You might think, what is a post about a specific type of coffee, espresso, doing on an a life improvement boot camp blog. Well let me elaborate a bit on the subject to draw you a picture which might make sense to get a post on this subject on this blog after all.
Coffee is Comfort
Observing my environment tells me that a lot of times a coffee is consumed, people do it as a matter of kick starting the day in the morning or when having a break or topping off a great meal. Many of you may know that my native tongue is Dutch/Flemish and in Dutch there is a proverb “een bakje troost” which literally translated in English would read something like “a cup of comfort”. Now that is exactly what I wanted to express with this post, a moment of comfort, meditation, pause or “me-time”. The English might see a tea time resemblance, but I will stick to the coffee for the sake of the title of this post.
Coffee or Espresso?
Cup of Espresso
Coffee beverages are found all over the world. Getting your hands on a perfect “cup of Jo” is almost necessary for a lot of people when they go throughout their lives working, performing recreational activities, and whatever else they have to do, to get them through their day. On the one hand coffee is one of those pick-me-up drinks, but on the other hand coffee can also be an addiction. Myself, I only started drinking coffee at the age of 35, except for the occasional black cup of wet roast I used to soak a piece of bread or a cookie. The only thing I was familiar with at that time was the so called “Cafe Americano” and it was until I discovered the fine blends in roasts that were prepared in an espresso machine.
Espresso it is…
That is were the fun started. A fun addiction, especially if you’re the type of person to love espresso, which is a flavorful coffee beverage that millions of people adore!
Indeed, espresso has so many good characteristics that it is almost impossible to have just one serving at a time. Additionally, one piece of factual information about espresso is that scientists and researchers have now actually confirmed that having one or a few servings of espresso throughout your day, may actually be beneficial to your health. One of the great things about espresso is that it contains a variety of antioxidants and, as we all know very well, antioxidants have been known to boost your immune system as well as prevent a whole variety of diseases and disorders. Relying on the antioxidants that one can consume from drinking espresso, is not the best idea as there are other ways to get the same benefits, but perhaps the reason why espresso is chosen by most people is that you can obtain these very benefits from such a small beverage glass!
Another great thing about espresso is that there are so many ways to make it that it’s virtually impossible to get the same exact taste every time you have a sip. It is a surprise experience every single time. Unless you’re drinking espresso that has been made from the same exact coffee bean grounds, chances are that your next cup of espresso will vary, however slightly, the next time you get yourself a serving!
Espresso for beginners
Additionally, not only does espresso taste different every time you make a cup, but there are plenty of other things you can do with it as well. For starters, it can be turned into a mocha latte, a cappuccino, as well as a variety of other different beverages. Beware adding milk or other flavors (syrups) because you will add sugar to it that way, which might drain another benefit of drinking an Espresso (a sugar-free hot drink). For the more experienced espresso drinkers, though, the espresso can easily be turned into a smoothie, a milkshake, and even ice cream! Indeed, the single serving of espresso is really only the beginning because there are so many other beverages and products that it can be turned into and it all depends on your preferences and what types of foods and beverages you would like associated with your favorite cup of espresso! Now back to the essence of the coffee taste and the healthy benefits. Once you like the espresso, go for a ristretto, if you dare. In short it is the same amount of coffee as used for an espresso but with half of the water. That’s what I call a coffee. Unfortunately you can not find it everywhere. Please educate your favorite bartender or go to a place with a real barista.
Espresso or Expresso?
I know, I am going out on a limb here, but trust me. It is pronounced ‘an espresso’, not ‘an expresso’. At some point over the past two decades, some people started to order an expresso as in, “I have been to Italy, I know what good coffee is…” but it is a plain wrong interpretation of the pronunciation. Italians don’t say expresso… They say espresso with the most lovely Italian accent and a deep love for coffee. It comes from “pressing” the coffee and at some point somebody thought it had to be “eXpress” because it was fast… I do not want to start a rant here but please, order ‘an espresso’ if you want a tasteful cup of coffee and when the bartender replies “Expresso?” Respond back: “ESSSSpresso it is” without further comment 🙂 After all, there are millions of people worldwide who love the espresso beverage and making one just right is what many people love! However someone pronounces it…
Have a conscious day!
Filip
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