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There’s something magical about crafting the perfect coffee in the comfort of your own home. From the hiss of steam to the heady aroma that fills your kitchen, creating café-quality coffee with an espresso maker can be a deeply rewarding ritual. Pair that with the rich, aromatic beans from Old Green Bean, and you’re in for an experience that’s second to none.

If you’ve felt intimidated by the process, fear not! This comprehensive guide will help you master brewing espresso and steaming milk, step-by-step. With a little practice, you’ll be sipping on the perfect cup every morning.

1. Choosing the Right Beans

The foundation of every great coffee is exceptional beans. Old Green Bean’s expertly roasted coffee ensures you start with a base that’s packed with flavour and aroma. Whether you lean towards a bold espresso roast or something lighter with fruity undertones, they’ve got a bean that suits your taste profile. You can explore their full range of beans right here.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect beans, the magic begins.

2. Grinding the Beans for Espresso

The grind size is crucial when it comes to espresso brewing. Too coarse, and your coffee will be thin and watery. Too fine, and you’ll end up with over-extracted, bitter espresso. A good espresso grind should feel like fine sand—not powdery, but with enough texture to allow water to pass through evenly.

Here’s how to nail it for your Old Green Bean coffee beans:

• Step 1: Use a burr grinder for consistent results. Burr grinders give you far better control over the grind size compared to blade grinders.
• Step 2: Start with a fine-to-medium grind setting. Most espresso machines perform best within this range.
• Step 3: Experiment! No two beans are the same, so brew a test shot. If the espresso tastes sour (under-extracted), try a finer grind. If it tastes overly bitter (over-extracted), adjust to a coarser grind.
• Tip: Always grind just before brewing to preserve the freshness of the beans.

3. Perfectly Brewing Espresso

With your freshly ground Old Green Bean coffee ready, it’s time to brew. Here’s how you ensure a consistently delicious shot of espresso every time:

1. Preheat your machine. Run a blank shot (no coffee) to warm up the machine and ensure consistent brewing temperature.
2. Dose correctly. Measure out 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot (or according to your machine’s specifications). Uneven dosing can affect water flow and shot quality.
3. Tamp evenly. Use a tamp to press the coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter. Apply firm, consistent pressure to prevent channeling (when water finds weak spots in the coffee).
4. Brew time. Aim for a total brew time of 25-30 seconds. This ensures optimal extraction and balance in the flavour. The espresso should flow smoothly, resembling warm honey as it pours.

Take a moment to enjoy how beautifully the crema forms on top—a hallmark of good espresso.

4. Steaming Milk Like a Barista

An espresso shot is glorious in its own right, but steaming milk properly takes your coffee to the next level. Whether you’re crafting a silky flat white or a rich cappuccino, the key lies in balancing air and heat while creating a proper spin or “whirlpool” in your milk jug.

Step 1: Start with the Right Milk

Whole milk is a great starting point for steaming, thanks to its creamy texture and natural sweetness. Non-dairy milks like oat and almond can also produce excellent froth when formulated for barista use.

Step 2: Position the Steam Wand

1. Fill your milk jug to just below the spout to allow room for expansion.
2. Place the steam wand into the milk, positioning it just below the surface.

Step 3: Incorporating Air

Turn on the steam wand and gently lower the jug so the wand tip pulls in air. You’ll hear a soft hissing or “kissing” sound. Allow air to enter for no more than a couple of seconds. Too much air creates foamy bubbles instead of smooth microfoam.

Step 4: Creating the Whirlpool

After incorporating air, submerge the wand tip slightly and angle the jug to create a spinning motion. This whirlpool action distributes air evenly, breaking up larger bubbles and smoothing the milk while it heats. Aim for final milk temperatures of 60–65°C (140–149°F). Younger hands than yours? Keep it comfortably warm, not hot.

Step 5: Texture Check

When finished, tap the base of the jug on a flat surface to burst any remaining bubbles. Swirl gently to ensure a smooth, glossy texture. The milk should pour like wet paint.

5. Putting It All Together

Now comes the best part – assembly! Pour your velvety milk over the freshly brewed espresso. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at basic latte art. A simple heart or tulip design is a great place to start.

The harmony between the rich, bold Old Green Bean espresso and the creamy milk is truly something to savour.

Final Tips for Success

• Clean as you go. Purge your steam wand after every use to avoid the build-up of milk residue.
• Experiment and adjust. Tastes vary, so tweak grind size, milk texture, or the coffee-to-milk ratio according to your preference.
• Stay curious. Every bean has its unique personality, so have fun discovering what works best!

Discover Old Green Bean

Achieving coffee shop-quality coffee at home is simpler than it seems when you start with premium beans. Old Green Bean’s wide selection of ethically sourced, carefully roasted beans is your first step to espresso perfection.

Visit Old Green Bean today to explore their range of coffee beans. For more brewing tips and inspiration, follow them on Instagram at @oldgreenbean.

Happy brewing! There’s nothing quite like sipping your own perfectly crafted cup. Cheers!