Quantity of beans to buy?

[MichC]

I’m a little embarrassed to ask this question, but figure this is the place for it!

I’ve been using pre-ground coffee, but have upgraded to a Breville Fresca so that I can start grinding my own. It should arrive next week.

(Yes, I know that to many CS’s this would not be considered an upgrade, but $$ were an issue with my ‘better’ half and this one was sourced with points that were just sitting doing nothing! One has to start somewhere…)

Research on the site has clearly indicated that using freshly roasted beans is a much, but I’m not really sure how many to buy so that I’m not throwing out stale beans.

We don’t drink a lot of coffee, just a couple of latte’s a day is the max?

Any suggestions on how not to over-purchase before I order some ‘brown beans’?

Many thanks in advance
Mich

[andreasb]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

Start with 250g and see how long that lasts then go from there, thats what I did.

[MichC]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

Thanks - seems like such a simple solution - I SHOULD have thought of that myself!! Doh!

[GregWormald]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

(all IMO)

Fresh beans are best between three days and three weeks post-roast, although there is a bit of give in those figures (sometimes, some beans) so work it out on that. (Ground coffee is fresh for three minutes!!!)

Frozen beans will keep *reasonably* for a couple of months if well-frozen and then thawed before use, but will go stale faster than fresh beans once defrosted.

So, for instance, if 250 gm per week was your consumption, and fresh beans were not available locally, you could buy between a kilo and a kilo and a half, divide into smaller packets and freeze some for when the fresh are finished.

Of course you can always roast beans in a popcorn popper and have both fresh beans and a variety of beans on hand at all times. Green beans will keep for at least a year just in a cool dark cupboard.

Welcome to the addiction.

Greg

[MichC]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

Thanks Greg - also excellent advice. I wanted to one of the brown beans that is only available in 1kg, and thought it would be too wasteful, but I can try freezing some and experiment!

[GregWormald]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

That is an excellent idea. I suggest you buy a sample pack if you dont know what bean to buy.

Also, a search for freezing here will give some details, but basically it is: freeze really cold, in a air-tight bag squeezed tight, and then thaw completely until room temperature before opening the bag--water from condensation is the enemy. After thawing, use promptly and store at room temperature in a one-way valve bag (again squeezed tight) and in the dark.

Drink only enough coffee so you can still sleep at night! (This is often difficult once you discover how good coffee can be. ;D)

Greg

[JJJ]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

I suggest you buy a sample pack if you dont know what bean to buy.

Absolutely.
The sample pack from Andy is great value and a wonderful introduction to quality beans.

You get 4 separate 250 gram bags of different beans so not only do you get to try a good variety, but theyre sealed perfectly until you need them (within reason, of course).

Id heartily recommend it for a first timer.

[MichC]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

I am so glad I found CS trawling around the web one night late last year. Not only did you inspire me to finally upgrade, but the willingness to share advice and tips is a godsend.

Thanks so much - and Ill definitely buy the sample pack.

Wish me luck!

[MichC]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

PS - I sense I could be spending a LOT of nights tossing and turning as all this planned experimenting ramps up my caffeine addiction. I ALMOST had it under control!

[JJJ]

Re: Quantity of beans to buy?

I am so glad I found CS trawling around the web one night late last year. Not only did you inspire me to finally upgrade, but the willingness to share advice and tips is a godsend.

I feel exactly the same.
I had a machine lying around, doing nothing due to my frustration at not being able to produce a decent coffee.
I found CS recently, received a great deal of guidance from the generous folk here, bought the right tools and now im producing very good quality coffee (although i still have a lot of room for improvement, which is exciting).

You wont know yourself when you get your hands on some quality, fresh beans.

Thanks so much - and Ill definitely buy the sample pack.

Good luck with it.
Be sure to let us know how you go.