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How to Prepare the Best Espresso

When preparing espresso, there are many factors to consider. You need the right grind and dosage, and you must pay attention to contact pressure, water temperature, brewing time, and extraction. The best espresso flavor is best achieved with a piston (lever) machine, as it allows you to control all of these variables. How do you do it? Follow these seven steps.

How to Prepare the Best Espresso

When preparing espresso, there are many factors to consider. You need the correct grind and dosage, and you must pay attention to contact pressure, water temperature, brewing time, and extraction. The best espresso flavor is achieved with a piston (lever) machine, as this allows you to control all of these variables. How do you do it? Follow these seven steps.

What do you need for espresso?

So, to begin with, you need a piston (lever) machine to create the perfect flavor of a good espresso. Next, make sure you have the following on hand:

  • Coffee grinder
  • Espresso coffee beans
  • Small espresso cup
  • Tamper
  • Espresso bowl
  • Spoon
  • Sugar
  • Milk

Steps:

1. Clean and dry the portafilter (piston)For the coffee to flow properly, it is important that the portafilter is clean and dry. Use a clean cloth to do this so that no residue remains.
2. Grind the coffee in the portafilterFor espresso, you need a fine grind. This differs from, for example, a lungo, where the grind is much coarser. Please note: the finer the grind, the longer the brewing time.
3. Level the coffeeSmooth it several times horizontally with a flat finger so that it is evenly distributed.

Steps:

4. Compress (tamp) the coffeeIs there the right amount in the portafilter, and has it been leveled? Then it’s time to tamp the coffee. You do this with a tamper. Tamp with a straight arm and apply pressure of about 12–15 kg. So don’t go too fast. Make sure the portafilter is level, as this makes it easier to tamp evenly.Then clean the lugs (wings) of the portafilter. Is there still coffee on them? If so, it won’t fit properly into the machine.5. Flush the brew group for two secondsThis way, you can be sure the machine is clean and that no residue from previously brewed coffee ends up in your espresso.

Steps:

6. Tighten the portafilter firmlyNow turn the portafilter into the machine. Make sure you tighten it firmly. If the portafilter is not seated correctly in the machine, the coffee will flow through too quickly.7. Brew the espressoPlace two cups under the machine. Press the double espresso button within two seconds so the coffee doesn’t burn. Then start the timer and brew the espresso.

Steps:

8.How to Serve EspressoEspresso is served in a porcelain cup with 25 to 35 ml of espresso. On top of the espresso is a nice, thick layer of crema. This is a golden-brown layer over the espresso made up of fats and sugars that are forced out of the coffee under high pressure. You serve the cup of espresso on a matching saucer, with a spoon and sugar.

Make the best espresso with these beans

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