National Espresso Day 2024: How one invention transformed coffee culture globally

On National Espresso Day 2024, know how the morning brew that we enjoy each day has been discovered in the most offbeat ways. Coffee has turned out to be the favourite drink for stress relief and to keep ourselves energised.

National Espresso Day, celebrated annually on November 23, honours Angelo Morindo, the ingenious mind who laid the foundation for the espresso machine. Thanks to his innovation, this iconic beverage has become a global favourite, energising countless individuals throughout the day.

Espresso, an Italian-born technique, is made by pushing nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee at high pressure, typically 9 to 10 bars. This method creates a concentrated, rich coffee with a distinct crema on top, a hallmark of espresso.

Angelo Morindo’s invention of the 'new steam machinery for the economical and instantaneous preparation of coffee beverages' in Turin, Italy, revolutionised coffee preparation.

While Morindo’s machine was not widely commercialised, it led the way for later inventors, like Luigi Bezzera and Desiderio Pavoni, to refine the espresso machine into what we recognise today.

ESPRESSO'S LEGACY BEYOND ITALY

Espresso’s legacy is deeply enmeshed in Italian culture, where it is often enjoyed as a quick shot at coffee bars or as the basis for beloved drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

The beverage’s popularity quickly spread beyond Italy, becoming a cornerstone of café culture worldwide.

Morindo’s invention not only changed the way coffee was brewed but also enhanced its flavour and efficiency, allowing coffee enthusiasts to savour the full potential of the coffee bean. By enabling precise control of water and steam flow, his machine brought forth a new era of coffee enlightenment.

Today, espresso is cherished for its invigorating effects, thanks to its ability to stimulate dopamine production in the brain. This boost enhances concentration, alertness, and overall productivity, making espresso a go-to energy source for millions. It also plays a social role, as coffee breaks have become moments of connection, creativity, and relaxation.

Espresso’s impact on the modern world cannot be overstated, it’s a testament to how one man’s vision has left an enduring mark on our daily lives. Whether enjoyed plain or as part of a sophisticated coffee drink, espresso remains a symbol of innovation, culture, and community.