What is Espresso?
Espresso is a very concentrated form of coffee commonly used in drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and americanos. Espresso is much stronger, darker, and more concentrated than regular coffee. So, what is it that makes this difference?
How is Espresso Different From Regular Coffee?
The first difference between espresso and regular coffee actually comes from the beans. A different type of beans are used to make espresso than those that are used to make coffee. Espresso beans are usually darker and roasted for a longer time to give them a stronger, more bitter taste.
In addition to the difference in the actual beans, the difference also comes from the way that the beans are prepared. First, espresso beans are ground much finer than coffee beans. Second, espresso beans are pressed under much higher pressure in the espresso maker. Finally, water is forced through the ground espresso beans with much greater force. All this combined gives an espresso shot its strong, dark taste and silky texture.