FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an “espresso”?
Why use only Arabica beans?
What is a crema
How do I keep my machine clean?
What country produces the best coffee?
What is Fair Trade?
What coffee-making method is best?
Why use only Arabica beans?
How do I store my coffee and for how long?
How do I make a good plunger?

What is an “espresso”?

It is a drink that is brewed on the spur of the moment, where freshness and pressurised water that is passed through a compact cake of coffee are intrinsic to its definition.

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Why use only Arabica beans?

Simply because they are the best. These beans provide the body and aroma required to make a good espresso.

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What is a crema?

Crema is the espresso foam that forms a film on the top of a coffee. Ideally it should be of a rusty-brown colour and not dissolve straight away.

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How do I keep my machine clean?

All machines need to be back-flushed regularly. Simply remove the filter case that is in the espresso handle and replace it with the plastic blank, accompanied by some cleaning powder. Run the water into the handles, periodically stopping to check the cleanliness of the water. Tip out the contents, and continue until the water is ground-free. It is also imperative to regularly soak the steam wand, and to brush off sediment from the grinder and undersides of the espresso machine.

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What country produces the best coffee?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each origin coffee is suited to different roasts, blends and coffee-making apparatus. Ask a Caffe Prima representative to match the blend best suited to your needs.

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What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade guarantees coffee farmers just prices for their crops, and seeks to achieve transparency and equity in the export of goods from developing nations to developed countries. It promotes standards for labour and the environment, as well as sustainable development.

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What coffee-making method is best?

While espresso is the pinnacle of the coffee experience, due to the maximum extraction of flavours, each method boasts its own advantages. The plunger can brew a large amount of good coffee at one time, while the stovetop contains the whole preparation process within itself.

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Why use only Arabica beans?

Simply because they are the best. These beans provide the body and aroma required to make a great coffee.

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How do I store my coffee and for how long?

It should be kept in a cool, dark place and in a tightly sealed container, in order to avoid aroma loss, exposure to air and to maintain premium quality. If you posses a home grinder, never grind more that you are going to use, as freshness is essential. Ideally coffee should not be used more than 10 days after roasting.

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How do I make a good plunger?

First and foremost, make sure you have a medium grind, as this will allow for maximum flavour extraction. Place one tablespoon of coffee per person in the plunger. Let your boiled water stand for awhile so that it does not burn the coffee. Pour it slowly so that the grounds can react, and once full, stir the coffee gently. Let it sit for a few minutes, so that the flavours can saturate the liquid, and then plunge!

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