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Coffee journey. Italy

Everybody's familiar with the legend of Italian coffee, despite the fact that coffee plants don't even grow in this country. It all started in the 16th century, when Venetian merchants introduced the whole Europe to the luxurious coffee drink, while at the end of the 19th century, Italians made an even bigger mark in the coffee realm — this is when the legendary espresso culture was born.

Coffee journey. Italy

Everybody's familiar with the legend of Italian coffee, despite the fact that coffee plants don't even grow in this country. It all started in the 16th century, when Venetian merchants introduced the whole Europe to the luxurious coffee drink, while at the end of the 19th century, Italians made an even bigger mark in the coffee realm — this is when the legendary espresso culture was born.

The word espresso has multiple meanings:

01.
The most popular coffee drink recipe, which also acts as a base for other popular beverages, from americano to latte macchiato.
02.
A roasting and grinding method designed specially for espresso coffee machines; this is why this word is so frequently encountered on coffee packaging.
03.
The most popular coffee brewing method amongst today's coffee drinkers.

01.

The most popular coffee drink recipe, which also acts as a base for other popular beverages, from americano to latte macchiato.

02.

A roasting and grinding method designed specially for espresso coffee machines; this is why this word is so frequently encountered on coffee packaging.

03.

The most popular coffee brewing method amongst today's coffee drinkers.

Italian-style espresso coffee beans and ground coffee

Such coffee is usually of a darker roast and the word "espresso" can be found on its packaging. Longer roasting duration makes it perfect for espresso coffee machines and coffee makers. It's also less acidic and characterised by bitter notes — the taste of such coffee is reminiscent of dark chocolate, spices and wood. The longer the beans are roasted, the more oils are released — this results in a thick consistency of the prepared drink. If you encounter the word "espresso" on the packaging of ground coffee, this means that its grind is finer so that the best qualities of this coffee can be revealed quicker during the process of extraction.

MYTH

Are espresso coffee beans meant to be used exclusively for the espresso recipe?

If you encounter the word "espresso" on the packaging of your coffee, this means that it's suited for the espresso brewing method — its roast level is a little bit darker and/or its grind is finer. Such beans can be used to prepare all kinds of coffee drinks: from espresso and black coffee recipes to milk-based beverages.

Certified Italian espresso

The espresso coffee drink is a true symbol of Italy. One magical sip of correctly prepared espresso unveils the full depth of its flavour and reveals the whole palette of coffee tastes. In addition, it acts as a base for all of the other beverages brewed by espresso coffee machines. To preserve the heritage of Italian espresso, the Italian Espresso National Institute has established clear requirements for the proper preparation of espresso:

  • Portion of ground coffee 7 g ± 0,5
  • Water temperature (from a coffee machine) 88°C ± 2°C
  • Temperature of the drink in the cup 67°C ± 3°C
  • Pump pressure 9 barai ± 1
  • Extraction time 25 s ± 5 s
  • Viscosity at 45°C > 1,5 mPa s
  • Fat content > 2 mg/ml
  • Caffeine content < 100 mg/cup
  • Amount of the drink in the cup (including crema) 25 ml ± 2,5
Certified Italian espresso

MYTH

Is espresso really the strongest coffee drink out there?

The caffeine content in a cup of coffee depends on how long the coffee has been in contact with water. When it comes to espresso, its extraction time amounts to as little as 25 s ± 5 s. This means that coffee brewed straight in a cup or with the help of a filter coffee maker definitely contains more caffeine!

Italian coffee brewing methods

01.

Bean-to-cup espresso machines

A cup of the perfect Italian espresso requires proper espresso brewing equipment. We're talking about pressure-based coffee machines that use pressure of 9 bar during coffee preparation. The first espresso machine was patented by Angelo Moriondo, an Italian inventor from Turin, as far back as 1884. Nowadays, you can choose from a wide variety of espresso machines. Choosing an appliance of this kind will enable you to prepare the perfect espresso from freshly ground coffee beans with the touch of a button.

02.

Semi-automatic (manual) espresso machines

If you love experimenting and want to feel like a true home barista, we recommend choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine. It'll enable you to prepare the perfect espresso without setting foot outside your house. Coffee prepared in this way will reveal the full depth of flavour hidden inside the beans. Moreover, espresso machines of this type are so beautiful that they're bound to adorn even the most extravagant of houses.

Semi-automatic (manual) espresso machines

03.

Moka pots

Invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, moka pots are now true Italian coffee icons, inseparable as they are from the Italian way of life. Although coffee brewed in these pots is sometimes referred to as espresso, this is not exactly true. The pressure used in a moka pot amounts to as little as 1.5 bar. The prepared drink is similar to espresso in some respects though — the taste is intense, the consistency is thick and bitter notes prevail in its flavour palette. Coffee brewed in a moka pot is suited perfectly for the lovers of traditional coffee flavours.

MYTH

Do espresso coffee machines prepare espresso only?

Espresso coffee machines aren't designed exclusively for the lovers of espresso. They prepare other espresso-based beverages as well — from black coffee and americano to latte macchiato and cappuccino.

Italian-style coffee