What is espresso?

Most of us are drinking espresso now and then. But what it is, we're not entirely sure. What's an espresso, then? In short, espresso is a type of strong black coffee, which is made by passing hot water through the ground coffee beans. It's quite similar to plain coffee in appearance, but the difference is very significant. Espresso is made under more pressure than regular coffee, which lasts for shorter periods.

Impact of pressure

The water flow through ground coffee in the pressure of nine atmospheres is a unique feature to be used for preparing drinks from an espresso machine. After just 30 seconds, it's possible to call a coffee drink ready. The popular foam formation is also achieved at elevated pressure, ensuring that coffee essential oils are almost completely dissolved.

What does "espresso" mean?

The word “espresso” is the past participle of the word “esprimere,” which means “to squeeze” or “to press.” Espresso, rather than a specific type of coffee bean, is more concerned with the brewing process.

What coffee beans are used for espresso?

The answer is simple: use any type of roasted coffee beans if you want to make espresso. But there's a feeling that darker roasted beans have better results.

Fine grind

The grinding of beans is a significant part of the preparation of drinks which are necessary for their desired taste. Use dark roast, medium-ground Arabica beans for the brewing of coffee in a percolator or drip coffeemaker. That gives the drink a soft, satisfying taste and sufficient strength. Fine grinding and classic preparations are recommended for lovers of a more sour, bitter taste. In that case, the essential oils of coffee are more concentrated.

 You'll need a good, medium grind of beans to make espresso. Thanks to this, hot water comes into contact with a large area of fine ground grains, which makes the drink richer. Less time for brewing will be needed. It takes up to a minute if the drink is ready in your coffee machine.

Availability of foam

It's a fine crema, the first sign of quality espresso. Water is absorbed in compressed coffee under high pressure during the brewing process. This gives you the classic top layer of an espresso shot. The effects may last for up to 40 minutes, but it's recommended that you consume a drink straight away. And how to drink is the most important step? The properties of espresso remain for 15 seconds following the preparation.

What types of espresso shots are there:

doppio - represented by a double portion;

triplo - makes a triple portion;

lungo - the same amount of coffee, but there is at least 70 ml of water;

Ristretto - contains the same amount of coffee, but only 15 ml of water.