What Does Espresso Roast Mean?- Get To Know Your Beans

There is a lot to know about Espresso and its nuances. However, what does Espresso Roast mean? Is it the same as the Espresso we all know and love? This has been an ongoing online debate, whether the two are interchangeable or not. Gleaning from the words itself, they could be very distinct.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Espresso Roast and how to make one. Do not worry. Understanding it is not rocket science. All coffee lovers can definitely catch up and make the most out of this coffee wonder.

What Does Espresso Roast Mean?

Let us go back to the basics that is Espresso. Espresso is obviously a beverage, in the simplest terms. It is made with the help of an espresso machine. To accomplish this, high-pressure steam is sent into a finely ground coffee grind. Espresso is the densest coffee form out there. People usually go for the Espresso if they want an instant energy jolt.

Espresso roast, on the other hand, is a totally different thing from an espresso. Espresso roast is a kind of roasted coffee used for preparing our favorite Espresso. To get the most flavor out of these espresso roasts, there is a specific procedure to get the desired espresso taste.

In general, espresso roasts are "more roasted" than the regular coffee bean to increase the body and reduce the acidity in them.

Espresso vs. Espresso Roast

Since the two are fundamentally different from one another, it is best to know their major differences to grasp what espresso roast really means.

Preparation

Espresso, as a beverage, is prepared with the help of an espresso maker. It can be made at home or even commercially.

Meanwhile, Espresso roast cannot be made at home, unfortunately. It is always commercially produced for mass retail, and you have to buy it from an actual store.

Price

For the actual product, Espresso costs so much more than the espresso roast.

Availability

Espresso is sold in shops that sell ready to drink beverages like coffee shops. If you want to purchase some espresso roasts to make Espresso at home, you have to get it from the store.

Choosing the Perfect Beans 

Say, you already purchased the perfect espresso machine. It contains all the features you are looking for. All that's left is the actual crafting of the perfect Espresso. In doing so, there are three things that you need to consider. These are the bean, the roast, and the brew.

The primary distinguishing factor in coffee beans is their roast. Coffee beans may range from light to dark. Beans that are roasted in the medium to the darkest range are those that are best suited to making espresso and espresso drinks.

The Origin of the Coffee Bean

High-quality ingredients, like in gourmet dishes, will always produce the best results. A chef will always want to know where the produce came from. This is also the same for coffee. The country, climate, and altitude will play essential roles in the taste and overall characteristics of the coffee.

That characteristics that beans produce from different parts of the world contribute to the taste of the actual espresso drink. Just like the variation of Robusta and Arabica, the elements contribute to the final rich, robust flavor of Espresso.

You can definitely blend these bean varieties. You can also try out different brewing methods for these; it is all a matter of experimentation.

The Guide to Coffee Roasts

Coffee beans start green, moist with an inexplicable earthy scent. Through the process of roasting, these coffee beans become crunchy enough to produce irresistible aroma. For you to choose a preferred flavor profile, you need to learn the basics of coffee roasts and how they would probably taste when drank.

Our taste buds might be different, but one thing's for sure, we all crave for coffee.

Medium Roasts

The flavor and color of Medium roasts are fuller than lighter roasts. The beans still won't have an oily surface, and the flavor will be less acidic. This type has the most balanced taste and contains slightly less caffeine.

This roast is for starters or those who are still experimenting with different espresso flavors.

Medium-Dark Roasts

Flavors in Medium-Dark roasts will range from bittersweet to spicy, chocolatey, or caramel depending on the origin of the beans and the age.

Medium-dark roasts are also fuller in body, round, rich, and dense. Baristas usually recommend this roast in making the perfect Espresso.

Dark Roasts

These dark roasts are black in color and have a shiny or oily exterior. The beans are heated at the highest range.

The flavor smoky, to the point of having that burnt taste. It is advisable that dark roasted blends should only be used in French Presses and more standard brewing methods. Otherwise, the flavor would be too intense.

The Bottomline

Remember that your espresso roast will not only influence the taste of your coffee but also impact your espresso machine. Overly roasted beans can cause adverse effects on your machine, leaving a greasy and oily residue. Make sure that you know your beans and your machine well in making that awaited demitasse of Espresso.

What does espresso roast mean? It has only one definition but encompasses a lot of aspects that we need to take into consideration. Knowing your espresso roast will play a key role in making your espresso drink. Keep the guidelines in mind and happy caffeinating!