Espresso coffee. Stir or Swirl?
Are you a coffee enthusiast curious about espresso? Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink that has taken the world by storm. But what exactly is it? And how do you make the perfect cup? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of espresso and give you some tips on how to make the most of your cup.
One of the defining characteristics of espresso is its crema – a layer of foam on top of the espresso. This crema is formed by carbon dioxide that is released during extraction. However, in most espresso profiles, the crema tastes bitter and sometimes burnt, smokey, or ashy. Darker roasts will have more crema than lighter roasts because more CO2 is trapped during the Maillard reaction. The closer the coffee is to its roast date, the more CO2 will be present because the coffee has not had enough time to rest or degas. Therefore, more crema will be present.
Stirring or swirling the espresso can affect the taste of your drink. Stirring helps incorporate the crema into the rest of the espresso, creating a more balanced taste. This is done less effectively when swirling. Some even advocate for spooning out the crema entirely to avoid the bitter, smokey flavors. However, aroma plays a huge role in our sense of taste. Stirring an espresso releases the gases and aromatic components, which can enhance the taste and overall experience.
At Kawah Coffee, we offer a dark roast Great Taste winner Dark Roast coffee Beans 250g – Kawah Coffee (kawah-rwanda.com) that is perfect for your home brew, whether you use a coffee machine, an aeropress, or a Moka pot (the Italian way!). Our dark roast has a rich, bold flavor profile that is sure to satisfy any espresso lover.
In conclusion, espresso is a unique and delicious coffee drink that requires attention to detail to make the perfect cup. Crema plays an important role in the overall flavor of the drink, but it’s essential to incorporate it properly. So, whether you prefer to stir or swirl, make sure to savor the aroma and enjoy every sip of your perfect espresso.
