How to make a good cup of Espresso

Drinking coffee and espresso has become a way of life for a lot of people, especially those who have busy schedules and who find time to relax with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. 

Coffee has become so popular that it is believed that it comes next to water. The whole world loves a good cup of coffee that the annual consumption is as high as 400 billion coffee cups all over the world.

Most avid coffee or espresso drinkers can have a cup of espresso a day or more, without knowing where this beverage came from. This brew comes from coffee beans that are sourced from evergreen trees that are grown all over the world. The evergreen tree is widely grown in Latin America, Indonesia, Hawaii, Southeast Asia and in Africa. Many companies make sure that they harvest and pay through fair trade agreements.

The word espresso came from the Italian definition of “express” or “fast”, but it is really a misnomer since espresso or brewed coffee have to undergo a process before one can enjoy its freshly brewed taste. To make a good espresso, it has to start with a good coffee variety that must have undergone proper grinding. A reputable espresso maker handled by a capable barista can yield an espresso that can have a heavenly taste. The quality of an espresso can also be determined from its aroma alone.

Coffee drinkers who are serious about making good espresso should invest in a reputable espresso machine. Good espresso machines come in a variety of brands, sizes and prices. You don’t need to spend more to get a good espresso machine because there are a lot of  espresso makers that are reasonably priced.

When making espresso, always remember to turn on the machine and allow it to heat properly. Establishments that have fast espresso orders do not turn off their machines to ensure it stays properly heated for every order.

When buying coffee beans, it is better to grind them as you use them because keeping them even in a tight container after grinding can result in a loss of aroma. Attention should also be placed on the type of grinder being used, with conical burr grinders preferred than flat burr grinders. The grinder with a conical burr is preferred because it can grind the beans without heating them and lessening their aroma in the process.

While the kind of coffee beans used for the espresso must be chosen well, baristas should also make sure that only filtered water is used for the espresso. The water’s mineral content can affect the taste when brewed.

If you find your favorite coffee blend, you may have the tendency to buy more for storage. When you do this, do not make the mistake of keeping coffee in the freezer or refrigerator. It is best to store the coffee in a seal proof container. Place the container in a dark and cool area to help them last longer and remain fresh. My recommendation is to buy small batches versus large amounts of coffee where the quality and their freshness may last longer over time.