Italy, like few other countries, embodies coffee culture, and especially espresso. Coffee is a passion here, representing quality and home. But how did Italy become synonymous with espresso? How did Italian espresso become a symbol of Italy and so much more? We'll uncover its secrets – enjoy!
Italian Espresso - Its History
To understand how Italian espresso became so famous, one must go back to the beginnings of coffee in Europe. In the 16th century, coffee arrived through trade with the Middle East, and Venice, in particular, became an important center for the coffee trade. However, it was still sold in pharmacies as a medicinal remedy and considered a luxury item. Soon, though, it evolved into a social event, and the first coffee houses opened. But it would be almost 300 years before the first espresso was served over the counter. The espresso we know today wasn't enjoyed until the late 19th/early 20th century with the invention of the espresso machine. Italian engineers wanted to speed up coffee preparation to meet the growing demand of the population. In 1884, Angelo Moriondo developed the first espresso machine, but it wasn't until 1901 that Luigi Bezzera further developed it to the point where we could finally enjoy our beloved espresso as we know it today. The machine used steam and high pressure to quickly extract small amounts of coffee – espresso, in other words. Bezzera's espresso machine was revolutionized in 1938 by Achille Gaggia, who incorporated a piston mechanism, thus creating the characteristic crema on espresso. This marks the beginning of our modern espresso culture. After World War II, the triumph of Italian espresso truly began; it became fully integrated into everyday Italian life. Films, fashion, and lifestyle made it popular and ultimately spread it worldwide as an expression of Italian lifestyle and identity.
Italian espresso - what makes it special?
Italian espresso is a very special blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The ratio is often 70% to 30%, ensuring a balanced flavor. The Arabica beans are mild and aromatic, while the Robusta beans are strong and responsible for the rich crema. Besides the blend of coffee beans, the roasting process plays a crucial role. Italian espresso is roasted very dark, usually just before the second crack, although some swear by roasting even beyond that point. The result is a strong, chocolatey-nutty espresso with slightly bitter notes. Due to the long roasting process, virtually no acidity remains in the espresso.
This is how Italian espresso is prepared
Italian espresso is, of course, traditionally prepared using an Italian espresso machine. The espresso is extracted at approximately 9 bar and around 92°C for 25-30 seconds. This gives it its characteristic crema – the coffee oils and aromas that define its flavor. The final result should be 25-30 milliliters of the finest Italian espresso in the cup. Besides proper extraction, it's crucial that the Italian espresso is served in a thick-walled porcelain cup. This retains the espresso's temperature and thus supports the full development of its aromas.
How do Italians drink their espresso?
Italian espresso is the essence of Italian coffee culture. It's typically enjoyed standing at the bar, often accompanied by a brief chat with the barista. This simple ritual fosters a sense of community and provides a small moment of pleasure in everyday life. It can be enjoyed before work, after work, or in the evening after dinner. The social aspect is clearly paramount.
But why do Italians drink their espresso standing at the bar?
The Italian espresso ritual is meant to quickly revitalize and is therefore performed standing at the bar. This also fosters informal, everyday conversations and strengthens social bonds. Historically, Italian cafés have always been small and offered little seating. Thus, standing became a tradition that continues to this day. Another factor is price. An espresso at the bar is significantly cheaper than at a table, as a service charge is added. Finally, in the Italian philosophy, quick enjoyment represents efficiency. The espresso is drunk whole, concentrating its aromas into a single sip – creating a moment of pure, uninterrupted pleasure.
Conclusion
Italian espresso isn't just coffee, it's a way of life. How wonderful is the ritual of starting the day at the bar with friends, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. We think we in Germany could definitely learn a thing or two from that and see cafés as places to connect. So why don't we offer Italian espresso if we love it so much? Well, we prefer to drink Italian espresso in Italy and enjoy everything that goes with it. With our Espresso Bahnstadt Blend and Espresso Stellwerk5 , we have our own signature espresso blends and are proud of what they represent, often referencing the Heidelberg way of life. What do you think of Italian espresso, and should we all enjoy our coffee more like the Italians do? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
Italian espresso - that's what makes it so special!
Italy, like few other countries, embodies coffee culture, and especially espresso. Coffee is a passion here, representing quality and home. But how did Italy become synonymous with espresso? How did Italian espresso become a symbol of Italy and so much more? We'll uncover its secrets – enjoy!
Italian Espresso - Its History
To understand how Italian espresso became so famous, one must go back to the beginnings of coffee in Europe. In the 16th century, coffee arrived through trade with the Middle East, and Venice, in particular, became an important center for the coffee trade. However, it was still sold in pharmacies as a medicinal remedy and considered a luxury item. Soon, though, it evolved into a social event, and the first coffee houses opened. But it would be almost 300 years before the first espresso was served over the counter. The espresso we know today wasn't enjoyed until the late 19th/early 20th century with the invention of the espresso machine. Italian engineers wanted to speed up coffee preparation to meet the growing demand of the population. In 1884, Angelo Moriondo developed the first espresso machine, but it wasn't until 1901 that Luigi Bezzera further developed it to the point where we could finally enjoy our beloved espresso as we know it today. The machine used steam and high pressure to quickly extract small amounts of coffee – espresso, in other words. Bezzera's espresso machine was revolutionized in 1938 by Achille Gaggia, who incorporated a piston mechanism, thus creating the characteristic crema on espresso. This marks the beginning of our modern espresso culture. After World War II, the triumph of Italian espresso truly began; it became fully integrated into everyday Italian life. Films, fashion, and lifestyle made it popular and ultimately spread it worldwide as an expression of Italian lifestyle and identity.
Italian espresso - what makes it special?
Italian espresso is a very special blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The ratio is often 70% to 30%, ensuring a balanced flavor. The Arabica beans are mild and aromatic, while the Robusta beans are strong and responsible for the rich crema. Besides the blend of coffee beans, the roasting process plays a crucial role. Italian espresso is roasted very dark, usually just before the second crack, although some swear by roasting even beyond that point. The result is a strong, chocolatey-nutty espresso with slightly bitter notes. Due to the long roasting process, virtually no acidity remains in the espresso.
This is how Italian espresso is prepared
Italian espresso is, of course, traditionally prepared using an Italian espresso machine. The espresso is extracted at approximately 9 bar and around 92°C for 25-30 seconds. This gives it its characteristic crema – the coffee oils and aromas that define its flavor. The final result should be 25-30 milliliters of the finest Italian espresso in the cup. Besides proper extraction, it's crucial that the Italian espresso is served in a thick-walled porcelain cup. This retains the espresso's temperature and thus supports the full development of its aromas.
How do Italians drink their espresso?
Italian espresso is the essence of Italian coffee culture. It's typically enjoyed standing at the bar, often accompanied by a brief chat with the barista. This simple ritual fosters a sense of community and provides a small moment of pleasure in everyday life. It can be enjoyed before work, after work, or in the evening after dinner. The social aspect is clearly paramount.
But why do Italians drink their espresso standing at the bar?
The Italian espresso ritual is meant to quickly revitalize and is therefore performed standing at the bar. This also fosters informal, everyday conversations and strengthens social bonds. Historically, Italian cafés have always been small and offered little seating. Thus, standing became a tradition that continues to this day. Another factor is price. An espresso at the bar is significantly cheaper than at a table, as a service charge is added. Finally, in the Italian philosophy, quick enjoyment represents efficiency. The espresso is drunk whole, concentrating its aromas into a single sip – creating a moment of pure, uninterrupted pleasure.
Conclusion
Italian espresso isn't just coffee, it's a way of life. How wonderful is the ritual of starting the day at the bar with friends, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. We think we in Germany could definitely learn a thing or two from that and see cafés as places to connect. So why don't we offer Italian espresso if we love it so much? Well, we prefer to drink Italian espresso in Italy and enjoy everything that goes with it. With our Espresso Bahnstadt Blend and Espresso Stellwerk5 , we have our own signature espresso blends and are proud of what they represent, often referencing the Heidelberg way of life. What do you think of Italian espresso, and should we all enjoy our coffee more like the Italians do? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team