Most everyone has heard of it, but does everyone know what it is or how it is supposed to taste? It, in this case, is espresso and most experts agree that it needs to be extraordinarily sweet, but also with a flavor close to fresh ground coffee, and it calls for a potent or robust aroma. The crema, which is the thin layer of foam at the top of the cup, needs to be a dark red/brown color and smooth, yet also thick. They say that a “perfect” one is enjoyable straight without any type of additives, yet should also be bold enough that the flavor doesn’t vanish in milk. And finally, there should be an aromatic and pleasant aftertaste that stays on the palate for several minutes after drinking.
If you are interested in brewing perfect espressos from home, then there are some interesting tips available. And, should any of these particular factors be left out, you will be left with a less than perfect tasting cup of hot coffee.
Avoid roasting it too dark or it will result in a very bitter taste, while roasting light helps to retain the sugar and the aroma. The blend for espresso should be fresh, used within four days of roasting to ensure that perfect result.
In order to maintain perfect extraction of the coffee beans, a burr grinder is preferred. Also, do not just grind a bunch at one time; only grind to order ensuring freshness. The oils that are protected inside of the bean become exposed to the air, which then can become stale.
Training a barista (coffee bar server) is a serious business to many companies, especially when it comes to making perfect espressos. The instructions are very detailed and include the amount of time that the coffee should be ground (15 to 20 seconds) and only done when a shot has been ordered, to ensure freshness. Next comes tamping of the coffee that is in the porta-filter, done by pressing the tamper gently on the freshly ground coffee, something that is imperative for a properly made espresso. While the coffee is being tamped you should also be gently tapping the filter to ensure that the coffee will be evenly distributed. The entire process should only take about 25 to 29 seconds and you will have made the perfect cup.
