Coffee culture is booming around the globe. In fact, almost 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee every day.
As the base of many coffee drinks like the latte, cappuccino, and macchiato, espresso makes up the bulk of this.
This type of brew has been around since the early 1900s, but there are still some facts about espresso that not everybody knows.
1. Espresso Is Tasteless
The term ‘espresso’ refers to a method of making coffee, not a particular flavor.
You can make espresso from any kind of coffee bean, and each brings it’s own unique flavor to the brew.
2. 190 Degrees F Is the Sweet Spot
Simply put, to make espresso, you need to force nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee for about 30 seconds.
Espresso machines do this by exerting 132 pounds per square inch of pressure at a time. Drip coffee brewers just can’t compare.
If that doesn’t make you want to dash out and buy an espresso machine nothing will.
3. The Flavor Doesn’t Last
Like fruits and vegetables, the fresher the espresso the better. From the second it’s brewed, the drink starts to lose flavor fast, so drink up.
That’s why it’s customary to drink your espresso like a shot and not a savor it slowly.
4. It Has Three Elements
The best espressos must have 3 things.
These are a sweet foamy layer on top called the crema, a rich dark body and a layer of bitterness at the bottom.
5. Stir It Up
If you want to know how to drink espresso like an Italian, the secret’s in blending it to perfection.
Give your expresso a whirl before you drink it. This mixes the crema into the body to create an even texture and balanced flavor.
6. Facts About Espresso and the Law
Espresso is so important in daily life in Italy, that the Italian Government regulates espresso prices.
Also, if you drink your espresso at the bar, it costs less than if you order it with your dinner.
7. Not Just Any Cup Will Do
An espresso cup should be large enough to contain only one shot of espresso which is one and a half ounces.
Any larger and the drink will cool too quickly, losing its flavor along the way.
8. It’s Not the Same as Filter Coffee
Although it takes up to 50 coffee beans to make one teeny cup of espresso, the final product doesn’t have any more caffeine than a regular 8oz. cup of filter coffee.
Ounce for ounce, espresso has only one-third of the caffeine that filter coffee does.
It does have more fat though. Espresso has 2.5% fat compared to only 0.6% in your usual cuppa.
If you’re watching your weight, you can still indulge. You’ll find skinny versions of all your favorite recipes in the food and drink section of my blog.
Enjoy Your Coffee Break
You don’t need to know all the facts about espresso to enjoy it.
Likewise, you needn’t be a DIY pro to make the most of the handy home improvement tips on my blog. Keep reading.