Everything You Need to Know about Espresso

While the number of coffee varieties available seems to be unlimited, the Espresso has remained one of the most popular ones. What are common misconceptions about espressos? It's important to clarify misconceptions about espressos, giving you the opportunity to enjoy fully espressos and other brews. First, it's important to note that espressos aren't produced from a special "espresso bean." In fact, coffee producers can use nearly any type of (coffee) bean for espressos. Another misconception is that "espresso" refers to a type of coffee roast. While an "espresso roast" typically refers to a dark roast, you wouldn't have to use that coffee exclusively for espressos. What exactly is an espresso? So let's get to the nitty-gritty of what exactly an espresso is. The espresso refers to a specific process used to make coffee. It involves using a high pressure to force water through coffee beans that have been finely ground. The espresso was invented in Italy, and later became available in the USA following the end of World War II. A "shot" of espresso is typically in a small glass with a 30-70ml capacity. Meanwhile a cappuccino or late espresso typically contains milk as part of the beverage. Are there any universal features for espressos? If worldwide espresso fans had a formal debate, they'd probably argue about the type of roast needed to make the perfect espresso. In the USA, dark roasts are typically used to make espressos. But in Europe and Australia, the variety of roast used for espressos varies from region-to-region. The most crucial feature of coffee beans for espressos is that they be ground finely. This makes it easier to force water through the ground coffee beans. What are the three parts of an espresso? An espresso that's been brewed correctly should have three parts. The Heart, the Body, and the Crema. The Heart is the bottommost part of an espresso shot. Typically, the colour is a dark brown due to the espresso's dark roast, giving it a slightly bitter taste. Next, the Body is the middle layer in a shot of Espresso. Typically, the colour of the Body is a light-brown caramel colour. The Crema is the top layer of a shot of espresso. It should be gold-brown in colour, and thick and smooth in texture. The Crema should contain the best flavours and scents of the espresso, which have been extracted from the oils in the beans in the making of the beverage. What are the most common espresso beverages? There are several possible types of espresso shots available. Here are some of the most common ones: Cafe Latte: There should be a 30ml shot of espresso plus textured milk with 10mm of textured foam on top. Usually served in a 240ml glass. Cappuccino: There should be a 30ml shot of espresso plus textured milk with 15mm of textured foam on top. You can top the beverage using cinnamon or chocolate powder. Usually served in a 220ml ceramic cup. Flat White: 25-30 ml shot of espresso topped with freshly heated silky-smooth milk into a 170-220 ml cup leaving up to 5 mm of foam. Serve on a saucer with spoon and sugar. Long black, Americano, or Caffe Lungo: Fill a 170-220 ml cup 1/2 – 3/4 (90-150 ml) with hot water and top with a double espresso (50-60 ml) or doppio ristretto (30-40 ml) – served with a saucer, spoon and sugar. Short Macchiato or Caffe Macchioto: A dollop of foam or a dash of hot or cold milk added to stain a 25-30 ml shot of espresso. Served in a 70-90 ml piccolo glass & saucer, spoon & sugar.