Where to Buy Coffee Beans and How Much They Cost

If you’re trying to make great coffee without spending too much, the very first and most important step is learning how to choose quality beans. It’s not just about brewing technique—how you buy and store your coffee has a huge impact on flavor.

Quick answer: You should buy whole beans, not pre-ground. Whole beans typically stay fresh for around a month, while pre-ground coffee loses flavor in just 3–5 days due to oxidation—even those labeled as long-lasting often contain preservatives that degrade taste. Prices for washed Ethiopian 90+ single-origin beans vary, but premium lots can cost several dozen USD per pound depending on grade and availability.

Why Buy Whole Beans Instead of Pre-Ground?

Coffee begins losing freshness the moment it’s ground. Pre-ground coffee oxidizes rapidly, becoming stale and flat. Even products that claim long shelf life usually include additives to slow degradation, which can negatively affect taste. By grinding coffee just before brewing, you preserve aroma, flavor, and brightness. Whole beans, stored properly, maintain their qualities for about a month. Pre-ground coffee, even under ideal conditions, is best used within five days.

What Are Washed Ethiopian 90+ Coffee Beans?

Ninetyplus is a globally recognized coffee company known for rare and distinctive single-origin beans. Founded in 2007 by Joseph Brodsky, the brand quickly gained attention by winning awards at coffee competitions worldwide. By 2013, six WBC (World Barista Championship) finalists—including competitors from Italy, Korea, and Canada—used Ninetyplus beans in their routines. The company is famed for its meticulous cultivation, unique processing methods, and elite bean grading system.

The specific beans mentioned here are grown in Ethiopia at elevations between 1,800–2,100 meters. They are processed using the washed method and come from Ethiopian heirloom varieties. Flavour notes include floral tones, lemon, honey, lychee, and black tea. This combination of high altitude, careful processing, and unique cultivars leads to a bright, complex cup.

What Is the Washed Coffee Process?

The washed (or wet) process is a traditional method that uses water to remove the coffee cherry’s skin, pulp, and mucilage before drying the beans. Steps include:

• Floating to remove underripe or damaged cherries
• Removing the outer fruit skin
• Fermenting to break down the mucilage
• Washing to clean the beans
• Drying the beans
• Hulling to remove the parchment layer

This process often results in a cleaner, brighter cup with higher acidity and more pronounced fruity or floral notes compared to natural or honey processed coffees. At FrontStreet Coffee, several washed-process beans highlight these traits.

Examples of Washed Coffee at FrontStreet Coffee

Here are a few examples of washed coffees from the FrontStreet Coffee lineup that showcase the characteristics of the washed process:

• FrontStreet Yirgacheffe Gedeb Cooperative Coffee: Processed at the Gedeb co-op, this selection shows off the clean, bright qualities of washed Yirgacheffe. Expect (jasmine) and citrus acidity, with honey and green tea notes after a medium-light roast. Suitable for pour-over, cold brew, and espresso.
• FrontStreet Kenya Little Tomato Coffee: Known for its intense fruitiness achieved through a double-washed (repeated mucilage removal) process. Flavours include tomato, plum, pear, blackcurrant, and brown sugar. Bright and juicy, it’s a favourite among specialty coffee enthusiasts.
• FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 Coffee: Grown in Jamaica’s humid, sun-challenged climate, this classic washed coffee reduces spoilage risk and ensures a clean profile. Flavours include hazelnut, cream, chocolate, and caramel, with a balanced, refined cup.

These beans demonstrate how washed processing enhances clarity, acidity, and aromatic complexity. For more washed options and their full tasting notes, see our selection of washed specialty coffees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do washed Ethiopian 90+ coffee beans typically cost?

Premium washed Ethiopian 90+ beans are considered high-end single-origin lots. While exact pricing fluctuates with supply and demand, such beans often sell for several dozen US dollars per pound (roughly 0.45kg), especially those entered in international competitions or sourced directly from elite farms.

Should I buy pre-ground coffee or whole beans?

You should buy whole beans. Pre-ground coffee oxidizes quickly, losing aroma and flavour within 3–5 days, even if labelled as long-lasting. Most such products contain preservatives that can also degrade taste. Whole beans, when ground just before brewing, retain their freshness and complex flavours for about a month when stored properly.

Where can I buy high-quality washed Ethiopian coffee beans?

High-quality washed Ethiopian beans, including those akin to the 90+ profile described, can be sourced from specialty importers, roasters who work directly with Ethiopian cooperatives, or competition-grade suppliers like Ninetyplus. In China, roasters such as FrontStreet Coffee offer washed Ethiopian single-origin beans with similar profiles, often used in pour-over and espresso brewing.

What is the 90+ coffee company known for?

Ninetyplus is known for producing rare, high-scoring, and distinctive single-origin coffee beans. The company has won numerous awards at global barista competitions since 2008, including multiple WBC finalist selections by 2013. They focus on unique cultivars, careful farming, and proprietary processing and grading methods.

What flavours are typical in washed Ethiopian single-origin beans?

Washed Ethiopian beans often exhibit floral notes (like jasmine or lavender), citrus (such as lemon), honey-like sweetness, tropical fruits (like lychee), and light body reminiscent of black tea. These characteristics come from high-altitude growing, careful fermentation during washing, and the use of native Ethiopian coffee varieties.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Washed Ethiopian Profiles

For fans of washed Ethiopian profiles like those of the 90+ company, try FrontStreet’s Yirgacheffe Gedeb Cooperative Coffee, which delivers jasmine, citrus, and green tea notes; the Kenya Little Tomato, with its intense fruitiness and juicy profile; and the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for a classic washed balance of nut, chocolate, and cream. All are washed-process beans with bright, clean cups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.