Editing Espresso (section)

{{Short description|Type of strong coffee}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox beverage
| name = Espresso
| image = Tazzina di caffè a Ventimiglia.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = A cup of espresso in [[Ventimiglia]], Italy
| type = 
| origin = [[Italy]]
| introduced = 1901
| color = Brown, black
}}
{{Infobox nutritional value
| name = Coffee, brewed, espresso, restaurant-prepared
| kJ = 8.4
| carbs = 0.
| fat = 0.2
| protein = 0.1
| magnesium_mg = 80
| riboflavin_mg = 0.2
| niacin_mg = 5.2
| water = 97.8 g
| opt1n = Theobromine
| opt1v = 0 mg
| opt2n = Caffeine
| opt2v = 212 mg
| note = [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171891/nutrients Link to Full USDA Nutrient Report]
}}

'''Espresso''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Back ache-espresso.wav|ɛ|ˈ|s|p|r|ɛ|s|oʊ}}, {{IPA|it|eˈsprɛsso|lang}}) is a concentrated form of [[coffee]] produced by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Originating in Italy, espresso has become one of the most popular coffee-brewing methods worldwide. It is characterized by its small serving size, typically 25–30 ml, and its distinctive layers: a dark body topped with a lighter-colored foam called "crema".

[[Espresso machine]]s use pressure to extract a highly concentrated coffee with a complex flavor profile in a short time, usually 25–30 seconds. The result is a beverage with a higher concentration of suspended and dissolved solids than regular [[drip coffee]], giving espresso its characteristic body and intensity.<ref>{{cite news |title=The History of the Espresso |url=https://esquirescoffee.co.uk/news/history-espresso/ |work=Esquires Coffee |date=12 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-13|title=Espresso Coffee Maker Through History|url=https://espressocoffeebrewers.com/espresso-coffee-history/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=EspressoCoffeeBrewers.com|language=en-US}}</ref> While espresso contains more caffeine per unit volume than most coffee beverages, its typical serving size results in less caffeine per serving compared to larger drinks such as drip coffee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coffee versus Espresso: Unraveling the Caffeine Mystery |url=https://www.compasscoffee.com/blogs/the-daily-grind/coffee-vs-espresso-unraveling-the-caffeine-mystery?srsltid=AfmBOopvzlFTF3LBKHCVAQCGRELCgl6DDXSFPC5f4kY7snBmEuggzV3K |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Compass Coffee |language=en}}</ref>

Espresso serves as the base for other coffee drinks, including [[cappuccino]], [[Latte|caffè latte]], and [[Caffè americano|americano]]. It can be made with various types of coffee beans and roast levels, allowing for a wide range of flavors and strengths, despite the widespread myth that it is made with dark-roast coffee beans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Debunking 5 Common Espresso Myths |url=https://us.ecscoffee.com/blogs/ecs/debunking-5-common-espresso-myths |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=ECS Coffee |language=en}}</ref> The quality of an espresso is influenced by factors such as the grind size, water temperature, pressure, and the [[barista]]'s skill in tamping the coffee grounds.

The cultural significance of espresso extends beyond its consumption, playing a central role in [[Coffeehouse|coffee shop]] culture and the [[Third-wave coffee|third-wave coffee movement]], which emphasizes artisanal production and high-quality beans.