Espresso coffee is a kind of coffee that is prepared in the espresso machine by producing steam under high pressure that is forced through finely ground coffee beans. The name “espresso” comes from the Italian word for “fast”, as espresso coffee is prepared in 18 to 25 seconds. The word “espresso” is also used to describe the brewing method of preparing espresso coffee.

There are about 42 coffee beans in each espresso serving. Espresso coffee is served in shots or as the base for other coffee drinks. A regular shot of espresso measures 1 ½ oz. An espresso shot contains less caffeine than a cup of regular coffee, due to the fact that during the brewing, water is in contact with the grounds for only a few seconds. This way, less caffeine is extracted. Shots are brewed and poured straight into the cup in which they are being served. The coffee beans that are used for espresso shots are finely ground Arabica beans. Arabica beans are hard beans that are produced in a cooler climate than regular coffee beans; this is why they mature slower. 

Arabica beans are used to make one of many specialty coffees. The term “specialty coffee” refers to coffee beans that are produced in unique areas. Due to these unique areas, specialty coffee beans are known to have outstanding flavors and cost more. Since the boom of cafes in the 1990s, specialty coffee has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most profitable food service markets in the world.

It takes a lot for specialty coffee to get to you. It takes quite some time to grow from green beans to be produced into espresso coffee or other drinks. First of all, the green beans must have no defects; if the coffee beans are questionable they will be discarded. Specialty coffee is made using the most ideal beans. The next step is the roasting of the coffee beans. There are many ways to roast the beans, and each of them brings out different flavors. In order to be designated as “specialty”, coffee beans have to be very aromatic. The last step is the brewing. At this stage, there are a lot of techniques and they can all deliver specialty coffee. However, producing the perfect cup still requires a special system; it needs to be done the right way. In order to produce a cup of specialty coffee, you need to use the right ratio of coffee to water, the right grind suited to the technique and the coffee’s characteristics, and the right water temperature.