How to prepare the perfect espresso
Many people mistakenly believe that the type or grind of coffee beans determines espresso, but the truth is that the perfect combination of pressure and brewing time produces the perfect cup. Espresso should be intense, dark, and full of flavor, yet filtered, which distinguishes it from Turkish coffee.
In 1903, Italian Luigi Bezzera invented espresso by adding pressure to the coffee brewing process. The word "espresso" means "pressurized" or "made to order," producing a better cup of coffee by extracting the best characteristics of the bean. Making espresso properly can be almost as sensory an experience as drinking it. You'll need an espresso machine, high-quality roasted espresso beans like Café Pret, and some basic knowledge.
Steps:
- Preparing coffee:
- Grind fresh coffee to a fine consistency and place it in a portafilter. Use a pusher to evenly press the coffee into a "cake." You can also use an espresso capsule that has the exact amount and pressure you need.
- Using an espresso machine:
- Use a high-quality espresso machine to force water through the coffee, resulting in a shot of espresso. The resulting cup should have a silky texture and be topped with a rich, uniform caramel-hazelnut-colored crema, without dark streaks that would compromise quality.
- Enjoy the scent:
- The attractive aroma encourages immediate drinking, which is important because the complex and volatile liquid quickly loses its quality.
Instructions:
- Use 7 grams of finely ground espresso beans.
- Add 1.5 oz of water.
- Press the coffee well with the pusher.
- Start by preparing for 20-25 seconds.
- Look for a caramel hazelnut color.
Avoid these big mistakes when preparing espresso:
- Adding too much or too little ground coffee.
- Not pressurizing well: This causes the water to pass through the filter too quickly and does not allow for good extraction.
- Try to make two cups with one extraction.
- Leaving coffee in the machine for too long: more than 25 seconds.
- Watch for dark streaks in the crema: they add a bitter taste to the espresso.
Enjoy the perfect cup of espresso at Café Pret in Khobar, where coffee is served with love and care!