[this document is inconsistent/unsure how to handle OFF/ON. If your refer to the button
or switch directly, make it bold (house style would dictate whether all caps or init caps).
If it’s a reference to a state of being on or off, just lower case no bold.]
[Brewing] Espresso
To make the perfect cup of espresso, the right ingredients are needed. Espresso is a
completely different beverage with a different brewing method, specialized machines,
and other specific techniques. These instructions describe the basics of espresso making
by using the most commonly used machine.
What is Espresso?
The word espresso means “express” in Italian. An espresso coffee is quickly brewed in
about 20 seconds by using deeply roasted and finely ground coffee beans at a very high
pressure. Since fine-quality espresso has a very mild taste, which has well-balanced
bitterness, sweetness, and acidity, it tastes like chocolate when it is drunk with sugar.
When it is properly extracted with the espresso machine, the coffee liquid is covered
with a thin light-brown foam that is called crema. This crema makes an espresso mild
and also helps prolong the taste in the mouth. Surprisingly, its caffeine content is
relatively low compared to a regular dripped coffee. It is easy on your stomach, and you
can even have multiple cups per day.
To make espresso, you need to have the following tools and supplies. The most
important thing is to buy good-quality coffee beans; it makes a big difference in the
result.

Espresso machine. A widely available type of machine for household use with a
built in semiautomatic control for temperature and pressure. See Figure 1 for
names of parts.
a – On/Off Switch
b – Reservoir cap
c – Steam release knob
d – Steam nozzle
e – Overflow grid
f – Filter holder and basket
g – Carafe
Figure 1. Espresso Machine
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 Coffee beans. Buy deeply roasted beans. Italian or French roast are ideal for
espresso coffee.

Coffee grinder. Preground coffee for espresso use is available at most coffee
suppliers. However, it is best, of course, to grind your own coffee beans.

Tamper. The tamper is used to hard-press the ground coffee into the filter basket
of the machine. It sometimes comes with the espresso machine, but it is also
sold separately. Buy a tamper that works with the size of your filter basket.
Making Espresso
Preparation. Grind your coffee beans, making sure to grind them finely enough for
the espresso machine. Here are some tips that you may want to consider:

If the coffee is too coarse, the water will go through too fast and will not extract
the nectar from the coffee.

If the coffee grounds are is ground too fine, the water will not be able to travel
through the[m] grounds properly and may lead to overextraction.
Espresso Brewing. Now you are ready to brew your espresso. Carefully follow the
steps listed below:
Warning: Never fill water in the water reservoir while the machine is
switched to on. [AU: state injury possibility]
1. Plug in the espresso machine.
2. Pour a small amount of cold water (about 30 ml) into the water reservoir.
3.
Without inserting the filter basket, attach the filter holder to the machine. Place
the carafe or cup under the filter holder, and then turn the switch to ON.
4. Let the hot water flow for 20 seconds to preheat the brewing head, filter holder,
and the carafe or cup.
5. After all the water is used and all the pressure is released from the reservoir,
turn the switch to OFF.
6. Place the filter basket into the filter holder.
Caution: Do not fill the coffee beyond the indicator mark on the coffee basket.
This may cause the machine to clog or overflow. [indent to parent]
7. Fill the basket with the coffee grounds. When packing the coffee, press lightly
with a tamper onto a surface and clear any excess coffee from the rim of the
filter basket to level.
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Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Figure 2 [need fig title]
Note: The proper amount of coffee varies with each espresso machine. Measure
coffee according to your espresso machine manufacturer’s recommendation with
following considerations: [indent to parent]

If coffee is tamped too hard, the water will not flow through.

If it is not tamped hard enough, the water will run through the grounds too
quickly.
8. Set the filter holder containing the filled filter basket into the machine. Lift the
filter holder upwards, and turn firmly to the direction indicated on your espresso
machine.
9. Unscrew the water reservoir cap, fill the reservoir with cold water (30 ml makes
1 cup), and then put the cap back and close it securely.[aha! There you go, R!]
10. Place the carafe or cup under the filter holder and turn the switch to ON.
Generally, the yield is 30 ml per cup when espresso is extracted for 20 to 25
seconds.
11. When the coffee stream slows, turn the machine off.
12. Leave the carafe or cup in place until the coffee stops dripping. If you see the
light brown crema on top of the liquid as shown in Figure 3, you have
successfully made espresso which tastes deep and rich, yet mild. Enjoy!!
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Figure 3. [fig title]
10. To make more espresso, repeat steps 4 to 9.
Machine cleaning. After making your espresso, clean the machine for the next use.
Please pay attention to the warnings listed below to avoid getting burned:
1. Wait until all the water in the reservoir has been used and [until]all the pressure
has been released before turning the switch off. This usually takes 3 to 5
DANGER:
Never open the reservoir cap or remove the filter holder, while the machine
is turned on or while there is pressure in the reservoir
minutes.
2. Remove filter basket from machine and empty filter basket.
DANGER:
The metal parts might still be very hot; cool them down under running
water
3. Wipe parts with dry clean towel.
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