Espresso - The 'Whole' Coffee Bean
For the great taste to emanate from a coffee the quality of the water must be good. Even an excellent species of the coffee bean cannot overcome an association with poor quality water. To brew a cup of good espresso, generally the Arabica beans are used. There are three types of espresso coffee beans namely the Arabica, the Robusta, and the Liberian. The Arabica is grown in many parts of the world, Brazil and Bogot¡ being the primary producers. The ones grew over 3000 feet and delivered fresh for roasting are the ideal choice. The beans should have the 'fresh food' smell. Though Robusta is easier to grow and is more disease-resistant, have more caffeine and less flavour. It is usually used for a quick brew instead of the majestic espresso.
The Luigi Lavazza S.p.A. was founded in Turin, Italy in 1895 by Luigi Lavazza to manufacture coffee products. It was initially run from a small grocery store in Via San Tommaso. Currently it is being administered by the third and fourth generation of the Lavazza family. Coffee is imported by the Lavazzas from all over the world. Countries include Brazil and Colombia in South America, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras in Central America, Uganda in Africa, and Indonesia and Vietnam in Asia. It boasts of a very large customer base in Italy. Out of the 20 million coffee drinkers in the country almost 16 million use their products. They currently have seven subsidiary production facilities in the world-France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, Austria, and the United States. Eighty countries all over the world use Lavazza's products. Coffee beans are first ground and then brewed to make a beverage. They are most commonly ground at the roastery, packed and then sold to the consumer. But the whole bean coffee can be ground at home. The type of grind is mostly named after the method, which is being followed. The Turkish grind is the finest grind while the French press is the coarsest. The most common grinds are the medium types. They are generally used in homes to grind the whole beans. The taste of the coffee is also determined by what type of grinder is being used. A good grinder can give the exquisite taste of gourmet coffee even from the Robusta beans. There are three types of grinders generally used- the Blade, the Burr (flat wheel), and the Burr (conical). The Blade grinders are used to grind every type of beans except the espresso. For this the best grinder is the Burr (flat wheel) for the simple reason that it produces most consistent and precise grinds, which are noticeable especially to an ardent espresso lover. Last but not least, the machine should be clean and good quality. Good quality means: 'generates heat by boiler or thermo block and is capable of producing pump pressure of 9 bars or better'. A 'thermo block' heats water as it passes through the machine on the way to the pump. It's better to avoid the cheap units because they rely on steam to create pressure. Espresso coffee beans are used by people all over the world to brew a cup of the emperor of coffees. Every barista has his/her own method but the fact remains same that they are loved by one and all. |
