Espresso is a concentrated coffee made through a unique brewing process. It requires a fine grind and is brewed under intense pressure. Espresso can be enjoyed as a shot or used as the basis for many popular coffee drinks.
Espresso is tightly packed coffee that has been prepared through an espresso process and forms the basis of many popular coffee drinks. Despite some confusion over terminology, espresso can be made from almost any brand or roast of coffee, although some dark roasts are often referred to as “espresso roasts” by the vendor. Espresso has been around for more than a century, but it grew in popularity in the late 20th century as the basis for coffee drinks.
A shot of espresso is thick, almost syrup-like, with a distinct head of red-brown froth on top. Though served in small quantities, the drink has an extremely high flavor due to the unique brewing process. Learning how to make or “pull” the perfect espresso shot can take time and patience, but it can be well worth it.
One of the main differences between espresso and regular coffee is the fineness of the grind. Unlike drip coffee, espresso is ground particularly fine, almost to a powder-like consistency. Larger grinds will allow water to pass through too quickly, diluting the powerful flavor of the perfect espresso.
To make perfect espresso, a special machine is used that forces hot water through tightly packed ground beans under intense pressure, absorbing as much flavor into the brew as possible. Shots of espresso are small, typically about an ounce (29.5 mL), although many espresso machines brew two to four shots at once. In some coffee shops that value freshness, shots are discarded if not used within a minute.
The choice of an espresso machine depends on the frequency of use and the additional features desired by the user. Some machines allow for the preparation of both espresso and regular coffee, while others specialize in creating single, perfect servings for espresso only. Many feature a frothing wand, which can be used to create a thick, silky froth to top drinks by forcing hot air into a jug of milk. Espresso machines are easily found in coffee shops, kitchen shops and department stores. Consider asking a barista or coffee addict friend to help you choose the perfect model.
After the espresso is brewed, the espresso can then be sold as a simple shot or combined into dozens of beverages. In an Americano, a shot of hot water is added to the coffee. A cappuccino is typically a double shot of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk and velvety froth. Espresso con panna is a delicious shot of coffee with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
