Why buy coffee beans? Pros and cons of ground coffee vs coffee bean
As a coffee lover, you certainly appreciate the taste and aroma of high-quality coffee. But have you ever wondered whether it is better to buy speciality coffee in beans or ground? The choice between bean and ground coffee is often a matter of convenience, but it's worth taking a closer look at their qualities. Why are more and more people opting for coffee beans? What are the differences between the two and which is actually better for the taste and aroma experience? We answer in the following blog post!
Bean vs ground coffee – the first differences
Let's start with how coffee beans differ from ground coffee. In the simplest terms, ground coffee is just beans that have been pre-ground by the manufacturer, saving us this step before brewing. So we buy the coffee ready to pour into a cup or coffee machine – we don't have to do anything else with it. Bean coffee is sold in whole beans and requires us to grind it before brewing, which may seem less convenient, but carries some benefits that are worth knowing about. So let's take a look at the differences that really affect our daily coffee experience.
Coffee freshness – one of the key aspects
If you're wondering why coffee beans are becoming increasingly popular, the answer mainly comes down to their freshness. To fully appreciate both the flavour and aroma of coffee, it is best to grind it just before brewing. When speciality coffee remains as whole, intact beans, it retains its natural essential oils and full flavour for longer.
In contrast, ground coffee – while certainly more convenient to use – begins to lose its most valuable properties almost as soon as it is ground. In addition, once the package has been opened, ground coffee weathers much more quickly, resulting in an inferior flavour and a weaker aroma even with perfect storage and brewing methods.
Bean quality – when selection matters
Coffee in beans is considered superior in terms of quality. In the case of speciality coffee in beans, producers often subject the beans to careful selection. This means that only the best, healthy beans, which represent the highest quality, go into the package. The sorting process eliminates imperfect beans that can negatively affect the taste of the finished beverage.
With ground coffee, on the other hand, the same level of control is difficult to achieve. When grinding is done on a mass scale, every single bean – including the weaker or damaged ones – goes into the grinder. As a result, lower quality beans can also end up in the ground coffee pack, which can affect the taste and aroma we were hoping for.
Taste and aroma – a unique sensory experience
It is no secret that the taste of coffee depends on the quality and freshness of the beans. With ground coffee, the aroma and flavour are less intense than with freshly ground coffee. This is why the barista in the café almost always grinds the coffee just before brewing. If you are looking for a true taste experience, speciality coffee beans will be unparalleled!
Even the best ground coffee in the world will not have as deep a flavour as freshly ground beans. The grinding process releases the essential oils in the beans, which are responsible for the richness of the coffee bouquet. Unfortunately, these aromatic substances fade very quickly, causing ground coffee to quickly lose its quality.
Convenience – ground coffee wins, but....
There's no denying it – coffee beans require the purchase of a grinder or coffee machine to grind the beans before brewing. For some, this may mean an extra expense and also – a little more time needed to prepare the coffee. Yes, ground coffee has an advantage here because you simply reach for a packet, pour a small amount into a cup or coffee machine and you're done. But this more convenient preparation comes at a price – not only in terms of less freshness, but also a less full-flavoured drink.
Modern coffee grinding at home doesn't have to be a nuisance. If you opt for an electric coffee grinder, for example, you can grind the beans in seconds without much effort, and your freshly ground coffee will present you with a brew from a completely new and better perspective!
What's more, when you buy coffee beans, you have much more scope for personalisation – from the degree of grinding to the brewing method. Depending on whether you prefer filter, espresso or perhaps aeropress – you can adjust the coffee grind thickness to your own preference and the taste will be perfectly tailored to your expectations. This is another advantage of coffee beans over its ground version.
Why choose coffee beans over ground coffee?
In conclusion, ground coffee may seem like a good choice if you want maximum convenience. However, from the perspective of quality, taste and freshness – speciality coffee beans are second to none. Freshly ground beans give a completely different, more intense aroma and taste experience that you won't get from ground coffee.
Coffee beans – key benefits:
- Fresher and more intense flavour due to the preservation of essential oils and aromatic compounds.
- More control over the brewing process – you can adjust the grind level to suit your brewing method.
- Longer shelf life and better protection from oxidation – coffee beans stay fresh much longer.
So it's worth investing in a good coffee grinder and enjoying the full potential offered by the highest quality coffee beans. If you are looking for the perfect aroma and flavour in every cup, coffee beans will be the perfect solution!