Optimization of espresso machine parameters through the analysis of coffee odorants by HS-SPME–GC/MS

• Published in: Food chemistry Vol. 135; no. 3; pp. 1127 - 1133
• Main Authors: Caprioli, Giovanni, Cortese, Manuela, Cristalli, Gloria, Maggi, Filippo, Odello, Luigi, Ricciutelli, Massimo, Sagratini, Gianni, Sirocchi, Veronica, Tomassoni, Giacomo, Vittori, Sauro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Arabica and Robusta coffee; Aurelia; Biological and medical sciences; Coffea - chemistry; Coffee - chemistry; Coffee, tea and other stimulative beverage industries; Cooking - instrumentation; Cooking - methods; Espresso coffee; Espresso coffee machine; Extraction temperature and pressure; Female; Food engineering; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - methods; General aspects; HS-SPME–GC/MS; Humans; Male; Odorants - analysis; Pressure; Smell; Solid Phase Extraction - methods; HS-SPME–GC/MS; Arabica and Robusta coffee; Espresso coffee; Extraction temperature and pressure; Espresso coffee machine; HS-SPME-GC/MS; Temperature; Analysis; Extraction; Coffee; Pressure; Optimization
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.06.024

► Analysis of espresso coffee aroma constituents by HS-SPME–GC/MS. ► Physico-chemical properties of espresso coffee at different P and T. ► Correlations of EC characteristics with different settings of EC machines and sensory analysis. The aroma profile and the final quality of espresso coffee (EC) are influenced by such technical conditions as the EC machine extraction temperature and the pressure used. The effect of these two parameters on EC quality were studied in combination by headspace solid phase micro extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) and sensory profile. Moreover, 10 key odorants at the best EC machine settings were examined to compare the two coffee cultivars (Arabica and Robusta) and two EC machines [Aurelia Competizione (A) and Leva Arduino (B)]. The data obtained provides important information about espresso making technique, suggesting that the usual espresso machine temperature and pressure settings (i.e. 92°C and 9bar) are very close to those needed to obtain the best quality espresso. This confirms the traditional wisdom of coffee making, which judges 25ml, the typical volume of a certified Italian EC, to be ideal for very strong aroma intensity.