How to Brew Espresso at Home

Coffee has a history as rich as its intense taste. If in the past it was considered a food, over time coffee has become a popular and indispensable drink in the ritual of those who prefer to start their day with this aromatic stimulant. The preparation of a coffee must take into account the use of appropriate amounts of ingredients and the observance of certain steps of the processing and preparation process. All these aspects influence the final product so that your coffee cup is balanced and the best possible.

• Coffee - origins, and method of preparation

Legend has it that it was discovered by chance by an Ethiopian shepherd who noticed that his animals became agitated after consuming this plant. 

The region where it was discovered is known as "Kaffa" and was located on the African continent, in an area of Ethiopia. From here the coffee spread to Yemen, then to Arabia, Egypt and India. Coffee entered Europe three centuries ago through the port of Venice and was brought by Arab merchants.

The quality of coffee beans depends on the roasting system, which is both an art and a science. By roasting, the green coffee beans acquire that dark brown color and intense aroma. There are four techniques for roasting coffee:

light - the grains are light brown, taste like fried cereals and have a higher acidity

medium - the grains are brown, slightly darker than lightly fried, do not taste like fried cereals and have a balanced acidity

medium dark - coffee beans have a much darker color and oily surface, and the aroma is much more intense

dark - the beans have a dark brown to black color, have a glossy surface, and the brewed coffee is acidic and has a low level of caffeine

After the roasting process, the coffee beans are ground and can be used to make a coffee. Ground coffee is quite delicate and can quickly deteriorate in contact with air, light, heat and moisture. Before packaging, it is stored in a controlled atmosphere environment, where the carbon dioxide that forms naturally during the roasting process is dispersed in a short time, thus maintaining the aroma of the coffee. The packaging has the role of maintaining the quality of the coffee for a long time.

• Traditionally brewed coffee - cultural influences

The Turkish method

For this method you can use already ground coffee or, if you can, you can buy coffee beans to grind at home every time you want to enjoy a fresh coffee. Put cold water in a kettle, depending on the desired amount (for each cup of water add a teaspoon with a pinch of coffee and a small teaspoon of sugar). Stir until the sugar crystals melt, then put the container on the fire, over low heat. After the coffee is swollen in the kettle, remove the container from the heat. Once her level returns to normal, she performs this movement twice more. Then pour some coffee into the cups, put the kettle with the rest of the coffee back on the fire until the drink starts to swell again. Pour the rest of the coffee into cups. For this method of preparation, you can use a Turkish brass kettle.

The Armenian method

How do you make such a coffee? Add a tablespoon of coffee and a cup of water to the kettle. Stir until the coffee dissolves, then put the container on the fire and leave it on medium heat. Check for a foam ring in the center of the kettle, a sign that the drink is almost ready. Keep in mind that you need to take the drink off the fire before it starts to boil. Coffee can also be enjoyed with sugar, and if you want to have an ideal result, it is recommended to use Greek coffee for preparation.

Scalded coffee

Roasted coffee is much easier to make. Add two teaspoons of coffee to a cup over which then pour hot water and mix gently. Coffee can be served after the dough is deposited at the base of the cup. Scalded coffee is considered much healthier because it prevents the release of two compounds, gasol and cafesol, which influence the increase in fat levels in the blood.

Instant coffee

Although it has the advantage of brewing much faster than other traditional methods, the taste of instant coffee is not as intense and aromatic. In addition, instant coffee may contain artificial colors and flavors that lower its quality compared to other types of coffee.

• The proven benefits of coffee

Your daily cup of coffee is not only a source of pleasure, but also an elixir for health. Coffee has proven benefits for the body, but moderate consumption is recommended, so 3-4 cups of coffee a day are enough to positively influence mental and physical condition.

There is a connection between coffee and physical effort - a coffee drunk 30 minutes before the start of physical training has an invigorating, energizing effect and helps prevent muscle fatigue

If consumed black, without sugar or milk it has less than 80 calories, so it does not affect the calorie intake and helps maintain energy balance in the body

Caffeine helps maintain concentration in demanding times and improves short-term memory, eliminating fatigue that may occur in the second half of the day

In conclusion, the cup of coffee in the morning, but also consumed a little later has many benefits, which is why it remains a popular drink in our daily choices. And the preparation of coffee is a ritual in itself - from the moment of harvesting the coffee beans, roasting them, grinding and preparing the cup of coffee are observed important steps that ensure its quality and intense aroma.