touch silicone for safe use. It brews about 360mls(6 cup) of espresso in a short span of 3-4 minutes.
 
CASABARISTA 9 CUP ALUMINIUM PERCOLATOR
 
Macchinetta del caffè (literally "small coffee machine" in Italian language) is a must have if you love making your own  coffee in the comfort of your home. Tip: As with percolators, the pot should not be left on the stove so long that the coffee boils. Ideally, with a little practice, it should be removed from the heat before it actually starts gurgling - usually, when only about half of the top chamber has been filled.
 
HARIO COFFEE MILL - SKERTON
 
So much in our day-to-day life is electrified, but classic coffee maker company Hario believes the best things in life are slow - and unplugged! It's in this spirit that they designed their Skerton, which features a simple hand-grind mechanism and is designed to last for years. Explore life in the slow lane, and discover that you just can't rush perfection. 
 
AEROPRESS FILTER PAPERS
 
The micro-filter has been designed to remove grit for a smoother cup of coffee. The AeroPress method shortens brew time to 20 seconds or less.
 

CAFFLANO KLASSIC - POUR OVER COFFEE MAKER

The Cafflano Klassic is an all-in-one coffee maker.  Available in black or red, it serves as your drip kettle, hand mill grinder, stainless etching filter and thermal mug.  It's economic to buy, portable for coffee lovers "on the go", and can be used with your favourite coffee.  It's also eco-friendly as it requires no electric power, disposable filters or cups.  Everything is rinsable and re-useable!  Great for the car, office, camping, home or school.  Cafflano can also be used to make delicious cold brew - great for the hot summer weather!