Coffee fans are always looking for the best cup—one with just the right mix of smells and tastes. Here at Ember Coffee, we think that the key to doing this is to understand the complex science behind how Arabica coffee tastes. Arabica beans are grown in many places around the world, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America, each with its own unique climate and soil.
The weather, altitude, and type of dirt in these areas affect how the coffee beans taste. For example, beans grown at high elevations tend to have a lot of acidity and a lot of different flavors, while beans grown in volcanic soils tend to have hints of cocoa and earthiness. As coffee lovers and roasters, we're proud to get the best Arabica beans from all over the world. We do this by carefully considering things like altitude and soil composition to make sure that every cup of coffee we sell has the best tastes.
If you want to make great coffee, whether you like a V60 pour-over or an espresso, you should first understand how it works. Take a taste adventure with us as we explore the interesting world of Arabica coffee and share our love for getting the best beans from all over the world. Send us an email or place an order, and we'll take you on a coffee journey.
Sourcing the Finest Arabica Coffee
Altitude's Influence on Arabica Coffee Flavor
The altitude has a big effect on how the taste of Arabica coffee develops. Due to cooler temps, coffee beans mature more slowly when they are grown higher up. The beans can develop a more complex and deep taste because they grow more slowly. High-altitude coffee usually has strong acidity and a variety of mild tastes, such as fruity, floral, and spicy notes.
These high-altitude beans are what Ember Coffee looks for to make a cup that's more than just a drink. For example, the beans we get from the mountains of Colombia and Ethiopia are grown at high altitudes that let the natural sugars and acids grow. This gives our customers a taste profile that is truly unique and interesting. We can send freshly roasted coffee with unique tastes because we pay close attention to how altitude affects the coffee.
Soil's Role in Shaping Arabica Coffee Taste
The soil where Arabica coffee is grown is just as important as the altitude in determining its taste. Soil types can be very different from one coffee-growing area to another, and these changes help make the beans taste different. For example, volcanic soils are full of minerals and keep water well, which often makes coffee that tastes smooth and full, with chocolate or nutty notes. Sandier soils, on the other hand, let water drain away quickly and can make coffee that is more delicate and fragrant.
Here at Ember Coffee, we know how important the soil is and how it affects the end cup. Our relationships with farmers make sure that the soils are well-kept and that sustainable farming methods are used. This protects the natural qualities of the land that give our newly roasted coffee its unique flavor. The fact that we work hard to understand and use the science of dirt makes us stand out as a coffee roaster in Minnesota.
Arabica Coffee Profiles from Around the World
Colombian Arabica: Rich and Nutty
Coffee drinkers all over the world love Colombian Arabica coffee for its full-bodied, rich taste with a nutty twist. The unique mix of high elevations, tropical weather, and volcanic dirt that is full of nutrients makes for ideal growing conditions for these exceptional beans.
We love the standard Colombian profile at Ember Coffee because it makes a well-balanced cup with a light sweetness and a smooth finish. Our Colombian Arabica comes from the slopes of the Andes and has hints of caramel and roasted nuts. It has a comfortable and polished complexity that makes you want to drink more. You can enjoy this coffee in a lot of different ways, like as a warm espresso or a cool cold drink. We're proud to have been recognized as Minnesota's Best Coffee by Star Tribune, and we make sure that every batch is air-roasted to bring out the rich and nutty flavors that have made Colombian Arabica a classic in the coffee world.
African Arabica: Bright and Fruity
People love African Arabica coffee because it has a strong acidity and a unique fruity taste that can range from berries to citrus. These coffees often taste like wine and smell like flowers, which comes from the diverse ecosystems in the places where they are grown. At Ember Coffee, we really like how the bright and lively flavors of African Arabicas make our selection stand out.
From the mountains of Ethiopia, where coffee was first grown, to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the different landscapes in Africa give coffee a wide range of tastes. For instance, our customers love our air-roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe because it tastes like bright lemons and has hints of jasmine. As a coffee roaster in Minnesota, we make sure that the unique qualities of these newly roasted coffee beans are kept. This gives our customers a taste that is as exotic as the places where the beans come from.
Indonesian Arabica: Earthy and Bold
Arabica coffees from Indonesia are known for having a full body and deep, rich flavors that often have hints of spice, cedar, and sometimes a light smokeyness. With their rich volcanic soils and tropical temperatures, islands like Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi are great places to grow coffee. This is one reason why these beans have such unique tastes.
When we buy Indonesian Arabicas at Ember Coffee, we make sure that the boldness and depth of these beans shine through in every cup. For people who like strong, hearty coffee with low acidity and a long finish, our Sumatran mix is a big hit. By air roasting these beans, we bring out their natural tastes and make sure that the coffee you buy from us here in Big Lake, Minnesota, is the best. Because of these strong, rich notes, our Indonesian Arabica is a great choice for coffee lovers.
Ember Coffee's Journey to Quality
Our Quest for the Perfect Bean
The never-ending search for the right bean is what drives us at Ember Coffee. This quest takes us to faraway parts of the world, where we build relationships with growers and towns that share our dedication to doing the best job possible. We focus on Arabica beans from a single origin because they have the best flavor and also tell a story about the place and the people who grew them. Our hands-on approach makes sure that everything can be tracked and supports long-term methods that are good for both farms and the environment.
As a dedicated Minnesota coffee roaster, we go the extra mile to hand-pick beans that meet our high standards for taste and quality. Due to this care, we only sell freshly roasted coffee that we are happy to brand with our name. Each bean is an expression of our love for coffee and the place where it comes from, giving our customers a taste of the world in their cup.
Air Roasting: The Ember Coffee Difference
The way we roast our coffee at Ember Coffee makes us stand out. Instead of using a drum, air roasting uses hot air to make a constant heat that roasts coffee beans evenly without burning them. This method brings out the natural qualities of the bean, revealing a cleaner and more vibrant taste profile. Our loyalty to air-roasted coffee shows how much we value new ideas and high quality. To get the right roast that brings out the flavors of each bean, each batch is closely watched.
We are proud to be a Minnesota-based coffee roaster because this process lets us serve the best freshly roasted coffee in Minnesota. People like how air roasting gives coffee a smooth, balanced flavor without the bitterness that can come from other ways. Because of this careful brewing process, every cup of Ember Coffee is a truly exceptional coffee experience.
Roaster's Choice Subscription
With the Roaster's Choice subscription, Ember Coffee wants you to join our journey through flavors. We do this so you can enjoy the thrill of finding new and great coffees right at your door. We feature a different single-origin or mix of coffee every month. These are carefully chosen to show off the best flavors that come from altitude, soil, and our special air roasting method. When you subscribe, you get more than just freshly made coffee. You start a journey around the world in the comfort of your own home.
If you become a subscriber, you'll get regular deliveries, a 10% discount, and the chance to try a new coffee with every package. As a local coffee roaster in Minnesota, our Roaster's Choice Subscription shows how much we want to share a world of tastes with our community. If you sign up for our goods or place an order today, Ember Coffee will take you on a coffee adventure you'll never forget every month.
