Java Jim

February 8, 2010

Espresso Making.

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Thomas Goldman @ 3:02 pm

Espresso is a type of coffee. It is currently most popular in southern area of Europe and some parts of S. America. It was invented in Milan, Italy, around the beginning of the 20th century and initially was produced using pressurized steam, although many methods of making it now use pressurized hot water.

This type of coffee is typically twice as concentrated as other types of coffee and due to this concentration is used as a base for many other types of coffee including the famous cappuccino as well as mocha, latte and macchiato. However, it is commonly served in much smaller portions than regular coffee which means that the actual amount of caffeine per cup is typically less than with other coffees.

The espresso is sometimes served in a pre-heated mug or glass. This helps retain the warmth and the “crema” which is the foam on top and is typically a reddish-brown color.

Many people see coffee beans marketed as “espresso” and thus believe that it’s a different type of bean used than for other coffees. This is not true, as an espresso can really be made using any variety of coffee beans. It is a good idea to try a variety of different beans to make your espresso to see which you like the best, or you could find information on which beans are used to make your favorite espresso on sale. Espresso is not a particular roasting level of beans either, so make sure you try a variety of roasts.

The espresso originally came to America to Cuban communities in Miami. It is now common in America and even more popular in Australia. From Miami, the drink spread to Seattle, and from there across the rest of the USA, spreading as the well-known brands of coffee shops spread. At the time of writing, North Beach, San Francisco is one of the areas where the espresso is particularly popular.

There are many sub-types of espresso with slightly different methods of creation. The Americano is a diluted form made by adding an equal quantity of hot water, and was preferred by American soldiers in the first world war. The cappuccino was traditionally made using one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third microfoam. American variations on the cappuccino typically add more foam and more milk resulting in a less concentrated drink.

Want to find out more about Espresso, then visit Thomas Goldman’s site on how to choose the best Espresso Machines and coffees for your espessos.

December 28, 2009

Espresso Coffee Makers And Their Features

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Richard Phillips @ 10:19 am

There is nothing wrong with being picky about coffee, and if you are like many coffee lovers you want the best of the best, every day. Espresso coffee makers can give you just that, and it will only cost you a fraction of what you spend on coffee each year. You can find these at most interior design or home appliance store, but one thing is for certain: these machines make professional-style coffee each and every day. The great coffee is only one benefit to owning an espresso maker. The best part is not having to spend a few dollars per day at a coffee shop.

You will likely not see one of these at a friend or family member’s house yet, but they are getting more and more popular as time goes on. They haven’t really boomed yet because of the prices. Decent to high quality espresso coffee makers can cost a pretty penny. You may even sometimes find that they are triple or quadruple the price of expensive drip coffee makers. If cost is a huge factor, you may want to hold out until they get a little cheaper. Otherwise, dive right in!

The features that a model may list can be numerous, but it is important to keep your head on straight when reading about what any individual model can do. As these products are not especially common yet, it can be too easy to look at any individual one and think that it is a good buy, but if you move on and look at different models you will most likely be able to find some that are both relatively affordable and packed with special functions.

You can get an espresso machine that uses either ground beans or special espresso pucks. Everyone has used ground beans to make coffee. After all, it is what coffee is made of. However, pucks are compressed bean packets that can be packed full of traditional or more modern coffee flavors for your enjoyment. You can often find pucks with special and unique flavors, but they do also often just come in premium coffee flavors as well.

If you want to make more than just espresso, you can find espresso coffee makers that will allow you to create froth from milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You may or may not want this feature, but you might find that many espresso machines are actually sold with the froth makers. This no longer makes it a luxury, rather it is now just an every day item for you to enjoy.

Years ago, no one would have believed what we have these days when it comes to coffee makers. While the drip models are simply appliances, espresso coffee makers stand as pinnacle of coffee-making technology. As the technology gets more affordable they are also getting to be more common, and pretty soon everyone will have one of their own. Are you going to be one of them?

Want professional coffee in your own home everyday? Find out how espresso coffee makers can give you the best coffee you can get, and how much cheaper it will be.

November 9, 2009

Why Invest In A Stovetop Espresso Maker?

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: , , , , , , , — Jason Smith @ 11:45 am

Brewing up the perfect espresso in the comfort of your own home has never been as simple as it is with a stovetop espresso maker. This type of coffee-brewing machine can allow you to make professional, delicious espresso anytime, and it will cost you significantly less than if you just went to get an espresso shot from a restaurant.

Stovetop espresso makers are made in many different sizes. Some are small and make only 2 cups, while others can brew up to 12 whole cups. Most stovetop espresso makers are made entirely of stainless steel. Some high-end models have a porcelain top and a stainless steel bottom. The price depending on make can very greatly.

There are three parts to a stovetop espresso maker. The bottom part holds the cold water. The middle part holds the filter and the ground espresso. The top chamber holds the freshly brewed espresso. All you need to do is fill the bottom section with cold water. Do not fill above the steam valve. Next, add the ground espresso coffee in the basket of the middle section. Follow directions on the can of coffee for the exact amount to use per cup. Screw top on and place the espresso maker on the stove. Use low to medium heat for brewing.

Steam will build up and push the water through the filter once the pot gets hot enough. After this the coffee will seep into and fill up the top of the espresso maker. You will be able to hear bubbling noises, which will let you know that the espresso is being made. When there is no more water in the bottom section of the espresso maker, the pot of espresso is just about ready to drink.

Depending on how many cups you have brewed, the process should only take a few minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit for about thirty seconds. Remove the top and stir the coffee. Now is the time to put in any flavor additives that you enjoy, such as vanilla or cream. Now you can enjoy that freshly brewed cup of espresso in the comfort of your own house. And the price is perfect.

Be sure to keep that espresso pot in good shape by scouring gently to rub off excess mineral build up in the pot. You want to keep your stovetop espresso maker in prime condition and ready to brew up a wonderful cup every time!

Professionally made espresso is not cheap. A stovetop espresso maker is easy to use and is also relatively cheap, so you can hold onto your money for more valuable purchases.

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