New Delhi: Espresso, pronounced as eh·spreh·soh, gained popularity in India during the late 1900s alongside the rise of city cafe culture. Before this, traditional Indian filter coffee was the norm. In the 1990s, brands like Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) began introducing espresso drinks, capturing the interest of young urbanites. The arrival of international chains like Starbucks in 2012 further fueled the espresso craze. Local cafes began offering espresso made from Indian coffee beans, and today, espresso is a significant part of India’s cafe scene, merging global coffee trends with local traditions.
Espresso is not only a part of Indian coffee brands but also widely consumed in Indian households for its numerous benefits and for people who are addicted to caffeine consumption.
Benefits of espresso
Espresso is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts for several reasons. As a concentrated coffee, it is rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Its higher caffeine content provides a quick energy boost, improving mental alertness and focus—ideal for hectic days. Additionally, espresso can enhance physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels, making it a favoured pre-workout option.
Its smaller serving size also means fewer calories compared to larger, additive-laden coffee drinks. Furthermore, espresso is easier on the stomach due to its quick extraction process, resulting in lower acidity. Overall, it serves as a simple yet effective drink for increasing energy, enhancing cognitive function, and supporting overall wellness.
Not only the benefits are important but here are a few other things that need to be kept in mind while brewing a perfect cup of coffee for yourself at home. Here are some expert insights by Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO, Kaapi Solutions to prepare a perfect cup of espresso at home and enjoy it guilt-free.
Ideal brewing temperature
The recommended brewing temperature for espresso falls within the range of 90°C to 96°C (195°F to 205°F), a critical factor in achieving a well-balanced shot. If the water is too hot, it can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste, while water that is too cold causes under-extraction, leading to a sour or weak flavour.
Maintaining the correct brewing temperature allows the coffee grounds to release the ideal balance of oils, acids, and sugars, creating the espresso’s aromatic richness, flavour harmony, and creamy texture. Consistent temperature is key to producing the coveted “crema” on top, a sign of a well-crafted espresso. Baristas and coffee lovers focus on brewing temperature as it directly impacts the quality of the espresso, playing a crucial role in delivering an exceptional coffee experience.
Common mistakes to avoid while making at-home
Common mistakes people often make when brewing espresso at home including using the wrong grind size, incorrect dosing, and improper tamping can affect the quality of espresso. To prevent these issues, opt for a burr grinder to achieve a consistent, fine grind suitable for espresso. Ensure precise dosing by measuring 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot using a scale.
When tamping, apply even pressure to create a level coffee bed in the portafilter for uniform extraction. Maintaining the correct brewing temperature (90-96°C or 195-205°F) and shot time (25-30 seconds) is crucial. Additionally, keep your equipment clean to preserve the flavour of your espresso. Addressing these common mistakes will significantly enhance your home espresso brewing experience.
Importance of water quality for espresso
Water quality plays a crucial role in the taste of espresso, as it comprises about 98 per cent of the final drink. The ideal brewing water should be clean, free of contaminants, and possess a balanced mineral composition. To ensure a delicious espresso, focus on the following water characteristics:
Opt for slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 to improve extraction.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Aim for a TDS level of 75-250 ppm for balanced flavour extraction.
Mineral Balance: Ensure the right balance of calcium and magnesium for extraction and mouthfeel, while avoiding high sodium and chlorine levels
Clarity: Filtered water is recommended to eliminate impurities like chlorine that can affect the taste.
By paying attention to these factors, you can elevate the quality and flavour of your espresso significantly.
A true espresso is a perfect combination of good coffee beans roasted to an optimal degree of roast, a good espresso machine and most importantly the skilled hand of a barista. Being a very traditional Italian coffee which is a shot of 30 ml, an espresso should have a bittersweet aftertaste and the aroma as well as the mouthfeel lingers in the mouth for a few minutes post-ingestion.
The cream on the espresso defines the intensity and brew quality of the espresso and should be 2-4 mm thick, says expert Vikram. It is, essentially, the combination of the skilled hands of a barista, good coffee beans- roasted to optimum roast degrees and a good espresso machine.
Coffee bean quality holds the utmost significance in brewing a good espresso. Dense and good quality espresso beans roasted to a medium-dark roast and then blended to complete the complexity, enhance and help obtain the desired taste and flavour as per the artisan or the roast master.
A barista is like a chef who understands his ingredients- the coffee blend makes the best use of technology which in this case is the grinder and espresso machine and uses his skills and knowledge to prepare the espresso. It is important to understand the benefits of espresso and also to enjoy the rich flavours with the perfect blend of water and beans.
Espresso culture has found a strong foothold in India, transforming from a cafe trend to a popular at-home ritual. As more Indians embrace this robust coffee, we explore the health benefits of espresso and provide expert insights for brewing the perfect cup at home, covering key factors like water quality, grind size, and ideal brewing temperatures. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
