What's wrong with the Gaggia 16100 Evolution espresso machine?

Today more people than ever enjoy drinking and/or making espresso. With the growing popularity of this beverage came the development of the espresso machine, and there are countless options now available on the market to choose from. While these machines can make a very tasty drink, they can be quite expensive, and in fact, many espresso connoisseurs do not believe in using them. Many devout espresso lovers insist on brewing espresso the traditional way only.

The traditional way to make espresso is by using a moka pot on the stovetop. This method is still the most commonly used method in Italy today. To start, you will need a moka pot, a stove, finely ground coffee beans, and water.

The next step is to fill the base of the moka pot with cold, clean, filtered water to the optimal level located just below the valve. Do not use warm or hot water as this will drastically alter the taste.

Once the water has been added, place the strainer into the base, but make sure the strainer is not touching the water below. Too much water will cause the coffee to brew incorrectly, which will also cause poor taste. Then insert a filter into the strainer.

Now that the strainer, filter, and water have been added to the moka pot, it is time to fill the filter with fresh, finely ground coffee. You do not need to tamp the coffee; however you should add the maximum amount of coffee that your pot can hold. You should avoid filling the filter to the point that it overflows past the top of the rim. Once you have found your level, use this as a guideline for future brewing.

It is now time to attach the two parts of the moka pot. Tightly screw the top onto the bottom making sure it is sealed properly, with no debris or coffee grounds stuck in the threads. If the pot is not sealed properly it will not be able to build up the right amount of pressure, and the end result will not taste right.

Place the pot onto the burner of the stove and heat on low. This will allow the coffee to brew slowly, and the taste to deepen. Brewing the espresso too quickly will cause it to taste weak and bitter. You may need to open the top lid slightly during brewing to allow the condensation to escape so that it does not water down the flavor.

When the coffee has finished brewing, remove it promptly from the heat, and pour into demitasse cups. Drink it right away to maintain optimal temperature and quality.

If you are like many people then you begin every day with a steaming hot cup of coffee. While every coffee lover enjoys the distinct taste and aroma of freshly brewed coffee, as well as that quick jolt of energy it provides, does the amount of coffee we drink make a difference? And what effect does caffeine have on the body?

Of course everyone is aware that coffee contains the chemical called caffeine. Caffeine is a substance that is chemically similar to uric acid, and is enhanced through the roasting process. Caffeine is responsible for that quick "pick me up" feeling, however it cannot be used without other ingredients; it is simply not found in a "free state". In order to be effective it must be combined with some other form of acid. This is why caffeine can have different effects on people when it is consumed in different foods. Chocolate and tea also contain caffeine, however the chemical and acidic makeup of these foods is quite different from the coffee bean, therefore it has a different end result on the user. The coffee bean contains, on average, one percent caffeine, and while this might seem like a very low amount, it is the strongest substance found in coffee. This leads to a potent impact on the drinker. When milk or cream is added to a cup of coffee, the protein from the milk combines with the caffeine and can alter how much it affects you.

Aside from just helping us to wake up and giving a bit of extra energy throughout the day, caffeine can affect the body in many other ways. It helps to improve circulation, especially in the brain. This is due to the fact that it dilates the blood vessels allowing nerve cells to be stimulated. Of course, this is a continuation of the stimulant effect of caffeine. While it can help you to focus, it can also cause you to feel jittery, and can cause heartburn.

Some other positive effects of caffeine on the body include helping with digestion, helping analgesics to work faster to relieve pain, and helping asthma patients to feel relief as it relaxes airways in the lungs.

Caffeine is a fascinating chemical that can be used in many different ways for many different outcomes. When consumed in moderation, it has been shown to have no major adverse effects on the body. So, feel free to brew up a cup of your favorite coffee, sip, and enjoy!