Passalacqua Coffee Beans from Naples

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Passalacqua coffee beans

Passalacqua coffee comes from a roaster in Naples, and it is made for Neapolitan-style espresso: dark roasted, full-bodied and with a thick crema. We stock three of its blends as whole beans in 1 kg packs: Cremador, Mehari and Grancaffé. Below you can read how they differ and which one suits the way you drink coffee.

Most Passalacqua blends combine Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica brings aroma, the Robusta body and crema. That is the classic recipe of the Neapolitan espresso bar: a short, powerful cup that also stands up to milk.

Which Passalacqua should you choose?

Cremador

Cremador is built around a creamy texture and a stable crema with a smooth finish. It is a good pick for milk drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato.

Mehari

Mehari is the most accessible of the three: smoother and less intense. Choose it for a daily espresso that is not too heavy, or if you are moving from capsules to fresh beans.

Grancaffé

Grancaffé is the most intense of the three, for those who like a strong, dark espresso.

Milk drinks with a creamy crema: Cremador
Smooth, everyday espresso: Mehari
Strong, intense espresso: Grancaffé

How to use Passalacqua coffee beans

Passalacqua is made for espresso. The beans do best in an espresso machine with a separate grinder, and they also work in a bean-to-cup machine. Dark roasted beans can taste harsh if the grind or temperature is off, so it pays to dial in.

Grind just before brewing
Use an espresso grind: fine, but not so fine that the machine chokes
Keep the water temperature between 88 and 92 °C
Use about 7 to 9 grams of coffee for a single shot
If the espresso tastes bitter, grind slightly coarser; if it runs thin and sour, grind finer

All three come in 1 kg packs, which suits a machine that is used daily, at home or in a small café or office. Close the pack well after opening.

Similar Italian coffee

If you like the Neapolitan style, Kimbo also comes from Naples and roasts dark Arabica-Robusta blends for espresso. For more choice, see our other Italian brands.

Frequently asked questions about Passalacqua coffee

Which Passalacqua blend is the strongest?

The Grancaffé is the most intense blend in the range. It has a high Robusta content, which means more caffeine and a more powerful flavour.

What sets Passalacqua apart from other Italian coffee beans?

Passalacqua is a smaller, independent family roaster from Naples. That is what sets the brand apart from larger industrial producers. The focus is on artisan production and Neapolitan coffee traditions, with blends specifically tuned for espresso.

Are Passalacqua coffee beans suitable for a fully automatic machine?

Yes, most Passalacqua blends work well in a fully automatic machine. Set the grind slightly coarser than on a semi-automatic. The Mehari and the Cremador, with their smoother character, are particularly well suited to a fully automatic machine.

How long do Passalacqua coffee beans keep?

Unopened, the beans keep for up to two years. Once opened, store them in an airtight pack in a cool, dark place. Use within four to six weeks for optimal flavour.