To a random coffee taker, a cup of coffee is just a regular drink; as long it satisfies the taste bud well, nothing more. Not considering the process it takes the bean to turn into a delicious cup, they gulp it down.
However, there is more to coffee than just drinking—the rigorous process of harvesting, processing and roasting before ending up as ground beans or whole beans.
As a connoisseur or a random coffee lover, it’s only normal to pick between whole coffee beans and ground coffee beans as your favourite.
Do you want to know which is better? Then, give this a good read till the last word.
Whole Coffee Beans
Buying whole coffee beans means purchasing roasted coffee beans in their complete form. However, you can’t make a cup of coffee with whole beans unless you grind up the beans.
If you get a bag of whole coffee beans to brew for yourself or your family at home, you will have to buy a burr grinder to break them down into grounds before brewing to your preferred choice.
Local roasters like to ship and sell their coffee in whole bean form to preserve overall quality and flavour.
Ground Coffee
When roasters get their whole coffee beans, they turn them to ground beans, so you don’t have to grind them yourself. So, getting ground coffee beans means you are ready to use coffee that requires no stress. This seems to be the preferred choice of so many coffee drinkers because it is easier to mix and match preferred flavours. Who doesn’t like to get that cup of coffee in a snap? Well, as long as you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of your flavour.
Whole Bean Coffee vs Ground Coffee
This is one of the endless debates in the coffee world. Both coffees have their valid positives and negatives. Although most people buy and use ground coffee beans because it is easier to get, use, and prepare, those who choose whole coffee beans still won’t compromise. Why? Let’s have a mini-debate and make some comparisons.
Expiration
One of the most important things to consider before getting any coffee is the expiry date because coffee tastes best when it is fresh. Freshly roasted coffee beans tend to lose their freshness over time, and when they are in ground form, the chances become higher.
When it comes to staying fresh for extended periods, whole coffee beans get the trophy because they produce a more robust, aromatic and flavourful cup than ground coffee.
Ground beans, already physically broken down, become more susceptible to heat, humidity and elements that make them lose their aroma and flavour.
Flavour
Coffees go through the process of Roasting before they become edible. If the coffee gets physically processed or broken down(like that of ground beans) after roasting, it takes away from its flavour. A lot of roasters prefer to sell their coffee as a whole so that the delicious flavours and aroma are still intact for their customer’s optimum satisfaction.
Price
I mean, who doesn’t care about price?
Usually, whole coffee beans are more expensive because roasters have to pay more attention to the beans that make it to the final package; those who want to buy it can see if it’s good or not—these cost additional stress, thus higher price.
On the other hand, ground coffee beans tend to be a little cheaper because there is no heavy restriction to picking out only the best beans for packaging. It is easier to package; that’s why it is more accessible as it is easier for roasters to package.
Ease and Accessibility
If you care to make your cup of coffee as easy and fast as possible before you run out the door to work, ground coffee is your best shot. It saves time and energy because it’s also easily accessible to buy.
However, dealing with whole coffee beans at home takes a whole lot of time to practice and master how to grind if you are not trained for that before.
Grind Size
Coffee grind size is another essential factor to consider. Your grind size affects the thinness or thickness of the surface area of the coffee. When you buy whole beans and grind them yourself, you can control the type of grind you desire (coarse or fine). However, you do not have such control over the ground coffee you buy at the store. But if you are patient enough to check each ground coffee packaging, you may find one with the correct grind size for your desired brewing method.
How to Make Whole Bean Coffee
To make a cup of coffee from your beans without grinding, you need the following ingredients;
- Whole bean coffee
- Boiling water
- Small Saucepan
- Strainer
- Mug
- Spoon
- Mason jar
Step 1:
Pour the desired quantity of beans into the Mason jar and fill it up with boiling water
Step 2:
Place the jar in a small saucepan and fill it with water that reaches the water level in the jar
Step 3:
Allow simmering for about an hour( stir occasionally)
Step 4:
By this time, the aroma should fill the kitchen already, and you should have a clear coffee colour from the water in your jar.
Using a strainer, Strain the beans into a mug and enjoy as you wish!
Pros and Cons of Grinding Your Coffee
If you genuinely love your coffee for its benefits and not just for the caffeine, you will most likely pick the option of grinding your coffee. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the flavourful taste will always get you hooked.
Is it worth the stress? Weigh your pros and cons to decide
Pros of Grinding your Coffee
- You have control over your grind
- Freshness remains longer
- You get a cleaner coffee
- You get better quality
- Your flavour is well preserved
- Fragrance is excellent
Cons of Grinding your Coffee
- Expenses of getting a grinder
- Having to learn the process of grinding
- Dealing with a loud grinding noise
- The stress of going through so much process for a cup of coffee
FAQs About Whole and Ground Coffee Beans
Do You Get More Coffee With Whole Beans or Ground?
Both are the same. If you measure a cup of whole coffee beans, grind it, and then measure again, you still have one cup.
What Lasts Longer, Coffee Beans or Ground Coffee?
Ground coffee is more susceptible to heat, humidity and elements that make them lose its aroma and flavour. Whole coffee beans last longer.
How is Ground Coffee Made?
To make a cup of coffee with your ground beans, you need to boil water for 30 seconds and wet your grounds with a bit of water before pouring the rest to your satisfaction. Proceed to add any sweetener if desired.
Does Grinding Your Coffee Taste Better?
A serious coffee drinker who is patient enough to go through the grinding process would happily give you a positive answer to this question.
As you have seen above, grinding your coffee allows you to decide how your favourite brewing method will play out.
Final Words
One of the debates that may not cease to occur in the coffee world is which is better between coffee beans and coffee grounds. Both sides have valid points about why one is better than the other. So, pick the one that best suits you whenever you need it. And remember to enjoy your coffee, regardless!
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