Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
A coffee pod, much like a teabag, is a convenient pre-portioned serving of coffee enclosed in a paper filter. These pods, which meet the industry standard known as ESE (Easy Serving Espresso), can be used in any ESE compatible espresso machine.
An ESE pod contains approximately 6.5-7.5 grams of coffee tightly packed into a circular puck shape. This pod is then placed in a special filter designed for pods, which fits inside the portafilter of the espresso machine.
The history of ESE pods dates back to their original purpose in the Italian workplace, where they were used to make espresso quickly and cleanly. They were later adapted for use in restaurants, eliminating the need for extensive training on traditional espresso machines.
It wasn’t until 1998, when Illy introduced the ESE standard, that espresso pod machines gained popularity in home use. Illy actively marketed these machines as a convenient way for individuals to enjoy espresso at home.
ESE pods excel in convenience compared to traditional espresso preparation. The traditional method requires skill and creates quite a mess. Grinders need to be calibrated, coffee must be properly dosed and tamped, and then the equipment, work surface, and even the floor need to be cleaned of coffee grounds. ESE pods eliminate all of this hassle. They come pre-dosed and pre-tamped, with the coffee grounds contained in the paper filter. Once used, the pod can be discarded like a teabag.
However, the convenience of ESE pods does come at a cost. A properly prepared espresso using the traditional method offers a superior taste to that of an ESE espresso. ESE espresso lacks the depth of flavor and liveliness in the mouth that the traditional method delivers. This is because ESE pods are not as fresh as the coffee used in the traditional method, and the brewing time with pods is too quick to extract the fullest flavor.
In traditional espresso preparation, the coffee is ground immediately before use to preserve freshness. Grinding releases aromatics from the coffee, which are lost if not used quickly. Ground coffee also has a larger surface area than whole beans, making it more susceptible to air. While ESE pods are not stale by any means, the coffee is ground and quickly tamped into a tight puck, reducing the surface area of the coffee. Most manufacturers even seal their pods in individual foil packages to preserve flavor further.
The flow rate of an ESE espresso is faster than that of the traditional method. Traditionally, the aim is to produce an espresso of approximately 1.25oz in volume within 25-30 seconds to extract the most flavor before releasing bitter compounds and excessive caffeine. With an ESE pod, it can take less than half that time to achieve the same volume. ESE pods have a faster flow rate to improve consistency from shot to shot. However, this quicker flow rate is due to less resistance to water during brewing, leading to a flatter extraction. As there is no control over the flow rate with an ESE pod, it is impossible to make espresso variations like a ristretto or lungo.
The use of ESE pods eliminates the need for a coffee grinder, resulting in cost savings. A good espresso grinder typically costs more than £100. However, ESE pods are considerably more expensive than coffee beans. Expect to pay three times the amount for an ESE pod compared to the equivalent weight in beans. On a positive note, no coffee is wasted with ESE pods, unlike with beans.
There are various types of coffee capsules available on the market in addition to ESE pods, such as Nespresso and Senso. In terms of price and taste, there is little difference between ESE pods and capsules. However, the major disadvantage of other capsules is that they are exclusively made by one manufacturer. Nespresso is made by Nestle, and Senso is made by Douwe Egberts. This means that if you choose a Nespresso compatible machine, you are limited to Nestle coffee. In contrast, ESE pods are made to an industry-wide standard and are available from various Italian roasters such as Illy and Lavazza, as well as many other roasters. With an ESE compatible espresso machine, you have a wider selection of coffee to choose from. Additionally, most ESE compatible machines also allow you to make espresso the traditional way if desired.
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