by Daniel Xiao Wang

Created on: January 31, 2009

Coffee is coffee, isn't it? The question most frequently asked by inexperienced coffee and espresso drinkers is, "What is the difference between coffee and espresso?"

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the difference, and the two are probably more different than you imagine. The difference is not only in the preparation of the drink, but even in the bean and grind.

* The bean

Contrary to popular belief any type of coffee bean can be used to make espresso. You do not have to have an "espresso blend." Beans used for espresso are typically roasted darker, providing that stronger espresso flavor. Some espresso blends actually combine several types of coffee beans.

* The grind

The grind makes a huge difference between coffee and espresso. Regular coffee has a courser grind, espresso coffee is finer. This is because of the brewing process. Roasted coffee beans contain around 1500 chemicals that come together to create this tantalizing beverage. Espresso is ground in such a way that, with its preparation, certain chemicals are included, other's excluded.

* The preparation

This is where things become technical. There are a few ways to brew coffee. All of these ways rely upon heated water absorbing the grinds and chemicals to create a pleasing beverage. Some brewing methods take full advantage of everything the coffee bean has to offer, like using a French Press.

Espresso on the other hand is made to shoot water through the fine grinds, only picking up certain chemicals and elements from the ground coffee. The term espresso is a reference to the express way in which this occurs. Making a shot of espresso should only take a few seconds.

Using pressure water is forced through the grinds. Resulting in a quick, concentrated shot. This is why a fine grind is necessary, to allow the water to pass through.

* More about pressure

When brewing a pot of coffee the grinds are dropped into a filter. No effort is made to press the grounds in. With a shot of espresso the grounds are "tamped" into the filter.

Water, with coffee, is then poured over the grinds (or among the grinds). With espresso the espresso machine shoots water at a minimum pressure of 135 pounds per square inch through the grinds.

* The cup

In the end all you have is the cup. With coffee you have a mug full of coffee, perhaps there is a thin line of oil on top of the beverage- oil from the coffee beans. With espresso you have 1-2 ounces of espresso. If the espresso was made correctly there will be crema, a dark rich foam.

* The indulgence

Both coffee and espresso may tantalize your palate, but these drinks are partaken in different ways. Yes, you can drink them both black. Other than that, espresso provides more options than coffee.

Espresso is commonly used in other beverages. Using steamed milk one can make lattes and cappuccinos. Adding warm water creates an "Americano." A touch of milk and sugar will yield a "Cuban."

Coffee is taken with cream and/or sugar. Using steamed milk makes a cup of coffee into a caf au late.

Steamed milk is used because heating milk releases its sweetness. Particularly among espresso enthusiasts you will hear the warning to make sure the milk reaches an appropriate temperature- too cold and the sweetness is forfeited; too hot and the flavor is ruined.

What is the difference between coffee and espresso? Mostly it lies in the grind and preparation. Any type of bean, and really any roast, can be used for espresso, Ultimately it is a choice. How do you like your drink?

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