Espresso (Italian for "extremely quick") is a strong, flavorful coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
Espresso differs greatly from the common drip brewed[?] coffee drink in its thick concentrated consistency, and robust flavor. Due to its potency, straight espresso (espresso served without sweetener or milk, analogous to black coffee) is considered by some to be an acquired taste, and is served in small amounts called shots. (Tip: Those in the know order their single or double with a little glass of cold still water to clear the palate.)
Espresso is often used as the foundation for other, less bitter drinks, such as lattes[?], cappuccinos, mochas, and many more. A key component in the flavor of espresso is a golden foam composed of oils, proteins, and sugars, called crema which floats on the surface.
Techniques for making espresso vary from person to person, and depend largely upon the machine used. First, a metal "basket" with a perforated bottom is filled with coffee powder, and pressed down with a tamp[?] to form a "puck" at the bottom of the basket. The basket is fitted to the espresso machine in a sealed holder, which directs the coffee into the mug. Heated water in a pressure sealed tank is pumped through the compressed coffee and into the cup. For more specific details on espresso brewing techniques, see espresso machine[?].
See also: Coffee, Caffé, Cappuccino, Latte[?], Mocha, Espresso machine[?], Moka[?], Drip brew[?]
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