Brewing espresso is easy, but there’s a certain method that should be followed in order to produce the best brew. This higher concentration of coffee is obtained by forcing a small amount of water through very finely ground coffee. Whether espresso is served as a stand alone shot, or used in a drink blend as the coffee base – the outcome is all in how the espresso is brewed.
Contrary to popular belief, there are no specific beans that need to be used when brewing espresso – it’s actually the opposite. You can use whatever coffee you prefer.
So, how do you make that perfect shot of Espresso at home? Follow these five steps to the perfect espresso shot!
1. Always clean the portafilter as your first step.
2. Fill your portafilter to the top, then level.
3. Next, you’ll need to tamp the coffee in the portafilter. It’s important to get the grounds as compact as possible.
4. Flush grouphead. This is important to ensure the screen is as clean as possible, which produces a cleaner cup.
5. Insert the portafilter, and start the machine.
Some key things to remember while preparing your Espresso:
- The time your Espresso extraction process takes directly correlates to the taste of the Espresso. Ideally, the extraction process should only take about 20-30 seconds.
- Although you can use whatever type of coffee you wish, the age of the coffee plays an important role in the Espresso’s taste. Coffee that is between 7-10 days of being roasted is preferred. Not too old, not too new.
- Keeping your Espresso machine as clean as possible before, during, and after use is important. Cleanliness can greatly effect the outcome of your brew.
- Keep your doses consistent so your Espresso comes out the same every time.