4 ms·

Does an espresso really need the crema? In Italy, espresso is simply called caffe. When you order coffee, you get an espresso. At home, many still use a caffet

Does an espresso really need the crema? In Italy, espresso is simply called caffe. When you order coffee, you get an espresso. At home, many still use a caffettiera (sorry, do not know the word in English). A caffettiera will not produce any noticeable crema, but it is still an espresso. I never drink coffee (I am way too energetic as is), but in Italy I constantly drink it since it is cultural. In fact, I leave tonight for Italy, so I expect a coffee soon after landing (after many many hours).

analog31 10y ago
When you order coffee, you get an espresso. My daughter was just in Italy, and granted, she probably didn't stray from the tourist areas. But she said that she had to ask for espresso, or they would assume: She's an American so she must want coffee. With that said, she still raves about the espresso.
nathancahill 10y ago
Caffettiera = moka pot. I wouldn't be so bold as to argue coffee technicalities with an italian :), but espresso is technically different, mostly in regards to extraction through pressure as well as heat.
- donretag 10y ago
  It could very well be. Americans (or better yet, foodies) tend to care about minute details regarding food. In Italy, you go to a cafe/bar and order wine. No wine list, just red or white. You order a blonde/red/dark beer. No labels. Of course, you can specify brands, but in the US, ordering something simply by saying coffee/beer/wine is unheard of.
  - nathancahill 10y ago
    I think one of the reasons is that ordering red/white wine in Italy will get you something palatable. While it's certainly possible to order a house red or a house white at many places in the US, it might be undrinkable. So there's more of a need to specify. Similarly with coffee. If I order coffee in the afternoon in the US, chances are that I will get a pot that has been sitting on the hot plate for a couple hours. Specifying an espresso drink will at least ensure that it's fresh.
gcb0 10y ago
a caffettiera is nothing but a crude, up-side-down espresso machine. It is still espresso. I have no idea why you say it is not. Just pack the coffee grounds as you would on a espresso machine and you will get your crema. Though, it is a crude espresso machine, so don't expect a miracle.

analog31 10y ago

When you order coffee, you get an espresso. My daughter was just in Italy, and granted, she probably didn't stray from the tourist areas. But she said that she had to ask for espresso, or they would assume: She's an American so she must want coffee. With that said, she still raves about the espresso.

nathancahill 10y ago

Caffettiera = moka pot. I wouldn't be so bold as to argue coffee technicalities with an italian :), but espresso is technically different, mostly in regards to extraction through pressure as well as heat.

donretag 10y ago
It could very well be. Americans (or better yet, foodies) tend to care about minute details regarding food. In Italy, you go to a cafe/bar and order wine. No wine list, just red or white. You order a blonde/red/dark beer. No labels. Of course, you can specify brands, but in the US, ordering something simply by saying coffee/beer/wine is unheard of.
- nathancahill 10y ago
  I think one of the reasons is that ordering red/white wine in Italy will get you something palatable. While it's certainly possible to order a house red or a house white at many places in the US, it might be undrinkable. So there's more of a need to specify. Similarly with coffee. If I order coffee in the afternoon in the US, chances are that I will get a pot that has been sitting on the hot plate for a couple hours. Specifying an espresso drink will at least ensure that it's fresh.

gcb0 10y ago

a caffettiera is nothing but a crude, up-side-down espresso machine. It is still espresso. I have no idea why you say it is not. Just pack the coffee grounds as you would on a espresso machine and you will get your crema. Though, it is a crude espresso machine, so don't expect a miracle.