Italian Espresso are expected to be the next UNESCO heritage
Italy has long been known for producing world-famous coffee drinks. Every cup of Italian coffee gives a rich, charming flavor, of which the most popular is Espresso – appeared since the 1930s and processed from pure Arabica beans or mixed Arabica with Robusta in the ratio of 60-40.
A cup of black, smooth Espresso is not just simply for loading caffeine to the body, keeping the mind awake. For Italians, Espresso has such great social and cultural significance that two times in this year they have submitted an application to UNESCO with the hope that the drink would become a new World Intangible Heritage.
Read more: A jungle of Italian coffees to meet all the tastes
The coffee culture started in the 1645s
As one of the countries bringing coffee culture closer to consumers on all continents, enjoying coffee in Italy is not a routine every morning, but gradually becomes a delicate art.
Around 1645, the coffee first appeared in Venice, with the unique combination of Arabica and Robusta, together with the single use of Arabica beans becoming the factor that makes Italian coffee unmistakable. The notable difference lies in a beautiful finishing brown color, no oil (or less oil), which was a result of careful bean selection and roasting.
Later on, Espresso officially peed out in this boot-shaped country around 1930, and only found in bars. The name was formed from the word Espressivo, meaning a food specially prepared for diners. In the following centuries, the drink with its characteristic charismatic flavor spread to Spain and other European countries. Nowadays, Espresso has become part of coffee culture around the world.
Check out on: What makes a qualified shot of Espresso?
Enjoying Espresso is a ritual feature
Espresso in Italian means to do it quickly; as brewing, baristas will boil water at a temperature of 88-95°C and a pressure of 900-1000 kPa pressed through finely ground coffee powder in a short time (25 -30 seconds). The force of water will compress the coffee, creating a flow of liquid down the cup through a filter.
When brewed properly, a cup of Espresso has a smooth crema on top and a dark brown liquid layer below. Its taste must be a harmonious combination of fruit – floral – toast – and chocolate.
Italians have a habit of enjoying Espresso as a friendship drink, even a custom that persists to this day in some parts of Naples, that when you visit someone’s, you don’t bring cake or flowers with you but sugar and coffee.
