Hi,

just an amateur here, but I noticed a distinct difference between even
machines of the same make and model.

I've noticed that the temperature that the water is heated to, influences
the crema.
I can't say what effect either the coffee, or the machine timing would have
on it, though.
Coffee is a complex drink, with many variables going into a recipe.
Unless you can isolate everything, you'll always have differences.
- kinda like wine, that way.


"Charles Turner" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks, but I think you've missed the point; the SAME coffee produces a
> good crema in other machines, but not in the Cubika I've got.
>
> Regards,
>
>
> Charles
>
>
>
> "Moka Java" > wrote in message
> ...
>> You obviously don't understand the concept of fresh coffee. The mass
>> coffee sellers would have you believe that coffee is "fresh" for a year
>> or more. Coffee is much like baked goods, freshly baked is the best,
>> they flavor and aroma goes and eventually the product is rancid and no
>> longer fresh for health department purposes. Freshly roasted coffee give
>> off gas (CO2) and volatile oils and aromatics. It is the volatile oils
>> that emulsify with water and other compounds in the coffee to make crema.
>> Once the coffee has lost these volatile oils it is stale for for brewing
>> purposes. Depending on a number of factors including the type of beans,
>> the degree of roast and storage conditions coffee is "fresh" for 1 to 3
>> weeks. I'm using the term "fresh" for espresso purposes. It will make
>> crema and a decent tasting shot.
>>
>> Canned coffee is usually staled before putting in the can or the can
>> would explode from the de-gassing coffee. Once the coffee is ground the
>> volatile oils dissipate rapidly -- 10 minutes can make a noticeable
>> difference in your espresso shot.
>>
>> Your best bet is to find a local roaster and buy beans that were roasted
>> on the day of purchase.
>>
>> R "do you know when your beans were roasted" TF
>>
>> Charles Turner wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> It's not the coffee. I freshly grind it and I've tried lots of different
>>> types.
>>>
>>> If I try the pre-ground espresso it is too fine.
>>>
>>> I've even tried Gaggia's own ground coffee and still hardly any crema!
>>>
>>> Charles
>>>