Download PDF - Choice Foods

August 2013 (Customer Copy)59Cakes & CoffeeAll About EspressoWhat is espresso?Espresso is a concentrated beverage brewed by forcing a small amount of nearlyboiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Espressooften has a thicker consistency than coffee brewed by other methods, a higherconcentration of suspended and dissolved solids, and crema (which the foamwith a creamy texture that forms as a result of the pressure). As a result of thepressurized brewing process the flavors and chemicals in a typical cup of espressoare very concentrated. Espresso has more caffeine per unit volume than mostbeverages, but the usual serving size is much smaller than your regular coffeedrink.Espresso is both a coffee beverage and a brewing method.It is not a specific bean, bean blend, or roast level. Any bean or roasting level canbe used to produce authentic espresso. For example, in southern Italy, a darkerroast is generally preferred. Farther north, the trend moves toward slightlylighter roasts, while outside Italy, a wide range is popular.The Anatomy of an Espresso ShotThere are three components of an espresso shot:1. The CREMA is the top thin layer and sweetest part of an espresso shot. A goodcrema should be a light golden-brown color.2. The BODY makes up the middle and “umph” of the shot and should be acaramel-brown color.3. The HEART is the very bottom of an espresso shot and is the bitter balance tothe crema’s sweetness. It should be a deep, rich brown color.Diagram of popular espresso drinks:EspressoMachiatoFlat WhiteCappucinoCafe LatteCafe Mocha• Quality • Integrity • Service • Value • Quality • Integrity • Service • Value • Quality • Integrity • Service •