Collection: Coffee beans

Everything you need to know about coffee beans

The right coffee beans can make the difference between an ordinary cup of coffee and one you truly enjoy. The origin, roast and composition of the beans all influence the flavour, aroma and body of your coffee. Whether you make espresso with a portafilter machine, prepare cappuccino with a bean-to-cup machine or prefer filter coffee, choosing the right coffee beans always has an impact on the final result.

How to store coffee beans

Fresh coffee beans retain their flavour for longer when stored properly. As soon as a bag is opened, the coffee beans are exposed to oxygen, which gradually causes them to lose their aroma and flavour.

For the best quality, store your coffee beans in their original packaging with a valve or in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Unopened coffee beans generally stay fresh for several months when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they are usually at their best within four to six weeks. This doesn’t mean the beans can’t be used after that, but their aroma will gradually become less pronounced.

Coffee beans for espresso

A good espresso needs coffee beans with enough body and intensity. That’s why many coffee drinkers choose medium to dark roasted coffee beans.

Good espresso beans typically have a full body, low to medium acidity, a rich crema and flavour notes such as chocolate, nuts, caramel, cocoa or spices. These characteristics create a bold, well-balanced espresso. This is exactly why our coffee beans are particularly well suited to espresso.

Espresso beans can be used in both portafilter and bean-to-cup coffee machines. The final flavour is also influenced by factors such as grind size, dose and extraction time.

Coffee beans for cappuccino

A cappuccino contains a significant amount of milk, which can make more subtle coffee flavours fade into the background. For milk-based drinks, coffee beans with a stronger flavour profile are often the best choice.

Popular flavours include dark chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, roasted nuts and subtle spices. Medium and dark roasted beans tend to retain their character better when combined with milk. This also makes our coffee beans particularly well suited to cappuccinos.

Arabica or a blend?

100% Arabica coffee often creates a smooth and refined cappuccino. If you prefer more intensity and a thicker crema, a blend containing a small percentage of Robusta can be a great choice.

Arabica coffee beans

Arabica is the world’s most widely grown coffee species for high-quality coffee. The beans are generally grown at higher altitudes, which helps them develop their characteristic flavour profile.

Typical characteristics of Arabica coffee beans include a smooth flavour, fruity and floral aromas, bright acidity and a lower caffeine content than Robusta.

Robusta, on the other hand, is known for its stronger flavour, greater bitterness, higher caffeine content and fuller crema.

The best coffee beans ultimately depend on your personal preference. If you enjoy a refined and aromatic cup of coffee, Arabica is often an excellent choice. If you prefer something stronger, a blend containing Robusta may suit you better.

Barista coffee beans

The term ‘barista coffee beans’ does not refer to an official quality classification. Instead, it is often used for coffee beans selected specifically to perform well in espresso machines.

Barista coffee beans are carefully selected and are typically characterised by consistent quality, precise roasting, reliable extraction and a good balance of sweetness, body and aroma.

For anyone using a portafilter or semi-automatic espresso machine, so-called barista coffee beans can be an excellent choice.

How many grams of coffee beans per cup?

The right dose has a major influence on the flavour of your coffee. For a regular cup of coffee, use around 7 to 9 grams. For an espresso, you’ll generally use slightly more, around 8 to 10 grams. For a double espresso, use twice as much, around 16 to 20 grams. For filter coffee, the amount of coffee beans per cup mainly depends on how much water you use.

The ideal amount depends on several factors, including grind size, roast, brewing method and your personal taste.

Coffee beans and crema

Crema is the golden-brown layer of foam that forms on top of a well-made espresso. It consists of oils, carbon dioxide and microscopic air bubbles released during extraction under high pressure.

A good crema is influenced by several factors, including the type of coffee beans, grind size, extraction time, brewing pressure and roast. Freshly roasted coffee generally contains more carbon dioxide, which often results in a fuller and more stable crema.

Robusta also plays a role. Blends containing Robusta often produce a thicker and more stable crema than 100% Arabica coffee because Robusta naturally contains more soluble compounds and carbon dioxide.

An even, hazelnut-brown crema is often considered a sign that the espresso has been brewed at the right pressure with a balanced extraction. During a good extraction, the desired aromas, oils and flavour compounds are gradually dissolved, contributing to both the crema and a full-bodied flavour. A thin, very light crema or one that disappears quickly can indicate less-than-optimal extraction or coffee beans that are no longer at their freshest.

However, crema doesn’t tell you everything about the quality of an espresso. Ultimately, flavour is determined mainly by the balance between sweetness, bitterness and acidity. An espresso with a thick crema can still be unbalanced, while one with a more modest crema can taste excellent.

What are the best coffee beans?

There is no single coffee bean that is best for everyone. The ideal choice depends on your taste, coffee machine and favourite type of coffee.

Choose based on flavour

Do you prefer:

• Smooth and refined coffee? Choose 100% Arabica.
• A bold espresso? Choose a medium or dark roasted blend with a strong flavour profile.
• Cappuccino or latte? Choose beans with chocolate, caramel or spicy notes.
• Lots of crema? Choose a blend containing a small amount of Robusta.

Choose based on brewing method

Every brewing method benefits from slightly different coffee beans because each method extracts aromas and flavours differently. Factors such as pressure, water temperature, contact time and grind size all have a major influence on the final flavour. We recommend the following:

• Bean-to-cup machine: medium roast, balanced blend. Bean-to-cup machines prepare coffee at the touch of a button and are designed for consistent extraction. Medium roasted beans often provide a good balance of sweetness, body and mild acidity.
• Portafilter machine: espresso roast, specialty or barista beans. A portafilter machine uses high pressure and gives you plenty of control over extraction. Medium to dark roasted espresso beans generally provide a full body, rich crema and bold flavour.
• Filter coffee: light to medium roast. Filter coffee has a longer brewing time and doesn’t use high pressure. Lighter roasted beans therefore allow more fruity, floral and complex flavour notes to shine through.
• French press: medium roast with a full body. Because the coffee remains in contact with the water for longer and the metal filter allows plenty of oils to pass through, beans with a full body and rich flavours often work particularly well.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. By trying different coffee beans, you’ll soon discover which flavour profile suits you best.

Frequently asked questions

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Once opened, coffee beans are usually at their best within four to six weeks. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Can I store coffee beans in the fridge?

We don’t recommend storing coffee beans in the fridge. Moisture and surrounding odours can cause the beans to lose their aroma more quickly.

Which coffee beans are suitable for a bean-to-cup machine?

Medium roasted coffee beans are an excellent choice for most bean-to-cup machines. They offer a good balance of flavour, crema and extraction.

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?

Arabica is smoother and more aromatic and contains less caffeine. Robusta has a stronger, more bitter flavour and generally produces more crema.

How many grams of coffee beans do you need for one cup?

On average, you’ll need 7 to 9 grams per cup. For a double espresso, this increases to around 16 to 20 grams.

Which coffee beans produce the most crema?

Blends containing Robusta generally produce the thickest crema, especially when using freshly roasted beans and the right grind size.

Which coffee beans are best for cappuccino?

Medium to dark roasted coffee beans with notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts or subtle spices pair particularly well with milk.

Which coffee beans are best for espresso?

Espresso generally works best with medium or dark roasted coffee beans that provide a full body, low to medium acidity and rich, often spicy flavours.

Discover our coffee beans

Whether you’re looking for coffee beans for a bean-to-cup machine, a bold espresso or a creamy cappuccino, our coffee beans are an excellent all-round choice and can be used with any type of coffee machine.