If you’re a true coffee fan, you must be picky with your beans and roasts. Ever noticed, espresso beans come with a different package than coffee beans. Most coffee drinkers are confused about ‘are espresso and coffee beans the same?’ Even coffee aficionados are unaware of what sets them apart.
That’s why, in this article, I will clear up the confusion between the two beans. So, continue reading this article and discover the characteristics of espresso and coffee beans.
Defining Espresso and Coffee Beans
Ever wonder why coffee roasters label their product ‘espresso beans’ among other coffee beans? The product label refers to the roaster’s recommendation that these ‘espresso beans’ are best used for espresso coffee. Coffee roasters name these types of bean differently because of the ‘cooking’ process it went through.
Did you know you can use espresso beans to make drip coffee but with a little difference in taste and texture?
There’s a misconception about the difference between espresso and coffee is in the ‘bean.’ But in general, espresso beans are the same as coffee beans. Naturally, you can call any ‘espresso beans’ coffee beans because they all come from the same ‘bean.’
Coffee beans are also known as ‘regular beans.’ Regular beans are more preferred beans by coffee drinkers due to its lower price compared to espresso beans. They are most commonly used to make drip coffee and cold brew.
In the next sections, I will discuss further the characteristics of the two beans until we get to the bottom of ‘are espresso and coffee beans the same?’
Is It The Origin: The Two Types of Beans
I will briefly explain what the types of roasting coffee beans are.
Is It The Roasting Process?
Light-roasted beans – their appearance does not contain oil. They have the most caffeine and distinct flavor compared to other types of roast. It usually takes about 9 minutes to achieve the best light roast. Light-roasted is considered ‘cook’ before the first crack of the bean. You can use light-roasted coffee beans to make pour-over coffee and cold brews.
Medium-roasted beans – these beans offer a sweeter and bolder coffee. Medium roasted contains caffeine and a balanced flavor. Ideally, medium-roasted are considered ‘cook’ before the second crack of the coffee bean. This type of roasted bean’s distinct color is medium brown. It takes around 16 minutes to cook medium-roasted beans. Additionally, they are the most used roasted beans because medium-roasted beans retain well-balanced flavors of coffee.
Dark-roasted beans – dark-roasted coffee beans have a darker and oily surface. They have a smoky and bitter taste. The roasting time for dark roasted beans usually takes about 30 minutes. Dark-roasted is considered ‘cook’ after the second crack of the coffee bean. You can use dark-roasted beans to brew espresso.
Is It The Brewing Process?
Most coffee drinkers are familiar with the methods to make a coffee. You can use a French press or drip coffee maker to produce a strong bitter coffee. To make a coffee, you need to grind your coffee beans to a medium to coarse texture. By using a paper filter or cheesecloth to filter the coffee, pour the hot water into the ground coffee, and extract the coffee to your cup. You can discard the ground coffee after use. It’s also worth to mention; some brewing methods use a single-serve coffee maker, or other methods tend to boil the ground coffee.
On the other hand, brewing espresso is a bit faster and different. It’s best if you finely ground your coffee beans. High-Pressured hot water is forced through the finely ground coffee to brew espresso. The result is a thicker and bolder coffee beverage; we call ‘espresso.’ During the extraction, a creamy golden-brown froth comes out before the espresso finishes, it is called ‘crema.’ The quality of crema is another indicator of a well-pulled espresso shot. The extraction of espresso takes about 20 to 30 seconds.
A 1oz espresso is commonly called a single-shot espresso, and double-shot is a 2oz espresso coffee.
Where Are Coffee Beans Grown From?
There are three places in the world where most coffee beans are grown. We will discover the variables and different flavors of coffee beans they produce in each area.
Central and South America
Coffee beans grown from this region offers a sweet flavor with higher acidity and has a light-bodied bean. The Organic Rainforest Blend is one of the most popular coffee beans grown from South America. This type of beans offers a flavorful, well-balanced taste and brews a delicious espresso coffee.
African and the Middle East
Cultivated coffee beans from this area offer a wine-like and crisp coffee taste. A bolder and medium acidity is often the content of African and Middle East coffees. Most coffee drinkers like these types of beans because they offer a satisfying and exciting taste of the coffee. The African coffee beans have a chocolatey flavor and fruity taste.
Indonesia and Asia
A mix of lower acidity and earthy notes are the dominant coffee beans profile in these regions. Sumatra coffee beans are popular to roast from medium to dark. Most coffee drinkers enjoy these coffees because they offer smooth flowery aroma and robust flavors. The rich, robust flavors and creamy taste of this hearty beans makes a unique coffee without equal.
With so many beans to choose and so much to enjoy, you should try ’round the world’ coffee drinks and discover the uniqueness of each regional coffee. Learn more about coffee beans.
Conclusion
Whichever you prefer, whether espresso beans or coffee beans, you now know how they are made and how to make the most out of those beans. Whether you are a barista, a coffee shop owner, or simply a coffee lover who wants to explore different caffeine concoctions, knowing your beans makes a lot of difference if you’re going to be in the coffee game.