Many coffee enthusiasts wonder if espresso beans differ from regular coffee beans. The answer might surprise you: espresso beans and regular coffee beans come from the same plant.
What’s the Difference?
The truth is, “espresso beans” are not a special type of coffee bean. They’re the same beans used for making regular coffee, usually from the Arabica or Robusta species. The difference is in how the beans are prepared and used.
Roasting Process
Espresso beans are usually roasted to a medium-dark or dark roast. This roast brings out strong, rich flavors like chocolate and caramel, while also reducing acidity. Dark roasting also makes the beans more soluble, meaning flavors extract quickly when brewing espresso.
Regular coffee beans can be roasted to a light, medium, or dark level, depending on how you plan to brew them. Light roasts are often characterized by their fruity or floral notes, while medium roasts are generally balanced in flavor.
Grinding Size
Another significant difference is the fineness of the beans’ grind. Espresso requires a very fine grind, almost like powdered sugar, because water passes quickly through the coffee grounds under high pressure. This helps extract a strong and bold flavor in just 20-30 seconds.
Regular coffee beans can be ground differently depending on the brewing method:
- Coarse grind. French press or cold brew (coarse, like sea salt)
- Medium grind. Drip coffee makers or pour-over (medium, like sand)
- Fine grind. Espresso (very fine, like powder)
Brewing Method
Espresso is brewed under high pressure, typically around 9 bars. Hot water is quickly pushed through finely ground coffee, extracting a concentrated, flavorful shot. This creates the famous “crema,” a creamy layer on top.
Regular coffee methods like drip or pour-over use gravity or gentle brewing methods, resulting in a milder and more nuanced taste.
Espresso Beans
Espresso often uses blends of Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica beans add sweetness and complexity, while Robusta beans create a strong body and thicker crema. Robusta beans also have more caffeine, offering an extra kick.
Conclusion
Espresso beans are not a separate kind of bean. Instead, they’re regular coffee beans roasted, ground, and brewed specifically for espresso. So, while you can use any coffee bean for espresso, preparing them correctly makes all the difference in taste.
