Tasting notes & flavor profile
Intensity
Aromatic notes
Taste Profile
Carte Carte Noire Espresso Classique Équilibré N°5 is the balanced, mainstream version of the Carte Noire. A ESE pod range 100% Arabica blend sourced from several origins (Latin America, Ethiopia, and other Arabica provenances selected by master roasters Carte Noire), it boasts a medium roast— neither too light nor too dark —designed for a versatile and approachable profile . In the cup: a caramel-brown liqueur , a fine golden crema, a round and indulgent profile with dominant notes of milk chocolate, yellow fruits (apricot, ripe peach), and toasted cereals . The bitterness is well-controlled , the acidity subtle , and the sweetness naturally present . With an intensity rating of 5/12, it offers a balanced positioning between the milder blends (light Arabica) and the more robust versions (Carte Noire N°7 and N°8). Ideal for: everyday consumption , the first coffee of the morning , serving customers in reception areas , and families with mixed palates . ESE 44 mm pod format 100% paper = compostable in home compost , ecological alternative to aluminium or plastic capsules.
Machine compatibility
Compostable paper filter capsules
Compatible machines:
Often bought together
4 Oz (12cl) Cardboard Cups Cafemalin x50
Saint Louis 4g Sugar Cubes x500
Carte Noire Compatible Nespresso - Espresso Lungo No. 6 Classic x 30 capsules
Carte Noire Compatible Nespresso - Espresso No. 7 Classic x 30 capsules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ESE pod?
ESE = Easy Serving Espresso — an Italian standard established in 1998 to standardize the format of soft pods. Characteristics:
- Diameter 44 mm , round and flexible shape .
- Filter paper envelope (100% food-grade paper), fully compostable in home compost.
- Contents: 7g of pre-measured and pre-tamped ground coffee to the correct density.
- Open non-proprietary system — no brand holds exclusive patent, several manufacturers (Illy, Lavazza, Carte Noire, Segafredo, Bristot, etc.) offer compatible ESE pods.
Ecological alternative to aluminium (Nespresso) or plastic (Lavazza Blue, Delta Q) capsules — zero plastic/aluminium waste, simplified sorting.
Which machines accept this pod?
All ESE 44 mm pod machines :
- Consumer ESE dedicated machines — Krups XP344 Precision, De'Longhi EC680/EC685 Dedica, Grimac, Didiesse Frog Vapor.
- 58mm portafilter espresso machines with ESE adapter — Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic Pro, Lelit (with optional ESE basket).
- Professional catering machines with ESE option — some Nuova Simonelli, Faema depending on configuration.
Not compatible with proprietary capsules : Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Delta Q, Lavazza Blue/AMM/EP, illy Iperespresso. Check the manufacturer's documentation or look for the "ESE" or "pod" on your machine.
What is the difference between intensities No. 5, No. 7 and No. 8?
Three blends Carte Noire 100% Arabica with increasing intensities:
- No. 5 Classic Balanced (this product) — medium roast, balanced body, notes of milk chocolate / yellow fruits. Versatile coffee for the general public.
- No. 7 Full-bodied Aromatic — medium-dark roast, notes of rich chocolate / precious wood / toast. Intermediate, more characterful.
- No. 8 Intense — dark roast, dense body, notes of dark chocolate/spices. Full-bodied coffee for lovers of Italian espresso.
All three are 100% Arabica (no Robusta) — the difference lies in the roasting and the Arabica blend. No. 5 remains the default choice for a first purchase or for family/hosting use.
Is the pod really compostable?
Yes, fully compostable in home compost. Composition:
- Food filter paper envelope — cellulose fiber, biodegradable in 2-4 months in aerated home compost.
- 100% natural ground coffee — excellent compost activator, provides nitrogen (C/N ratio ~20).
Throw the used capsule directly into your garden compost or apartment worm composter. Zero complicated sorting, zero plastic/aluminum waste. A major ecological to proprietary capsules (Nespresso = aluminum to be recycled through a dedicated channel, Lavazza Blue/ Delta Q = hard plastic not recyclable through standard sorting).
How many pods are in a box?
Standard format: 25 pods per box (to be confirmed on the exact product page at the time of ordering — some varieties are packaged in 18 or 30 pods). 7g dose per pod = ~175g of total coffee per box of 25 pods. Yield: 25 espressos or 25 lungos per box. For more intensive use, consider the proprietary 30-50 pod capsules or whole bean coffee which is more economical per cup.
Other Carte Noire available at Cafemalin ?
Yes, the full Carte Noire range is in the catalogue:
- ESE Strong Aromatic Pods No. 7 — stronger version.
- ESE Intense N°8 pods — intense version for lovers of strong espresso.
- instant coffee Carte Noire Pro 500g — instant version for vending and office.
- Nespresso compat N°9 capsules — aluminum capsule version for Nespresso.
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