Difference between Espresso and Filter Coffee
We hear from our resident expert, Java Jon, about the difference between espresso and filter coffee. Java Jon writes:
“I’ve been on the road for many years setting up coffee solutions in a variety of office make ups. One of the first questions, before people have joined our coffee family,
What’s the difference between and Espresso and Filter coffee – Isn’t the one just Italian?
“To answer the question, Yes and No.
“Filter coffee or drip coffee which is actually its correct coffee aficionado name, was invented in Germany by a housewife, who was looking for a way to brew the perfect cup of coffee with none of the bitterness caused by “burning” or over-brewing the coffee. She invented a way of pouring boiling water over ground coffee and having the liquid filtered by filter paper – for which she used her son’s ink blotting paper. A few years later, the filter paper was patented.
“There are a few claims as to where the first Espresso was created, but Italy is definitely the major forerunner. Italian Achilles Gaggia (maybe you have heard of the machine) invented the first modern day espresso machine – and with this espresso coffee was born!
“The question of what’s the difference? , is often followed by the statement of
Oh, I don’t drink espresso, is much too strong
“Now this is where the real difference between the two beverages comes in to play. Wait and see!!!
“The main difference between espresso – (originating for the Italian word pressed out) and filter coffee (remember the paper) is the fineness of the ground and the brewing time.
“The brewing time for espresso is much shorter and made possible by an Espresso machine which creates pressure. A ‘shot’ of espresso is made by forcing (pressing out) about 45ml of water through tightly packed finely ground coffee. A perfect shot of espresso, should be a dark brown thick liquid, with a small amount of foam on top, just like the head on a beer – called a crema, which takes quite a bit of skill. Just like putting my two favourite beverages in one sentence.
“Filter coffee is made by dripping boiling water over coarsely ground coffee, the water filters through the coffee and paper and falls into the pot. The coffee is ground much more coarsely then for your espresso, and the process is much slower. The water is in contact with coffee longer, making it one of the caffeinated coffee drinks.
“Now when someone says they don’t drink espresso as it’s too strong, you can politely correct them to the contrary.”
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Written by Java Jon (biased espresso drinker).
