The espresso method of brewing coffee was invented back in 1903 by business man Luigi Bezzera, who wanted to find a way of brewing coffee much faster. As he was in the manufacturing industry he experimented with adding pressure to the method of brewing and finally developed the fast coffee machine known around the world as the espresso coffee machine.

Some of the differences between espresso and normal coffee is in the bean and the brewing method. The beans for the two different coffees are significantly different. The beans used for espresso coffee blends come from a variety of origins and then they are roasted to produce a very dark coffee grind that has an oily appearance.

The other important differences the two coffees are the fineness of the grind and the time spent in brewing the coffee. Its brewing time is significantly reduced by forcing hot water under high pressure through the coffee grinds thus the brewing time is significantly reduced. Hot water is forced through the ground coffee to produce the potent drink. Depending on how find the grind is, should be brewed for about 25 seconds only.

It is important to tightly pack the grind into the metallic filtering basket. All of this tight packing and forced brewing results in a coffee that is dark in color and very thick with a layer of crema or foam on the top.

Espresso based coffee drinks are increasing in popularity worldwide. Apart from the basic drink, which is a single shot prepared in the above mentioned way. The shots are used as the basis for a variety of drinks based on this brewing method. There are macchiatos, cappuccinos and mochaccinos and a variety of lattes.

Other methods of preparing or brewing coffee, such as filter coffee or pressed coffee, involve a process of infusion, a slower and more natural way of extracting the coffee flavor from the grind to produce the black beverage.

Espresso machines are generally the most expensive of the coffee brewing machines on the market. That's because the technology required to pressurize or force the coffee is expensive. Still, it makes for a good investment considering the variety of coffee drinks you can if you can produce that dark, thick and creamy shot.

Helpful terminology

Barista: A barista is a person skilled in the art of making the shots. They know how to operate the machine, and they know how to make the varieties of drinks.

Espresso potential: Refers to the level of perfection of a given shot.

La Macinadosatore: This refers to the amount of the espresso dose.

Macinazione: The refers to the correct method of grinding the coffee for the perfect shot.

Latte art: This refers to the technique used to texture the milk into perfection and to create patterns on it.