First espresso extraction
First espresso extraction

Tomorrow, April 16th will be "Espresso Day". It has been loved by Italians since it was born at the Milan Expo in 1906, but it has become quite familiar in Japan as well.

● Can I drink "espresso" at home?


Espresso, which is extracted in a short time by applying pressure to ultra-finely ground coffee powder, is characterized by a deep richness in which only the umami is dissolved. I thought it was a drink that only baristas were allowed to make, but recently there are machines that you can easily enjoy at home. Does that mean that even a very ordinary writer can do it? I was curious, so I participated in Delonghi's new product experience event!

● Experience Delonghi "Dedica Espresso Cappuccino Maker"


This time, I experienced the manual espresso machine "Dedica Espresso Cappuccino Maker (EC680)" to be released on April 15. With the same pump type as for commercial use, it achieves 9 atm at the time of extraction and 90 degrees of hot water supply temperature, and it seems that you can tamper the powder and whisk the milk yourself. I usually eat espresso only when I drink latte or when I go to a restaurant, and suddenly I'm a little scared of the height of the hurdle of "manual".

There is a fashionable aura that is not touched by annoyance
There is a fashionable aura that is not touched by annoyance

At the event, participants extracted espresso by themselves under the lecture of Mr. Keisuke Abe, a barista officially recognized by Delonghi. Below, we will introduce the "knack" of the barista's direct transmission!

Mr. Abe, a Delonghi official barista
Mr. Abe, a Delonghi official barista

First, put the powder in the filter holder and press it tightly from above with the attached tamper. At this time, the point is to make the surface "horizontal" as much as possible. Also, if you press it too hard, the powder may become clogged and the amount of extraction may decrease. In that case, it seems that you should respond by changing the way beans are ground according to your own strength.

Put espresso powder in the holder
Put espresso powder in the holder

Hold it tight with a tamper
Hold it tight with a tamper

To be as horizontal as possible
To be as horizontal as possible

After setting the holder on the machine, press the one-shot extraction button. After that, one cup (30cc) of boiling water is automatically poured and the espresso is completed. It's not really easy! !!

Fit it tightly
Fit it tightly

Switch on!
Switch on!

All you have to do is wait! An appropriate amount of boiling water is poured
All you have to do is wait! An appropriate amount of boiling water is poured

By the way, if a coffee cream called "Crema" floats on the surface of the espresso, it is a proof that it was made properly. Isn't it quite successful for the first time? If you drink it as it is, it is very delicious with a rich aroma and a fruity taste! In Italy, adding sugar is a standard, so when I tried it, it looked like a fashionable dessert reminiscent of tiramisu.

Italians drink this quickly
Italians drink this quickly

For those who find it troublesome to throw away or wash the powder, you can also use the "Cafe Pod", which has the powder set in a nice way. You can easily enjoy authentic espresso just by putting the pod in the holder.

It ’s a major in Italy
It ’s a major in Italy

After setting it in the holder, just extract it in the same way as before
After setting it in the holder, just extract it in the same way as before


● Easy latte menu


Next, pour the whipped milk into the espresso to make a latte. I used to make it at a part-time job a long time ago, but did it fit that way? Let's take a look at professional skills.

Use the milk flosser on the side of the body
Use the milk flosser on the side of the body

Put cold milk in a metal milk jug and whisk with the milk flosser on the side of the body. Place one hand on the jug and stir the whole while checking the temperature of the milk. After that, tap it on a table and turn it to make the surface of the milk glossy!

The point is to use a metal jug and keep the milk cold
The point is to use a metal jug and keep the milk cold

When pouring, first put it in from a higher position and then bring it closer to the cup so that the milk floats softly. If you pull it quickly at the end, a heart latte art will also appear. Hmmm, vivid!

Pour from a higher position
Pour from a higher position

Get closer on the way
Get closer on the way

I also tried it (almost helped)
I also tried it (almost helped)

In addition to this, the machine can customize the extraction temperature, water altitude, etc. to your liking for advanced users. The manual espresso machine is popular with people in their 20s and 30s, but its slim width makes it look great not only in the kitchen but also in the dining room!

Only 15 cm wide!
Only 15 cm wide!

3 colors to choose The suggested retail price is 47,800 yen (excluding tax)
3 colors to choose The suggested retail price is 47,800 yen (excluding tax)

● Easier professional taste, fully automatic machine


Even so, for those who find it troublesome to replace each time, we recommend the "Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, " which I introduced earlier in Enuchi. It is a machine like a professional who can drink a full-fledged cup just by adding coffee beans.

This is an entry model scheduled to be released in May
This is an entry model scheduled to be released in May

It's not suitable for brilliant professional skills, but it's also good to brew espresso with your own hands. On Espresso Day, why not enjoy your favorite drink at home or at a cafe with your favorite barista?

With the traditional Italian confectionery "Sfogliatella" ...
With the traditional Italian confectionery "Sfogliatella" ...