Do you know when espresso was brewed first? It was approximately 100 years ago. The strong and a bit bitter coffee immediately became famous and a fan favorite. Even now the popularity of espresso hasn’t decreased. It is one of the most popular drinks that you will find in every city and is usually a safe bet to order when you are in a new place.
With the advancement of technology, you can find new ways to brew coffee, like French Press or coffee pods. French Press is exceptional when it comes to brewing espresso. However, it doesn’t give the traditional taste that you are looking for.
Pod coffee, on the other hand, is a convenient way to brew coffee. It is fast, and you can find tons of flavors as well. Also, you can now dispose of coffee pods, so they are great for brewing coffee.
How to dispose of a coffee pod? If that is your worry, do not fret. There are tons of ways to do so.
These are the best ways to brew espresso without going the traditional way. However, if you love drinking the classic espresso, and use an espresso machine, the best way to do that is to use the right beans.
With proper coffee beans, you cannot brew a delicious cup of espresso. How to pick the right beans? Let’s check out below.
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Tips For Picking The Right Coffee Beans For Espresso
Always go for whole beans
The espresso shot that you drink at a café has 12% dissolved shots. The normal coffee has only 2% of coffee. It means when you brew espresso; you are intaking more caffeine.
Therefore, the quality of the beans is of utmost importance. Also, buying them whole is incredibly essential because ground coffee loses its aroma and taste after 20 minutes. Thus, have a grinder handy, and buy whole beans. Grind only the amount of coffee you are going to put in your brew.
The packaged pre-ground espresso coffee doesn’t provide you with the full flavor of espresso. Thus, buy only whole beans for the best espresso experience ever at home.
Go For Dark Roast If Using For Latte/Cappuccino
If you like to drink latte or cappuccino just as much as you like espresso, make sure to opt for a dark roast. It works better because it cuts through the creaminess of the milk, making it better and more delicious.
Keep Roast In Mind
Dark roast espresso is not just great for latte/cappuccino. It is perfect for a traditional and strong brew. Now how do you know whether the bean is dark? Don’t go with the information that the roaster is providing. Here is the information that will help you find the right roast espresso bean.
- To know whether the bean is dark or not, check the oil. If it mitigates towards the outer area of the bean, it ensures that the roast is dark.
- If the bean has a shiny surface, it is an Italian or French-style roast.
- If the coffee bean is dry but dark, it is a full city roast.
With this information, you will be able to find the right roast espresso bean. It doesn’t mean that you cannot use light or medium beans for brewing coffee. However, most baristas and coffee experts prefer dark roast.
Be Sure To Pick A Grinder Suited For Espresso
For espresso, the grind needs to be consistent and fine. Therefore, you need the best quality grinder, like a burr grinder, for your espresso. There are espresso machines that come with a grinder. If you are using one, do make sure to check the beans for too much oil or stones.
Ensure Your Roaster Uses Organic Way To Brew The Coffee
An espresso aficionado will never buy a bean that is not similar to their values. When you are choosing a roaster for your coffee beans, be sure to ask these questions:
- How do they care for their land?
- Do they roast the beans with proper care and attention?
- What are the methods they intake to ensure the freshness of the beans?
Espresso is the heart and soul of the coffee world. If you want to drink and brew the best espresso ever, do use these tips.
