Just Coffee And Me

You’ve probably noticed it too, but sometimes espresso has a distinct flavor that feels like rubber. And if you are like me, you must be wondering why this happens, at the very least, so we can prevent it next time. The main reason why espresso ends up tasking like rubber is the condition of the machine used to brew it, and this happens most often when a machine is new or too old. Various factors can cause this distinct taste. Still, usually, all it takes to get rid of it is to do a thorough cleaning job. Today we’ll take a look at all the various factors that can cause this phenomenon. I’ll try to answer your questions about espresso, and I’ll make sure to provide solutions and suggestions to avoid this. Coffee is too good to allow some foreign flavor to ruin the experience. How can a machine affect the flavor of espresso? Above, we discussed how the most likely culprit for that distinct flavor is the Espresso Machine that brews the coffee. But why exactly does it cause this weird...

Have you ordered a black coffee and been handed a shot of espresso? That is because a cup of drip coffee is very similar to a shot of espresso. However, what makes brewed coffee different from espresso? After all, they are both coffees.  Technically speaking, both espresso and drip coffee can be made from the same coffee beans. The only difference between the two is the method of preparation, beginning with the beans. You can utilize espresso beans to create drip coffee and dark heated coffee beans to create espresso if you properly ground the beans and utilized the proper gear.   Coffee beans selected for espresso are normally roasted for a longer time than beans intended for drip coffee. Further, espresso beans are ground on the finer side, much like sand than gravel. You see, the bean type you use is crucial when we talk about the taste. The only difference between coffee and espresso has to do with the way the coffee is made. What Does The “Espresso” Label Mean? Keep ...

The cost to purchase an espresso machine comes up in circles of fervent coffee drinkers. However, the answer is not a simple one to identify. For a few coffee lovers, the answer is yes, and investing in a quality espresso machine is an excellent investment.  Generally speaking, a good quality espresso machine will maintain a consistent temperature and pressure (9bar) during the extraction, which is vital when brewing espresso. The cheaper machines will be able to reach the 9 bar pressure but tend to fluctuate wildly. This article will share informative and helpful insights to help you decide whether you need the machine and offer some alternatives if you cannot afford it. What Is An Espresso Machine? An espresso machine is a device that helps you make espresso. All espresso machines have the same components, which enables them to make the best espresso. Those involve an apple or a level, a filter holder, and one or more boilers.  Making espresso needs some steps that begi...

Among the popular coffee drinks today are Americano and Cappuccino. Each beverage has an excellent taste that coffee lovers love. These drinks are part of the daily routine of people who love coffee. Meanwhile, some are confused about the difference between Americano and Cappuccino. Americano has a sweet taste, while the cappuccino has a creamy and stronger taste of coffee. Milk foam and steamed milk are added to espresso in a cappuccino. The difference between the two is that Americano doesn’t contain milk foam and milk, unlike the cappuccino.   In addition to the difference between Americano and Cappuccino, we will also discuss other topics like espresso, what you need to prepare a cappuccino, and more.         What Is An Espresso?  With this process, the result will be a liquid that is stronger than coffee. It is topped with crema or a brown foam formed as the air bubbles are mixed with the fine ground coffee soluble oils. The crema adds a rich ...

Congratulations! You have finally got the best espresso beans, grinder, and espresso machine. However, if your espresso still tastes terrible, your tamping technique might be the culprit. Do not worry if you have no tamper; you can still tamp expertly without it. You will need a good espresso machine, grinder, portafilter, and an object with a flat surface. Ensure that the object fits the portafilter perfectly. Below are steps on how to tamp your espresso with no tamper: Step #1: Measure and Level the Coffee Grounds  Measure and fill the portafilter with grounds just above the brim. Swipe over the top and remove any excess coffee using your index finger. Do not push down the grounds slightly with hands to prevent uneven oils extraction and flavorless shot. Step #2: Position the Tamp and Your Body  On a flat surface, place the portafilter and apply even pressure on it. Place the portafilter on a table if it comes with a flat surface. Alternatively, use the table’s edge t...

Are you torn between blonde and espresso when it comes to caffeine content? Lighter roasted coffees are believed to have a little more caffeine than the medium-dark or dark espresso roast coffees. Beware that coffee seeds do have a uniform coffee amount per serving; it might be close but not uniform. According to popular belief, very dark coffee usually contains less caffeine, while very light roasted coffee is likely to have more coffee. Generally, the longer a coffee bean is roasted, the less amount of caffeine remains. It depends on how coffee beans are brewed and other variables. Espresso contains less caffeine per shot and takes 3-4 shots to the large serving of drip coffee’s caffeine level. This post will reveal what factors affect the amount of coffee in a drink, the difference between light and dark roast coffees, the effects of the brewing method on caffeine, and more. So, let’s get started! What Affects the Amount of Caffeine In Coffee? Coffee is one of the top drink opti...

I can’t pass a day without taking a sip of my favorite coffee. Perhaps, as you pamper your caffeine habit, you will have an idea of what kind of coffees you want, and probably, espresso and dark roast are part of them.  If you’ve already tried both espresso and a coffee of dark roasted beans, you’ll know that they are distinguishable from each other in as much as how they are prepared. You can brew espresso usually with medium to medium-dark roasts. Though some people use dark roasted beans, it still depends on your preference. Meanwhile, dark roast defines a roast profile roasted longer and is typically used in any brewing method. Many misconceptions about the caffeine content of these coffee roasts have emerged, but little did they know that the caffeine level is only slightly affected by the roasting process. You make dark roasted coffee if you prefer a strong and intense taste.  In this article, we have included the types of coffee beans, the roasts’ profile, and how yo...

There are so many variations of a simple cup of coffee that it’s not always easy to keep up, especially those made by high street coffee shops. A frappe is usually made from milk, ice cream, and flavored syrup. It can also contain coffee flavoring. The Frappe is also an iced mocha with chocolate. On the other hand, a macchiato is an espresso with a little steamed milk on the top. The Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water to finely ground coffee.   Besides revealing the difference between Frappe and macchiato, we will also discuss other important topics for your coffee needs. How to make a macchiato Making a macchiato is simple. You will need equipment including a milk jug, thermometer, and coffee machine with steam wand/ arm. The key ingredients are foamed milk and Espresso.  The making process  Foam a small milk amount in your milk jug. You need milk foam. Next, you can brew double or single Espresso into a small espresso glass of espresso cup. Swirl the milk ...

Iced latte and iced macchiato are two of the favorite drinks of coffee lovers. It can provide you with a smooth and delicious taste you can enjoy, especially during summer.                  The iced latte is a cold espresso you can drink on hot days. It is a combination of strong, rich espresso and ice-cold milk. On the other hand, the iced macchiato is a combination of cold milk, ice, and espresso shots. Macchiato is often served with milk on its bottom and espresso on the top for a foamy texture.   In addition to the difference between an iced latter and iced macchiato, we will also discuss macchiato’s ingredients, how to make a latter, and more for your coffee needs.  What Are The Ingredients Of A Macchiato?  Making a macchiato includes a dollop of steamed milk and a double or single shot of espresso. It would be best if you used a freshly ground espresso. If you want a sweet and foamy beverage, a macchiato is a good ch...