How to choose coffee beans: roast, origin and freshness
The best coffee maker can't rescue stale or mismatched beans. Here's how to choose well.
Roast level
- Light roast: bright, fruity, floral, higher perceived acidity. Shines in pour-over.
- Medium roast: balanced sweetness and body, with caramel and nutty notes. Great all-rounder for drip.
- Dark roast: bold, roasty, chocolatey and low acidity. Popular for French press and milk drinks.
Single origin vs blends
Single-origin coffees come from one country, region or farm and highlight distinctive flavors. Blends combine coffees for consistency and balance, and are often the better choice for everyday drip or espresso.
Freshness matters most
- Look for a roast date, not just a best-by date. Coffee is generally at its best within a few weeks of roasting.
- Buy whole beans and grind just before brewing if you can.
- Store in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature, away from heat and light. Avoid the fridge.
Match the grind to your brewer
Coarse for French press and cold brew, medium for drip, medium-fine for pour-over, fine for espresso.
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