Coffee Beans vs Espresso Beans: 5 Key Differences, Explained
Coffee beans vs espresso beans. It’s not uncommon to come across both types of beans, whether buying them at the supermarket or browsing them at your favorite coffee shop. This can make it difficult to tell the two apart because, from a distance, they look the same.
Once you get a closer look, though, you will notice a few differences. If you are unsure about the two and what separates them, we recommend looking at this article.
Here, we will list the main differences between coffee beans and espresso beans in a way that even the most novice coffee fan can understand.
1. The Difference in How They Are Roasted
Rather than the actual beans, the main difference between espresso and coffee is primarily in how they are roasted. Espresso beans are roasted for a more extended period than regular coffee beans.
Dark roasted beans are used for espresso brewing. The beans this process produces are shinier and oilier. The best Italian espresso beans are carefully roasted to the perfect dark brown color we are familiar with.
Unlike espresso, regular coffee beans are roasted light or medium.
2. The Difference in How They Are Ground
The grind is essential because it affects how the water extracts the flavor from the beans. Espresso beans are ground very fine. Other coffee beans may be coarsely or finely ground, depending on the use.
3. The Difference in Flavor
How the beans were processed through roasting and grinding affects the flavor produced. Darkly roasted espresso beans make a stronger flavor because of the released natural oils. On the other hand, original coffee bean flavors are retained after grinding and roasting.
4. The Difference in How They Are Brewed
Espresso is made using an espresso machine that forces hot water through a small amount of finely ground beans. The water pressure extracts more flavor from the beans giving a more concentrated flavor.
Coffee beans are brewed in a variety of ways. You can use a pot, a French press, or a drip coffee maker.
5. Coffee Beans vs Espresso Beans and Caffeine Content
According to the Food Data Central of the USDA, brewed espresso contains 212mg of caffeine per 100g of espresso. This is much higher than the 37mg of caffeine per 100g in your regular breakfast-blend brewed coffee.
However, because you consume espresso in lesser volume (1 fluid ounce or 29.6 g per serving), an espresso shot only contains 63mg of caffeine. A cup of coffee (248 g) contains 91.76mg of caffeine. The caffeine content of a cup of coffee is far greater than that of an espresso shot!
Which Is Better? Spill the Beans!
Coffee beans vs espresso beans, which is better? It all comes down to your preference.
If you love coffee, you probably have a preferred brewing method. Maybe you like to keep things simple with a drip coffee maker.
Perhaps you prefer the French press for a more robust cup of coffee. Or, maybe you like to get strong and fancy with an espresso machine.
No matter how you like your coffee, one key ingredient is always the same: coffee beans. Select the best beans for the best method and final drink that you desire.
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