Step 1

Start with fresh or filtered water, heated to just below a boil.

Step 2

Just prior to brewing, grind your coffee beans to a fine texture.

Step 3

Fill the ground coffee to the filter line on your machine’s portafilter.

Step 4

Tamp the beans down so they are packed evenly and tight – this helps produce a rich crema, which is the hallmark of perfect espresso.

Step 5

Make sure you don’t heat the coffee for more than 15 minutes, it can compromise the taste and result in a less delicious brew.

Storage: Once your beans are opened, store them in an airtight container that you keep in a cool, dry place. If you want the beans and your coffee to taste their best, which obviously you do, grind them just before you start brewing.