What approximate pressure level, measured in bars, is characteristic of a true espresso machine extraction?
Answer
Around 9 bars
A defining characteristic of true espresso extraction is the requirement for high pressure to force near-boiling water through a tightly compacted puck of very finely ground coffee. This process standardly mandates a pressure of approximately 9 bars. This intense pressure is what facilitates the rapid extraction of solubles and oils, leading directly to the small volume, intense flavor concentration, and the creation of the signature layer of crema that defines the espresso beverage. Traditional lever-operated espresso machines rely on the barista's manual control over the force applied to achieve this critical pressure threshold.

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