Blonde espresso was popularized by the high-street coffee joint Starbucks around a decade ago as an alternative espresso roast for lighter coffee drinks, like lattes. But what exactly is the difference between blonde espresso and regular espresso?
Keep reading to learn about the ins and outs of blonde espresso roast, flavors, and caffeine content and to explore the differences between blonde and regular espresso.
What is blonde espresso?
Blonde espresso is brewed using lightly roasted espresso beans. The beans are roasted for a shorter time than dark roast espresso beans, producing a lighter-colored bean with a more delicate flavor. Because of its color, the lighter bean was coined 'blonde'.
What does blonde roast mean?
While it depends on the method, blonde espresso beans are roasted for 8 to 10 minutes to produce a light roast that retains its natural flavors. Blonde roasts are usually removed from the roaster before the first crack. The 'first' crack is the pop, similar to that made by popcorn kernels, that beans make when they reach a particular stage of roasting.
Flavors of a blonde roast expresso
Blonde espresso is less bitter and has a higher acidic content, making it ideal for coffee fans who want more subtle tones. Because of its floral notes, blonde espresso is a good fit for drinks that combine various flavors and works well with caramel and vanilla flavorings.
Blonde roast caffeine
Due to the lighter roast, blonde espresso has more caffeine than regular espresso. The longer roasting process affects caffeine levels.
What is regular espresso?
A regular espresso is what you'd typically expect as a standard shot, whether to drink solo or in an espresso-based drink like a latte, macchiato, or cappuccino. Espresso is made by forcing water through the finely ground coffee, leaving a rich, smooth coffee drink.
Regular espresso roast
Regular espresso is made using medium-dark or dark-roasted beans with a strong, robust flavor. The length of time the beans are roasted enhances their intense flavor. Medium-dark roasts typically need around 12-14 minutes and have an internal temperature of around 410°F to 428°F (210°C to 220°C). Dark roasts require up to 16 minutes to roast, reaching temperatures of up to 446°F (230°C).
Medium-dark roasts are usually taken from the roaster sometime after the first crack and just before or at the second crack. This balances the acidity of a blonde espresso roast with the richness of a dark one.
Dark roasts continue roasting past the first crack until they're almost black with a shiny texture. Because of the longer roasting time, the beans have less sugar, reducing acidity even further and enhancing the robust flavors, such as chocolate, nuts, and caramel.
Regular espresso caffeine
Due to the longer roasting time, the caffeine content of dark roasts is slightly lower than that of blonde espresso roasts.
What's the difference between blonde and regular espresso?
The roasting level of blonde espresso and regular espresso gives them distinct flavors that will affect how you drink them. See which espresso type fits your tastes best:
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Blonde Espresso
|
Regular Espresso | |
| Roasting levels | Light roast, higher acidity, and brighter flavor. | Medium to dark roast, fuller body, and richer flavor. |
| Flavors | Notes of citrus, fruits, and light sweetness. | Notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. |
| Caffeine content | Slightly higher caffeine content. | Lower caffeine content but stronger flavor. |
The main deciding factor in choosing between blonde and regular espresso is entirely down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter, sweeter coffee, select a blonde espresso. If you're a fan of intense, robust flavors, hit up a regular espresso. The next factor depends on your caffeine needs and tolerances. Surprisingly, blonde roast espresso has slightly more caffeine, so this may affect your decision. Don't forget that, for oz, your tall espresso-based drinks, such as latte, contain more caffeine than a single shot of espresso. Although this is drank over a more extended period, you might not get the same caffeine hit. Finally, consider where and why you're drinking espresso. Is it for a quick energy kick or for enjoying slowly on a weekend afternoon?
Brewing techniques for blonde and regular espresso
Using the STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine, you can brew both blonde and regular espresso. Here are some tips and instructions on how to make delicious shots of both.
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Preheat the machine by running hot water through it.
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Fill the filter basket with 18-20 grams of finely ground blonde or regular espresso for a double shot. You could try experimenting with the quantity for a blonde espresso to make the most of its lighter flavors.
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Tamp gently for a better extraction. Blonde espresso may need a firmer tamp due to its denser structure.
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Fill the water chamber with around 50-80ml of hot water (approximately 200°F or 93°C).
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Screw on the plunger and pump until your espresso is extracted fully.
Blonde espresso can vary in taste, so test different grind types, doses, and extraction times to brew the best blonde espresso possible.
So there you have it. We've explored blonde espresso vs regular espresso differences and similarities to help you make the right choice for your brew. Get your grind right with the STARESSO Discovery II Grinder and ensure your espresso is delicious with the Portable Espresso Machine.
Blonde espresso vs regular espresso frequently asked questions
What is a blonde espresso?
Blonde espresso is made using a lighter roasted bean. It has a brighter, more acidic flavor and a slightly higher caffeine content.
How does the flavor of blonde espresso differ from regular espresso?
Blonde espresso has a lighter, fruity, and acidic flavor, while regular espresso has a bolder, richer, and slightly bitter taste.
Does blonde roast espresso have more caffeine?
Due to its lighter roast, blonde roast coffee has slightly higher caffeine than regular espresso. Regular espresso remains the stronger coffee of the two.
Which type of espresso is less bitter?
Blonde espresso is generally less bitter and has a sweeter taste than regular espresso.
Is blonde roast the strongest
While blonde espresso has a slightly higher caffeine content, it's ideal for those who enjoy lighter, brighter flavors in their coffee. Regular espresso has more robust and rich flavors.
