Espresso BeansFrequently Asked Questions

Espresso can be made with any coffee beans, but the best results come from medium to dark roast beans. Popular choices include Arabica beans from regions like Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The key is using freshly roasted beans with a fine grind specifically for espresso brewing.

Yes, coffee beans and espresso beans are the same thing! The difference is in how they're roasted and ground. 'Espresso beans' typically refer to beans that are roasted to a medium-dark or dark level and ground very fine for espresso brewing. Any coffee bean can be used for espresso if prepared correctly.

Yes, you can find espresso beans at most grocery stores. However, for the best quality and freshness, consider buying from specialty coffee roasters or online retailers. Look for beans with a roast date within 2-4 weeks of purchase for optimal flavor.

The 'best' espresso bean depends on your taste preferences. Some popular choices include:

Store your espresso beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer as moisture can damage the beans. Use beans within 2-4 weeks of the roast date for best flavor. Keep them away from light, heat, and oxygen.

Espresso requires a fine grind, similar to powdered sugar or fine sand. The grind should be consistent and uniform. If your espresso pulls too fast (under-extracted), make your grind finer. If it pulls too slow (over-extracted), make it coarser.

A standard espresso shot uses about 18-20 grams of coffee beans to produce 25-30ml of espresso in 25-30 seconds. This ratio can be adjusted based on your taste preferences and the specific beans you're using.

Espresso is a brewing method that forces hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure. This creates a concentrated, intense coffee with a layer of crema on top. Regular drip coffee uses gravity to slowly extract flavors from coarser grounds, resulting in a different taste profile and texture.