You know a coffee bean is a coffee bean, but when browsing the coffee aisle, you notice some bags labeled as coffee beans or espresso beans. That gets you wondering, âwhat is the difference between regular coffee and espresso beans?â
Or todayâs article regarding espresso vs. dark roast coffee beans.
They are not the same, and very few people know what sets them apart. Have an idea of what distinguishes them? This piece is for you if you are unsure when one must be chosen over the other. Keep reading to learn more!
What is the difference between espresso vs. dark roast? The roast
Their roast, which ranges from light to dark, distinguishes coffee beans. Dark roasted beans are those that are most suited to making espresso.
Dark roasted coffee beans
Dark roasted beans are dark brown and often have an oil and shiny surface. These beans are primarily used for espresso brewing; their flavor can be fuller, smokier, and almost burnt. Unfortunately, to most people, this flavor is too intense. They can also be used in French Presses and other standard brewing methods, but you must be a true coffee aficionado to achieve desirable results.Â
Bonus! Choose a light roast if you want your beansâ full, distinct flavor, which can vary based on the country of origin.
Are you looking for the best dark roast coffee beans?
Espresso beans
Espresso beans are simply coffee beans that are roasted more, ground finer, and brewed in an espresso machine.
Some people think that you must use espresso beans for espresso. This is because lighter roasts are harder to extract.
So dominantly, espresso beans tend to belong to the dark roast category. However, some medium roasted espresso beans are richer in coffeeâs natural oil, emulsified with other coffee components, resulting in the so-called espresso Crema.
However, try your best to avoid beans that have been roasted too dark as the excess oil can clog up grinders, specifically in super-automatic brewers.Â
Regular beans are not recommended for espresso as the yielded drink may taste funky, sour, and tart. Instead, stick to dark roast for perfect espresso shots.
Here is a quick rundown of why you must use the right beans for good espresso:
- Espresso coffee beans help achieve a rich Crema, enhancing the entire brew.
- They will give you the consistency, flavor, and body you want in your shot.
- Regular coffee beans are great for various brewing methods, but espresso coffee beans hold up best with high-pressure methods.
What does the âespresso labelâ really mean?
While you can brew espressos with different roasts and beans, many of them will be far from the classic espresso. So the espresso label helps to set the expectations.
If the beans are whole, you will want to grind them fine before using them for your espresso.Â
If it is a ground coffee, the espresso beans are likely dark roasted and already ground very fine, perfect to throw in your espresso machine or AeroPress.
Do coffee roasts impact your espresso machine?
Is espresso stronger than the dark roast?
Again, espresso beans are typically dark roast.
Now, by making espresso coffee out of dark roast, you will undoubtedly get much stronger coffee than regularly prepared java.Â
What are the best beans for espresso?
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.