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Coffee Hack - Better Americanos by James Hoffmann

I. The Crema Removal Hack (Better Taste)​

  • Problem: The beautiful foam (crema) on top of an espresso, while aesthetically pleasing, often suspends tiny, bitter pieces of coffee and contributes harsh flavours to the drink.
  • Technique: After making the Americano (espresso poured into hot water), wait until the crema settles a little, then use two spoons to gently scoop the foam off the top.
  • Result: Removing the crema makes the entire drink less bitter and significantly improves the taste.

II. Bonus Tip: Better Water Quality​

The quality of the hot water used to dilute the espresso is also important.

  • Recommendation: When making an Americano with a commercial espresso machine, use freshly heated water (e.g., steamed water or water from a separate kettle) instead of the water that comes straight from the machine's spout.
  • Reasoning: The water from the spout is often not as fresh or clean as water heated just for the Americano, leading to a better overall taste.

III. Espresso Variation​

The same crema removal technique can be applied to a straight espresso shot as well:

  • Technique: Scoop the crema off a straight espresso.
  • Result: This can sometimes result in a more complex and vibrant espresso. The speaker recommends trying it at least once.