A pleasure that stimulates the senses - coffee crema from the portafilter! Preparing coffee crema with the portafilter machine is a true art and makes every coffee lover's heart beat faster. Incidentally, coffee crema originally comes from Switzerland - there it is called Schümli coffee. Because it is precisely this little bowl on the coffee that counts and makes it so special. In our article this week, we delve deeper into the world of coffee crema preparation with the portafilter - what dosage is the right one? What does coffee crema taste like from the portafilter? And what grind do I need for the perfect coffee crema? Enjoy reading!
How the machine works explained
Before we take a closer look at how to prepare the coffee crema with the portafilter, let's take a closer look at the portafilter machine. These are true masterpieces of engineering and were specially developed to create the perfect espresso. The heated water is extracted through the compressed coffee grounds at an ideal pressure ratio - the result is a delicious espresso with rich aromas and irresistible crema!
The heart of the machine is the portafilter. This consists of a sieve into which the ground coffee powder is pressed. The espresso then comes out through a specially shaped "pipe" at the bottom. The machine lets the heated water flow into the portafilter in droplets - this distributes the water evenly throughout the ground coffee.
Now, what does the perfect coffee crema taste like from the portafilter?
There are a few basic characteristics of the coffee crema that you should look out for. The perfect coffee crema from the portafilter is characterized by its full, balanced taste and its velvety texture. It is neither too strong nor too weak - just right. This perfection is achieved by the correct dosage and the optimal grind of the coffee.
The most important feature is of course the crema of the coffee. This is a sign of freshness and quality. A good crema protects the coffee from the surrounding air and captures the aroma of the coffee. It makes the coffee experience perfect!
What are the special features of coffee crema from the portafilter?
Coffee crema has some special characteristics that distinguish it from other types of coffee. For example, it is more aromatic and has a more intense taste than filter coffee - this is achieved through the precise control of the extraction by the portafilter machine. The coffee crema thus has a wide range of aromas that range from chocolate nuances to fruity notes.
Another special feature is that the coffee crema takes exactly the same amount of time to brew as an espresso. How does that work - with four times the amount of water? The coffee powder for coffee crema has to be ground much coarser than for espresso. However, it must not be as coarse as for filter coffee. This way the water is distributed optimally in the portafilter and you get a balanced taste.
Another special feature is the possibility to optimize the coffee crema to your individual needs. The grinding level, dosage and brewing time can be adjusted - depending on your personal taste.
This special level of adaptability and control makes the coffee crema from the portafilter a popular choice among coffee lovers!
How is the crema actually created?
The crema is created by the CO2 released from the beans during brewing, which was created during roasting. The escaping CO2 then combines with proteins, carbohydrates and the essential oils of the coffee to form a creamy emulsion - the crema. Therefore, the presence or absence of this can say a lot about the freshness of the coffee. Coffee that is too freshly roasted has a very high proportion of CO2 and creates a crema several centimeters high, which then quickly collapses again. Old coffee, on the other hand, has hardly any CO2 and therefore does not create any crema.
The perfect recipe for preparation
Now that we have covered the art of coffee crema preparation in theory, we will put it into practice and give you the perfect coffee crema recipe:
Ingredients:
- A high-quality portafilter machine
- coffee grinder
-
Freshly ground coffee - ground for the portafilter.
Our Espresso No. 1 - Italian Style is particularly suitable for this - the crema is even better thanks to the proportion of Robusta beans!
Directions:
- Grind your coffee for the portafilter machine and fill the powder into the portafilter. Use about 8g for your coffee crema in the single portafilter and about 16g in the double portafilter.
- Distribute the powder evenly in your portafilter and press it evenly with your tamper to achieve a consistent extraction.
- Now insert your portafilter into the machine and start the brewing process. Make sure the pressure is optimal at around 9 bar - this is the only way to achieve the wonderful crema on your coffee. The water should run through the portafilter for around 25-30 seconds. This will give you around 150ml of coffee crema in your cup.
- Enjoy your perfect coffee crema from the portafilter!
As you can see, coffee crema is the interaction of masterful engineering and really good coffee. Therefore, pay particular attention to the quality of your portafilter machine and your coffee. In our range you will find a wide variety of espressos - there is something for every taste! Just try them out and if you need a little help, please contact us or take part in one of our coffee seminars . There you will find out more about what makes really good coffee.
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