Espresso Coffee: Italy’s Contribution to Changing the Concept of Coffee
The origin of espresso coffee:
Espresso coffee, which means “fast” in Italian, is made by compressing ground coffee and extracting water through it. The inventor of espresso has not been definitively identified, but it began in Italy and evolved over time. Angelo Moriondo, an Italian, invented a machine for making espresso in 1884, and Luigi Bezzera later introduced many improvements that helped speed up the coffee-making process and develop the machine. The first factory for manufacturing espresso coffee was opened in Milan, Italy, and among these companies was La Pavoni, which produced the world’s first espresso machine in 1905.
Espresso coffee with milk:
When was milk first added to coffee?
It has not been definitively determined, but it is believed that milk was first added to espresso coffee in the 17th century in Italy. Italy was also the first to come up with the idea of adding milk to espresso coffee, and over time it developed in several countries, becoming the official drink in some cultures. Cappuccino is widespread in Italy.
Espresso drinks with milk:
Espresso with milk (Espresso with Milk) is considered one of the basic drinks in the world of coffee, consisting of espresso coffee with steamed and frothed milk. It is usually prepared using an espresso machine, which uses high pressure to extract coffee quickly.
Among the common types of espresso with milk are:
1- Cappuccino, which is a drink of espresso coffee with steamed and frothed milk.
2- Latte, which is a drink of espresso coffee with steamed milk and a little foam.
3- Mocha, which is a drink made from espresso coffee, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk.
The impact of espresso coffee on societal culture:
Espresso coffee occupies an important place in the societal culture of many countries, reflecting the way of life and traditions of the communities that consume it. Therefore, espresso coffee can influence changes in societal behavior and its impact on social and cultural life.
In Italy, for example, after the invention of espresso, espresso coffee became an essential part of local culture, a symbol of civilization and development, and a means of communication and exchange of ideas and news among people. Espresso cafes occupy an important place in Italian society, where people visit them to enjoy a cup of espresso and talk with friends and colleagues. Due to tourism in Italy, this culture has spread around the world.
In the United States, espresso coffee can be said to have become a symbol of work and productivity, as many people use it to increase energy and focus at work. Drinking espresso coffee in some American societies is considered a sign of sophistication and high culture.
In addition, espresso coffee can influence social and cultural behavior through its impact on public health and social communication. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of espresso coffee may contribute to improving mood, concentration, and mental performance, which can affect social behavior, training, and learning.
In general, espresso coffee reflects societal culture in many countries and can influence societal behavior.
