Why Whole Bean Coffee Is Infinitely Better Than Ground, According To Experts
Huff Postsimarik via Getty Images Coffee drinkers are often faced with a choice: Do you buy whole bean or ground? “People treat it like a bean, like it’s a dried thing you can have in your cupboard forever,” said Eileen Rinaldi, founder and CEO of Ritual Coffee Roasters. “Freshly grinding whole bean coffee is better than drinking ground because the aromatic molecules will volatilize after grinding, and the exposed surface area of coffee increases significantly, resulting in faster oxidation,” Zhang said. “It’ll still have caffeine and taste like coffee, but you won’t get the layered sweetness and full body you might on a freshly roasted, freshly ground coffee,” Byington said. “All you’re doing is taking risks with coffee that aren’t necessary, especially if your main objective is to have a tasty cup.” Whole bean coffee from specialty brands can often be more expensive than ground coffee, but it’s worth a second look if you’re someone who cares about environmental and labor issues of your purchases, as these roasters often form relationships with the farmers who grow and harvest the coffee.