Buying the Best Arabica Coffee Beans for an Espresso

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Loved all over the world, Arabica coffee is known for its smoothness and complex flavours. When used for an espresso, expect a more refined and aromatic cup that’s hard to beat. From light and fruity notes to blends with Robusta for a caffeine kick, choosing the right Arabica beans is the key to unlocking an authentic Italian-style espresso to be enjoyed at home.

Here, we will explore everything Arabica, including flavours and characteristics, ways to enjoy them, and how to make an Arabica espresso the Italian way.

What is Arabica?

Arabica (Coffea arabica) is the most widely produced bean species in the world, grown in a “coffee belt” around the equator. This belt includes countries such as Ethiopia (where it originates), Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, India and Indonesia.

This popular bean variety has roots in Ethiopia spanning over a thousand years. From there, Arabica began to spread, becoming a global commodity and a standout in the coffee market.

Known for its refined and complex flavour profile, Arabica combines sweetness and acidity to create a balanced and well-rounded cup. Expect fruity, floral, chocolatey and nutty notes, and finished with a smooth texture.

In Italy, Arabica is widely used across the country, with its consumption varying by region. Northern regions, such as Milan, tend to favour blends that use pure Arabica, perfect for lighter espressos and cafetière brewing.

Regions further south, such as Rome and Naples, often combine Arabica and Robusta blends for a stronger and more intense kick.

Are Arabica Coffee Beans Good for Espresso?

Arabica beans are often used for espresso blends due to their complex flavours, creating a sweeter and smoother cup. Consider using 100% Arabica espresso beans if you prefer lower caffeine and bitterness- perfect for drinking light coffees throughout the day.

One downside of a pure Arabica blend is the lack of crema compared to Robusta (Coffea canephora). Crema signifies a classic Italian espresso; the golden layer sitting on top of the coffee. The crema’s colour shows the quality of the bean, adding a velvety texture to balance the bitterness and acidity of the caffeine. As Arabica has lower caffeine and bitterness levels, this contrast may be lost.

There is no straight answer – it’s all about personal preference and style. Many Italians choose a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans for their espresso. Whilst Arabica has an incredible flavour spectrum and smoothness, it lacks in strength and crema.

Espresso blends featuring both bean species combine the advantages of both; a balance of flavour and intensity.

Choosing the Right Arabica Espresso Beans

Crafting the perfect espresso can be challenging, as there are numerous factors to consider and align with your personal preferences. The taste, aroma, blend, and strength can all be altered to best suit your palate.

When selecting Arabica beans for an espresso, consider the following:

1. Roast Level: Typically, for an espresso, a medium-dark to dark roast is preferred to bring out richer flavours. To preserve the bean’s original flavour, consider a medium roast for a caramel and mild bitterness. Dark roasts are perfect for coffee lovers who need bold, intense flavours.
2. Flavours: One of the standout features of Arabica is its complex flavours, which vary depending on the bean’s origin, quality, roast, and processing. South American Arabica beans (from Brazil or Colombia) tend to have notes of chocolate and nuts. While Eastern Africa (Ethiopia or Kenya) offer fruity or tea-like flavours.
3. Caffeine Intake: Naturally, Arabica has a lower caffeine content (around 1.2-1.5% per bean) compared to Robusta (2.2-2.7%). For intense espressos, consider an Arabica blend with a small percentage of Robusta.
4. Bean Quality: The quality of the bean impacts the taste. Look for 100% Arabica beans for high-quality or consider speciality-grade beans. Consider the roast date, as espressos often taste best within 2 to 4 weeks of roasting.
5. Single Origin vs Blends: For speciality coffee drinkers or those who want to explore flavour nuances, consider single-origin Arabica beans, which come from one specific region. Their flavours will reflect the territory and offer a distinct profile. Beans from the different areas offer a more balanced espresso, and are great for milk-based beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.

For more advice, read our guide to choosing the best coffee beans for an Italian espresso here.

How to Brew an Arabica Espresso at Home

To enhance the flavours of your Arabica beans, make sure you brew an espresso the Italian way.

Espresso Machine

Use a reliable espresso machine with 7-9 grams of finely ground coffee from a blend of your choice; we recommend Carluccio’s Napoli range for an intense crema:

Steps to brew:

1. Preheat your machine - water temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C)
2. Tamp the grounds evenly and firmly
3. Lock in the portafilter
4. Aim for 25 to 30 seconds
5. Taste and adjust if needed

Moka Pot

A staple in the kitchens of many coffee enthusiasts, the Italian Moka pot, or "caffettiera," is a stovetop espresso maker ideal for Arabica blends:

Steps to brew:

1. Fill the bottom chamber with hot water
2. Place finely ground coffee into the filter basket without tamping
3. Assemble the Moka Pot
4. Place on the stove over a medium heat
5. Once you hear a hissing sound, remove and enjoy

Read our guide on how to make an Italian espresso for more helpful tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use any Arabica coffee for espresso?

No, not all Arabica beans are suitable for espresso use. Espresso requires a fine grind and beans that are medium-dark to dark roasted.

Look for speciality coffees and labels that say “espresso”. Alternatively, use a grinder to control the fineness required for a perfect cup of espresso.

Carluccio’s has a range of coffee that's ground especially for an espresso. Explore authentic Italian coffee flavours with this bundle, finely ground for an espresso machine.

Does Arabica espresso produce good crema?

Arabica beans produce a light and silky crema when used for espresso, creating a sweet and subtle flavour. Robusta, on the other hand, naturally creates a thicker and more stable crema – which the iconic espresso is known for.

For a balance between thickness, taste, and texture, consider blending Arabica and Robusta beans to produce a perfect crema.

Is Arabica espresso less caffeinated than Robusta espresso?

Yes, Arabica beans are generally less caffeinated than Robusta beans. Compared to Robusta (2.2-2.7%), Arabica’s caffeine content typically ranges between 1.2-1.5%. This results in a smoother and less bitter espresso.

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