Choosing the best coffee beans for Roma coffee
Roma coffee is balanced and elegant, offering a combination of flavour and simplicity. But what makes Roma coffee so distinct, and how can you recreate this experience at home?
In this guide, we’ll delve into the characteristics of Roma coffee and provide tips on selecting the perfect beans.
Find out what defines Roma coffee and why it is unique.
Read what to consider when choosing authentic Roma coffee beans.
Read the key benefits of Carluccio’s Roma coffee beans.
Read how to make the perfect cup of authentic Italian coffee.
Find out how Roma coffee compares to other Italian coffee styles.
We answer common queries on Roma coffee beans.
What makes Roma coffee unique?
Roma coffee stands apart from other Italian styles due to its harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Let’s explore its defining characteristics:
A balanced profile
Roma coffee is celebrated for its smooth yet rich taste, often securing it as a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. It strikes a middle ground between the lighter, floral roasts of Northern Italy and the darker, bolder roasts of the South. This balance makes it universally appealing.
Blend of Arabica and Robusta beans
This popular coffee blend is known for its combination of Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica beans contribute sweetness and nuanced flavours, while Robusta adds intensity and a velvety crema. Together, they create a well-rounded cup of coffee with subtle notes of chocolate or nuts.
Medium-dark roast
Roma coffee beans are typically medium-dark roasted. This roast level highlights the beans’ natural sweetness while introducing a slight bitterness that complements the overall flavour without overpowering it. Read our complete guide to choosing authentic Italian coffee beans.
How to choose the best coffee beans for Roma coffee
Selecting the right beans is the key to ensuring an authentic Roma coffee experience from your own home. Here’s what to look for:
Bean blend
Choose a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans. This blend delivers the signature balance of smoothness and intensity, along with a rich crema for espressos. Read more about choosing the best Italian coffee beans here.
Roast level
For the best-quality, authentic coffee beans for Roma style coffee, opt for medium-dark roasts. This level enhances the beans’ natural flavours and ensures a well-rounded cup.
Choose fresh beans
Freshly roasted beans are essential for capturing the authentic taste of Roma coffee. You can often find out when the beans were roasted on the packaging. Additionally, airtight packaging can ensure the beans keep their flavour and aroma.
Choose beans influenced by roasting styles in Rome
Beans influenced by Central Italy’s roasting styles are a great choice. This region’s approach to coffee roasting complements Rome’s sophisticated yet approachable coffee culture.
Enjoy a creamy, full-bodied coffee with our Roma blend
Roman coffee is known for its heavy lingering taste with a toasty, chocolatey, dark caramel and nutty profile, with a nod to the Ottoman Empire through its spiciness. Traditionally served very ristretto, with a lower dose of coffee and extracted hot. Carluccio’s takes pride in upholding Italian coffee traditions, with a dedication to freshness and quality that ensures every cup is an authentic Roman experience.
Our Roma beans change in flavour profile depending on the grind. Grind “fino”, fine, for espresso for flavours of walnut, dark caramel and spice. Grind “grosso”, coarse, for a cafetiere and you will enjoy longer, softer flavours of almond, vanilla and milk chocolate.
Brewing tips for Roma coffee
Roma style coffee can be brewed through many different methods. To make the most of your Roma coffee beans, follow these brewing tips:
Espresso machines
For a rich and creamy shot, grind the beans finely. Use 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot and aim for a 25-30 second extraction time. Read how to make an authentic Italian espresso here.
Moka pots
The moka pot is a staple in Italian homes and perfect for recreating a traditional Roma style coffee. Use a medium-fine grind and fill the base with water just below the valve. Add the ground coffee to the filter without tamping it down, and heat gently until the coffee flows steadily. Read our guide to the history of the Moka pot here.
French press
For a milder take on Roma coffee, use a coarse grind and a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. After grinding, let the coffee steep for four minutes before pressing the plunger slowly and evenly.
No matter your preferred method, the Carluccio’s Roma blend delivers a consistently delicious cup. You can also enjoy unique flavours depending on your chosen brewing method. Grind “fino”, fine, for espresso for flavours of walnut, dark caramel and spice. Grind “grosso”, coarse, for a cafetiere/French press and you will enjoy longer, softer flavours of almond, vanilla and milk chocolate.
Shop our Roma style coffee beans here.
Roma coffee vs. other Italian styles: What sets it apart?
Italian coffee culture is incredibly diverse, with each region offering its unique take. Here’s how Roma coffee compares to other popular styles:
Napoli coffee
Napoli beans are roasted darker, resulting in a bold and robust flavour with pronounced bitterness. They’re ideal for those who enjoy a more intense coffee experience.
Milano coffee
Milano style coffee features lighter roasts with delicate, floral notes. It appeals to those who prefer a subtler flavour profile.
The well-balanced Roma coffee blend
Roma coffee strikes a balance between these extremes. Its medium-dark roast delivers smoothness and depth, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of coffee lovers.
To explore the full spectrum of Italian coffee, try Carluccio’s Napoli and Milano blends to see which option you prefer.
Why choose Carluccio's coffee?
Carluccio's coffee beans are all roasted in Italy, ensuring a rich and authentic Italian coffee experience. Read our full guide to choosing Italian coffee beans here. From bold, dark roasts to smoother, medium blends, Carluccio's provides options to suit every palate. Shop our full range of Italian coffee and hot drinks here.
Our focus on the detail, from bean to brew, reflects our deep respect for both people and produce, promising a coffee that's not just consumed but truly savoured. At Carluccio's, we're committed to delivering a memorable experience that celebrates the freshness, quality, and taste that Italian coffee is renowned for.
Choose between our sweet and refined Milano blend, our rich and lively Napoli blend, or our intense, creamy and full-bodied Roma blend for notes of walnut, dark caramel and spice. For a gentle yet rich flavour, our Siena espresso provides aromatic hints of citrus and almond. Shop our full range of Italian coffee and hot drinks here.
Frequently asked questions
What beans are best for Roma coffee?
A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted to a medium-dark level, is ideal for Roma coffee. This combination provides a balanced flavour and a smooth crema. We also recommend choosing authentic beans that have been roasted in Italy.
How does the medium roast level affect the flavour of Roma coffee?
Medium-dark roasts bring out the beans’ natural sweetness while adding a touch of bitterness, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavour.
Where can I buy authentic Roma style coffee beans?
For an authentic taste of Rome from your own home, you can purchase our high-quality Roma coffee beans here.
What grind size is best for brewing Roma coffee?
The grind size depends on your brewing method: fine for espresso, medium-fine for moka pots, and coarse for French presses.
