Espresso accounts for much of the coffee that is drunk in the world today. But what is espresso and why has it become such an important (and sometimes nescessary) aspect of peoples lives?

First it is important to realise that espresso is not just coffee. It is also a method of coffee making where hot water is forced under pressure through one or more servings of ground coffee.

If you sit waiting for your espresso at your favourite cafe you will also observe that espresso is a ritual. It starts with the grinding of the beans, then setting up the espresso machine (itself often looking like some wonderful contraption from another age), the hiss of the hot water being forced from the machine and the frothing of the milk. Finaly the look of concentration on the makers face as the milk is poured on top of the thick fresh coffee.

The espresso machines themselves were designed and made for cafes. In recent years the design has been adapted into smaller units for domestic use, but it is hard to get close to the original thing. Personally, I have had the best results with stove top units such as the Moka Express when at home.

The fundamental operatings of the larger cafe machines involves the passing of hot water through tightly packed coffee with much pressure applied to the water. And this is what gives the espresso its distinctive and sought after heavy-bodied, aromatic and bittersweet flavour and texture.

I have been drinking coffee since I was a child, but will never forget my first cup of proper espresso. I was working hard washing dishes in a top class resteraunt during the breakfast shift. The breakfast crowd were leaving the resteraunt to retire to the beach for the day and the chef offered me a coffee.

It arrived in a small cup on a saucer and had the most divine flavour and texture. From there on I was hooked and made it an immediate life nescessity to learn to make the perfect espresso.

[tags]coffee, espresso[/tags]