Table of Contents:
What is espresso?
Espresso – from its Italian origins to today
Specialty Coffee Association Standards
Impact of beans and roasting
Different faces of espresso
How to achieve the perfect espresso?
What is espresso and where does it come from?
Espresso is a name you’ve surely heard more than once or twice. The name of this essence-packed brew, rooted in Italy, comes from the adjective "espressivo" (Italian for "expressive"). During World War II, when Americans were liberating the Italian Peninsula from fascists, they tasted this dense, bold coffee. Their expressions of overwhelming intensity led to the creation of “Americano” – espresso diluted with water. Americano is a term often spoken by Italians with disbelief, a reaction to the delicate palates of their overseas guests.
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Espresso – from its Italian origins to today
Italian double espresso, standardized by INEI (Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano), should be prepared using 14 g of ground coffee, yielding between 45 and 55 ml of brew. When extracted over approximately 25 seconds, you’ll get a properly brewed double shot.
Specialty Coffee Association Standards
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards differ from the Italian ones. SCA espresso uses a weight-based ratio of 1:2 (dose to yield), which allows for adjustments based on various beans and equipment. Brewing temperatures also vary – darker roasts require lower temperatures (INEI: 86°C-90°C, SCA: 90°C-96°C).
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Impact of beans and roasting
Espresso is best made using medium or dark-roasted beans. Italian blends often include Robusta, which adds more caffeine and intensity. Specialty beans with lighter roasts bring out fruity notes, often characteristic of their terroir, but darker roasts deliver a deeper, more balanced flavor.
Different faces of espresso
Espresso has many faces. Specialty beans, particularly those from Africa, are known for their fruity notes that can win over even the biggest skeptics of coffee acidity. Well-brewed espresso maintains a balance of acidity, sweetness, and a velvety texture, offering an intense but enjoyable experience.
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How to achieve the perfect espresso?
The perfect espresso should be silky, round, and balanced. Key factors include the freshness of the beans, the correct ratio of dose to yield, proper grind size, and precision in brewing. Under-extracted espresso will be sour and intensely acidic, while over-extracted espresso will be bitter and dry. Optimal espresso delights with its harmonious flavors and texture, making the pursuit of perfection worthwhile.
Espresso comes in many variations, but one thing is certain – it’s a coffee that inspires both baristas and coffee lovers worldwide.
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This article was prepared for you by Michał Żmuda, Trainer at JAVA University.
Photos: JAVA Coffee Roasters
