Espresso Beans

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Espresso Beans!

Coffee Beans Used for Espresso

Coffee beans used to make espresso are usually of the Arabica Coffee bean varietal (Coffea arabica var. arabica) though Robusta coffee beans (Coffea arabica var. robusta) are also used in some espresso blends.

Espresso coffee beans are usually given a Dark Roast, though some people do prefer lighter roasts – this is a matter of personal taste.

Espresso Beans – Grinding Coffee for Espresso

The grind size for making espresso is usually very fine, and may need to be adjusted for particular espresso machines (espresso coffee makers).

Also see: The Top Ten Coffees in the World

Espresso Machine Types and Grind Size Specifications

For steam-driven espresso machines the grind should be extremely fine because the machine doesn’t have as much pressure to push the water through the tamped coffee grounds as a pump-driven espresso machine, which can handle a slightly coarser grind.

If you aren’t sure which time of espresso machine (espresso maker) you have, here is a tip: if you put water into the top of your machine and then screw a lid down onto it, then you probably have a steam-driven espresso machine.

Espresso Beans – Espresso and Coffee Brewing Tips

For more espresso tips see our detailed coffee flavor profiles of Gourmet Coffees and instructions on preparing gourmet Espresso Drink Recipes. For step-by-step instructions see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot as well as Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos.

For smart tips on brewing the perfect cup of coffee see our section on Coffee Brewing, and detailed definitions of espresso and coffee terminology can be found in the Coffee and Espresso Glossary.  Also check out the World’s Best History of Coffee.

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