The Best Coffee for Beginners
Coffee energizes millions of people around the world, from the streets of Nepal to the stylish cafes of Paris. This globally loved beverage, first discovered in the 10th century and thought to have originated in Ethiopia, made its way to China and South Asia by the 17th century.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, you might wonder why you should start. And what’s the best coffee for beginners? Here are a few great reasons to fall in love with coffee:
- Health benefits: Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and essential vitamins that support heart health and lower the risk of diabetes and other diseases. It also boosts metabolism and aids in fat burning.
- A daily ritual: For many, coffee is the perfect way to kickstart the day, providing an energy boost and improving productivity. On busy mornings or cold Monday workdays, coffee can offer the motivation you need to power through.
- A social drink: Whether for business meetings or casual dates, coffee fits seamlessly into almost any social setting. For centuries, coffee shops have been gathering places for communities, and they continue to serve that role today.
Like wine and tea, coffee is a complex beverage. The flavor of each cup varies depending on the origin of the beans, the roast level, and the brewing method. So, as a beginner, how do you know where to start?
Key traits of coffee
To truly appreciate and understand a cup of coffee, most coffee enthusiasts focus on four key traits:
- Aroma: The enticing smell of coffee can lure anyone into a café or prompt them to brew a fresh cup at home. As the aroma fills the air, you might catch hints of fruity, nutty, or smoky notes. For beginners, choosing a coffee with an aroma you love is a great place to start.
- Acidity: Often linked to beans grown at higher elevations, acidity refers to the “brightness” or tartness you taste. This can vary greatly—Arabica coffee tends to have citric acid, while malic acid gives fruit-flavored coffee its signature tang.
- Body: Also known as the “mouthfeel,” body describes the texture of the coffee. A coffee with a “heavy body” feels rich and full, while a “light-bodied” coffee has a thinner, less viscous texture.
- Flavor: The overall taste is a crucial component of any cup. Whether sweet or bitter, earthy or chocolatey, there are endless flavor profiles to suit different preferences.
Coffee Bean Types
Coffee comes from cherries that are harvested when ripe. The beans undergo fermentation, drying, milling, and roasting. While there are 25 major types of coffee, only three are widely consumed and sold commercially:
- Arabica: Coffea arabica (60-70% of global consumption) — Grown at higher elevations, Arabica beans are handpicked and considered of superior quality. Originating from places like Indonesia, Yemen, and Ethiopia, Arabica is known for its smooth, rich taste and low acidity.
- Robusta: Coffea canephora (20-30% of global consumption) — Robusta contains nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica and is more bitter with lower acidity. It grows easily at lower altitudes and has a higher yield. Because of its lower cost and higher supply, it’s commonly used in instant coffee and as a filler in lower-grade blends.
- Liberica: Coffea arnoldiana De Wild (3% of global consumption) — Mainly cultivated in the Philippines, Liberica has declined in supply as other beans have grown in popularity. Known for its dense, “woody” flavor, it produces a full-bodied cup with a distinctive nutty aroma.
Sustainable Coffee
The global coffee industry is booming, but the rising demand has led to some unethical practices. Coffee production affects not only the livelihoods of workers and farmers but also biodiversity and surrounding wildlife.
This is why it’s crucial for consumers to choose sustainable, certified coffee. Sustainable coffee ensures that farmers are fairly compensated, leading to better working conditions in coffee-producing countries.
To get started, look for products with organic and “fair trade” labels. These certifications guarantee fair wages, improved working environments, and support for disadvantaged farmers in regions like Asia and Africa. Fair trade also prohibits illegal child labor and discrimination.
For beginners, medium roasts with earthy notes or those with hints of fruit and caramel are excellent choices. These options provide a balanced, approachable flavor for those new to coffee.
If you find the taste too bitter, try adding cream (such as half-and-half, oat milk, or almond milk) or a little sugar to suit your preference.