How to Buy Coffee

Ever picked up a package of coffee and wondered what the labels mean? Words like "medium roast" and "single origin" make it hard to know how a coffee will taste before you buy it. Five steps break it down.

1. Know your roasts

Coffee beans start out green, a state that keeps all the flavor and aroma locked in. Roasting transforms them into the fragrant brown beans we know and love. Different roasting times and temperatures change the color, smell and taste of the bean — and ultimately the cup of joe.

• Light roasts are light brown to cinnamon in color and often smell fruity. The origin of the bean is most distinct in this style.
• Medium roasts are medium brown and slightly sweeter than light roasts, with a balanced bitterness, aroma and acidity.
• Dark roasts are shiny black with an oily surface, and they taste the most bitter. The flavor of the roasting is stronger than the flavor of the bean's origin. Dark roasts are typically what Italian espresso drinks use.

2. Origins matter

Like grape varieties for wine and olive cultivars for olive oil, where the beans come from plays a major role in their taste and aroma. Here is a general guide to coffee flavors of the world.

• South America: mellow acidity and well-balanced flavors, with notes of chocolate, nuts and caramel.
• Central America: bright and clean, with notes of bittersweet cocoa, nuts and fruit.
• Africa: full-bodied and sweet, with exotic fruity or floral flavors.
• Pacific Islands: heavy, musty and earthy.

3. Arabica or Robusta?

Coffee has two main classifications: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans tend to taste sweeter and have higher acidity, with notes of sugar, fruit and berries. Robusta beans have a strong, bold flavor and a nutty aftertaste, and they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. Italian coffee is typically made with 100% Arabica beans.

4. Whole bean or ground?

Whole beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee. If you have a grinder at home, whole beans are a great choice and last longer in the pantry. No grinder, or no time? Ground coffee is still a great option. Make sure the package is sealed completely and use it up within a couple of weeks.

5. Smell and taste

The best indicator for choosing the perfect coffee is your personal preference. If possible, smell or sample the coffee before you buy it, and make a mental note of what you detect. Is it fruity, floral or nutty? Does it have notes of chocolate or berries? Is it acidic or mellow? Remember those flavors and aromas, and you will be a coffee expert in no time.