Beans are ground only when your order is placed, in order to have optimum aromas and flavours. This is why pre-ground coffees do not taste fresh. The choice of ground size is important too, as too coarse a grind would result in a weak and thin espresso shot.
This process refers to filling and pressing the portafilter with freshly ground coffee. At Cafe Crema, we use 8-9 grams for a single espresso shot. The amount of grounds and the density of the pack is important to ensure consistency.
As your espresso drips into the glass it should not fall straight down, rather it follows a slight curvature termed the ‘mouse’s tail’. The perfect shot is a rich golden colour with a well-formed head of Crema - your espressos’s visual signature.