The term 'espresso' is often used for a type of coffee, but it is actually the term for the brewing procedure. Espresso means coffee that is made at the moment when it is requested and it refers to a quick infusion of water through coffee grounds using either a stovetop or an electrical machine. The difference with other brewing systems is that the water is forced under pressure through finely ground coffee packed tightly into the filter.
There are two different types of espresso makers:
1. The stove-top model, which has two chambers, and is also called Mocha express or sometimes Neapolitan. Water in the bottom chamber is heated, the resulting pressure forces the water up through a filter containing packed ground coffee, at the end the coffee brew arrives in the upper chamber.
2. The electric counter top model. These are the large espresso makers seen in all the European bars and American coffee houses. They force hot water through grounds directly into your waiting cup. With an espresso machine a cup of coffee can be ready in around 25 seconds.
HOW TO:
Step 1: Preheat your portafilter and cup
Step 2: Dry your portafilter and evenly distribute 16-18 grams of freshly ground coffee into a double basket filter.
Step 3: Use approximately thirty pounds of even pressure when tamping your coffee. The surface should be flat and level with no holes for channeling.
Step 4: Flush your group head with two seconds of hot water and then insert your portafilter into the group head.
Step 5: Brew the espresso immediately for approximately 20-26 seconds to create two ounces.
AGRO Cafe coffee is fair trade and roasted in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Certified Organic by PACS. 16-326
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