Finding The Perfect Espresso Machine by Rosemary Furfaro Making great espresso at home, similar to what you get in your favorite caf , requires a good understanding of the principles of espresso making and a reliable machine that suits your needs. Add a little patience and regular practice and you will soon be making delicious espressos just like your favorite neighborhood caf . Before we get into a discussion about the various machines on the market, let's review some basic facts about espresso that may help you in your espresso-making adventures. Espresso is the process by which a tiny cup of delicious coffee is made. Many people think the word refers to a type of bean or roast and the term is mistakenly used in this manner.
Most coffee roasters have their own special blend of beans.
This is usually a mix of arabica beans but may also include some robusta beans to give unusual flavor nuances to their espressos. The bean designated for an espresso is roasted just slightly longer than regular coffee beans so that the rich oils in the coffee are brought to the surface the bean. It is a surprise to most people to learn that this dark roast contains less caffeine than lighter roasts because the espresso process, hot water passing swiftly through ground coffee, leaves more caffeine in the grounds and less in your demitasse. Another important factor that affects a cup of espresso is the grind. The best grind for espresso exhibits a fine, gritty, consistent texture.