How to Meassure Coffee for Espresso

Measuring the proper amount of coffee for espresso will ensure a perfect cup every time.

Espresso is a form of coffee-making that uses highly pressurized hot water to brew. This process was invented in Italy and involves grinding the cofee beans to a much finer grind than that of an average, drip coffee. Specially designed espresso machines are required to brew the espresso. The result is a highly concentrated coffee, much thicker than an average coffee's consistency. Knowing how to measure the coffee is essential to making a perfect espresso.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee grinder
• Espresso machine

Instructions

1. Grind the coffee.

   If you are not buying coffee already specifically ground for an espresso machine, then ensure that you grind the beans to a fine powder.

2. Add water to the machine.

   Different machines have capacities of one, two and even four espresso-sized cups. Any espresso connoisseur will recommend that you use bottled water to maximize the flavor. This will also avoid calcium buildup, which can disrupt and damage the inner workings of the machine.

3. Measure out the ground coffee. For every one cup of espresso, use one heaping tablespoon of coffee.

4. Load the brewing basket. When filling the basket, ensure that you tamp the coffee down firmly before brewing.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you have purchased pre-ground coffee, throw it in a grinder and grind it once more.

References

• Illy: Espresso