What makes coffee beans "Italian"?
Italian coffee beans aren't grown in Italy (coffee plants don't thrive in the Italian climate). Instead, the term refers to beans roasted in the Italian style—typically a darker roast that brings out rich, bold flavours with lower acidity. The Italian roasting tradition emphasises creating beans perfect for espresso, with qualities that produce the rich crema and full body that Italian coffee is famous for.
What's special about the Arabica and Robusta blend in Italian coffee?
Traditional Italian coffee blends typically combine Arabica and Robusta beans for the perfect balance. Arabica contributes sweetness, aroma, and complexity, while Robusta adds body, strength, and helps create that perfect crema on espresso. Our Italian Mahogany blend uses this time-honoured combination to deliver an authentic Italian coffee experience.
How should I store my Italian coffee beans?
For maximum freshness, store your Italian coffee beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. While some people recommend refrigerating or freezing coffee beans, we suggest keeping them in a cool, dark cupboard instead. This preserves the oils and aromas that give Italian coffee its distinctive character. Only grind what you need just before brewing for the best flavour.
How fine should I grind Italian coffee beans?
The ideal grind depends on your brewing method. For authentic Italian espresso, use a fine grind. For a moka pot (stovetop espresso maker), choose a medium-fine grind. French press requires a coarse grind, while drip coffee makers work best with a medium grind. Italian coffee beans are versatile and can be enjoyed with any brewing method, though they truly shine in espresso-based drinks.
What's the difference between Italian roast and French roast coffee?
Italian roast is typically darker than French roast, though both are considered dark roasts. Italian roast beans are roasted longer to develop more oils on the surface and a more intense, sometimes slightly bitter character that stands up beautifully to milk. This makes Italian coffee beans ideal for cappuccinos and lattes, where the coffee needs to shine through the milk.
How long do Italian coffee beans stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, our Italian Mahogany coffee beans will maintain peak flavour for about 3-4 weeks after opening. The beans will remain drinkable for longer, but for the most authentic Italian coffee experience with perfect crema and full flavour complexity, we recommend using them within a month of opening.
Explore our complete collection of coffee beans from Caffé Prima for more exceptional blends and single-origin coffees to suit every taste and brewing style