How to make great espresso
  • 1. What is the ideal water temperature for brewing espresso?
A) 212°F (100°C)
B) 195-205°F (90-96°C)
C) 170-180°F (77-82°C)
D) 150-160°F (66-71°C)
  • 2. What is the standard pressure (in bars) for espresso extraction?
A) 3 bars
B) 5 bars
C) 9 bars
D) 15 bars
  • 3. What is the ideal extraction time for a double shot of espresso?
A) 60-90 seconds
B) 45-60 seconds
C) 10-15 seconds
D) 25-30 seconds
  • 4. What is 'tamping' in the context of espresso?
A) Cleaning the portafilter
B) Compressing the coffee grounds in the portafilter
C) Frothing the milk
D) Warming up the espresso machine
  • 5. What is 'channeling'?
A) Water finding paths of least resistance through the coffee puck
B) The process of cleaning the group head
C) The sound the machine makes when extracting espresso
D) A specific espresso roast
  • 6. What grind size is ideal for espresso?
A) Coarse
B) Extra Coarse
C) Medium
D) Fine
  • 7. What is the 'crema' in espresso?
A) The sugar added to espresso
B) The milk foam in a latte
C) The reddish-brown foam on top of the espresso
D) The coffee grounds left in the portafilter
  • 8. What type of coffee bean is typically used for espresso?
A) Any coffee bean works equally well
B) Liberica
C) Arabica or blends including Robusta
D) Excelsa
  • 9. What is 'dosing' in espresso preparation?
A) Adding water to the espresso
B) Heating the espresso machine
C) Cleaning the steam wand
D) Measuring the correct amount of coffee grounds
  • 10. What does 'WDT' stand for in espresso terms?
A) Water Distribution Tool
B) Water Displacement Technique
C) Weight Distribution Technology
D) Weiss Distribution Technique
  • 11. Why is a bottomless portafilter helpful?
A) Makes cleaning easier
B) Allows visual inspection of the extraction process
C) Allows for faster extraction
D) Requires less coffee
  • 12. What is the purpose of backflushing an espresso machine?
A) To increase the water pressure
B) To preheat the machine
C) To clean the group head and remove coffee oils
D) To descale the machine
  • 13. What is the ideal ratio of coffee grounds to espresso beverage for a double shot (in grams)?
A) 1:2 (e.g., 18g in, 36g out)
B) 1:1 (e.g., 18g in, 18g out)
C) 2:1 (e.g., 36g in, 18g out)
D) 1:3 (e.g., 18g in, 54g out)
  • 14. What is the purpose of puck prep?
A) To heat up the portafilter.
B) To evenly distribute the coffee grounds and remove clumps before tamping.
C) To grind the coffee beans.
D) To add flavor to the espresso.
  • 15. What is the cause of sour espresso?
A) Over-extraction
B) Too much water
C) Old coffee beans
D) Under-extraction
  • 16. What is the cause of bitter espresso?
A) Under-extraction
B) Not enough pressure
C) Too coarse a grind
D) Over-extraction
  • 17. What is a 'ristretto'?
A) A longer extraction, producing a larger shot
B) Espresso with added sugar
C) Espresso with added milk
D) A shorter extraction, typically the first half of a normal shot
  • 18. What is a 'lungo'?
A) Espresso with added water
B) A shorter extraction, typically the first half of a normal shot
C) A longer extraction, producing a larger shot
D) Espresso with added cream
  • 19. What type of tamper is recommended for espresso?
A) A plastic tamper
B) Any tamper will work
C) A tamper is not needed
D) A calibrated tamper
  • 20. Why is it important to preheat the portafilter?
A) To make cleaning easier
B) To soften the coffee grounds
C) To maintain consistent water temperature during extraction
D) To increase the pressure
  • 21. What is the purpose of a coffee grinder?
A) To roast coffee beans.
B) To grind coffee beans to the correct size for espresso.
C) To froth milk.
D) To brew coffee.
  • 22. Why is it important to use filtered water when making espresso?
A) To improve the taste and prevent mineral buildup in the machine.
B) To save water.
C) To make the espresso hotter.
D) To increase the water pressure.
  • 23. What is the purpose of blooming your espresso?
A) To add flavor to the espresso.
B) To save water.
C) To degas the coffee and allow for even saturation.
D) To make the espresso hotter.
  • 24. What is the correct order of operations when making espresso?
A) Grind, Extract, Dose, Distribute, Tamp.
B) Dose, Distribute, Grind, Tamp, Extract.
C) Grind, Dose, Distribute, Tamp, Extract.
D) Extract, Grind, Dose, Distribute, Tamp.
  • 25. What is the effect of humidity on espresso preparation?
A) It makes the espresso taste sweeter.
B) It has no effect on espresso preparation.
C) It can affect the grind consistency and extraction time.
D) It increases the water pressure.
  • 26. What is a 'naked' portafilter?
A) A portafilter without spouts, exposing the bottom of the basket.
B) A portafilter that has not been cleaned.
C) A portafilter that is transparent.
D) A portafilter that is only used for decaf.
  • 27. What is the ideal headspace in a portafilter after tamping?
A) Half empty to allow for even water distribution.
B) No headspace is needed; compress as much as possible.
C) Minimal but present, allowing for expansion during extraction.
D) Completely full to the brim.
  • 28. What does 'puck screen' refer to?
A) A screen to catch coffee grounds in the grinder.
B) A screen used to protect the espresso machine from spills.
C) A screen used to sift the coffee grinds.
D) A mesh screen that sits on top of the coffee puck in the portafilter.
  • 29. What is considered a 'short shot' of espresso?
A) Approximately 3 ounces (90 ml)
B) Approximately 1 ounce (30 ml)
C) Approximately 4 ounces (120 ml)
D) Approximately 2 ounces (60 ml)
  • 30. What is the primary benefit of using a scale when making espresso?
A) Making the process faster.
B) Ensuring consistency in the ratio of coffee grounds to espresso output.
C) Adding a visual element to the process.
D) Reducing the amount of cleaning needed.
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