Espresso is an art in Italy, or more accurately, a ritual deeply embedded in everyday life. And as any ritual, the preparation of the perfect espresso is surrounded by a set of very specific terms that today we share with you.
Espresso
First, let’s define what an espresso is. Espresso is essentially a highly concentrated coffee made using a machine that forces water through finely-ground coffee beans.
Maccinatura
This word means basically “grinding,” and refers to the grinding of the coffee beans. Italian tradition dictates that coffee beans be ground right before making the espresso so as to preserve all their aromas.
Flussaggio
Every small gesture the barista makes during the preparation of an espresso has a name. “Flussaggio” can be translated as “flushing” and consists in detaching the filter of an espresso machine and letting the water run in order to “purge” it. Italian baristas are supposed to make a “flussaggio” every time they make an espresso.
Pressatura
This term refers to the act of pressing the ground coffee beans to make them as compact as possible in order to avoid that they separate as water is forced through them. The pressatura is made using a pressino, a small metallic object with a handle.
Estrazione
You may have guessed that this word means “extraction,” the part of the process where the espresso is made. The Italian tradition dictates that extraction should last something between 20 and 30 seconds.
Crema
The foam that forms on the surface of a shot of espresso is one of the hallmarks that set this coffee brewing method apart. The specifications are very, very precise:
- Width: approximately 3 millimeters.
- Volume: equivalent to roughly 10% of the espresso shot.
- Color: hazelnut with reddish tones.
- Texture: compact
EcoDelight, High-Quality Coffe in San Jose, California
At EcoDelight, we offer high-quality coffee in San Jose, California. With the accumulated experience of five generations of coffee producers behind us, we are one of the best Coffee Roasters in San Jose.
Our discerning range of single origin coffees and coffee blends covers all the sensory aspects of the coffee-tasting experience (all are available ground or as whole beans). Visit our online shop today to discover all our enticing products, and don’t forget to check our blog often to learn more about coffee and its secrets.
Contact us today by telephone (707-344-3316), email (guillermo@ecodelightcoffee.com), or through our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) to place a custom order, become a distributor, or learn more about our passion for all things coffee.
