Introduction:
As the proud owner or the Gaggia Espresso, you can now experience the taste of a delicious cup of espresso or cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. Congratulations on making a wise decision!
Espresso coffee, originally created in Italy, is made by rapidly forcing water that has been heated to the correct brewing temperature, through a special finely ground coffee. The heart of the Espresso Gaggia is a precision engineered pump. The pump and water flow is easily controlled with just a flick of the switch.
Making espresso or cappuccino is very different from using a coventional coffee maker. The Espresso Gaggia operates with pressure and steam and it is, therefore, important to read all the instructions before using. Become familiar with all parts of the machine before operating the unit.
Important to know...
The taste of your coffee depends on the characteristics of the beans from which it is made, the type of bean, where it was grown and processed.
The special flavor of a coffee bean is determined by many factors, but its taste and aroma are the result of the roasting process. Most coffees purchased from the supermarket are roasted to a moderate degree. Those beans are light in color and have a dry, rather than an oily surface. This is known as the American roast (in USA).
The coffee beans that are roasted for a longer period of time and at higher temperatures will be much darker in color. Darker beans will produce a more flavorful cup of coffee than the
2.A variety of dark roasts is available from which you can choose to brew your espresso. Examples: Vienna roast, French roast, Italian roast, etc. Each of these roasts is a blend of coffee beans that are roasted at a specific temperature producing a specific type of flavor.
There are decaffeinated beans that have up to 98% of the caffeine content removed.
The next time you purchase coffee for your espresso maker, experiment with one of the many kinds of coffee being sold. You may just find that it tastes better than the blend you have been using.
3.A fine “espresso grind” forpump- driven machines must be used. Be sure to ask for this when buying coffee or when having beans ground. Do not use a
4.The mark of real espresso is its dark color, rich taste and the light
brown, natural froth called “crema” in Italian.
5.Cappuccino is simply a combination of espresso and hot, frothy milk. Equal amounts of espresso, froth
and hot milk are recommended.
. Cappuccino is usually topped with cinnamon, nutmeg or chocolate shavings.
6.Espresso Coffee should be served immediately after it is made.
7.Espresso is SeNed in 2 to 2 l/2 oz. demitasse cups. A 4 or 6 oz. cup or glass is used for cappuccino.
8.Ideally, coffee beans should be ground immediately before using. Remember, it must be an “espresso grind” for
9.It’s best to store ground coffee or beans in an airtight container in the freezer of your refrigerator. Ground coffee readily picks up food flavors.