What Is The Difference Between Espresso And Regular Coffee?

Technically, the difference between coffee and espresso brings us back to their key similarity, which is the bean.

It is often mistaken that the difference between coffee and espresso is the bean itself. Well, that is far from correct.

Many thought espressos as being a different bean due to the difference in texture and taste of the beverage, but the difference mainly lies in the process by which an espresso shot is made. In this article, we will talk about what is the difference between espresso and regular coffee. 

Coffee Beans vs. Espresso Beans?

When you ordered black coffee and given a shot of espresso, wouldn’t that pretty much make you pissed and ruin your day? That is because a cup of regular black coffee is a lot different than a single shot of espresso. But what makes brewed coffee beans distinct from espresso beans, exactly?

Typically, they’re both coffee and technically speaking, both espresso and regularly brewed coffee can be produced from the same coffee beans. The difference between both coffee and espresso has something to do with how they’re prepared, starting with the main ingredient for both espresso and regular coffee, which are the beans. 

The Key Difference

Though there isn’t that much difference between espresso beans and coffee beans, there are still some distinctions when we come to terms with that of how their beans are brewed, the caffeine content once they are brewed, their flavor, how their distinctive beans are grounded and finally the method of roasting. 

Caffeine content

1. ESPRESSO beans – a regular serving of espresso has 60-100 mg of caffeine. Per ounce, technically speaking, espresso has more caffeine compared to that of coffee with only 30-50 mg per ounce. 
2. COFFEE beans – Depending on the process of how it was brewed, a cup of coffee has 80-170 mg of caffeine for every 8oz of serving. Basically, coffee has less caffeine compared to that of espresso.

Brewing method

1. ESPRESSO beans – Espresso is a method of brewing coffee beans wherein hot water under pressure is forced through finely-ground, compacted coffee beans for around 30 to 40 seconds. The effect is a drink that is dark and thicker than the usual coffee.
2. COFFEE beans – whole coffee bean must be refined. Most ground coffee is brewed using a home coffee maker.

Flavor

1. ESPRESSO beans – Typically classified in the dark roast category wherein beans provide the least acidity. You will still be able to receive small amounts of bean taste; however, the dark taste resurfaces. Espresso beans also provide consistency and texture to the taste, and also flavor you seek for in a shot. It has a usual rich, dark, and creamy taste, which enhances your shot experience.
2. COFFEE beans – They refer to any bean roasted and readily made for brewing. You can decide to go for a light roast if you wish the complete raw taste of the beans, which can be slightly different depending on where they originated. Light-roasted beans, however, do not have an oily sheen and are typically ideal for mild-flavored types of texture. Medium roasted beans will have a much stronger taste and can be differentiated by its coloration. Dark roasted beans, on the other hand, stand out for their dark brown color and oily surface.

Grind

1. ESPRESSO beans – Very fine ground of coffee beans.
2. COFFEE beans – Coarse in texture, the beans do not have to be very fine in appearance.

Roasting

1. ESPRESSO beans – Espresso beans need a longer time when it comes to roasting and a much higher temperature, round and about 430 degrees. The longer the time and the higher the temperature, the more tendency oils inside the beans are released.
2. COFFEE beans – Beans used in making coffee are roasted for a shorter time and at a specific temperature. 

The Methods of Preparing Espresso and Regular Coffee

So, the main difference between the key product of espresso and brewed coffee has everything to do with the way it’s prepared and made. The methods of how they are prepared are what dictates the flavor more so than the beans themselves through using the right kind of beans can make a huge difference between a regular cup and something super extraordinary.

So, all of that introduction and comparison brings us to the actual question. What is the difference between espresso beans and coffee beans?

Coffee beans can be any beans of any kind and roasted to any degree you prefer. You can enjoy regular deep coffee press with a light, medium, or dark roast.

Whatever type of roast you choose will determine the distinctive flavor of your outcome: from the tasty texture of lightly roasted beans to balanced flavors in medium roasts, and intensely bitter in dark roasted coffees.

For espressos, darker roasts are highly preferred because the longer the roasting time, the more it brings out the oils in the coffee. This is the reason why dark roasted beans have an oily shimmer appearance.

This information should already help you decide as to which of the two to go with. If you like darker and bolder tasting brew, go with the espresso. If you prefer a wider variety in terms of taste to either go with lighter options, medium, or dark, go with coffee.

Ultimately, it’s really up to your preferences. Why choose when you can say, “Why not have both?”. Know more about espressos.

Wrap It Up!

There is no actual difference between espresso and coffee beans. Well, except for how they’re spelled differently, I guess? When roasters write “espresso blend” or “drip blend,” it’s just the brewing method expert roasters believe will make the flavor profile of a drink stand out.