Short answer: no, there is not a meaningful difference between “espresso beans” versus “coffee beans. ” While the terms aren’t fully interchangeable, there isn’t a clear-and-sharp distinction between “espresso and coffee beans. ”.
People probably mean “more darkly roasted” coffee beans when they use the term “espresso bean” to tell the difference. Yup, it turns out that espresso roast vs. dark roast is really just the same thing, too.
We’ll talk more about where this “espresso bean” thing came from in the rest of this article. Just believe me when I say that your tasty “chocolate covered espresso beans” are the same as “chocolate covered coffee beans.” ” No I don’t sell them, and I think they’re delicious.
Let’s explore a little more the question of “What is the difference between coffee and espresso?”
Espresso is a beloved brewing method that produces a concentrated, robust coffee with a thick layer of crema on top The intricate process of making espresso seems to suggest you need specially suited beans But is this really true? Can you use any high-quality coffee for espresso? Let’s take a closer look.
The Common Misconception
Many believe that espresso requires a special type of coffee bean that is roasted differently than beans for regular drip coffee There are even bags labeled “espresso roast” in stores, So it’s understandable why there is confusion around whether espresso needs special beans,
The truth is that any coffee bean variety can be used to make espresso – there is no separate species of bean grown specifically for this purpose. In fact, the only thing that defines an espresso is that it’s made using an espresso machine! The high pressure extraction process is what makes it unique not the beans themselves.
Espresso vs. Drip Coffee
While you don’t need distinct beans for espresso, there are some key differences between how coffee is processed for espresso versus drip. These impact the flavor profile and help bring out the best qualities in the beans when brewed as espresso.
Roast Level
Espresso beans are often roasted darker than those used for drip coffee. The darker roast produces a richer body and fuller flavor that stands up well to the concentrated nature of a shot. Lighter roasts can sometimes taste sour or acidic when brewed as espresso.
That said, a medium roast can also make delicious espresso too. It will have more complex brighter notes than a dark roast. The ideal roast comes down to taste preferences.
Grind Size
The grind for espresso needs to be extremely fine. This is because the water only interacts with the coffee for a short time while brewing. The fine grind ensures thorough extraction and proper development of crema.
A coarse drip coffee grind would result in a thin, watery shot with little flavor. Espresso’s ultra-fine grind maximizes extraction of solubles and oils.
Blends vs. Single Origin
Espresso blends combine beans from various regions to create a balanced flavor profile specifically tailored for espresso. Single origin beans offer distinct flavors that represent their unique terroir. Both can make great espresso, but blends are very common.
Key Considerations for Espresso Beans
While you don’t need a special espresso bean, there are some criteria to keep in mind when selecting beans to use in your espresso machine:
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Roast level – A darker roast is typical for espresso, but medium can also work very well. Stay away from light roasts.
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Grind – You must grind beans very fine to allow for proper extraction when brewing.
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Freshness – Freshly roasted beans within 2-4 weeks of the roast date are crucial for flavor.
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Blends vs. single origin – Both work for espresso, but blends are commonly tailored specifically for espresso’s flavor profile.
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Body – Beans with a heavier body stand up well to espresso’s concentrated nature.
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Acidity – Low acidity is preferred to avoid sour or tart flavors.
Bean Types for Espresso
While all coffee varieties can be used for espresso when properly prepared, some are better suited than others.
Best Beans for Espresso
- Arabica – More delicate, nuanced flavors
- Brazilian – Heavy body, creamy, low acidity
- Sumatran – Bold, earthy, rich
- Italian Roast – Dark and smoky
Good Beans for Espresso
- Colombian – Classic, balanced, medium body
- Costa Rican – Bright and fruity
- Guatemalan – Chocolatey and spicy
- Hawaiian – Tropical fruit notes
Making Espresso from Regular Drip Beans
If you don’t have beans specifically roasted and ground for espresso, you can still use standard drip coffee beans with a few adjustments:
- Use beans medium roast or darker – Avoid light roasts.
- Grind beans very fine, like powdered sugar.
- Use a blend if possible for balanced espresso flavor.
- Pull shorter shot – 1 oz instead of 2 oz to avoid overextraction.
- Expect lighter body and less crema – The fine grind will help extract oils.
While drip beans won’t produce the exact same cup, you can still make a tasty espresso shot with a little tweaking. The key is the right grind size.
Common Myths About Espresso Beans
Now that we’ve separated fact from fiction, let’s clear up some other common misconceptions about beans for espresso.
Myth: Espresso beans are stronger – Strength comes from the brew method, not beans. Any beans can make strong espresso.
Myth: Espresso beans have more caffeine – Caffeine level depends on bean variety, not the brew method. Robusta beans have more caffeine than Arabica inherently.
Myth: Espresso beans are darker – Darker roasts are common for espresso but not mandatory. Medium roast also works.
Myth: Espresso beans are less acidic – Acidity depends on the coffee variety and origin, not the brew method.
The Bottom Line
While espresso preparation differs from drip coffee, any high quality coffee beans can be used to make espresso. You don’t need a special “espresso bean.” The key factors are the right roast level, an extremely fine grind, and freshly roasted beans. With these dialed in, you can pull delicious shots using standard beans you already have on hand. So don’t limit yourself – experiment with different beans and flavors to find your perfect shot!
Understanding coffee roast levels
For those who don’t quite understand what I mean by “darker roast,” here’s a quick rundown: As some of you may already know, you can skip this part. (You can read more about this topic in Meg’s article on How to Make Black Coffee Taste Good).
The “coffee beans” we talk about are like the “pit” of a coffee cherry (I’m not a botanist, so I’m using wiggle words). The fruit is usually cut open and the beans are taken out “green.” They are then shipped off the farm where they grew at this point. They are later roasted by someone for you. You can find these “roasters” close to you, but they could also be in a factory that sends food to a grocery store. But you’ll generally drink coffee roasted at least within your country.
As you might expect, there are a lot of different shades of brown when you “cook” coffee beans from “green” to “brown” and then maybe “black.” Different lengths of time will change how quickly the beans will change color. And I could go on and on (after some research) about temperate curves, etc. For now, just know that “short-roasted” beans are lighter in color and “darker roasts” are darker shades of brown.
When coffee goes from green to black, it tastes different at each stage. That’s why you roast it. You’re right that “greener” coffee beans taste more like the soil they were grown in, the altitude they were grown at, the strain they are, and other things. As you get to black, things just taste “burnt. And the browns that are closer to that have flavors that come in just before burnt, like chocolatey warmth, caramel sweetness, etc.
But what, then, are “Espresso beans”?
Will these little ones become coffee, or espresso?
Since I pretty much already told you that there isn’t a big difference between “espresso beans” and “coffee beans,” the question still stands: why are “espresso beans” sometimes sold? The short answer, I think, is “it sells.” ” Because people think “espresso beans” sounds better or means something else.
I most frequently see thing called “espresso beans” when it’s preceded by “chocolate covered” and that’s really great. I really like few snacks better than those (assuming I’m also staying awake for a while. Also, you might see coffee in the grocery store that says “espresso blend.” If that’s the case, it means that it’s a darker roast.
The Best Coffee Beans for Espresso? The truth about espresso beans
FAQ
Can I use any coffee beans for espresso?
Can you make espresso with regular coffee beans?
What kind of beans do you need for espresso?
Can you use regular ground coffee in an espresso machine?
Do you need special beans for espresso?
You do not necessarily need to use special beans for making espresso. The most important rule is to use the coffee beans you like. If you’ve made a batch of drip coffee with a bag of beans from your local roaster, those beans are suitable for your espresso as well.
Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?
Yes, espresso has higher caffeine content compared to regular coffee. 1 fluid ounce of espresso has around 60 milligrams of caffeine whereas the same quantity of coffee has only 10 milligrams of caffeine in it. Generally, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered as the safe limits for consumption. However, people with adrenal fatigue, spondylitis, calcium insufficiency and insomnia should avoid caffeine to the maximum.
Can you use any coffee beans to make espresso?
In a way, we could say that we can use any coffee beans to make espresso, but that would be only partially true. Espresso is one of the least understood coffee brewing methods, and this is the reason people don’t feel confident when choosing the roast or the beans.
Which coffee beans are best for espresso?
As coffee beans can be selected and roasted to create different flavor profiles, some are better suited to espresso drinks than others. The best coffee beans for espresso (well, any cup of coffee) will always be whole beans that you grind yourself. This is because ground coffee quickly degrades in contact with oxygen.