Coffee beans for espresso

How to choose coffee for espresso?

What influences the acidity of coffee in espresso?

The acidity of coffee depends on the type of coffee, the country of origin and the processing method. If you prefer a less acidic espresso, choose from coffees labelled as less acidic, or focus on coffees from Brazil or India, which often have lower acidity. Ultimately, it's up to your preference whether you choose a higher or lower acidity coffee for your espresso.

What is the difference between the different ways of processing coffee beans?

The processing method greatly affects the taste of the coffee. Washed (wet) coffee is cleaner and smoother, natural (dry) processing gives the coffee a sweeter and fuller flavor, and honey processing combines these elements for a balanced flavor profile.

How does the country of origin affect the taste of coffee?

The country of origin greatly influences the flavour characteristics of the coffee, which are reflected in the espresso. Coffees from Colombia are often sweet and balanced with notes of chocolate and caramel, while coffees from Ethiopia can offer strong floral and fruity notes with higher acidity. Brazil is known for producing coffees with low acidity and fuller nutty flavours. Choosing coffees by country of origin allows you to discover different flavour profiles and find the one that best suits your espresso preferences.

What do terms like Single Farm, Microlot and Community Lot mean?

These terms refer to the origin of the coffee. Single Farm means that the coffee comes from a single farm, ensuring a consistent taste. Microlot refers to coffee from small production lots, often with exceptional quality and a specific flavor profile. Community Lot is sourced from a few farmers in one community and offers balanced quality at an affordable price.

How does the variety of coffee affect the taste of the espresso?

The variety of coffee plays a key role in shaping the taste of your espresso. Bourbon, for example, is known for its sweetness and balanced fruit notes, while Caturra brings a livelier acidity with lighter citrus notes. Catuai offers subtle sweetness and nutty notes, creating a balanced and pleasing profile. Varieties such as Typica and Mundo Novo have complex flavour profiles with rich, deep notes.