Are My Coffee Beans Oily?

Many owners of our Jura Coffee machines are afraid of damaging their machine by using beans that are oily.

What is “too oily” and why?

Firstly, all coffee beans have oils naturally present. Those oils are basically released during and after the roasting process, specifically after what roasters call the “second crack”. The amount of oil can be a result of the roasting time - longer, darker roasts will release more of the oils - or consequently, the freshness of the beans. After a period of weeks or months more oils will seep out until stale beans actually may become dull.

How do I figure out which coffee beans are right for my coffee machine?

That’s the question most people want to answer. Firstly, the “best” beans are often those that make coffee that suits your own palate. Yours, not your neighbor’s, your best friend’s, your barista’s or a blogger’s (this writer included). The best advice is to find an experienced local roaster. Experienced, since the number of new roasters popping up tends to suggest some are more knowledgeable than others.

What type of beans are best?

Typically American roasts are in the medium range. For espresso based drinks from your Jura, a darker roast is preferable. There are different traditions amongst dark roasts. French Roast coffee is darker, often more chocolate, even smoky in flavor, while Italian Roast would be even darker and thus can tend to be more oily.

The beans we prefer come from our boutique Texas roaster, established 40 years ago. They are a Premium Espresso Blend which is a French roast. They suit our taste and are recommended for the Jura machines. There is rarely much of a sign of oils but the truth is, we have never had issues with various Jura machines in almost 20 years.

What about brands I find online and in the stores?

It is important to consider two characteristics pertaining to commercially produced beans. Not to say that some well known brands, especially those from Europe, are not good quality. The truth is that those beans we see on grocery store shelves bare roasted and distributed in very large quantities. More often than not, the very best green coffee beans are not available in sufficient volume to satisfy that demand. Another thing that can happen is that a commercial roaster can use a blend of lower quality coffee beans. They can be over-roasted, simply to mask the true flavors. Hence a “burnt” taste.

What are the criteria when it comes to deciding if beans are too oily for your Jura?

Our answer would be a combination of two factors. Firstly, build trust in your resource - the local roaster - buy good quality and don’t skimp on price. Your cup of Joe is going to cost in total less than a dollar in ingredients in a Jura coffee machine.

Should I adjust the Jura grinder?

Adjust your grinder according to the roast - finer for lighter roasts, more towards medium for darker roasts. Side note, the grinder in most Jura machines should be adjusted when they are in motion.

What about storing beans? How long?

Keep your beans for no more than about a month. Keep them in an airtight container. Any sign of a change in appearance, from a slight shine to excessive coating of oil and you might want to think twice about freshness. Do not freeze your beans if you can avoid it.

What is the bottom line when buying coffee beans?

Above all, buy good quakity beans and enjoy your coffee - don't be anxious.

Email us or call if you have any more questions. We would love to hear from you.