Making Crema by Jessica Simms: Espresso Shot Guide (Paperback)

That layer of foam on your espresso can leave you with plenty of questions. Making Crema: The Art and Science of the Perfect Espresso Shot by Jessica Simms is a short paperback focused on crema, the foam that forms on top of an espresso shot, and the choices that affect it.

This 60-page book discusses coffee varieties and espresso-brewing practices, including extraction, texture, and ways to work toward more consistent crema. It's book 5 in the I Know Coffee series and a focused read for anyone who wants to connect what they see in the cup with their brewing routine.

What this espresso guide explores

• Espresso crema: The layer of foam on a shot and the factors that affect it.
• Coffee varieties: Their role in the book's discussion of espresso and crema.
• Extraction and brewing practices: Topics to explore as you get more familiar with making espresso.
• Texture and consistency: A focus on understanding results and working toward more repeatable crema.
• A short, specific read: 60 pages centered on one part of the espresso experience.

Who is Making Crema for?

This is a good fit for home espresso drinkers who enjoy paying attention to their shots and want to understand more about crema. If you've noticed differences from one cup to the next and wondered what might be behind them, the book's narrow focus gives you a subject to investigate.

Choose it when you want a focused espresso read rather than a broad survey of coffee. You can spend time with the topic, then bring your questions back to the setup you already use.

Read, practice, and compare

Start with a section that relates to your current routine. Take notes about the coffee you use, your preparation, and what you notice in the finished shot. When experimenting, change one thing at a time so you can make a clearer comparison.

Use your machine's operating instructions alongside your reading, and give yourself room to practice. The point is to understand your results and find a routine you can repeat, not to expect every shot to look identical.

Book details

• Title: Making Crema: The Art and Science of the Perfect Espresso Shot
• Author: Jessica Simms
• Series: I Know Coffee, book 5
• Format: Paperback
• Length: 60 pages
• Published: August 14, 2017
• Dimensions: 6 × 9 × 0.14 inches

If the top of your espresso has you asking questions, this is a place to start exploring the answers.