Brewing History: Unraveling the Origins of Espresso

Espresso, that delightful concentrated coffee shot, has its roots in Italy. The story begins in the late 19th century when Italian inventor Angelo Moriondo crafted a remarkable machine. This early contraption, powered by steam, revolutionized coffee brewing.

Here’s a more detailed account:

1. Angelo Moriondo’s Invention: In 1884, Angelo Moriondo patented a device that used steam pressure to brew coffee. His machine allowed for separate control over water and steam, a significant advancement at the time. Although it wasn’t as compact or efficient as modern espresso machines, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.

2. The Birth of Espresso: Moriondo’s invention paved the way for espresso. The term “espresso” itself means “pressed out” in Italian, referring to the method of brewing. It involved forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. The result? A concentrated, aromatic shot of coffee with a layer of crema on top.

3. Luigi Bezzera’s Improvements: Around 1901, another Italian inventor named Luigi Bezzera made significant improvements to espresso machines. He added a pressure release valve, allowing for better control over extraction. Bezzera’s machine could produce multiple shots of espresso quickly, making it more practical for cafes and restaurants.

4. The Rise of Cafés: Espresso gained popularity in Italian cafés during the early 20th century. These bustling establishments became social hubs where people gathered to enjoy their daily espresso fix. The iconic espresso shot became a symbol of Italian culture and sophistication.

5. Post-WWII Boom: After World War II, espresso machines became more accessible and widespread. The iconic La Pavoni lever machine, introduced in the 1940s, further revolutionized espresso brewing. It allowed baristas to manually control the pressure, resulting in consistent and flavorful shots.

6. Modern Espresso Machines: Fast-forward to today, and we have sleek, semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines. Baristas meticulously grind fresh coffee beans, tamp them into portafilters, and extract shots with precision. The artistry lies in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and crema.

What Exactly Is Espresso?

Before we delve further, let’s understand what espresso is. It’s a small concentration of coffee made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. The result? A thicker, richer liquid than regular drip-brewed coffee, topped with a layer of foam-like bubbles called crema. Most espresso blends use dark-roasted Arabica beans or a mix of Arabica and Robusta beans.

Espresso vs. Coffee

Espresso and regular coffee share similarities, but they have distinct differences. While espresso brews in under a minute using pressure, regular coffee relies on gravity through a coffee maker. Espresso is thicker, stronger, and packs a flavor punch, while coffee is thinner and milder.

Types of Espresso

• Ristretto: Ratio: 1:1 to 1:1.5

• Espresso: Ratio: 1:1.5 to 1:2.5

• Lungo: Ratio: 1:2.5 to 1:4+

Making Espresso in Modern Cafes

Fast-forward to today’s bustling coffee shops. Here’s how espresso is made in a modern cafe:

1. Quality Beans: Baristas start with high-quality coffee beans. The blend matters, and most cafes use a well-balanced mix of Arabica and Robusta beans.

2. Grinding: Freshly ground coffee is essential. Baristas adjust the grind size to achieve the perfect extraction.

3. Tamping: The ground coffee is tamped down into a portafilter basket. Consistent pressure ensures even extraction.

4. Extraction: The portafilter is locked into the espresso machine. Hot water, pressurized to around 9 bars, is forced through the coffee grounds. The result? A shot of concentrated espresso with that coveted crema on top.

5. Timing: The extraction time matters. Typically, it takes 25-30 seconds to brew a perfect shot.

6. Serving: Espresso is served in small cups. It’s the base for other popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

Remember, the art of making espresso lies in the balance of science, skill, and passion. So next time you sip that velvety shot, appreciate the rich history and craftsmanship behind it! ☕👌

Espresso-Based Drinks

When you visit coffee shop or café, there are plenty of espresso based drinks including: Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, Flat White, Cortado, etc. I’ll dive into all of these and more in another article but wanted to touch on this as they are more often consumed than a shot of espresso on its own.

Thanks for reading! ☕