From Beans to Barista: Home Espresso Made Simple

Espresso might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you can pull rich, crema-topped shots right in your own kitchen. Whether you’ve got a manual machine, a semi-auto, or a compact pod replacement, the principles stay the same: precision, consistency, and great beans.

This guide walks you through the essentials—from grind size to timing—so you can create café-worthy espresso using your favourite Harvestry coffee.

🧰 What You'll Need

• 18–20g of Harvestry coffee – whole beans (recommended)
• Espresso machine
• Burr grinder
• Tamper
• Scale & timer
• Filtered water

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📏 Recipe Overview

• Dose: 18–20g
• Yield: 36–40g (double shot)
• Grind: Fine (like powdered sugar)
• Brew Time: 25–30 seconds

📝 Step-by-Step Method

1. Grind & Dose: Weigh and grind 18–20g of coffee finely.
2. Tamp: Distribute the grounds evenly and tamp with firm, level pressure.
3. Brew: Lock in the portafilter and start your timer as soon as extraction begins.
4. Watch the Shot: Aim for 36–40g of espresso in ~25–30 seconds. Adjust grind if it runs too fast or too slow.
5. Serve: Sip it straight or use it as the base for a flat white, latte or iced espresso.

🔁 Brew Tips & Tweaks

• Grind too coarse = sour shot. Too fine = bitter. Dial in slowly.
• Use filtered water to avoid scaling your machine and improve flavour.
• Always warm your cup before pouring espresso into it.

💡 Final Sip

Espresso is an art and a science, but it starts with quality beans. Harvestry coffees are roasted with balance in mind—perfect for your daily espresso ritual. Start small, keep notes, and you’ll be dialled in in no time.

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