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What is crema?

Crema is the golden-brown layer that sits on top of a freshly brewed espresso. Rich in aroma and flavor, this silky foam not only adds to the coffee experience but also reveals a lot about the quality, freshness, and brewing process of your cup.

NZ-What is crema

What makes crema?

Crema is formed when oils and natural sugars from the coffee beans are released during grinding. During brewing, these oils rise to the surface, creating a layer that can range from light hazelnut brown to deep brown, and in thickness from delicate to rich.

Improving the thickness of your crema

You get a rich, thick crema best with freshly ground coffee beans. The longer the time between grinding and brewing, the less crema will form. The roast level also plays a role: choose beans that are not too darkly roasted, because a dark roast causes many natural oils and sugars to be lost. Medium-roasted beans often offer the best balance for a beautiful crema.

The best coffee beans for crema

Robusta beans are essential for a thick crema thanks to their relatively high oil content. Because they are naturally a bit more bitter, they are usually blended with Arabica beans to create a well-balanced coffee.

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The perfect crema

The ideal crema is neither too thick nor too thin and should remain intact for at least two minutes. Many baristas aim for a crema layer that makes up about one-tenth of the total volume of the espresso.

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