Archive for October 1st, 2009
Coffee means drastically different things to different people. For some, it’s the spark of energy that gets them through that morning funk. For others, the pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee is an obsession that can last a lifetime. If you’ve taken more than a passing interest in the beverage and its vast possibilities in terms of flavor and composition, it’s time to start exploring espresso.
As with any specific recipe, the rules of brewing espresso are rigid for a reason. Over time, aficionados have found that espresso tastes best when the water is heated between 190 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Solis espresso machines will automatically bring its thermostat to somewhere within that range. By the time the espresso hits your cup and is ready to be savored, it should be closer to 160 degrees.
Aside from water temperature, the pressure that’s applied to the coffee grounds makes a significant difference. According to most sources, a barista should impart about 30 pounds of pressure to make a single shot. It takes 7 grams of coffee to make one shot, and that should translate into an ounce or an ounce and a half of espresso. Play around with the settings on your espresso machine and don’t panic if you don’t end up with the perfect beverage in your first few tries.