There are around 40 different types of coffee plant. Out of these varieties, fine gourmet coffee beans are obtained mainly from the species Coffea arabica. The Arabica coffee plants are of the most superior quality, and they are followed by Coffea robusta. The characteristicly smooth and stimulating flavor of gourmet coffee is the unmistakable hallmark of Arabica coffee plants.

Gourmet coffee beans obtained from the Arabica coffee plant impart a rich and strong taste to your coffee. The coffee plants are grown in mainly tropical countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Kenya, India, Costa Rica, Colombia, and so on. Superior coffee plants grow well in places where the climate is moderately cold and there is light rain. The distinct flavor of the gourmet coffee bean depends greatly on the soil, weather conditions, temperature, etc. during the growing season. The freshly picked green gourmet coffee bean is subjected to two crucial treatment procedures - roasting and grinding. Optimum roasting and grinding of the coffee beans will bring out the true flavors of gourmet coffee! To get that perfect cup of gourmet coffee make sure that the beans are roasted at the right temperature followed by optimal grinding.

Both light and dark roasting techniques are applied to

After the gourmet coffee bean has been properly roasted it must be stored in air-tight/vacuumed containers. In this way the freshness and rich aroma of gourmet coffee beans can be retained for a longer period of time until grinding.

The gourmet coffee bean is usually finely grinded to enhance the smooth and rich taste that is typical of gourmet coffee. It is best to grind the coffee beans just before brewing. Different types of coffee grinders are available in the market. The best types of coffee grinders that will grind your gourmet coffee beans ideally are burr grinders.

This is why many coffee experts suggest that you should avoid buying the ground variety of gourmet coffee bean available in grocery stores and supermarkets. Rather buy freshly roasted gourmet coffee beans and store them properly. Then just when you have those coffee cravings you can grind your beans just before brewing. And voila - there you have a perfect cup of smooth and richly flavored gourmet coffee waiting to be savored.
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Randy has more articles on coffee and coffee beans at www.ultimate-coffees-info.com such as Coffee Enemas.