I used to make shots first and then steam milk when I had a single-boiler machine. But now that I can do them at the same time with the HX machine I like to do the milk first and keep it swirling as I pull the shot.
cheswik Said:
do beans have to be "espresso" beans or can you buy regular beans and grind fine for espresso machine?
Espresso is made from coffee beans, if that's what you mean. For the best espresso I think the beans should be roasted kinda lighter than most folks think, and they should be used within a few days of roasting (say on days 2-8 after the roast).
I prefer not to have black, over-roasted, or oily beans. The beans need to be ground no more than a few minutes before pulling the shot.
Woody Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2004 Posts: 482 Location: Hood River, OR Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Vivaldi I Grinder: Mazzer SJ Vac Pot: Hoover Drip: yuck Roaster: SC/GG
Posted Sat Jan 8, 2005, 9:00pm Subject: Re: 2 Quick Newbie Questions
To add to Jon's response, I'm assuming you mean by "espresso" vs. "regular" beans to be what they are labeled or named. Many roasted beans are sold as blends of different varieties, and those labeled espresso are specific blends which may be more suited for espresso.
Posted Sat Jan 8, 2005, 9:18pm Subject: Re: 2 Quick Newbie Questions
Woody Said:
To add to Jon's response, I'm assuming you mean by "espresso" vs. "regular" beans to be what they are labeled or named. Many roasted beans are sold as blends of different varieties, and those labeled espresso are specific blends which may be more suited for espresso.
OR, they may be roasted very dark and labeled "espresso" because that is what many people mistakenly think espresso should be made from.
As you research, you will find that most "experts" (i.e, Schomer, etc.) like a lighter roast for espresso. I find lighter to be better than "espresso roast."
Dark roast allow retailers to hide the true age and quality of the beans.
Short answer: any beans will make espresso; they do not have to be labeled "espresso roast" in order to make good espresso.
"I've appeared before every court in the state. Often as a lawyer." - Lionel Hutz, Esq.
Question 1) I think this depends a bit on the type of machine you have. I have a single boiler (Silvia) and found it easier to brew the shot first then steam the milk (I tried both ways several times). The shots were better when pulled first, as Silvia takes a bit of time to cool down from the steaming phase. If you have a HX or dual boiler machine then your options differ as you can do both at the same time. In a perfect world, your espresso shot would finish just as you were putting the finishing touches on the microfoam in your pitcher.
Questions 2) Think of it this way. Espresso is a method for brewing. Coffee beans are the main ingreedient. Just like grilling is a cooking method and steak is the main ingreedient. Can you grill chicken or fish or squash? Yup. Same thing with espresso. The beans you use will have an impact on flavor, but they will all be espresso. Expirement and see what you like. Who knows, your favorite "espresso" blend may be the one the store calls morning sunrise.
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