There are a variety of coffee beans used in different brews across the world. Espresso is one of the most popular types of coffee, with espresso beans used in the brew.
So, Is there a difference between espresso beans and coffee beans? Read on to find out and learn all about what makes them unique!
Picking the Right Bean for the Job
Choosing the right type of coffee bean is essential for creating the perfect cup of coffee.
Espresso
Espresso beans are specifically crafted to deliver a concentrated and flavorful shot of coffee known as espresso. Arabica beans are generally used for espresso.
Coffee
Regular coffee beans are more versatile. These beans can be used in various brewing methods, from drip coffee makers to French presses.
While they can be used to make espresso, they won’t provide the same depth of flavor as a bean meant for espresso would
Roasting Espresso Beans vs. Coffee Beans: Coffee Flavor Profile
Roasting is a key determinant of how beans turn out.
Understanding the Roasting Process
Roasting coffee beans is all about timing and temperature. Coffee beans start out green with none of the flavors we know and love. Through roasting, they transform in terms of taste and caffeine content.
The longer the beans roast, the darker they become and the more flavors they develop.
Different Roasts for Different Beans
Not all kinds of beans are roasted the same way.
Some are cooked just a bit, leading to a light roast that keeps the beans light brown and gives a milder taste.
Medium roast beans are cooked a bit longer, reaching a medium brown like toasted bread and a stronger coffee flavor.
Then there are dark roasts, which are roasted until they’re quite dark, and they have a bold, rich taste.
Espresso Beans Get the Dark Treatment
Espresso beans are roasted for longer and given a dark roast. That’s why espresso has that intense flavor and aroma.
The dark roast also makes the beans produce a nice, thick crema when brewed, which is the creamy foam on top of an espresso shot.
Regular Coffee Beans Roast for Less Time
Ordinary coffee beans might not spend as much time roasting. They can be light, medium, or dark roasted.
Lighter roasts usually have a bit more caffeine and a more acidic taste. Darker roasts have less caffeine but more of a bitter flavor because of the longer roasting time.
Ground to Perfection: Coffee Bean Size Matters
To get the best taste, you need to break coffee beans open just right. Here’s what the grind sizes for standard coffee and espresso look like:
Espresso
For espresso, the beans are ground very fine. That’s because espresso machines work fast, pushing water through the grounds in seconds. This fine espresso grind lets the water capture all the rich oils and deep flavors in no time.
Regular
On the other hand, when you’re making ordinary coffee, the process is different. Here, the beans are crushed into larger pieces, similar to the size of breadcrumbs.
This is because regular brewing methods take longer, and the water needs to pass through the grounds at just the right speed to pick up the flavors.
If the grounds were as fine as espresso, the water would have a tough time getting through, and your coffee could end up too strong or even bitter.
Can you Use Espresso Beans to make Regular Coffee?
Using espresso beans to make regular coffee might leave you with a cup of coffee that’s way too intense.
And if you try using coarse grounds in an espresso machine, the drink might taste weak and watery. It’s all about matching the grind size to your brewing method.
Oily Content: Shiny Beans vs. Matte Beans
Espresso beans also differ from coffee beans in terms of their natural oil content.
Espresso
Espresso beans have a higher oil content on their surface, giving them a shiny look. These oils are packed with flavor and are essential for creating the perfect shot of espresso.
When you brew espresso, the intense pressure forces the oils out, which mixes with the coffee to form a delightful, creamy layer on top known as crema.
Coffee
On the flip side, ordinary coffee beans, which are less oily, are typically used for standard brewing methods like drip or French press.
Since these methods don’t involve the same high pressure as espresso machines, there’s no crema formed in your coffee cup.
The result is a cleaner, lighter beverage that allows you to taste the subtler notes of the coffee.
Final Thoughts on The Difference Between Espresso and Coffee Beans
The difference between coffee beans and espresso isn’t about the beans themselves, but how they’re roasted, ground, and brewed. Espresso beans are coffee beans from a certain coffee plant.
Whether you choose an espresso roast or a regular one, it’s important to brew coffee the right way so you can enjoy the true flavor profile of the beverage.