Yes, you can use ordinary coffee beans for espresso, according to the reference provided, but they may not yield the typical espresso experience.
Based on the information, ordinary coffee beans are typically roasted lighter than those intended for espresso. This lighter roast helps retain the full flavor of the beans, making them suitable for various brewing techniques.
However, the reference explicitly states that these types of beans are "not for high-pressure ones," which is how espresso is made. Using regular coffee beans in an espresso machine may lead to a result that lacks the bitter taste that is distinct to espresso.
Why Ordinary Beans May Differ for Espresso
- Roast Level: Ordinary beans often have a lighter roast. Espresso blends typically use darker roasts, which contribute to the characteristic bold flavor and crema.
- Pressure Suitability: The reference suggests lighter roasted beans are not ideal for high-pressure brewing methods like espresso. This could potentially affect extraction and the resulting shot quality.
- Flavor Profile: As noted, you might miss the specific bitter notes commonly associated with traditional espresso shots when using ordinary beans.
While technically you can run any coffee bean through an espresso machine, the reference indicates that using beans roasted and intended for other methods (like drip or pour-over) might not produce the expected taste profile of espresso, specifically noting the potential absence of the distinct bitter taste.
