4 steps to the perfect Italian coffee

4 steps to the perfect Italian coffee

Don’t we all love a smooth, rich and lava-hot Italian caffe’? It’s not surprising that the Belpaese is famous for it, given that 96.5% of Italian adults drink coffee (or coffee-based drinks like cappuccino) regularly, drinking an average of 18 coffees a week, 2.5 a day. That’s probably why we shout at each other all the time! 🙂

Interestingly the favourite place where Italians like to enjoy a good cup of coffee is in the comfort of their own homes (89%) rather than at the bar (78%). Over the last 100 years we’ve perfected the art of making great coffee to start the day. Let’s have a look together at the 4 steps for a real Italian espresso at home.

1. Water

Use tap water (the softer the better) that should always be cold. Never use water from a boiling kettle to speed up the procedure: it will make the coffee taste acidic. Take your time, making coffee is a ritual that deserves a bit of patience!

2. Moka pot

If you don’t own one, I would personally recommend buying the simplest Bialetti you can find. Give it a run out first with 3 coffees that you’ll throw away. Once you’re ready to use it, don’t wash your moka pot with soap or it will affect the taste, simply rinse it under the tap. Remember to fill the water tank only up to the valve.

3. Coffee blend

Look for a blend that’s rich, full bodied and medium roasted. It will give your coffee an intense, defined taste and a great aroma. If you can’t use freshly ground coffee beans, keep your ground coffee sealed in a jar: it can quickly pick up other food’s smells. Nobody likes an ‘onion espresso’! Put the ground coffee in the filter basket without pressing, trying to create a little dome. It will help the water to come through easily and evenly.

4. Procedure

Make sure the upper part is always firmly screwed to the water tank. Keep the flame low so the water has time to come to the boil slowly. Here’s a tried and tested tip for you: many people keep the lid closed but it should be kept open! It will avoid condensation in the pot and help your coffee to achieve a sweeter aroma. If you’re afraid of getting piping hot coffee all over your stove top, you can put a spoon over the chimney. Turn the flame off once it starts bubbling, don’t let the coffee start to boil or it will taste too bitter.

You’re now ready to enjoy your coffee however you like. I like mine with a cake breakfast!

Buon appetito e buon caffe’!

Giordano