Whole Coffee vs. Ground Coffee

Coffee is a type of beverage that is consumed worldwide that is a stimulant which is prepared from roasted seeds, commonly known as beans, from the coffee plant. All coffee beans start out as whole beans go through many processes before being roasted. First, the coffee berries are picked, usually by hand. After that, the outside of the berry is removed, which is usually done by a machine. After that the seeds are then fermented to remove the slimy mucilage left on the beans. After the beans have gone through fermentation, they are washed off in large quantities of water to remove any residue left behind from the fermentation. Lastly, the seeds are then dried and sorted and then labeled as green coffee beans.

The next step in this process is the green coffee beans are roasted. All coffee produced is roasted before it is consumed and the coffee can be roasted by the supplier or roasted at home. The roasting process brings out the flavor of the coffee by changing the coffee bean both physically and chemically. The actual roasting of beans begin when the temperature inside the beans reach 200°C. During the process of roasting, caramelization does take place where the intense heat breaks down the starches in the bean, changing them into simple sugars that begin to brown, which in essence changes the color of the bean. Caffeol which is responsible for the aroma and flavor of coffee is created at 200°C. Roasted beans are labeled as light, cinnamon, medium, high, city, full city, French, or Italian roast, based on the color of the roasted beans.

Whole coffee beans are then stored properly to preserve the freshness of the bean. In essence, a coffee bean acts like a container. The beans hold in the flavorful oils and aromatic compounds until broken. Once the beans are ground, the flavor is exposed for brewing, but if the brewing doesn't happen within a short period of time, the flavor and aroma dissipate. Whole bean coffee stays fresh much, much longer because there is less surface area exposed to oxygen. Grinding the coffee yourself is not only the best way to enjoy the freshest coffee; it's also the first step in experiencing the aroma of the coffee even before you brew it. Ground coffee will begin to stale within 15 minutes, so it is best to buy yourself a grinder to grind whole beans to preserve the oils and aromatic compounds. Another way to prevent the ground coffee from becoming stale is to store unopened bags in freezer. Every time the bag is opened, tighten the seal with ziplock feature and store the bag in a dry, cool place, and away from heat. The reason behind storing it securely and properly is to prevent air and moisture from reaching inside the bags causing the beans to deplete in flavor and become stale.

Coffee tastes best if consumed 7-10 days after the beans have been roasted, but the flavor can be preserved if stored properly using the ziplock bag preventing oxygen from getting inside the bag. There are several commonly used words within both ground and whole bean coffees. These terms are acidity, aroma, body, clean, earthy, flavor, fruity, mild, smooth, spicy, strong, and sweet.

The term acidity means it is a very desirable, refreshing, mouth-cleansing quality that increases flavor and gives liveliness to the cup. Acidity which is often mistaken with "bitterness", is generally the result of dark roasting or over extraction) during brewing.

The term aroma refers to the odor of the coffee and contributes to its flavor. Terms used to describe it include caramelly (candy- or syrup-like), carbony (for dark roasts), chocolatey, fruity, floral, malty, rich, round, and spicy.

The term body means the perceived thickness of brewed coffee on the tongue. Descriptions can range from "watery", "thin", or "light"; to "medium"; to "full", "heavy", "thick", or "syrupy".

The term clean refers to the clarity of the flavor.

The term earthy describes the odor and flavor absorbed by the bean when coffee is dried on the ground.

The term flavor is the overall impression that the coffee provides to the coffee lover. Aroma, acidity, and body are the ingredients involved with flavor.

The term fruity is a description of aroma or flavor that has the characteristics of fruit.

The term mild means a coffee with harmonious, smooth flavors.

The term smooth refers to flavor that lacks harshness.

The term spicy refers to flavor that recalls a particular spice: peppery, cedar like.

The term strong refers to a large presence of flavor and aroma

The term sweet refers to flavor that has the quality of smooth and palatable