Espresso coffee (also called espresso, express, espresso or espresso) is a form of coffee preparation originating in Italy, characterized by its quick preparation, and by a more concentrated flavor and texture.
It owes its name to the extraction method , carried out through the espresso machine, today we will tell you a little about its origin, this particular form of extraction, and how this machine works and the importance it has within the world of coffee.
History of the espresso machine
The first espresso machine was invented by Angelo Moriondo in Turin, Italy, in the late 19th century. It dispensed water and steam to make large amounts of coffee . A few years later, the modern espresso machine and device as we know it emerged from the invention of Luigui Bezzera, who made improvements to this machine in Milan, Italy, at the beginning of the 20th century and patented them, improving its performance to make instant cups of coffee.
How does an espresso machine work?
An espresso machine uses a jet of hot, pressurized water to extract the beverage we call espresso from pre-ground coffee. Pressure and temperature are very important for achieving the full flavor and aroma of the coffee during extraction. The coffee grind also plays a role; for this method, it is generally finely ground.
The water pressure in an espresso machine ranges from 5 to 15 bars (atmospheric pressure at sea level), with 8 to 9 bars being recommended for high-quality espressos. The temperature at the time of extraction should be around 93° Celsius or 200° Fahrenheit.
Parts of the machine
The parts in espresso machines can vary depending on the type of machine, but the main parts for the internal operation of the machine are:
Pressure pump: This pump supplies water to the machine and provides the proper pressure for dispensing. It has a small motor that can be rotary or vibrating. The machine can be connected to a constant source of clean water, but home water pressure isn't sufficient for espresso extraction, so the water dispenser must be brought to the proper pressure.
Boiler: This is where the water that the machine directs to the water dispensers, lances, or group head is stored and heated. Some machines have a double boiler, one for dispensing water and the other for dispensing steam for the different parts of the machine.
Group head: This is the part of the machine that comes into contact with the filter holder (where the compacted ground coffee is placed), and is where the water comes out under pressure and at the exact temperature to be able to make a first-class coffee extraction.
Portafilter: This is a movable part of the machine that contains the coffee filter. Once the coffee is packed into the filter, it is attached to the pressure group head and ensures that the water passes directly and without leaks through the coffee and the filter.
Filter or basket: This is the filter inside the portafilter, and it's the part responsible for ensuring that the water flows through the coffee, ensuring all the coffee's properties have been extracted, preventing solid ground coffee residue from reaching the cup, leaving it as waste in the portafilter. There are single or double filters, for preparing two espressos at the same time or double espressos.
Other parts of the espresso machine
Most espresso machines in a coffee shop, in addition to preparing espressos, have other functions such as evaporating milk to make prepared coffees. Some of these are:
Lancet: It is a type of mobile tube where pressurized water vapor is dispensed, and it is used to evaporate milk and thus be able to make elaborate coffees.
Water dispenser: As its name suggests, it dispenses hot water, in this case to preheat cups, or to prepare coffees that require water, such as an Americano.
Now that you know the espresso machine and how it works, the next step is to inspire yourself to prepare a delicious espresso directly from the machine, always under the supervision or prior training of a professional barista who will guide you in the art of coffee preparation.