7 Fast Facts About Espresso
November 23 is National Espresso Day! (FYI – “The First Pull” refers to “pulling” a fresh shot of espresso.)
Here are 7 things you should know about this delicious beverage, illustrated with GIFs.
Espresso is not a particular type of coffee bean or a particular roast, it is a drink.
Specifically, it is a particular type of coffee brewing method that uses high pressure to force nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee in about 20-30 seconds.
“Crema” is the initial light/tawny colored liquid that comes out during an espresso extraction.
Learn more about why crema is so important to espresso aficionados.
Espresso is regulated by the Italian government because it is considered an essential part of their daily life.
Related: How to Drink Espresso Like an Italian

Espresso machines use 132 pounds per square inch of pressure to extract coffee.
Traditional drip coffee brewers just use boring gravity.

One shot of espresso requires 50 coffee beans.
And just one bad bean in the blend can ruin the taste.

Brewed espresso has 2.5% fat, while filtered coffee contains 0.6% fat.
This is because espresso is an emulsion; or a liquid composed of stratified oils. (Extra coffee fact: A coffee bean is roughly 12% oil.)
Zero gravity coffee cup – via NASA
As of 2015, astronauts on the International Space Station can brew fresh espresso on board.
For a drink that’s really out of this world. [Ed. note: Sorry.]
Related
https://nationalcoffeeblog.org/2015/12/14/espresso-field-guide/
A visual reference for ingredient ratios.
https://nationalcoffeeblog.org/2015/11/23/7-fast-facts-about-espresso/amp/
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oh thanks for posting it well before the 23rd so I can celebrate that day – and LOVED this post….
🙂
You are so welcome… Thanks for your visit!
:)
Amazing! So interesting. I am a lover of a good espresso. I didn’t even know that one shot of this beverage is made up of around 50 coffee beans! Interesting!
So glad to share. Espresso is a powerful coffee choice. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend!
Wow, one shot has 50 coffee beans?! Intense!
We should know as much as possible about intense coffees! %) Thanks for your responsive comment, Christy B.
All fresh coffee beans for me, please! 😊
Those are the best!💕
They are, and I also like a good French press every now and then. 😊☕️❤️
I never knew coffee taste depends on so many things
Totally mind-blowing!
Love coffee… great post ☕️✌️
Thank you!😎
I’ve never tried espresso. It looks good though!
It is a powerful coffee, Jacquie. I will drink for emergencies only. Enjoy should you try! Have a enjoyable, safe holiday (end of Summer) celebrate as well!!
You too! And yes, better save it for those days when my peepers won’t stay open 😊
You got It! Those are the times to resort to espresso. and I mean do it expresso! (Smiling) Huge hugs to you Jacquie. Take care!
I used to make these at home all the time. But I added caramel and cream….so good!
Salted caramel is also my style. I love my homemade and commercial. I always take a bigger shot or double shots of espresso. 💕❤️☕️
buone feste
☕️😎👍
;-)
After drinking it for so many years, it is really cool to learn the back story! Keep posting!
You are very welcome. Thank you for your visit!💕
You bet I learned more about espresso than ever in my life through this post! Thanks for sharing this with us. And the gifs are soooo magical too! :D :D
Short but quality writings!!
Thank you Richard for stopping in and commenting. Best wishes for your having a blessed week.