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Espresso (Italian for "extremely quick") is a strong, flavorful coffee brewed by forcing hot water through darkly roasted, powdered coffee beans.
Espresso differs greatly from the common drip brewed coffee drink in it's thick concentrated consistency, and robust flavor. Due to it's potency, straight espresso (espresso served without sweetener or milk, analogous to black coffee) is considered by some to be an acquired taste, and is served in small amounts called shots. However espresso is often used as the foundation for other, less bitter drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and many more. A key component in the flavor of espresso is the the golden foam, called Crema which floats on the surface.
Espresso Beans
Espresso is derived from a certain type of coffee bean; Coffea arabica commonly known as Arabica. Arabica trees require more care in growing, and are therefore more expensive. Arabica beans are considered to be superior to the more commonCaffea canephora (known as Robusta) beans, which are typically used for filler in commercial drip brew: drip brewing coffee, due to their lower level of caffeine and acidity, and their higher amounts of flavor and aroma. For making espresso, the beans are ground very finely, unlike coarser drip-style grounds.
Brewing Process
The process of making espresso is considered by many to be an art form, and people who are thought to have mastered their technique are referred to as baristas. This belief is due, in part, to the many nuances which can be altered to effect the final product, as well as the fact that high quality espresso machines are too expensive for most people, making the process of espresso creation mysterious. Techniques vary from person to person, and depend largely upon the machine used. First, a metal "basket" with a perforated bottom is filled with coffee powder, and pressed down with a tamp to form a "puck" at the bottom of the basket. The basket is fitted to the espresso machine in a sealed holder, which directs the coffee into the mug. Water is then heated in a pressure sealed tank. When the water has built up a considerable amount of steam pressure, it is allowed to saturate the coffee, and is then forced out into the mug. For more specific details on espresso brewing techniques, see Espresso machine.
History
See also: Coffee, Caffé, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Espresso machine, Moka, Drip brew