Espresso Crema
In this article: Espresso crema, crema tips, creama
Crema, the golden foam on top of a well-made cup of straight espresso. Among espresso lovers, getting a good crema on their espresso has become somewhat of an obsession.
For espresso experts, the crema is the key to diagnosing the quality and taste of the espresso coffee. What kind of beans has been used? Has the espresso been brewed quickly or to slow? For the rest of us, who happens to know a little about espresso, crema is a sign of a well-made cup of espresso that will probably taste good.
As a home espresso brewer however, don't get to obsessed with the good-espresso-crema-issue. A cup of espresso can taste just as good with no or little crema, it just looks better and again, the crema is somewhat an obsession among espresso lovers.
However, if you just can't stop in your quest for the perfect crema on your espresso, and you are having trouble getting it, here is good advice for you.
Are you using a very cheep espresso machine?
If you are using a espresso machine that uses only trapped steam to press the water through the coffee, give up the crema or buy an pump machine. The steam-pressure-only espresso machines just won't produce the pressure to give you more than a little crema.
Use the right brewing technique
Make sure that you are using your espresso machine in the right way. Look at the instructions again and follow them carefully. You may also read more on this site about how to make espresso the right way.
Use the proper grind
Review the grind you use for your espresso. It should be uniform and very fine grit produced by a quality grinder. If your home coffee grinder does not meet the requirements for a good grinder, replace it or buy pre-grinded coffee directly from the store.
Use fresh espresso coffee only
To make good crema, you need fresh espresso coffee. Ideally you grind your own coffee just before you use it, but if you have to buy ground coffee, keep it sealed and cool for no longer than a week or two.
Use a little more coffee than you normally would
If your machine does not produce a good crema with the recommended dose of ground coffee, try adding some more. Use the double filter basket rather than the single and add some extra ground coffee.
Preheat your espresso cup
Use a small, but most importantly preheated espresso cup. If the cup is to large or could, you will end up with less crema.
Finally, if you just don't get it right: Consider upgrading your machine, or just relax. The crema is not that important after all. Good luck!