Brewing coffee—whether it’s espresso or a classic cup of American Joe—is based on the same basic principle, which to pass hot water over ground roasted coffee and filtering out the grounds before serving. The difference in oil content (what we snooty coffee connoisseurs commonly call “crema") between drip coffee and espresso primarily stems from variations in that brewing process, the type of coffee grounds used—and last but not least, the filter.
Let’s start with that classic cup of American Joe, which is brewed by slowly dripping hot water over ground coffee beans in a filter. This process typically involves water passing through the coffee grounds only once.
Espresso, on the other hand, is brewed under pressure, with hot water forced through tightly packed, finely ground coffee at a high pressure. This pressure extraction process in espresso machines helps to emulsify oils from the coffee grounds, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated brew with a layer of crema on top. The increased pressure in espresso extraction facilitates the extraction of oils that might not be as readily released in a drip brewing process.
Just as crucial is the coarseness of the grind. Espresso requires a very fine grind size, which increases the surface area of the coffee particles and facilitates the extraction of oils during the high-pressure brewing process. Drip coffee typically uses a coarser grind size, which allows water to flow more freely through the coffee grounds but may not extract oils as efficiently.
Which brings us to filters: Drip coffee often uses paper filters, which absorb some of the oils present in the coffee grounds, resulting in a cleaner, lighter-bodied brew. In contrast, espresso machines typically use metal filters, which allow more oils to pass through into the final brew.
These differences in brewing process, grind size, and filter type contribute to the distinct characteristics of drip coffee and espresso, including variations in oil content, body, and flavor profile. While espresso tends to have a thicker body and a higher concentration of oils, drip coffee often produces a cleaner, smoother cup with fewer oils present.
Regardless of your preference, MochaSurf makes it easy to find your perfect crema. Hop over to store and find the brewing style that’s right for you. Because life’s too short to drink bad coffee.
