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Espresso is a coffee drink that originated in Italy but has since been embraced by countries worldwide.
When we were children my grandfather would make espresso for the adults but would lighten our coffee with foamed milk. My espresso tastes are more sophisticated now but my espresso memory is preserved by this wonderful ritual.
I love espresso so much that I opened a coffeehouse of my own.
The name of this drink means “to express” in Italian, but most people appreciate it for the concentrated strength of its brew and the delicate foam that is its signature topping.
Millions of people enjoy this coffee drink that it’s celebrated with its own holiday. National Espresso Day is on November 23rd every year.
The History Of Espresso
In Turin, Italy, in 1884, a delightful new innovation was developed
This drink owes its existence to the espresso machine — a machine first patented in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo from Turin.
When this machine was invented, it was listed as a steam machine for the instantaneous way it processed a cup of coffee.
Even though we’re not sure when National Espresso Day was celebrated for the first time, we do know the history of espresso well.
In 1901, Luigi Bezzera from Milano patented his own version of the espresso machine, Tipo Gigante, or a giant type machine. Desiderio Pavoni eventually purchased this machine in 1903.
1905, he founded the La Pavoni company and began producing espresso machines.
Victoria Arduino Poster (image: Wikimedia Commons)
Although espresso machines were sold around Italy, they weren’t used commercially in the United States until 1927. This machine was installed at Reggio’s in New York City.
Even though these early machines worked well, they tended to create coffee with a slightly burnt taste. Fortunately, Cremonesi released a new espresso machine version in 1938. From that point on, espresso gained popularity in the U.S.
Below are four interesting facts about espresso that every coffee fan should know:
Espresso is less caffeinated than other coffee drinks.
The Italian government regulates espresso.
Espresso machines use over 130 pounds of pressure per square inch to extract coffee.
Astronauts on International Space flights have brewed espresso since 2015.
The best and most obvious way to celebrate National Espresso Day is by brewing an excellent cup. If you don’t have the time or the equipment, you can always head to your favorite coffee shop and pick one up, or better yet, sit and soak up the atmosphere. The best coffee shops have their own unique character.
Another way to celebrate this holiday is using the hashtag #NationalEspressoDay on social media. You can ask family and friends to meet at a coffee shop so you to enjoy a cup together.
Oh my gosh - I love espresso and lived most of my life in the coffee capital of Australia, Melbourne, (due to the high rate of Italian immigration lucky us!). I remember a story about coffee being seen as second to tea (so British!) mainly because the Ladies of the Night were known to drink it to keep themselves 'alert' for their clientele. Coffee carts were a late night/early morning feature of Melbourne streets in the 1800's apparently! I am so glad it has gained respectability because I definitely do NOT enjoy tea!! Love the history Lulu -thank you!
Yummy!