What characterizes the espresso brewing process compared to gravity filtration methods?
Answer
High pressure forcing water through a tightly packed puck.
Espresso preparation is defined by the utilization of intense mechanical force rather than simple gravity or immersion. In this method, finely ground coffee is compacted tightly into a portafilter, forming what is known as a puck. An espresso machine then forces water, heated to a specific temperature, through this densely packed coffee bed at very high pressure, usually over a short contact time. This high-pressure extraction yields a small-volume, highly concentrated shot characterized by its density and the presence of crema on top. This contrasts fundamentally with filter coffee, which relies on the gentle pull of gravity or a controlled slow draw-through of water.
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