How to choose your coffee beans
The right coffee beans mainly depend on three things: your machine, the drink you like and your taste. That is exactly what the quiz asks you. Here is our advice as baristas to help you understand.
1. Depending on your machine
- Bean-to-cup machine (built-in grinder): a balanced Italian blend gives a creamy espresso in every cup. Avoid very oily (shiny) beans: they clog the grinder faster.
- Espresso machine with portafilter: all our coffees are suitable. With an adjustable grinder, you can enjoy aromatic coffees as well as bold ones.
- Moka pot (Italian stovetop): a medium grind and a bolder coffee give the true Italian taste, just like at home in Italy.
- Filter, V60, Chemex or French press: choose a 100% arabica with a lighter roast and fruity or floral notes (single-origin or specialty coffee).
2. Arabica or robusta?
Arabica is smoother and more aromatic, with less bitterness. Robusta brings strength, body, a thick crema and more caffeine: it is the secret of southern Italian espresso, like in Naples. Most Italian coffees blend both. The more robusta, the more intense the coffee.
3. Espresso, long coffee or cappuccino?
For a short espresso, a bold and creamy coffee is ideal. For a long coffee, a round and smooth coffee avoids bitterness. For a cappuccino or latte, choose a more intense coffee: milk softens coffee, and a coffee that is too mild disappears.
4. Our tips for great coffee every time
- Buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing: they keep their aromas much longer.
- Keep the bag tightly closed, away from air, light and heat. Not in the fridge.
- A 1 kg bag is ideal if you drink several coffees a day. Otherwise, choose a 250 g or 500 g bag.
Need personal advice?
Our baristas are happy to help: on WhatsApp at +32 495 18 47 29, by email at info@8grams.store, or in our coffee store in Liège, Rue Sébastien Laruelle 2. You can also see all our coffee beans or our specialty coffees.