Espresso

Are you looking for the perfect espresso for your portafilter machine that tastes just like one from an Italian barista?

Bring the craftsmanship of international micro-roasteries into your kitchen – for espresso extractions at an absolute coffee-shop level.

Anyone looking to buy premium espresso settles for no compromises. Your espresso machine requires beans that have been roasted with precision, care, and artisan craftsmanship to unlock the subtle nuances of origin and terroir. Experience a whole new level of flavor through exclusive roasts curated specifically for maximum performance in portafilters and premium fully automatic machines.

Why do even expensive machines often miss the desired aroma?

Often, a lot of time and budget is invested in the perfect equipment, yet the result in the cup tastes flat, unpleasantly bitter, or leaves a sour aftertaste.

The reason rarely lies with the equipment, but with the bean. Commercial espresso coffee from industrial large-scale roasting is often processed too hot and too quickly. This burns the delicate aromas, while bitter roasting gases remain trapped inside the bean. When you use inferior espresso coffee, even the best machine cannot compensate for the missing freshness and the lack of balance in the green bean.

How do artisan micro-roasts redefine the quality in your cup?

We bridge the gap between discerning connoisseurs and the best roasters in Europe. Our network consists of visionary micro-roasteries such as 7g Roasters, Atmans Coffee, Familia Osorio, and Hola Coffee.

Through the traditional, slow drum roasting process, each batch is developed precisely to perfection. Unwanted acids are gently broken down, while the characteristic notes of the country of origin are preserved. Whether you are looking for a balanced 1kg bag of espresso for daily extractions or complex single origins: you receive a perfectly balanced product optimized for demanding extractions.

What advantages does our carefully curated espresso assortment offer you?

• Maximum freshness guarantee: We do not store inventories for months. You receive exclusively freshly packaged espresso coffee whose aromas are at their absolute peak.
• Variety of roast profiles: From a crisp light or medium-light roast for modern fruit notes to classic medium, medium-dark, or dark profiles for chocolatey nuances.
• Transparent origin: Discover single-origin coffees or harmonious blends from the best growing regions in the world, such as Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, or Indonesia.
• Perfect packaging size: Our focus is on the 1kg espresso coffee pack – ideal for heavy coffee drinkers and households with fully automatic machines or portafilters, ensuring the aroma stays protected down to the last bean.

The Ultimate Knowledge Guide to the Perfect Espresso

What is Espresso Coffee?

Espresso is a coffee specialty originating from Italy and does not refer to a specific type of coffee bean, but rather to a special method of selecting, roasting, and preparing coffee beans. For this process, high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans are mostly used, which are roasted darker and longer than filter coffee.

Through the targeted, longer roasting curve, inherent acidity is reduced, and essential oils as well as sugars are better developed. This gives espresso its strong body, full-bodied flavors, and the typical, fine-pored crema. The beans are specially calibrated for high-pressure extraction, which gives the espresso its dense texture and intense taste experience. Thanks to its strong and harmonious character, espresso is also ideal as a base for classic coffee specialties as well as milk-based drinks like cappuccino or latte macchiato.

what is the difference between espresso and coffee

The difference between espresso and classic coffee lies mainly in the roasting, the grind size, and the preparation method. Espresso beans are roasted longer and darker, allowing them to develop stronger roasted aromas and less acidity. Filter coffee is usually roasted lighter and therefore often tastes fresher and more acidic.

The preparation also differs significantly: filter coffee is brewed without pressure by gravity and takes about 2 to 5 minutes. Espresso, on the other hand, is forced through very finely ground coffee powder under about 9 bars of pressure in just 20 to 30 seconds. This creates an exceptionally intense flavor as well as the signature crema.

While filter coffee comes across as rather light and aromatic, espresso is more concentrated, full-bodied, and rich in body. Additionally, espresso roasts are better suited for portafilters and fully automatic machines, as they are developed specifically for high-pressure extraction.

Is Espresso healthier than coffee?

Yes, a traditionally prepared espresso is often considered gentler on the stomach and easier to digest than classic coffee. Because the water comes into contact with the coffee grounds for only a very short time during espresso preparation, fewer tannins and bitter substances are dissolved. In addition, espresso roasts generally contain less acidity, which is why many coffee lovers find espresso more pleasant for the stomach.

Is Espresso stronger than coffee?

Espresso tastes significantly stronger than coffee because less water is used in its preparation, causing flavors, oils, and coffee compounds to be more highly concentrated. This provides an intense, dense mouthfeel with strong notes such as chocolate or nut.

However, more "strength" does not automatically mean more caffeine. The actual effect depends on the beans, preparation, and the amount consumed. Despite the higher concentration per milliliter, a regular cup of coffee often contains a similar amount or even more total caffeine.

What has more caffeine, coffee or espresso?

Espresso contains significantly more caffeine per milliliter than conventional filter coffee. The short, intensive preparation method creates a high caffeine concentration, which is why espresso is stronger than normal coffee when measured per 100 milliliters.

Nevertheless, you usually consume more total caffeine with a cup of filter coffee. The reason for this is the significantly larger serving size: an espresso normally measures only about 25 to 30 milliliters, while a cup of filter coffee often holds 150 to 200 milliliters. Additionally, the longer brewing time with filter coffee ensures that more caffeine is extracted from the coffee grounds.

In short: espresso has the higher caffeine density, but filter coffee usually delivers the larger total amount of caffeine per cup. At the same time, espresso offers an intense flavor with a comparatively moderate and often well-tolerated amount of caffeine per serving.

Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?

When looking at the total per serving size, the answer is no. On average, an espresso contains less absolute caffeine than a classic mug of coffee. This makes it the ideal choice for connoisseurs who prioritize intense flavor and maximum digestability.

What is the best espresso coffee?

The title of best espresso coffee is determined by your preparation method and your sensory preferences:

• Those who prefer dense, nutty-chocolatey profiles and a viscous crema should opt for traditional medium-dark blends with a high-quality Robusta component.
• Those looking for floral, complex, and fruity nuances will find the perfect base for modern espresso specialties in lighter single origins from Ethiopia or Central America.

Discover leading espresso coffee brands with us that are renowned in the specialty coffee scene for the highest quality standards.

How many grams of coffee for espresso?

For pulling a precise single shot in a portafilter, a quantity of 7 to 9 grams is recommended. For a balanced double basket (Doppio), the standard weight ranges between 14 and 18 grams of finely ground coffee, depending on the basket size and the desired recipe.

Take your espresso coffee experience to the next level

Have you had enough of compromises in your cup? Discover the diversity of carefully selected beans from the best growing regions in the world. Whether single origin or classic blend – at EQ Coffee you will find exactly the coffee espresso that fits your lifestyle. Order your 1kg pack of freshly roasted espresso today and taste the difference that true craftsmanship makes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Espresso Coffee

What should you look out for when buying espresso online?

When you buy espresso online, you should primarily look for the roasting date (not the best-before date) and transparent information about its origin. High-quality espresso coffee is distinguished by the fact that the roastery specifies the exact country of origin, the farm or cooperative, as well as the variety. In addition, packaging in a special aroma valve bag is important so that the beans are protected from oxygen while allowing roasting gases to escape.

What is the difference between Single Origin and Blend coffee when buying espresso?

A single origin consists of 100% coffee beans from a single origin region or even from a single plantation. It often tastes highly characteristic and brings out the special terroir of the country (e.g., Ethiopia or Colombia). A blend is a masterfully crafted coffee mixture from various origins. Blends are harmoniously put together to guarantee a consistent, well-rounded flavor profile – usually with notes of chocolate and nut – along with a stable crema.

Why is it worth ordering espresso in a 1kg bag?

Buying a 1kg espresso bag offers excellent value for money and is the most sustainable packaging size for regular coffee drinkers. A 1kg espresso coffee pack is enough for about 120 to 140 single espresso extractions. Since the bags are equipped with a resealable aroma protection valve, the freshness is fully preserved over several weeks when stored in a cool and dry place.

Which countries produce the best espresso coffee worldwide?

The green coffees originate from the so-called coffee belt around the equator. Well-known countries of origin for sophisticated profiles are Brazil (known for nutty, mild notes), Colombia and Guatemala (for chocolatey sweetness), as well as Ethiopia and Kenya (for floral and fruity nuances). Countries like Indonesia, Peru, Tanzania, or Uganda also deliver excellent qualities for character-rich roasts.

What does the roast date on the espresso packaging mean?

The roast date indicates the exact day on which the espresso coffee beans were refined in the drum roaster. Unlike the legal best-before date, it helps you determine the freshness precisely. The best period for consumption is between 2 weeks and 3 months after the roast date, as the coffee has properly degassed during this phase and unfolds its full aroma.

How is it best to store espresso coffee after purchase?

To protect the aroma optimally after buying your espresso coffee, you should leave the beans in their original packaging with the valve and seal it tightly. Store the bag in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a kitchen cupboard. Do not transfer the beans into clear glass jars or containers, as light and oxygen accelerate the aging of the oils. Storing coffee in the refrigerator is strongly discouraged, as moisture and foreign odors ruin the flavor.

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans in an espresso?

Arabica beans grow at higher altitudes, contain less caffeine, and are characterized by fine, complex aromas as well as elegant fruit acidities. Robusta beans (Canephora) grow in lower regions, have almost twice the caffeine content, and taste earthier, stronger, and woodier. Furthermore, due to their lower oil content, Robusta beans produce an exceptionally thick, long-lasting crema in an espresso blend.

When does an espresso taste underextracted and how do you correct it?

An espresso is underextracted when the water runs too quickly through the coffee grounds (e.g., in under 15 seconds). The taste is then thin, watery, noticeably sour, and the crema disappears immediately. The cause is usually a grind size that is too coarse or too little coffee powder in the basket. Adjust your coffee grinder to a finer setting or slightly increase the coffee quantity to slow down the flow rate.

How do you recognize overextraction in an espresso?

Overextraction occurs when the hot water is in contact with the coffee grounds for too long (often well over 30 seconds). The espresso only trickles very darkly from the spout, tastes extremely bitter, burnt, astringent, and leaves a dry feeling on the tongue. The solution is to choose a coarser grind size or to tamp the coffee grounds in the portafilter with less force.

Can decaffeinated coffee also be prepared as an espresso with crema?

Yes, this is easily possible. High-quality decaffeinated coffee that has been gently decaffeinated at its origin retains its cellular structure and valuable coffee oils. When the roasting profile is adapted for espresso extractions, these beans produce a crema in a portafilter machine or fully automatic machine that is just as beautiful and thick as that of caffeinated coffee.