When it comes to coffee, we usually buy it in beans. There are several reasons for this. Besides being the most common presentation, it is said that it is fresher and the brew is much better. However, not everyone has a grinder at home, the money to buy one, or even the time to use it. That is why today there is a great alternative. We are talking about ground coffee.
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What is ground coffee?
It is actually a very simple concept. It is coffee beans that have been ground after roasting and immediately packaged for distribution. Although experts always recommend buying whole beans, ground coffee also has its advantages.
It is an alternative that solves several problems. When you buy coffee beans, you need a coffee grinder first and a coffee maker second. If you buy ground coffee, you can skip these steps. Secondly, you save time. If you are in a hurry in the morning or suffer from lack of time, ground coffee is ideal. You just have to put ground coffee in the coffee maker and wait a few minutes until the drink is ready.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. There are several reasons why enthusiasts and connoisseurs prefer coffee beans. The most important reason is that the coffee is fresher and has more aroma and flavor when freshly ground beans are used. On the other hand, if the beans are already ground, they can lose aroma and flavor due to the storage time. (But you can take care of this with proper storage practices!)
Differences between ground and instant coffee
It should be noted that ground coffee is not the same as instant coffee. The former simply consists of green coffee beans that have been roasted, ground and then packaged. The latter, on the other hand, involves more processing steps. To do so, it must be dried by two methods: freeze-drying or spray drying. Another important difference is that instant coffee is usually made of Arabica and Robusta beans. Ground coffee usually consists only of Arabica.
Types of coffee grinding
Although the concept of ground coffee is simple, there are different grinds that determine the type of brew to be used. This also indicates in which coffee machines the coffee can be made and in which not.
In general, there are three types, which we will explain below.
- Coarse: This grind is suitable for brewing methods that require immersion in water or where the coffee has more contact with water. Its texture is slightly coarser than coarse salt and is ideal for French Press or cold brew. There is also a medium-coarse grind, perfect for the Chemex.
- Medium: This is one of the most common grades, with a texture similar to that of brown sugar. It is ideal for drip coffee machines. There is also a medium-fine variant, which is perfect for use in the V60 or Aeropress.
- Fine: This grind is used for the best extraction because it takes less time, but the coffee is more impregnated with the water due to the finer grain. It is used for making espresso. It can also be used in Italian or Moka pot. There is also the extra-fine grind, whose texture is almost powdery and is used in Turkish coffee machines.
The 10 best ground coffees
Peet’s Coffee – Roasted ground coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Dark
Coffee maker: Drip filter
This coffee is a combination of the best Arabica coffee beans from different parts of the world. The dark roast gives it its distinguishing excellent body and rich, complex flavor. It is perfect for those who prefer a strong cup with plenty of character.
Kicking Horse Coffee – Three Sisters ground coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Dark
Coffee maker: Drip filter
It combines the best beans from Indonesia with the best beans from South and Central America. Together with its dark roast degree, this creates its delicious, full-bodied taste. It has notes of toasted coconut, sweet dried fruit and a hint of malt. This gives you a strong, yet rounded cup that is perfect for brewing in your drip coffee maker.
Amazon Fresh – Colombia Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
This Colombian Arabica coffee bean is definitely a favorite. It produces a full-bodied, balanced cup with notes of cocoa, brown sugar and citrus. Its medium roast level is perfect for bringing out its best qualities.
Illy – Classico Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
Coffee maker: Espresso machine
There is nothing better than an Illy coffee to brew delicious, classic espresso. Thanks to its medium roast level and excellent selection of Arabica beans, you get a cup with caramel and chocolate notes and a balanced taste. It has a fine grind, so you can use it in your espresso machine and enjoy it every day.
Starbucks – Colombia Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
Colombian coffee beans are among the best in the world. That’s why Starbucks has combined the best of the country in this ground coffee. They were grown on rich volcanic soils and then roasted to a medium level to extract their best flavors. The result is a full-bodied cup with notes of roasted nuts and herbs.
Seattle’s Best Coffee – 6th Avenue Bistro Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Dark
There’s nothing like a good, dark roast, ground coffee that’s also organic. This coffee, made from 100% Arabica beans, has been grown in the best conditions and without harming its environment. Proof of this are its seals: USDA Organic and FairTrade. You get a natural and strong, but balanced cup.
Royal Kona – Kona Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
Hawaiian coffee beans are known to be among the finest. They grow on very fertile land with volcanic soils. This variety belongs to Kona’s private reserves and has been roasted to a medium degree to obtain the best aromas and flavors. It produces a soft and balanced, yet full-bodied cup.
Lavazza – Classico Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica and Robusta
Degree of roasting: Medium
Coffee maker: Drip filter or French Press
If there is one classic brand that stands out for its coffee, it is Lavazza. Not only does this Classico have a medium roast that highlights its flavor, but it has also been ground using the best Italian technology. It produces a cup with excellent body, aroma, and notes of dried fruit.
It has a medium-coarse grind, making it ideal for use in a drip coffee maker and even in a French Press.
Eight O’Clock – The Original Ground Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
It is a great quality coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. It was roasted in the USA with the best technology and to a medium grade. The result is a sweet, balanced cup with soft, fruity notes. Thanks to this, it has a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.
Dunkin’ Donuts – Original Blend
Coffee bean variety: Arabica
Degree of roasting: Medium
This Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend coffee is also a very good choice for a tasty brew. It is a favorite on Amazon and is made from 100% Arabica beans. Its medium roast gives it great body and flavor. It also allows you to experiment a lot more and break out of the classic coffee routine for once.
It is also available in other presentations, such as K-cups.
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