How Do You Brew Authentic Italian Caffe?
Italian caffè (known in America as espresso) at its best is a true art form. At its worst it very easily can be the most horrid coffee experience a person can endure. This how-to details how to make strong coffee using a “macchinetta.” The resulting coffee used to be known as “espresso” but due to changes in the method of making it, real “modern” espresso can only be had in a bar, where large machines produce around 9 atmospheres (900 kPa) of pressure during brewing, in order to properly extract essential oils and form stable “crema.” Macchinettas typically generate only about 1.5 atmospheres (150 kPa), and so only make a strong, but authentically Italian homemade coffee: “caffè di casa.” • Invest in an inexpensive stovetop espresso maker, namely, the “macchinetta”. Proper hardware is a must to brew a great cup of caffe. • Take a quick look at the machinetta. Macchinettas are composed of 6 parts: • Top Chamber • Central Column • Filter Plate, Funnel Filter • Steam Release Valve; and •