The journey began in 1884 when Angelo Moriondo, an Italian inventor from Turin, submitted a patent for the first machine designed to brew large batches of coffee using steam and water. This invention was named "New steam machinery for the economic and instantaneous confection of coffee beverage, method 'A. Moriondo'." Despite its groundbreaking nature, Moriondo’s machine was never produced commercially, and no examples of it survive today.
The development of espresso as we know it today can be attributed to a Milanese inventor in the early 20th century. Luigi Bezzera, a businessman keen on improving coffee brewing efficiency, was experimenting with different methods to make his coffee faster. In 1901, he patented an improved espresso machine, which led to the creation of the drink known as "caffé espresso." The term "espresso" translates to "pressed out coffee," referring to the high-pressure process of pushing water through finely ground coffee.
Bezzera's motivation was rooted in his desire to reduce the time it took to brew a cup of coffee in his manufacturing business. By adding steam pressure to the machine, he discovered not only a quicker method but also a way to produce a much stronger and richer coffee. In 1903, Bezzera owned a manufacturing business and faced frustration with the slow brewing process. His innovation significantly cut brewing time while enhancing the drink's strength and flavor.
In 1905, Desiderio Pavoni bought Bezzera’s patent and began producing espresso machines commercially under the brand “La Pavoni.” Pavoni's efforts led to the commercialization of the world's first espresso machine, making its debut at the 1906 World’s Fair in Milan. This event marked the first time the public experienced coffee made expressly for them, hence the name espresso. Bezzera and Pavoni had successfully built a machine with a vertical boiler capable of brewing a single cup of coffee in seconds.
The popularity of espresso quickly spread beyond Italy. In 1927, the first espresso machine was installed in the United States at Reggio's in New York, a "La Pavoni" machine. By the 1940s, the process of making espresso had been refined to what is known and loved worldwide today.
The evolution of espresso from Moriondo’s initial concept to Bezzera and Pavoni’s commercial success demonstrates the innovative spirit and continuous improvement in coffee brewing technology. Today, espresso stands as a testament to Italian ingenuity, enjoyed by coffee enthusiasts globally for its bold and robust flavor.
The Evolution of Espresso: From Invention to Global Phenomenon
