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Espresso, one of the most popular coffee brews, has a thicker consistency than other coffee brewing methods and a much higher caffeine ratio. This higher concentration of coffee is obtained by forcing a small amount of water through very finely ground coffee. This strong coffee brew is often served as a stand-alone drink in the form of a shot, but it’s also the base of many popular drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and macchiato’s.
A common myth is that you need to use a specific blend of coffee to brew Espresso, when actually it’s the complete opposite! Choose whatever coffee you prefer, as it’s not the type of coffee that makes the Espresso it’s the distinctive brewing method.
So, how do you make that perfect shot of Espresso at home? Follow these easy steps to Espresso bliss!
1. Always clean the portafilter as your first step.
2. Fill your portafilter to the top, then level.
3. Next, you’ll need to tamp the coffee in the portafilter. It’s important to get the grounds as compact as possible.
4. Flush grouphead. This is important to ensure the screen is as clean as possible, which produces a cleaner cup.
5. Insert the portafilter, and start the machine.
6. Enjoy Espresso!
Some key things to remember while preparing your Espresso:
- The time your Espresso extraction process takes directly correlates to the taste of the Espresso. Ideally, the extraction process should only take about 20-30 seconds.
- Although you can use whatever type of coffee you wish, the age of the coffee plays an important role in the Espresso’s taste. Coffee that is between 7-10 days of being roasted is preferred. Not too old, not too new.
- Keeping your Espresso machine as clean as possible before, during, and after use is important. Cleanliness can greatly effect the outcome of your brew.
- Keep your doses consistent so your Espresso comes out the same every time.
Happy brewing!