【Coffee Lab】Espresso
A comprehensive introduction to Espresso + our editor's explanation ☕️🔥✨
Espresso, also known as concentrated coffee in Chinese, is the most classic Italian coffee. It uses high-pressure hot water to rapidly force through finely ground coffee, extracting the essence of the coffee in just about 25 seconds. Espresso cups are small yet rich in flavor, with a rich and silky crema layer, making them the foundation for a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. In Hong Kong, espresso is not only a popular choice in coffee shops, but also the perfect pick-me-up in our fast-paced lives! ☕️💥
Espresso Features
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Brewing method : Use high-pressure hot water at a pressure of about 9 bars to displace finely ground coffee powder, and the extraction time is about 25 seconds.
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Serving size and ingredients : A typical single shot of espresso uses about 7 grams of coffee powder to extract about 25 ml of concentrated coffee juice.
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Oil layer : A 1-3 mm thick golden Crema will form on the surface of the coffee, bringing aroma and smooth taste.
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Taste and flavor : Rich and full, with rich layers of chocolate, nuts, caramel, and sometimes sweet and sour fruits, with moderate bitterness.
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Common variations : Ristretto (short extraction, richer and sweeter taste), Lungo (long extraction, lighter taste and increased acidity), Doppio (double espresso).
Hong Kong Espresso Culture Tips
Hong Kong boutique coffee shops generally prioritize espresso craftsmanship, using premium coffee beans and specialized equipment to deliver a rich, complex flavor experience. In recent years, innovative new combinations, such as espresso with orange juice, have become popular, becoming a new favorite among young people and coffee lovers. Well-known coffee shops such as The Shack, Cozy Coffee, and sensory ZERO all offer high-quality espresso and creative beverages.
Sharing from the editor's perspective
Espresso is my daily spiritual nourishment. Its richness and aroma instantly awaken the senses, making it perfect for a refreshing afternoon or morning after work in Hong Kong. Having tried espresso from different roasts and origins, I've come to appreciate the beauty of its details.
Hong Kong's boutique coffee shops are constantly innovating, with offerings like espresso with orange juice, blending local flavors with international trends, creating a refreshing new take while maintaining the classic charm of traditional espresso. For beginners, it's recommended to start with single-origin beans, adjusting the roast to a light, acidic, or medium-roasted consistency.
Espresso is the soul of the coffee world. A small cup contains big surprises. Hong Kong coffee lovers, don’t miss out on the fun of tasting and exploring it! ☕️🔥🍫
Hong Kong people generally prefer espresso beans with a balanced and delicate taste, a layered sweet and sour taste, and a fruity and sweet flavor. The following is a list of espresso beans recommended for Hong Kong people:
| Coffee bean name | Origin | Flavor characteristics | Reasons for editor's recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombian Supremo | Colombia | Citrus sweetness, nutty aroma, chocolate aftertaste | The acidity is refreshing and non-irritating, the sweetness is obvious, and the taste is mellow, making Espresso not bitter |
| Brazilian Yellow Bourbon | Brazil | Strong creaminess, caramel and nutty aroma, low acidity | Rich and smooth, suitable for making latte or cappuccino, with a balanced sweet and sour taste |
| Kenya SL28 | Kenya | Complex citrus acid, berry aroma, lively and refreshing taste | Typical boutique beans, bright acidity, rich layers, bring a refreshing drinking experience |
| Pacamara, El Salvador | El Salvador, Central America | Floral, fruity and acidic, smooth and sweet | The large beans have a unique aroma and a smooth taste, suitable for coffee lovers who like fruity coffee. |
Additional suggestions from the editor
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The fresh taste of fresh roasted coffee is the most important, so try to choose coffee beans with a recent roasting date.
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If you are trying Espresso for the first time, you can try the medium-light roast version to experience the acidity and sweetness of the beans.
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Hong Kong people like to add milk and choose beans with a balanced sweet and sour taste, which makes the taste smoother when paired with milk.
This bean list combines representative varieties of boutique coffee, balancing the Hong Kong palate's pursuit of sweet and sour, fruity, and rich flavors, making it a great choice for Hong Kong people's daily espresso. I hope everyone can enjoy the wonderful layers of flavor these beans bring when brewing! ☕️🍊🍫
