The Birth of Espresso: A Coffee Revolution

Espresso, the concentrated and aromatic coffee beverage loved by many, has a fascinating history. Let's delve into its origins and explore the various types of espresso-based drinks. Additionally, we'll understand how espresso beans are roasted differently compared to lighter roast beans for filter coffee.

Espresso's Humble Beginnings

Espresso's journey began in Italy in the early 20th century, marking a significant turning point in coffee culture. Here's how it all started:

• Luigi Bezzera's Invention: Espresso was invented by Luigi Bezzera, an Italian businessman who was on a quest to brew coffee faster. He developed a machine that forced hot water through finely ground coffee, resulting in a concentrated and robust brew.

• In 1901 – a turning point in world coffee history. Luigi's idea of forcing pressurised water through a small puck of ground coffee to produce a concentrated, strong drink was a stroke of genius. It was named the espresso due to the express nature of its brewing, as it can be made in mere seconds. This brought about the emergence of saloon-style coffee bars, where patrons could sip their espresso while standing and chatting business or catching up with the newspaper. From these, serving staff were referred to as barmen, which later became the barista we use today.

Types of Espresso-Based Drinks

Espresso is the foundation for a wide range of delicious coffee creations. Each type varies in preparation and ingredients:

1. Espresso: A pure shot of espresso, typically served in a small cup, with a strong and bold flavor.
2. Cappuccino: Espresso combined with equal parts of steamed milk and milk foam, creating a creamy and balanced drink.
3. Latte: Espresso mixed with a larger portion of steamed milk, delivering a milder coffee flavour.
4. Macchiato: Espresso "stained" or "marked" with a small amount of frothy milk, offering a bolder taste.
5. Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, resulting in a milder and larger coffee similar to drip coffee.
6. Mocha: A delightful fusion of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, creating a rich and indulgent beverage.
7. Ristretto: An even more concentrated shot of espresso, using less water for an intense flavor experience.

Espresso Bean Roasting

Espresso beans undergo a distinct roasting process compared to lighter roast beans suitable for filter coffee:

• Dark Roast: Espresso beans are roasted longer and at higher temperatures, developing a rich, oily surface. This roast imparts a deep, smoky flavor with low acidity, ideal for espresso.

• Light Roast: Filter coffee beans are lightly roasted, preserving their natural flavors and acidity. The beans have a lighter color and a more subtle taste profile compared to dark roast espresso beans.

Understanding the difference in roasting allows baristas to create the perfect brew for each type of coffee, be it the bold intensity of espresso or the nuanced flavors of filter coffee.

In conclusion, espresso's inception revolutionised coffee culture, giving rise to a diverse family of espresso-based drinks. The distinct roasting of espresso beans ensures they deliver the strong, concentrated character that defines espresso, while lighter roast beans retain their unique flavors for filter coffee.