Every coffee connoisseur knows for sure that the best coffee is freshly ground. If you don’t have time to grind beans or just don’t want to bother, packaging ground coffee is the solution. Moreover, in modern vacuum bags, crushed grains retain their natural bouquet for a long time. We decided that it was time to create our own rating of ground coffee for the mass segment.
Proper ground coffee
Firstly, it must be fresh. Like any product, coffee loses its positive qualities over time, so check the expiration date. It will be good if the coffee beans (also fresh) are ground in front of you. However, the product still retains its full taste and aroma for just a few weeks after grinding or opening the vacuum packaging.
The degree of grinding also affects the taste of the drink. A medium (universal) grind is suitable for brewing. It is obtained by grinding coffee beans in a coffee grinder for 13 seconds. If the degree of grinding is chosen correctly, then in just five minutes you will be able to enjoy a cup of aromatic and invigorating drink.
The degree of roasting plays an equally important role, especially for lovers of a strong drink. The strength depends on how long the grains were heat treated. There are three degrees of roasting:
- light;
- average;
- dark.
Thus, the longer the coffee beans are roasted, the stronger and richer the flavor will be in the end. You can read more about this in our article.
A truly good drink should have thick, creamy foam. Of course, when brewing in a cup, it is impossible to achieve this, but in a French press, it is quite possible.
Ground coffee should not contain foreign impurities. You can only check this at home by adding a spoonful of ground grains to a glass of water at room temperature - if sediment appears or the water immediately changes color, it means the product is not of high quality and has impurities. Real ground coffee beans remain on the surface.
Packaging also plays an important role. It must indicate the expiration date and all the main characteristics: country of origin, degree of grinding, degree of roasting, whether it is a blend or a single variety, as well as the strength level of the resulting drink.
And of course, good coffee should have a bright natural aroma, without any foreign odors. True connoisseurs of this drink will definitely say that it should not have any flavor or aromatic additives. Natural spices such as nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon can be added.
Coffee varieties
Very often, the concepts of variety and type of coffee are confused. The type of coffee is the type of coffee tree from which the beans are obtained. The most popular types:
- Arabica;
- Robusta;
- Liberica.
Arabica:
The official name is Coffee Tree of Arabia and it is the most popular type of coffee in the world. Has a rich multi-level aroma. This crop is very delicate - it loves mountain tropics with high humidity conditions. Perhaps that is why, by absorbing the aromas of the surrounding nature, it makes the greatest impression on coffee lovers. Currently there are more than 50 varieties of this species.
Robusta:
The official name is Canephora Robusta Coffee Tree. This type is revered by lovers of strong drinks, since Robusta contains the highest level of caffeine in its beans. It has a bitter taste, so it is usually used in coffee blends to add strength to the drink. The culture is less whimsical than Arabica. Loves low-lying tropics and constant rain.
Liberica:
Due to the scarcity of its harvest, it was not widely used. This type is mainly used in the countries where it grows: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, etc. They love it for its amazing aroma, superior even to the aroma of Arabica. Liberica is used in coffee blends to add more flavor. As for drinking a drink made from Liberica grains in its pure form, it is better not to do this, as the taste will be as bad as the aroma is wonderful. The drink brewed from these grains is not rich and not strong. This type is mainly used in the confectionery industry, which is why it ranks third in the ranking of popular types of coffee.
Invigorating and aromatic
Coffee is an aromatic drink that is drunk all over the planet. Carefully collected coffee beans are able to reveal the full bouquet of their taste and enchanting notes of rich aroma. Most often, Arabian tree beans are used to prepare coffee, which creates a cozy atmosphere.
This variety should be given utmost attention, since it is from its grains that the very refined drink is obtained, which invigorates millions of people all over the planet in the morning, brings together loved ones in a cozy company in the evenings, and is also an excellent reason to invite an attractive girl or boyfriend on a date. person.
It is worth noting that different types of coffee are prepared and served in a wide variety of ways. For example, in order to get a rich and intense taste, you often have to mix several varieties. Most often these are Arabica and Robusta - the most common varieties of coffee tree, which can open up the whole gamut of taste and exquisite aroma.
Best ground coffee
Of course, the more expensive the coffee, the better it is. After all, cheap ones often contain impurities, and the coffee beans themselves are not always of good quality. However, the product of the mid-price segment, as in other food sectors, is, not surprisingly, turning out to be more popular, not only due to the price, but also due to the taste and aroma that is more understandable to everyone. Many people note that the most expensive drinks in the world are difficult to guess if you don’t know their price.
Jardin
Production is in Switzerland and Russia. The brand has products of different varieties, degrees of roasting, grinding, and blends. All packages have a strength scale. It owes its popularity to the ratio of price and quality. According to consumers - one of the best ground coffee in Russia;
Lavazza
An Italian brand that cares about customers with different preferences. It produces ground coffee, beans, for geyser, carob and other types of coffee makers, for brewing and even decaffeinated. It has a huge range of different tastes and aromas. The drink of this brand has a soft, delicate taste and incredible aroma that will put you in the mood for the whole day;
Paulig
Finnish brand. Well-balanced classic taste and low price are suitable for avid conservatives. Works great with any cooking method. Due to its purity of taste, it is well suited for various coffee drinks. An excellent option for ground coffee for brewing in a cup. We offer you more information about this coffee here;
4. Live coffee
Trademark from Russia. High-quality raw materials from 100% Arabica coffee and environmentally friendly packaging have brought this brand to the forefront. The manufacturer also has a patented innovative roasting technology and thanks to it, coffee beans reveal their best qualities. The name of this brand is no coincidence: since the product is processed and packaged in Russia, the consumer receives the freshest coffee;
Julius Meinl
Austrian coffee brand. Excellent for carob coffee makers, therefore widely used in coffee shops and restaurants. Perfect for strong drinks. Another advantage of this brand is the wide selection of different coffee blends. Overall a good ground coffee for the coffee maker;
Egoiste
Italian brand. It has a high strength due to its dark roasting. The taste is very rich with subtle notes of chocolate and spice. Well suited for a coffee machine, but will also reveal its flavor perfectly when brewed in a cup;
Camardo
Brand from Italy. It appeared in Russia relatively recently. The raw materials are environmentally friendly. It is considered quite expensive, but it is better than others for espresso and Turkish coffee;
Mauro
And again, coffee from Italy. A wide variety of blends for making espresso. Has a medium strength;
Tchibo
The German brand is well known in Russia. The taste is rich with a slight bitterness, medium or weak strength. Popular with those who love consistency;
Coffesso
Italian coffee brand. Doesn't have a lot of variety. Has a good price for natural ground coffee. It has a mild, non-intrusive taste.
"Jardine"
Special attention should be paid to Jardin instant coffee, which is produced using the latest technologies that allow preserving the true taste of the natural product and its extraordinary aroma. Jardin coffee, the types of which allow you to choose a drink to suit any mood and event, is produced using a special Thermo Two double-roasting technology. Now it’s worth checking out the collection of aromatic drinks from a famous brand.
“Ethiopia Sidamo” - the exquisite aroma of coffee beans is shrouded in sourness and the lightest fruity notes. “Dessert Cup” leaves an aftertaste of chocolate, and “Espresso Style Di Milano” is an amazing combination of several varieties of Arabica that will give moments of true pleasure.
The rating of the best brands is based on consumer reviews and here are some of them:
- Anna, 26 years old: When I started studying information about which ground coffee is the best, I didn’t find a clear answer and started trying everything. And oddly enough, the numerous ratings did not deceive me; most of all I liked the Jardin brand coffee. I don’t like pretentious taste, so classic coffee is closest to me. It brews perfectly right in the cup and has sufficient strength. Simple and delicious ground coffee.
- Victor, 36 years old: I love strong coffee. The question of instant or ground has long been resolved for me - I am definitely in favor of ground. I searched for my brand for a long time. In the end, I settled on Egoiste brand coffee. Excellent rich taste. The best I've tried.
- Alena, 32 years old: Lavazza brand coffee is my special love! It doesn't even require a coffee machine. I brew it in a French press and I have never had better coffee. You won't find such stunning scents anywhere else.
Ground coffee for brewing has become a real salvation for the modern coffee lover. And a wide variety of varieties and brands allows everyone to choose a suitable drink for themselves.
But, in any case, no matter what kind of coffee you like, ground or beans, pay attention first of all to its main characteristics so that you do not feel disappointed in the purchase.
Look for yours, be cheerful and happy!
Author: Anton Energetic, especially for the site pokofemanim.ru
Irina
Hello, I'm Irina. I have been a coffee expert for over 15 years. Over the past 6 years, I have tried every coffee there is to try and even opened my own coffee shop. Join me on this journey to learn more about coffee at Pokofemanim.ru
