What is Espresso?

When shopping for coffee beans for my espresso machine, I am often confused. I always buy “Espresso Roast” but than I wondered what classifies an espresso roast. Turns out – there is no such thing as an “espresso roast”.

According to Cooper’s Cask Coffee, roasters will use the term “espresso roast” to inform consumers that these beans are suitable for the espresso grinding and brewing process which will deliver a rich, bold flavor. However, “espresso” is not a roast level. Espresso is a style of brewing where any roast can be used to make an “espresso” though not every roast will make the traditional taste that Italians covet.

“Espresso” has a unique taste because of its unique brewing process which utilizes an Espresso Machine where high-pressure hot water is forced through tightly packed, very fine coffee grounds in under 30 seconds. This rapid, pressurized extraction yields a concentrated liquid, a thicker syrupy body, and a top layer of aromatic oils called crema.

So, what is the ideal roast I should purchase to make an “Espresso”?

Though any medium or dark roast coffee will provide a signature espresso taste, a coffee “Made in Italy” and marked “espresso” is the way to go. The Italians excel in creating coffee blends which make the most flavorful espresso.

The Italians – particularly the Venetians - have a long history with coffee and were the ones who introduced coffee into Europe in the late 16^th century. The first commercial shipment of green coffee beans reached Venice from the Ottoman Empire in 1615, and the continent's first public coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1645. Venetians learned what to do with green coffee beans through direct trade and travel in the Ottoman Empire, observing how Turks and Egyptians roasted and brewed the beans.

Through the years, the Italians, who see coffee roasting as a culinary art form, tinkered with the coffee roasting process and developed blends which to this day are sought after by coffee connoisseurs.

The best Italian espresso blends combine traditional dark or medium-dark roasting with balanced Arabica and Robusta beans to deliver rich body and thick crema. This roasting profile carefully manages to push the beans to a medium-dark or dark level, maximizing sweetness and diminishing harsh acidity. This combination enhances the body, crema, and kick of an espresso shot.

Fortunately, Italian blends for brewing espresso can be purchased in most American grocery stores. Brands such as Illy or Lavazza are readily available and more espresso blends crafted in Italy are being introduced to our market.

As you brew your next cup of espresso pay homage to this unique blend of coffee which people have been enjoying for over 400 years.