What exactly are the ESE Pods?
A small paper tablet delivers quality espresso to thousands of consumers worldwide over the last 30 years.
In the magical world of espresso, there are many options for anyone who wants to brew his own coffee. There are espresso fanatics who buy coffee beans, there are others who love the convenience and convenience of coffee capsules, and there are those who choose espresso tablets, ie ESE Pods, which combine convenience and convenience with the taste and aroma of authentic espresso.
We get to know the history of espresso paper tablets, their advantages and disadvantages, and the mechanism behind their operation.
What are the ESE pods?
By ESE Pod we mean a paper tablet containing ground espresso ready to use. The term ESE comes from the acronym Easy Serving Espresso, which also indicates its use, which aims to make espresso preparation a little easier, especially for those who prefer to brew their coffee at home. ESE tablets follow an international standard in order to apply them perfectly to the machines and extract coffee in the same way. This standard specifies that the diameter of the tablet should be strictly 44mm, while its content is set to exactly 7 grams of ground coffee.
What's the origin of ESE pods?
Easy Serving Espresso tablets were first released in 1989 by the colossal coffee maker Illy. The idea behind their creation was based on the increasing popularity of espresso, which made it imperative for a system that would ensure easy espresso extraction at home for consumers without specialized knowledge of coffee.
Over the next decade, ESE became a design standard on the initiative of seven coffee companies, which set up the relevant non-profit organization with the aim of "developing and protecting the Easy Serving Espresso standard". In this way, the ESE tablets became an "open" standard, which could be adopted by any company that wanted it. In the years that followed, more and more coffee companies began releasing their own tablets, adhering to the manufacturing standards - moreover, the organization's founding statement stated that its aim was "to maintain the quality of espresso and consumer's freedom of choice. "
How do ESE tablets work?
ESE tablets need an espresso machine that accepts paper tablets, and there are also adapters that are enclosed in a conventional espresso machine to accommodate paper tablets - moreover, many home-operated espresso machines are ground coffee and with paper tablets. In other words, the extraction is no different from the classic espresso extraction, in which hot pressurized water passes through the ground coffee, releasing its fragrances in a unique way and creating its characteristic crema.
What's the difference between ESE Pods and regular coffee?
ESE tablets have many advantages, as well as some disadvantages, that still divide espresso fanatics. Initially, one cannot deny that this is one of the easiest espresso extraction methods, which minimizes both preparation, since it does not require weighing and grinding, as well as cleaning the machine, since the used tablet is completely dumped in the trash. Still, with ESE tablets it is easy to get consistent quality in the produced espresso, even if we are not fully aware of the operation of our machine. Also, ESE tablets are clearly more environmentally friendly than their respective espresso capsules, as each tablet contains just 0.2 grams of biodegradable paper.
On the other hand, many coffee lovers argue that the taste of freshly ground coffee is not easily replaced, and that as the operator's intervention is minimized, it is not always possible to get the taste we want. Still, many point out that the choices are clearly less than we would have if we bought coffee beans (which is true, but on the other hand, more and more companies are releasing their best blends at ESE Pods). Moreover, a major disadvantage of espresso pods lies in the fact that most of the time the tablets are covered with protective plastic, which makes them harmful to the environment. Finally, due to packaging, milling and standardization, it is a fact that the ready-made espresso portion ends up being slightly more expensive than buying coffee beans - as on the other hand, it minimizes the need to buy equipment.
Who is the ESE Pods audience nowadays?
ESE tablets are primarily aimed at home consumers who want access to quality, true espresso, reducing the hassle of handling and cleaning an espresso maker. Because of their convenience, ESE Pods are the best solution for offices and workplaces, while many caterers who wish to offer espresso without specializing in it may find the solution they are looking for in ESE tablets, as they can with this a way to serve their customers a constant taste and espresso quality without the need for specialized equipment or staff. In this way, ESE PODS is a wonderful solution for cinemas, theaters, canteens, restaurants and any catering business that wants to serve and espresso without making it a staple.
Whether you prefer convenience or the full flavor of espresso and its unique aroma, ESE Pods may be the perfect solution for you. After all, in addition to beans, tablets and capsules, it only matters that we drink the coffee we deserve!
