Brew the Perfect Espresso at Home

Owning an espresso machine is one thing. But pulling a rich, smooth, well-balanced shot? That’s next-level. The secret starts with great coffee — and that means high-quality organic whole beans. Do you know how to extract an espresso that brings out all the depth and nuanced aromas of a great organic coffee?

Here’s your go-to guide to becoming a home barista.

1. Choose quality beans

An organic, Fairtrade espresso like Vision offers a beautifully balanced flavour profile with subtle aromas that really shine when brewed under pressure.

2. Dial in your grind

Start with a grind size around setting 5 on most coffee grinders. This can vary depending on your machine, so check your espresso maker’s manual to find the sweet spot for your grind. 

3. Weigh your dose

The standard dose for a double espresso is between 18 and 22 grams of ground coffee.

4. Tamp with care

Apply about 35 lbs (15 kg) of pressure with your tamper. Make sure it's level — an uneven tamp can cause channeling, leading to an unbalanced shot.

5. Control temperature and time

Aim for a brewing temperature of around 95°C and an extraction time of 28 to 32 seconds.
You want a 1:2 ratio — meaning twice as much espresso as coffee grounds. So if you dose 18 g, you should get about 36 g of espresso in the cup.

6. Look for texture and crema

You’re going for a flow that looks like warm honey — thick, but smooth. And don’t forget the crema: a light caramel-coloured layer on top means you nailed it.

Sip, tweak, repeat

Every espresso is a chance to fine-tune your technique. For the best results, check out our collection of organic whole-bean espressos — available in our online store.