Making Italian Espresso, Making Espresso Italian (history paper)

#1: Post by **baldheadracing** » April 25th, 2023, 8:12 pm

Making Italian Espresso, Making Espresso Italian

January 2010 Food & History 8(2):155-183 DOI:10.1484/J.FOOD.1.102222
Authors: Jonathan Morris University of Hertfordshire

Abstract
Espresso coffee has become synonymous with Italy, as have those beverages which employ this as a base such as cappuccino and caffe latte. This article examines the processes by which espresso became "Italian" over the course of the twentieth century by investigating the way that the taste of Italian coffee has evolved, along with the taste for coffee amongst the Italians. In addition it discusses the ways in which the serving styles of these beverages have been adjusted to make them more palatable to coffee-drinking cultures outside Italy. By focussing on the sensory qualities of the coffee itself, it aims to produce a material history of espresso that can be read alongside that of the socio-cultural conditions that have occasioned its success.

29 pages. I found the first couple pages dry, but was soon engrossed. Plenty of coffee/espresso/post-war Italian history trivia. Link to PDF:
https://www.brepolsonline.net/doi/pdf/1 ... D.1.102222

#2: Post by **yakster** » April 25th, 2023, 9:11 pm

Thanks for posting that, the history was very interesting.

#3: Post by **TenLayers** » April 25th, 2023, 10:41 pm

Appreciate the post. Thanks for this.

#4: Post by **Primacog** » April 25th, 2023, 10:54 pm

Haven't checked out the Knockbox subforum much before this but it's threads like these that made me wish I had sooner! Thanks for the link.

#5: Post by **Giampiero** » April 26th, 2023, 10:45 am

Great found, i'll take the time to read it.
Many years ago i bought a book " Coffee floats Tea Sinks" it's about the history of coffee machines, coffee grinders and many others brewing method, i prefer a book because it's more relaxing, i think i'll print the PDF article.

#6: Post by **yakster** » April 26th, 2023, 12:37 pm

It's a pretty quick read, more of an article than a book. You may not really need to print it out.

#7: Post by **Moka 1 Cup** » April 26th, 2023, 5:13 pm

Very interesting well written article, very detailed with a lot of information.
Thank you for sharing it.

#8: Post by **another_jim** » April 26th, 2023, 8:18 pm

My favorite tidbit: Valente of Faema broke off making levers for Gaggia in 1959 because Gaggia was too up market, and he wanted to make cheaper machines. Tmes have changed.