What is Espresso? Espresso Beans? Crema?

What is Espresso? Espresso Beans? Crema?

For some reason people have been writing to me quite a lot recently specifically asking me about espresso. What is espresso? Should I buy espresso beans or ground? How do I make the crema or froth for making a cappuccino? Well, after so many questions and emails from you guys here is a short blog post I hop you will find informative.

The origins of the espresso are in Italy with the invention of the machine. You see, there are many myths going around about what makes an espresso.

It's all about the roast. FALSE. As a matter of fact the roast is purely preferential. For example drinkers in the Pacific side prefer a darker usually french roast where as in the East US drinkers prefer a much lighter or "cinnamon" roast, and Italy... Medium, so if anyone's been giving you bad information continue reading.

Its the blend. FALSE. Although there is some truth to this myth in the fact that manufacturers make special espresso blends, the fact is that there is no specific type of blend of coffees that would make the perfect espresso. However I'm sure that there are many micro-brewers and Roaster Craftsmen that would disagree with me. However do not forget quality, you always want the best beans of whatever you would like to drink.

Its about the bean. FALSE. Again, this too is not true. Today, beans are havested from all across the world and species from Brazil to India and Arabica beans to Robustas, all of theme produce espresso coffee.

Espresso Delight. http://kilambecoffee.com/portfolio.html

You see, the truth is espresso is all about the quality of the coffee, the grind and the machine you use. First and foremost, you mush have the best coffee, personally I prefer the Espresso Delight, it has a great body and aroma and the balance between acidity and bitterness is just right so than neither overpowers the other. This coffee is already ground fine for espressos but if you purchase another make sure it is an espresso or "fine" grind.

Delicious froth or crema.

Finally you do want to have the right machine, that will produce a nice shot. Make sure that you buy something that says it is specifically an espresso machine as there are many faux espresso machines out there that just produce steam but not enough PSI to properly extract the body and flavors of the espresso resulting in an overly bitter or acidic drink. These machines cannot produce the true "crema" that pump-driven and lever operated espresso machines can produce. These fake espresso machines are usually sold for under $75 in major department stores. A good indicator that an "espresso machine" is actually a steam driven electrical mocha pot is whether or not in includes a carafe - usually a 4 cup model. If it has one, it most likely is not a true espresso machine.

Once you have your machine you will want to make sure that the finely ground coffee is nice and compacted in the machine you will use approx 1 tbsp per espresso shot serving, the espresso shot is brewed for approx 25-30 seconds and drunk immediately.

The masterpiece.

On sight, espresso has a hazel-brown to dark - brown foam with a very fine texture called crema, when brewed properly, crema is one of the visual indicators of a quality shot of espresso. . The nose reveals an intense scent with notes of flowers, fruits, toasted bread and chocolate. All of these sensations are felt also after swallowing the coffee in the long lasting aroma that remains for several seconds, sometimes even for minutes. Its taste in round, substantial and velvet-like. Sour and bitter tastes are well balanced and neither one prevails over the other. There is no, or a barely perceptible, astringent taste.

Flavor wheel for espresso.

I hope this finds you all well and helps all of you, if you have any questions about anything coffee related or suggestions for future topics to hesitate, write back!

;)