Everyone has heard of espresso coffee. Other than being a highly caffeinated drink, what is it?
Many people are not fully aware of exactly what espresso is. Espresso is brewed differently than traditional coffee.
Espresso is brewed by using a small amount of very hot water that is just below the boiling point and putting it through coffee grounds.
The water is also under a high pressure. The coffee grounds must be very fine ground.
Also Read: 7 Reasons why you need a good espresso machine
What coffee beans are used for espresso?
Coffee beans that are used for espresso are roasted differently. They have to be roasted for longer, in order to bring the oils to the outer part of the bean. However, the actual type of coffee bean can vary greatly. Some people feel that Arabica beans are best. Others prefer Robusta beans. Essentially, there are no set type of beans for espresso.
Where can you find espresso coffee grounds?
Unless you will grind the coffee beans yourself, you will need to get espresso coffee grounds. Luckily, espresso coffee grounds (espresso powder) is easy to find. In fact, it can be purchased in many specialty shops that have a lot of coffee related merchandise. Espresso powder is also available online. It is manufactured by well known companies, such as King Arthur.
What type of coffee machine do you use?
Some coffee machines are designed with espresso making in mind. These coffee makers are available at a variety of stores. They can also be purchased online.
How much does an espresso maker cost?
Espresso makers vary in price. However, ones that will make a good shot of espresso will cost a good amount of money. In fact, they can cost over 500 dollars. They cost significantly more than traditional coffee machines.
How do you serve espresso?
Espresso must be served right away, within two minutes after it is made. The espresso is served in a small cup that is made of porcelain. A small spoon is added with it.
How hot is espresso when it is served?
Espresso is quite hot when it is served. In fact, it is nearly boiling hot. It’s temperature can be as high as 80 degrees Celsius or about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. I always wait a few minutes before drinking it.
Do you serve water with espresso?
This is a common practice. For those drinking the espresso, the water is drunk prior to the coffee. Drinking the water after the coffee signals the server that you didn’t like the espresso.
How much caffeine is in an espresso?
Espresso is very highly caffeinated. One espresso drink does not contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee. However, per ounce the caffeine content is far higher. In fact, an average 100 ml (about 3.4 ounces) has a whopping 175 milligrams of caffeine. This is about as much as many full cups of coffee.
How much espresso is a serving?
There are three sizes of espresso shots. A single espresso shot is 0.8 ounces. A double is 1.7. Finally, a triple shot is 2.5 ounces.
How much does espresso typically cost at a coffee shop?
At a coffee shop, espresso is relatively inexpensive. In fact, a single shot of espresso can sometimes be purchased for well under a dollar. Double and triple shots are typically a bit more, but still not all that expensive.
Can espresso be mixed with other types of coffee?
Yes, it can. In fact, I enjoy espresso mixed in with traditional coffee. It gives it a higher caffeine content. In addition, it gives the coffee some of the taste of the shot of espresso.