Strong Coffee Beans, Intense Flavour

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Strong coffee beans

What is strong coffee?

Strong coffee has a high caffeine content and a full, intense flavour. The strength of coffee depends on the beans, the roast and the brewing method. The darker the roast, the more intense the aroma.

On packaging you will often see a strength scale from 1 to 12. Coffee rated 10, 11 or 12 falls into the strong coffee category. This indicates the intensity of the flavour, but not always the exact caffeine content.

Strength versus caffeine content

Strength and caffeine content are not the same. A dark roasted espresso tastes intense, while lighter beans can sometimes contain more caffeine. The caffeine content of a standard espresso is around 60–80 mg per shot. In a large mug of filter coffee that can rise to 150 mg or more.

Strength refers to flavour intensity and roast level
Caffeine content depends on bean variety and coffee quantity
Robusta beans contain more caffeine than arabica beans
A longer extraction time delivers more caffeine into the cup

Types of strong coffee

There are several types of strong coffee, each with its own character. From the compact espresso to the full-bodied moka and the robust French press. The choice depends on your taste and your equipment.

Espresso

Espresso is the most familiar form of strong coffee. Hot water is forced through finely ground coffee at high pressure. The result is a concentrated cup with a rich crema. Italian strong coffee is often based on espresso blends of arabica and robusta.

Moka

Moka is brewed in a moka pot, also known as a percolator or stovetop espresso maker. The device sits on the hob and forces hot water through the coffee using steam pressure. The coffee is strong, full and slightly bitter, without crema.

French press

With a French press you make strong coffee without a paper filter. Coarsely ground beans steep in hot water for a few minutes. Pressing the plunger separates the grounds from the brew. The result is a full, oil-rich coffee with lots of body.

Italian strong coffee

Italian blends are known for dark roasts and intense flavour. They often combine robusta and arabica to create powerful espressos with a thick crema. This style is popular with those who enjoy a classic, full coffee taste.

How to brew strong coffee

Brewing strong coffee starts with the right beans and the right ratio. Use more coffee per millilitre of water and the cup will be stronger. Grind size, water temperature and extraction time also play a big role.

Tips for a stronger cup

Use more coffee: about 1 gram per 10 ml water for espresso
Choose a finer grind for more extraction
Use water at 90–96 °C, not boiling
Let French press coffee steep for 4 minutes for maximum strength
Pick beans with a high robusta content for more caffeine
Store beans in an airtight container to preserve aroma

Strong coffee with a moka pot

Fill the water chamber just below the safety valve. Fill the basket loosely with finely ground coffee and do not tamp it down. Put the pot on low heat and remove it from the hob as soon as you hear a gurgling sound. This prevents over-bitter flavours and brings out the best from your strong coffee beans.

Strong coffee for different machines

Strong coffee is available as beans, ground and in cups. Which form you choose depends on your coffee machine. Each machine requires a specific grind or packaging format.

Coffee beans for bean-to-cup machines

A bean-to-cup machine grinds the beans fresh per cup. Choose strong coffee beans with high intensity, such as a dark roasted espresso blend. Set the grind finer for a stronger result. Many machines also let you adjust the amount of coffee per cup.

Strong coffee cups for Dolce Gusto and Nespresso

Strong coffee cups are available for various systems, including Dolce Gusto. Dolce Gusto strong cups often score 9 or higher on intensity. Nespresso-compatible capsules with high strength are also available. Capsules are convenient and deliver a consistent result.

Ground coffee for filter machines and French press

For a filter machine use medium-fine ground coffee. Choose a blend with strength 10 or higher for an intense cup. For a French press use coarsely ground coffee. Use slightly more coffee than usual to increase strength.

Strong coffee and health

Strong coffee has both benefits and considerations for health. Caffeine can improve concentration and alertness. At the same time it is sensible to monitor intake, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Strong coffee and stomach issues

Dark roasted coffee contains less acid than light roasts. For people with stomach sensitivity, strong coffee based on dark roasted arabica can be a suitable choice. Coffee treated to reduce acidity, such as low-acid coffee, is another option. Preferably avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.

Recommended daily caffeine intake

Healthy adults can tolerate up to 400 mg of caffeine per day. That equals roughly four to five cups of filter coffee or five to six espressos. During pregnancy, with heart conditions or sleep problems it is advisable to drink less strong coffee.

Caffeine temporarily improves concentration and alertness
Too much caffeine can cause palpitations or sleep issues
Dark roasted coffee is less acidic than light roasted coffee
Drink strong coffee in moderation and preferably not after 15:00

Our strong coffee range

At Café du Jour you will find a wide range of strong coffee. From the strongest beans for bean-to-cup machines to ground coffee for the moka pot and cups for Dolce Gusto or Nespresso devices. All items are carefully selected for taste, aroma and intensity.