The rich and velvety crema at the top of a shot can be one of the most exciting aspects of drinking espresso. Besides the visual appeal, crema also alters the texture and mouthfeel. But what is Nespresso crema? How do the machines make Nespresso foam, and is it real crema?
In this article, we’ll quickly explain how Nespresso machines and capsules make crema and why you should not consider it legitimate espresso crema.
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Espresso Crema 101
For people unfamiliar with espresso extraction, the short description is that you force pressurized water through a tight puck of finely ground coffee. The brewing method produces a concentrated beverage with a strong flavor and thick mouthfeel.
And the top layer of a fantastic espresso shot has a crema. Espresso crema contains C02 microbubbles, tiny coffee fragments, and emulsified coffee oils.
Authentic crema is much more than just foam. The microbubbles will release a complex aroma as you drink the espresso. And proper crema also maintains its structure for several minutes.
Does Nespresso Produce Real Crema?
Since the crema on espresso is an indicator of proper extraction and delicious flavor, you are probably curious if the Nespresso foam is real crema. Despite the visual appeal of freshly made Nespresso coffee, the foam you see is not the same as real crema. Nespresso’s extraction technology locks the coffee capsule in place and spins it while brewing.
This aeration creates a coffee foam that mimics crema. But it lacks the complexity and composition of the crema made from an espresso machine.
What Is the Crema in Nespresso?
Not to knock Nespresso coffee, but that foam does not meet the requirements to be crema in our judgment. The foam might enhance the aroma or flavor slightly. But it does not come from the same process as espresso with crema.
Unlike espresso crema, which contains oils and microbubbles, Nespresso’s crema foam is just air bubbles created during brewing. Even though some Nespresso capsules have longer-lasting foam, it usually goes flat and loses its texture within a few minutes.
The airy bubbles alter the texture of the coffee while giving a visual appeal. But it tastes quite different than real espresso crema.
How Does Nespresso Make Foam?
Nespresso machines use extraction by centrifugation, which involves spinning the capsule at high speeds to extract the coffee. This method tends to create a light foam that is less dense and less stable than crema produced by an espresso machine with a pump. You get bubbles, but you do not get the emulsified oils of legit espresso.
James Hoffmann shows in his Nespresso review that you can recreate Nespresso foam by putting standard drip coffee in a blender. This fact does not take away anyone’s enjoyment of Nespresso, and there’s no denying the fantastic convenience of these machines.
But take claims about Nespresso crema with a grain of salt. While they may look visually appealing, the foam is simply from aerating liquid coffee, not the standard espresso brewing process.
What are the Most Creamy Nespresso Capsules?
Okay, so we broke the news that Nespresso crema is not legit in the traditional sense. But the foam does give some texture and is a signature look for Nespresso brewing. So which Nespresso capsules produce the most creamy foam?
For the original Nespresso machines, we recommend the Arpeggio Intenso or the Kazaar Intenso. They are both dark roasts and produce tons of foam.
For the newer Nespresso Virtuo machines, consider buying the Intenso Dark Roast Coffee or this Dark Assortment Variety Pack. You can still get decent foam with lighter roasts, but the most creamy texture is with their darker profiles.
Nespresso Crema: FAQ
To round up your Nespresso knowledge, let’s answer a few common questions about Nespresso espresso foam.
Why is Nespresso frothy?
Nespresso espresso and coffee pods tend to be frothy because they use a spinning mechanism to extract quickly as hot water enters the capsule. The froth is thicker with smaller bubbles, but you can achieve a similar texture by simply shaking a bottle of brewed coffee.
How does the Vertuo make crema?
The Vertuo injects hot water into the coffee pod as it spins, and the centrifugal force aerates the coffee as it flows through the grounds. So the crema exiting a Nespresso machine is tiny bubbles formed from aerating the coffee.
Does crema matter in espresso?
Besides the visual appeal, espresso crema is a crucial aspect of the flavor and texture of espresso. The tiny CO2 bubbles release aroma, and the suspended lipid particles contribute flavor and body to the overall espresso experience.
Why is my Nespresso Vertuo not making crema?
The most common reasons a Nespresso Vertuo machine fails to produce crema include expired coffee, incompatible coffee capsules, or a dirty machine. For consistent crema, be sure to rinse and descale your Nespresso machine regularly.
Final Thoughts: Is Nespresso Crema Fake?
Some people love Nespresso crema, and others see it as misleading. We take a neutral stance, and Nespresso foam does contribute something to the flavor and mouthfeel. But it would be dishonest to claim that the Nespresso machine produces authentic crema.
Nespresso foam might be visually appealing, but we recommend comparing it to legitimate espresso if you want to experience the remarkable difference!
