We conclude this week’s online organic coffee seminar with a look at espresso.
Espresso comes from the Latin word meaning “to press out.” Once available only at coffee bars, you can now make it at home in less than a minute. Here’s how:
- Make sure your espresso machine is clean and that you’re familiar with its operation.
- Select a medium-dark espresso coffee that has been slow-roasted for a richer flavor.
- Buy whole espresso beans from a natural/organic food store or supermarket. This guarantees freshness. Buy only as much as you’ll use in one week.
- Grind your beans just before brewing. While aficionados prefer a burr grinder, a blade- or chopper-type grinder also works well, as long as you give it a shake or two to ensure even grinding.
- To brew, begin with 2 tablespoons of ground espresso and 1½ ounces of fresh distilled or clean-tasting tap water per serving. Follow your machine’s brewing instructions. Remove the carafe immediately after the brewing cycle concludes.
- Serve espresso in a warm demitasse cup. If you want to indulge, add a chocolate truffle on the side!
Suggested Reading
- The Next Coffee Revolution
- Know Your World Coffees
- Tasting Terminology
- Fundamentally Great Coffee
- Mug Shots
- A Better Cup of Coffee?
- Does Coffee Lower Diabetes Risk?
Photo courtesy of Millstone Coffee
