Espresso Crema: What It Is and How to Get More of It
Espresso crema is the thin, golden-brown foam layer that sits on top of a freshly pulled espresso shot. It’s one of the most distinctive features of true espresso — and one of the clearest indicators of shot quality. Here’s what crema actually is, what it tells you about your shot, and how to get more of it. What Is Espresso Crema? Crema forms when hot water under high pressure (9 bars, roughly 130 psi) passes through finely ground coffee. The pressure forces CO₂ — naturally trapped in freshly roasted coffee beans — out of the grounds and emulsifies it with the coffee’s natural oils and dissolved solids. ...