FOOD NEWS
What’s The Difference Between Coffee And Espresso Beans?
BY Wendy Leigh
Not knowing the difference between a cup of coffee and a shot of espresso can be a shock when experiencing the flavor, density, and intensity.
Paired with the grind levels, beans are designated as either espresso or coffee in varying roast levels, from light to medium, dark, or extra dark.
While they start out the same, espresso beans get roasted considerably longer than standard coffee beans, reaching what's considered a dark or extra-dark roast level.
Espresso beans carry intense, complex flavor that's rich and bold, a result of high roasting temperatures. They're also oily to the touch from prolonged exposure and have deeper flavors.
Standard coffee beans receive labels indicating roast levels from light to medium, determined mostly by the length of time in the roaster.
Less time in a grinder equals a coarser powder that’s fit for standard coffee brews. The longer the grind, the more fine, dense, and compact the espresso powder will be.