This article is all about how much espresso beans are added in a single shot. This might help you make the perfect espresso shot at home. So, without further ado, let’s get into the details.
How Many Espresso Beans Are in a Single Shot?
A true single espresso shot contains 71 espresso beans. That means the double espresso shot of 16gm will contain 142 beans.
However, the average coffee cup has 40-50 beans in it. To dial in the accurate single shot, you need 7g of coffee beans, making 30ml of espresso.
This roughly takes 20 to 25 seconds, according to a golden rule. The brewing time is almost the same for single and double espresso shots. The table below will show you the standard measurements for single and double espresso shots.
| Single Espresso Shot | Double Espresso Shot |
| A single espresso shot is of 29.57ml to 44.36ml | A double espresso shot is 59.14ml. |
| Use 6-8gm of ground coffee | Use 15gm of ground beans |
These are the standard measurements valid for the particular coffee blend and its roast level. However, this should not compromise your desired coffee notes. That means it’s only achievable after the trial and error method.
Caffeine Content in a Single Espresso Shot
You are probably consuming 60-65 mg of caffeine from a single ounce of an espresso shot.
According to experts, a healthy adult should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine. So, it turns out consuming six espresso shots in a day is fine unless you are caffeine intolerant. Six espresso shots include 360 to 390 mg of caffeine in it.
Are Espresso Shots More Caffeinated Than Regular Coffee?
Yes, espresso shots contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Department of Agriculture nutrition data claims that a single shot of espresso contains 63 mg of caffeine. However, a single ounce of regular coffee contains 12-16 mg of caffeine.
With that being said, it still depends on your consumption rate. If consumed more than 3 cups (0.71 liters) a day, one might take in more caffeine from regular coffee. For better understanding, here are some simple calculations.
A regular cup of coffee= 8 ounces (0.3 kg)
Caffeine in a single ounce of coffee= 16 mg
Recommended consumption of caffeine= 3 cups per day * 8 ounces (0.3 kg) * 16 mg caffeine= 384 mg
Does the Number of Espresso Beans Affect Taste?
It’s the weight and coffee type that affects the taste and not the number of coffee beans.
Grind size, roast level, and coffee type are the actual factors that alter the taste. For example,
- The darker the roast, the lighter the weight. That means you are going to add more coffee beans until it weights 6-8gm. The result will be a single espresso shot with a nutty and bitter taste. Robusta beans are one such example of a dark roast.
- On the contrary, you’ll experience a sour taste in your shots if it’s made using Arabica beans. These are lightly roasted, thus weigh more than Robusta beans.
- A whole new twist comes by using beans from multiple origins that’ll give a more balanced taste. However, single-origin coffee beans are single flavor bounded, thus tasting sharp and sour.
What Is the Best Espresso Blend?
Espresso gets its true flavor from Arabica and Robusta blend that tastes slightly bitter. However, you can adjust the portion of each type of bean according to your desired flavor profile.
The Old City Coffee has some amazing espresso blends you should try out.
6 Bean Espresso Blend and Original Espresso Blend
A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from multiple origins that have a dark roast will generally be used to make espresso.
What Is the Best Grind Size for Espresso Shots?
The grind size for espresso should be 1.32 of an inch, or 0.88 mm. The grind size majorly affects the espresso taste. However, this is the ideal grind size that can provide water resistance.
The grind size should be a bit coarser and slightly fine.
It shouldn’t be roughly ground, or else it will give a sour, acidic taste due to under extraction. In this case, the large particles didn’t allow hot water to pass through the grounds correctly. As a result, the espresso lacks the flavored nutty essence.
Also, too fine grounds will cause over-extraction. In this case, you’ll experience a weaker espresso shot with a bitter taste and no flavor at all.
Getting the size right for your grind is necessary to avoid both over and under-extraction. Unfortunately, many coffee fans underestimate this part of the process.
How to Get the Correct Grind Size for Espresso?
You can get yourself a printed grind size chart to know the precise measurements. The image for each grind size will help you differentiate between the various sizes.
However, electronic grinders operate with quite tricks and techniques. If you want to grind finer, know that the blades will move closer together to pass fewer coffee beans through the blades.
On the contrary, the blades will move away for the coarser grind, allowing more coffee to pass through them. Mostly, we can never achieve the correct grind size at once. It’s always been a trial and error method for most beginners.
Takeaway
Single espresso ounce contains 6-8gm of coffee beans to make a single espresso shot. Many factors can affect the quality of the espresso. However, weight and the coffee type are the key factors.
Beans that are roasted darker are light in weight. Thus, you add more coffee beans to prepare 7gm of an espresso shot. Eventually, it affects the taste and so the quality.
