Chapter 278: Espress, instant or express coffee

In Hobart all coffee (milk based or black) comes from an espresso machine. An espresso machine is a machine which forces hot water and steam under pressure through finely ground and compacted coffee. It results in denser coffee than drip or plunger coffee.  It results in a crema which is a layer of creamy foam derived from the coffee not the milk.  Espresso comes from the Italian word for press. Espresso does not derive from the word express which means quick.

 

An espresso machine delivers either a single shot of coffee or a double shot. Single shot is 30-60ml. In Hobart milk coffees will have two shots or one shot.  

 

Milk is devoid of agreement. Most cafés offer “normal” milk and skinny milk. Most also offer soy, rice milk or a vegan milk.

 

If you order a skinny cappuccino and extra cream with your cake you will give the staff something to talk about. Let them talk. Enjoy your cake.

 

Skinny milk contains about half the calories of normal milk. And dramatically less milk fat and less saturated fat.

The NHMRC recommends reduced fat milk.

 

I finish my food and drink and wait and watch grandmother finish her drink. We never finish together.

 

The topic of caffeine flows to the surface. How much caffeine in a cup? Does a cup of coffee stop sleep? Should I only drink coffee before certain hours. What hours?

 

A single shot of espresso is 30–60 ml, and contains from 60-200 mg of caffeine. 

 

Every medical study I could find tells me caffeine taken six hours before sleep affects the quality and quantity of sleep.

 

Every study I could find says the amount of caffeine in a cup varies dramatically. And the people drinking the coffee vary dramatically.

 

400mg of caffeine a day is considered safe by everybody under almost every circumstance. Which may be 2-4 shots of espresso coffee a day.

 

Caffeine has other affects on the body. I list what experts see as some of the main affects of caffeine.

 

Decrease drowsiness. Increase alertness.

Can make you anxious agitated and insomniac.

Withdrawal leads to headaches

Lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia

Lower risk of depression and suicide

Increases acid to stomach. Causes acid reflux

Increases urination

Decreases risk of diabetes.

Decreases risk of bowel cancer.

Increases blood pressure.

Increases irregular heart rhythms.

Decreases calcium absorption. Increases osteoporosis.

Increases muscle twitching.

Decreases risk of Parkinson’s Disease.

Increase risk of miscarriage.