Oily Coffee Beans – What Does It Mean?

– Oily beans are not necessarily a bad thing, despite the negative association.

– The oil in coffee beans is important for the taste profile and crema in espresso.

– Oily beans are a typical property of dark roasted coffee beans.

Why are some coffee beans shiny?

– The longer the beans are roasted, the oilier they become.

– Shiny beans are a characteristic of dark roasted coffee beans.

– Coffee beans that are very darkly roasted but not shiny may be too fresh or too old.

Why don’t we always see the oils if it’s normal?

– The oils start to surface between the third day of roasting and three weeks.

– Oil on the beans indicates that they are neither too young nor too old.

– The roast level affects how fast the oils surface, with darker roasts releasing oils more quickly.

Taste profiles

Dark Roast

– Darker roasts have less caffeine and sugar, resulting in a stronger and more bitter taste.

– Dark roasts bring out bold flavors and smokier notes.

– Oily beans are common in darker roasts, which are traditionally used for espresso.

Lighter roast

– Lighter roasts have more natural sugars and are sweeter.

– They have brighter and milder flavors.

– Lighter roasts are popular among specialty coffee roasters.

When is the presence of oil on a coffee bean good?

– Oily beans indicate that they have been recently roasted.

– Oily, darker beans suggest that the roaster knew what they were doing.

– Dark roasts should be consumed sooner than lighter roasts for optimal taste.

Why don’t baristas and enthusiasts like a dark roast?

– Dark roasts were traditionally used to cover up bad tastes in cheaper coffee beans.

– Baristas prefer using quality, well-sourced coffee with natural flavor profiles.

– Some coffee beans are complemented by a slightly darker roast, but never beyond medium-dark.

The problem with dark, oily beans for espresso

– Oily beans can damage espresso machines and grinders.

– The oil from dark roasts can cause clogs and blockages.

– Regular cleaning of the grinder is essential for those who prefer darker roasts.

Other brewing methods

– Oily beans can cause problems with grinders, including sticky burrs and chute clogging.

– Cleaning the grinder more often can help prevent these issues.

– Some grinders are not designed to handle oily coffee beans, so it may be necessary to invest in a different grinder.

In summary

– Oily coffee beans are not inherently bad, but they require caution when using espresso machines.

– Preference plays a role in choosing between dark and lighter roasts.

– Medium to medium-dark roasts preserve the natural flavors and sweetness of the coffee bean.

This article firstly appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of making espresso beverages.