What is an Espresso Machine?
What is an espresso machine? The short answer: A machine that makes espresso. Okay, so you probably already figured that out. However, espresso is a specific drink that is made in a specific way, and so to make it, you need to have a machine that produces a specific environment for a proper brew. So maybe we should start with a quick recap of what espresso is.
Espresso is a beverage that is produced by pushing hot water (between 190F and 195F in temperature) at high pressure (between 8 and 9 bars, or 135 PSI) through a bed of finely ground, compacted coffee. A normal single shot of espresso is approximately 1 to 1.5 ounces of liquid, using approximately 7 grams of ground coffee. A normal double shot is between 2 and 2.5 ounces, using double the volume of coffee grounds. When brewed properly, the resulting beverage is topped with a dark golden cream, called crema.
Espresso is a traditional Italian coffee drink that is made with an espresso machine. Espresso machines deliver shots of espresso by a process referred to as “pulling”. A single shot of espresso takes 7-10 grams of ground coffee and a double shot requires 12-18 grams of ground coffee. Many people prefer to put the espresso shot(s) in a preheated shot glass to keep it warm while the rest of the grounds are being brewed. After the espresso shot(s) are extracted the brewing process begins. It starts with the remaining espresso being compressed into a puck form. Then hot water is forced through the ground coffee to make the espresso. If water is too cold it makes the drink bitter tasting. Espresso machines can also make cappuccinos and lattes.
Arabica and Robusta are two of the finest coffee pod varieties that are cherished by millions of coffee lovers all over the world. These are the two distinctive varieties of coffee pods that are known for their excellent taste and fragrance. These coffee pods are commercially grown in several coffee plantations spread across the world. However, these two beans are entirely different of each other in the way they are grown as well as some economic differences.
Taste: Arabica has a wide ranging taste depending on the regions and climate where they are plucked and harvested. Typically these beans are excellent in taste with them varying from sweet soft to sharp and fruity. Green beans smell like blueberries, while roasted beans has a distinctive fruity smell with a sugary intonation. On the other hand, Robusta taste ranges from neutral to very harsh and more often the taste is similar to that of a grain like oatmeal. Un-roasted Robusta is quite strange with its smell centering on the smell of raw peanut.
Espresso shade grown coffee has a flavor that is both full and dark but smooth. Also, this type of coffee blends better with other ingredients, making it the perfect base for lattes and cappuccinos.
With coffee’s growing popularity, the demand for coffee beans has increased. Most of the coffee consumed worldwide is grown on large farms, otherwise known as plantations, where the land has been cleared for rows and rows of coffee plants. These plants, like other crops, are grown and ripened under the warmth of the sun. However, for those who prefer the bold flavor of espresso and other gourmet coffee drinks, the sun ripened beans are just not suitable. Shade grown espresso coffee beans which take longer to mature seem to be the answer to this problem.
The word espresso literally means an extraction of coffee using high pressure from a special espresso machine. But you may need some special espresso machine instructions if your machine is different from some of the other types of machines are available, but basically to make an espresso is much the same no matter what machine you use.
Those who use espresso machines professionally such as those found in those commercial places are known as barista’s and the knowledge that is required to make the finest espressos is concerned a craft by many Italians.
