A perfectly brewed cup of coffee is like a work of art for your senses, and the quality of the beans plays a crucial role in this. But have you ever heard of oily coffee beans? These types of coffee beans can significantly impact your coffee experience. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into oily coffee beans—what they are, why you should avoid them, and how Kaldi coffee beans offer a solution to this problem.

Oils and fats in coffee beans

Oily coffee beans, as the name suggests, are beans that contain a higher fat content than usual or desired. This fat is a natural component of the beans' growing process and is most noticeable after roasting: beans that have a shiny, oily appearance. This is often accompanied by a dark, oily coating, which is sometimes mistaken for a sign of freshness. This oily layer can give the beans an apparent freshness, but there's more to this shiny appearance.

While some think this oily coating is an indication of premium coffee, it can actually negatively impact your coffee experience. Why? It has to do with the complex interaction between these oils and the flavor of your coffee. Too much fat can disrupt the balance of aromas, resulting in a cup of coffee that isn't as enjoyable as you'd expect. The overwhelming presence of fat can overpower other flavors and obscure the coffee's nuances.

But that's not the only thing you need to keep an eye on. The impact of oily beans goes beyond just the flavor. If these beans are used in your coffee machine, they can cause problems over time. Excess oil can build up in the grinder, brewing unit, and other parts of your machine. This can lead to clogs, reduced performance, and even damage to your beloved coffee machine. It's like a creeping problem that undermines your coffee experience and the longevity of your machine.

How do you recognize high-fat coffee beans?

Some signs that may indicate the presence of fatty beans:

• Dark, oily coating: Another sign of oily beans is the presence of a shiny, dark, oily coating on the surface. This can be especially noticeable when the beans are exposed to light. This coating can sometimes be mistaken for freshness, but it can actually indicate excess fat release.
• Heavier beans: Fatty beans may feel slightly heavier than lower-fat beans. This is because fat adds more bulk to the beans. Pay attention to the weight when holding a handful of beans.
• Overwhelming aromas: When you brew coffee with oily beans, the aromas and flavors can sometimes be less pronounced. The excess oil can obscure other flavor nuances and result in a less balanced cup of coffee.
• Clogged coffee machine: If you notice your coffee machine regularly clogs, it could be a sign of using oily beans. Excess oil can build up in the grinder and other parts of the machine, leading to reduced performance and blockages.

Where does this fat come from?

The fat in coffee beans is a natural part of the growing process. These fat reserves serve as a natural energy source for the coffee beans, laying the foundation for their development and eventual ripening. Just as a seed in the soil must draw on its stored reserves to germinate and grow, coffee beans use their fats as fuel to grow and ripen while still on the coffee plant.

When the time comes to roast, the coffee beans are subjected to intense heat. As the beans roast, the stored moisture begins to evaporate and is released as water vapor. This process is essential for transforming the beans from their raw state into the fragrant, flavorful coffee beans we know and cherish.

As the beans roast, the stored fat inside them can begin to melt and move to the surface. This phenomenon creates the shiny, oily layer sometimes seen on coffee beans after roasting. While a subtle hint of oil on the surface can be a sign of freshness, an excessive presence of fat can lead to what are known as oily coffee beans.

It's important to note that a little fat is a natural and normal characteristic of coffee beans. It can even contribute to the full flavor and complexity of the coffee. However, as with many things, too much fat isn't always desirable. Excessive fat can disrupt the flavor balance and even cause problems in coffee machines, such as the aforementioned clogging and reduced performance.

Which coffee beans are not oily?

Not all coffee beans are susceptible to the fat problem. Arabica beans generally have less fat than Robusta beans because they grow more slowly and have a lower oil concentration. This doesn't mean Robusta beans are automatically oily. The oiliness of the coffee beans depends on:

• The freshness of the beans: As time passes after coffee roasting, the fats are more likely to be released. This explains why coffee beans with a higher fat content are often found in supermarkets. These beans are often no longer fresh and have been sitting on shelves for a long time, losing their freshness.
• Bean Roasting: Coffee beans that are roasted longer release more oils, resulting in a richer coffee. Dark roasts are generally richer than lighter roasts.

Are oily coffee beans bad for you?

No, oily coffee beans aren't bad for you. The name suggests it—they're coffee beans that contain more fat—but you don't need to worry about the fat content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also indicates that a cup of coffee contains 0 grams, regardless of the fat content of the coffee beans. Any differences between oily and dry coffee beans will be negligible milligrams.

Oily coffee beans in your coffee machine

Oily coffee beans can also negatively impact your coffee machine. Excess grease and oils can build up in the grinder and brewing mechanism, causing blockages and problems. This can lead to reduced performance and even long-term damage to your coffee machine.

So it's not just the quality of your coffee that's at stake, but also the health of your beloved machine. An occasional dark roast is perfectly fine, of course, but keep in mind that an extra cleaning to remove the oils will be appreciated by both the machine and your taste buds.

Kaldi Coffee Beans: The Solution for high-fat Coffee Beans

Fortunately, we offer a solution to the high-fat coffee bean dilemma. Coffee beans without any oiliness can never be 100% guaranteed because this is inherent to the natural growth process of coffee beans, but our Kaldi coffee beans are carefully selected and roasted to ensure they have an optimal fat content. We understand the impact of fat on both the flavor of your coffee and the performance of your machine, so we strive for the perfect balance. Our beans are less prone to fat buildup, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful cup of coffee and a healthier coffee machine. So switch from oily supermarket coffee beans to Kaldi's highest quality coffee beans!